Physical Therapist Assistant (HEW)
Education: A.S. for Physical Therapist Assistant (Community College of the Air Force); B.A. in Public Policy Studies (University of Chicago); Specialty Certifications in Orthopedics and Ergonomics
Hobbies: Riding tandem bicycle with her husband (they’ve ridden over 3,000 miles in different parts of the United States!). Additionally, Joni continues to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves as a PTA and a Unit Fitness Program Manager.
JoAnn “Joni” Garcia ensures employee health and safety at Argonne National Laboratory as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) for Health and Employee Wellness (HEW).
Even when she was young, Joni liked to volunteer and give back to others, something that she continues to this day.
“I think it’s an important part of being a human and understanding that no person is an island of themselves,” she said.
After joining the Air Force, Joni became a Physical Medicine Technician. Physical therapy internships at military hospitals and specialized coursework led to her earning her Associate’s degree and passing the PTA board exam to become a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
For Argonne’s HEW, Joni helps staff from across the lab heal from injuries. That way, they can quickly recover and return to their critical scientific research. She attributes her success in her job to her desire to continually learn and improve herself – she gives her best so others can give their best.
“There are still many scientific discoveries to be made, but if our scientists and support staff are in pain, they are limited in what they can do for Argonne and, ultimately, the world,” she said. “By helping our Argonne employees heal, they can return to what they do best-- research and make groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.”
As an Education Volunteer at Argonne, Joni advises students to try new things to grow and learn on their STEM journeys.
“Try a class in STEM. Try a STEM internship. You might like it, or you might not, but the fact that you gave it a try will help you know more about yourself and your interests. No stone should be left unturned,” she said.
Furthermore, Joni emphasizes the importance of making the most of every opportunity, as well as the value of helping others and the community.
“If you are in a difficult math or science class, give your best, your absolute best, and help your classmates, too. If you are in a school club, be a leader, and if the club you want doesn’t exist, go make it exist,” she said. “We live in a world where we don’t have unlimited resources so we need to make sure we’re taking care of each other and the planet.”