Empowering Adults Through Movement, Technology & Compassion at Easterseals Arkansas
At Easterseals Arkansas, the heartbeat of our mission lies in the dedication of our incredible team members—people who go above and beyond each day to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent, fulfilled lives. One of those exceptional people is Miranda Farmer, a physical therapist with nearly 20 years of experience and a passion for mobility, empowerment, and problem-solving. For over a decade, Miranda has played a critical role in the lives of clients at the Center for Training & Wellness (CTW), helping adults achieve their goals, restore function, and gain the confidence to move through life with greater freedom.
Miranda is more than a therapist—she’s a fixer, a motivator, a listener, and an advocate. Her story is one of growth, commitment, and deep personal investment in the mission of Easterseals Arkansas. Let’s get to know her.
From Contractor to Core Team Member: Miranda’s Path to Easterseals
Miranda’s journey to Easterseals didn’t begin as a full-time employee. In fact, she was initially contracted to provide therapy services at the Center for Training & Wellness. Starting with just a few clients, Miranda quickly proved to be an essential presence on the team. She built strong relationships with not only her clients, but also their families, colleagues, and the wider Easterseals community. As her caseload grew, so did her connection to the mission.
“I was originally an outside therapy contractor assigned to the Center for Training & Wellness,” she recalls. “I started with just a handful of clients and built the caseload up to a full-time position. By that point, I had formed strong relationships and was ready to make the transition to being a full-time Easterseals employee.”
She made the leap nine years ago—and hasn’t looked back. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Evansville, Miranda brings both education and hands-on expertise to her work. She also holds certification as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), which allows her to specialize in adaptive devices that improve clients’ quality of life.
Master of Mobility: Solving Problems One Wheelchair at a Time
At the Center for Training & Wellness, Miranda is best known as the “wheelchair expert”—a title she’s earned through years of hands-on work with both power and manual wheelchair evaluations. Her deep knowledge of assistive technology makes her an essential problem-solver on the team.
“I’ve been doing wheelchair evaluations for the past 18 years,” she explains. “I’ve learned a lot about adjusting, programming, and fixing wheelchair issues, so I’m often the one people call when something goes wrong. If I can’t fix it myself, I know exactly who to contact to get it taken care of quickly.”
But what truly sets Miranda apart is her ability to blend technical expertise with deep empathy. Her clients trust her because she listens. She adapts. And she genuinely cares.
“I’m passionate about my clients making progress toward their goals. I love seeing the pride they feel when they accomplish something they’ve worked so hard for. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Whether she’s fine-tuning a device, helping someone stand more confidently, or encouraging a client to reach a new milestone, Miranda brings enthusiasm and focus to every interaction.
A Home for Hope: The Easterseals Arkansas Mission
Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life, Easterseals Arkansas offers a range of programs that empower people with disabilities across the lifespan—from early childhood education to adult training and wellness. For Miranda, working at Easterseals means being part of a team that’s truly committed to positive change.
At the Center for Training & Wellness, Miranda works with adults who are developing life and job skills, improving their health, and striving for greater independence. CTW offers classes, therapies, and services that support personal growth, socialization, and skill-building. It’s a place where adults are not only supported but also celebrated for every achievement—big or small.
“It’s a community where people are treated with dignity and encouraged to reach their full potential,” Miranda says. “I love being part of a program that’s all about progress and empowerment.”
From Cornfields to the Natural State: Miranda’s Personal Journey
Miranda grew up on a farm in Indiana, surrounded by cornfields and the simplicity of country life. She credits her upbringing with instilling a strong work ethic and love for nature. But when it came time for college, she was ready to explore new opportunities.
“It was a fabulous place to grow up and I’ll always be a country girl at heart,” she shares. “But I was ready for an adventure.”
That adventure brought her to Arkansas during a clinical rotation at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute in Little Rock. There, she discovered her passion for working with individuals who had spinal cord injuries—and fell in love with the region’s warmer climate and welcoming community.
“I had never even been to Arkansas before, but I loved it here. I made great friends and didn’t miss the snowy winters of Indiana. When I graduated, I took my first job at Baptist Health and have been in Arkansas ever since.”
Life Outside of Work: Family, Faith, and Fishing
When she’s not in the clinic, Miranda finds joy in the little things: taking walks with her dog, fishing on a sunny afternoon, enjoying sushi, or relaxing with her favorite HGTV shows. She also teaches a preschool Sunday school class at her church every other week—something that allows her to give back to her community in a different way.
“I love spending time outside and being with my family,” she says. “And I’m definitely a sweets person—I don’t think I could ever give up sugar!”
Years ago, Miranda was an avid road cyclist, often riding several times a week with friends. Her longest ride? A whopping 62 miles in one day. Someday, she hopes to reach her goal of completing a 100-mile organized ride.
Legacy and Impact: How Miranda Wants to Be Remembered
Miranda’s work leaves a lasting impact—not only on the clients she serves but on the Easterseals Arkansas team and community. She leads with compassion, acts with purpose, and never loses sight of why her work matters.
“I want to be remembered as someone who treated her clients the way she’d want her family members treated. Someone who pushed others to do their best, and cheered the loudest when they reached their goals.”
That’s exactly who Miranda is. And at Easterseals Arkansas, we’re honored to work beside her.
🙌 Thank You, Miranda — and Join Our Team!
Easterseals Arkansas thrives because of people like Miranda Farmer—professionals who combine knowledge with heart, and expertise with empathy. Her commitment to helping individuals gain independence is an inspiration to all of us.
If her story moved you, consider this your invitation to be part of something bigger. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or just someone passionate about helping others, Easterseals Arkansas may be the perfect place for you to grow your career—and make a meaningful difference.
👉 Explore job openings and apply today at: eastersealsar.com/get-involved/careers
