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Preston Boyles spent her childhood like many others. She played outside with her sister and cousins whether it was kickball, capture the flag, or hide-and-seek. She soaked up the opportunity to play sports like soccer and basketball in her years at St. Johns Lutheran and Mount Tabor High School.

When deciding to go to college, Boyles chose North Carolina State University. “I had always dreamed of being a sports reporter for ESPN, so I chose sports management for my undergraduate degree. I also minored in journalism. I ended up having a change of heart with my career path because I felt like the media, in general, had changed to covering negative news instead of highlighting people in a positive light,” explains Boyles.

Also during Boyles’ college and high school years, she witnessed her father going through addiction issues. “I didn’t have contact with him for awhile,” recalls Boyles. “He ended up getting clean and going to college as an adult. He is now a substance abuse counselor. My dad’s situation helped me realize the importance of second chances, and not judging people on their past. I also learned how to truly forgive, which, I am certain has helped shape the person I am today.”

Boyles’ instinct to help others be the best that they can be made her next education choice a perfect fit. She received her doctorate of physical therapy from Winston-Salem State University in 2016. “I always had a passion for kids and helping people. My nephew was born with significant disabilities which really inspired me to help people be the best version of themselves,” notes Boyles. “I believe in being an advocate for people who may not be able to advocate for themselves whether it’s due to lack of resources, low socioeconomic status, or just cognitive delays that may prevent them from speaking up for themselves.” As a physical therapist in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system, Boyles gets to help kids on a daily basis.

Boyles’ passion is being fulfilled in her professional life, but she also relishes her job as mom to her daughter, Aaliyah. Preston loves spending her free time coaching her basketball teams and creating memories with her and her teammates. Families really appreciated Preston volunteering her time, talents and encouragement, including hand-written notes at the end of the season to each player. With sports instilling confidence during Boyles’ own childhood, it was important to do the same for her daughter.

When not volunteering as a coach, Boyles likes to travel with family, read, and work out with her regular gym friends at Burn Boot camp. “I enjoy staying healthy and exercising,” mentions Boyles.

Our neighbor’s healthy attitude and lifestyle has helped her approach life’s tougher times and enjoy the sweeter ones too. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”