We were lucky to catch up with Johanna Gaffney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Johanna, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

Dr. Kaylee Simmerman, the owner of The HOPE Doctors, has been one of the most impactful leaders and mentors in my life. She’s helped me grow not just as a pelvic floor physical therapist, but as a woman navigating this profession with purpose and confidence. Kaylee has a unique way of encouraging strength while also gently pushing me to grow in areas where I can improve.

One of the clearest examples of her leadership came just a few months after I started full time, when we were hit by two hurricanes in the fall. Everything felt uncertain; schedules were disrupted, stress was high, and like many others, I was trying to balance work with personal concerns. Through all of it, Kaylee showed up with unwavering support. She consistently checked in on our mental health, kept the team connected, and led with compassion rather than pressure.

That experience showed me that she will always be in my corner, not just when things are going smoothly, but especially when we’re in the middle of a storm. That kind of leadership is rare, and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of her team.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dr. Johanna Gaffney, and I’m a pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist at The HOPE Doctors in St. Petersburg, Florida. I specialize in helping people navigate deeply personal challenges like pelvic pain, urinary and bowel dysfunction, painful sex, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and chronic conditions that affect the core, nervous system, and overall quality of life.

My journey into pelvic health began with my own pelvic floor struggles. I dealt with symptoms that I didn’t feel comfortable sharing with others, and that was a very challenging time in my life. Eventually, I found my way to pelvic floor physical therapy — and it changed everything. It was the first time I truly felt seen, supported, and empowered in my body again. That experience left such a mark on me that I knew I wanted to be that kind of provider for others.

As a former college athlete, I’ve always been passionate about movement and the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. I live an active lifestyle, love practicing yoga, and bring a spiritual, grounded approach to both life and healing. I believe our bodies hold deep wisdom, and part of my job is to help clients tune into it.

At The HOPE Doctors, we take a whole-person, trauma-informed approach to care. We blend manual therapy, movement, breath-work, and education to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reclaim their strength. We work with all genders and ages — from young adults to new parents to individuals navigating hormonal shifts, chronic pain, or pelvic surgeries.

What sets me apart is my ability to create an environment where people feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. I believe healing happens when we feel seen and supported, and I view every session as an opportunity to create that kind of space. This isn’t just my profession — it’s also my calling.

If you’re struggling with pelvic floor symptoms or simply feeling disconnected from your body, please know: you are not alone, and you are not broken. There is hope — and I’d be honored to walk with you on your healing journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

At The HOPE Doctors, we believe that our reputation has been built through showing up with genuine care and presence for every client who walks through our doors.

From the beginning, our approach has always been rooted in authenticity. We don’t see people as cases to fix or numbers to hit; we see them as whole human beings with stories, emotions, and lived experiences that matter. Our priority is creating a space where people feel safe, heard, and supported; especially in moments when they’re feeling vulnerable, confused, or discouraged.

Instead of focusing on selling services, we focus on serving others. We take time to understand the why behind someone’s symptoms, honor their pace of healing, and build trust through connection and consistency.

We’ve found that when you lead with integrity and truly put people first, your reputation speaks for itself.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from clinical training and knowledge, I believe the most important skill in pelvic floor physical therapy is the ability to truly listen.

So many people come to us feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or like their concerns have been minimized for years. Holding space for someone’s story — without rushing, fixing, or judging — can be incredibly healing in itself. When we listen deeply, we build trust, uncover important details, and create a foundation for care that’s not only effective but also compassionate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehopedocs.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohanna_pelvicdpt?igsh=MThqbnp6d29ueHJzYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@drjohanna_pelvicdpt?feature=shared
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/the.hopedoctors?igsh=eWJnaXI0NzdmZ2tt&utm_source=qr