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2023
Sabrina Vargas
Hometown:
Oxnard,CA
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS in Biology from Siena College
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My late great-grandfather was unfortunately in a wheelchair from an accident. I always wondered, ‘If he went through physical therapy, maybe he wouldn’t be in much pain and could potentially be able to walk again.’ That is when I first thought about physical therapy. I was also an athlete and went through a similar process of rehab. I thought I would try it out; however, it was one patient who really sparked my interest and influenced my final decision to pursue this career.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting parts so far are the many opportunities we are able to have. I am starting to work in our pro bono, on-site clinic, which will expose me to my first patient as well as educate me more in critical thinking. I am also going to be volunteering with the Special Olympics, where I will be able to work with kids and young adults in different sports. This is exciting to me because I will be able to start making a difference but learn at the same time. I have also had the privilege to learn alongside a great group of peers who have become great friends.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to join the military as a physical therapist and help those who serve our country. I also hope to work with amputees and get into the field of prosthetics.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and playing pickleball. I recently started an intramural kickball team and joined an intramural soccer team, so I love to stay active and have fun. Back home I enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in the harbor.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Dr. Maya Angelou
Anything else that you’d like to share (i.e. something unique)?
I played D-I softball at Siena College and went back for a fifth year. There, I was ranked for hit by pitch which I think is really unique and not something we aim for. I enjoyed every minute of it and the sport has taught me many viable lessons.
Rachel Sevinsky
Hometown:
Fredericksburg, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Liberty University, Exercise Science
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have always been fascinated by the human body — how it functions, how it heals, and how we can push our own physical limits. I had been interested in Physical Therapy since early high school, but my desire to enter the field was solidified when I had to undergo PT after a pretty serious injury.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I was nervous at first, but working with the cadavers and diving deeper into the anatomical structures has been the most exciting experience thus far. I never thought I would get an opportunity like that.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I have a love for all things sports. My dream would be to work in a sports rehabilitation setting or for a college/professional sports team.
What are some of your hobbies?
I competed on the gymnastics and powerlifting teams at Liberty University, and I hope to continue my powerlifting career at the University of Lynchburg. I also enjoy coaching and programming for my friends in their own powerlifting journeys.
What is your favorite quote?
“It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
– Socrates
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I have 13 pairs of prescription glasses in a variety of shapes and colors.
Ryan Hamacher
Hometown:
Gainesville, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Roanoke College, Bachelors of Science in Health and Exercise Science
Certification as an ACSM-EP
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I became interested in physical therapy after I injured myself from cross country in high school and needed PT. The therapists I worked with were so passionate and cared that I recovered to my previous level of function.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I love how interactive the classes are in our program. You’re able to immerse yourself in the material and apply it to your other classes and experiences. The professors are so invested in your success and their passion for the material spreads to you, as well.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to work in a setting where I have the opportunity to help rehabilitate athletes so that they can go back to doing what they love.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to run, read, play board games, and spend time with friends and family.
What is your favorite quote?
“We do today what they won’t, so tomorrow we can accomplish what they can’t.”
–Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Anything else that you’d like to share?
People with red hair and blue eyes make up 1% of the population.
2022
Theo Hu
Hometown:
Vashon Island, Wash.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science, Liberty University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
A fascination with function of the human body from a young age and an interest in helping people to function better, more fully to improve quality of life.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The overlap, synthesis, and crossover of information across the various classes and being able to immediately apply that information in the CHC.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Practice as a physical therapist and hopefully open my own clinic. I could see myself doing research and teaching in the future as well.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy most adventure outdoor activities, especially trail running and hiking, in addition to reading and photography. I also love a good conversation about theology, philosophy, or modern culture.
What is your favorite quote?
“When you are amazed by the mundane, then you are ready to wander and explore.”
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I ate an earthworm for an Instagram takeover when I was an undergraduate.
Alexandra Searles
Hometown:
Richmond, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Washington College in Chestertown, Md.
Chemistry major; history minor.
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I started taking my Grandfather to PT for balance. I really enjoyed watching and helping him through the process as well as seeing the variety of patients in the clinic.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Learning new things every day and making lifelong friends.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I’m not sure of the specifics yet, but I am excited to work with people and help them gain the confidence and ability to do the things they love.
What are some of your hobbies?
Art (painting and calligraphy) and exploring.
What is your favorite quote?
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
– The Lorax
Paul Mahaffy
Hometown:
Yorktown, Va
Undergraduate degree and school:
Hampden-Sydney College, biology degree with a departmental distinction
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Growing up an athlete, I have always had a passion for the mechanisms our bodies use to function. Once I learned about physical therapy through a variety of different experiences, I knew that this was the career I wanted to pursue.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
There are so many awesome things about the DPT program, but I absolutely loved working in the cadaver lab. I thought it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I, of course, want to be a practicing physical therapist, but I’d like to find a specialty field to focus my future skills and learning on.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy fishing, weightlifting, playing sports, playing piano, spending time with family and friends, camping, kayaking, and traveling.
What is your favorite quote?
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
― Aristotle
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I conducted undergraduate research on two pathogens that affected snakes.
Bradford Scott Davis
Hometown:
Chesapeake, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Exercise Science degree – Old Dominion University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
That first anatomy class in high school. Then, working under 20+ certified PTs as a rehab technician, I gained 20+ mentors who solidified my decision to embark on this journey.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The countless resources we are provided here, at the University of Lynchburg, to be successful.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Become a generational physical therapist.
What are some of your hobbies?
Golfing, listening to music, video games, and studying.
What is your favorite quote?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
— Henry Ford
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I can play the saxophone, ride a unicycle, and I was the tallest kicker in NCAA football in 2019 (6’6”).
Ashley Krotche
Hometown:
Saint Clair Shores, Mich.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Kinesiology — Wayne State University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I shadowed a family friend in high school who was a physical therapist at a sports performance clinic. I was intrigued with how the different injuries were approached, and how far some of the patients had come. I continued to shadow and observe in different settings throughout my undergraduate studies, cementing my aspiration to influence my patients in the same way that the other therapists had.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I love that I am able to work alongside my classmates. I enjoy hearing their perspective on certain interventions, especially since we all come from different backgrounds with various experiences.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to one day work at an outpatient orthopedic clinic, but I am open to other opportunities that I may encounter through my time in the program.
What are some of your hobbies?
In my free time, I like to play volleyball, do yoga, play with my dog and try new restaurants!
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
— Robert Collier
Devin Doss
Hometown:
Danville, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Exercise and Sport Science — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I became interested in physical therapy in high school when I shadowed under Lea Abercrombie, PT, back home in Danville. The difference that he made in his patients’ lives made me fall in love with the profession.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program thus far has been having the opportunity to meet so many amazing people in both my classmates and professors alike! It is a great feeling knowing how much those around me truly care for me.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
When I complete the DPT program, I would like to remain in the area and give back to the southside Virginia community as a PT, as well as through volunteer opportunities.
What are some of your hobbies?
When I am outside of class, I always try to be active — I love to play basketball, baseball, and football with my friends! On weekends, you can often find me watching UNC Tar Heel football or basketball.
What is your favorite quote?
“Scared money don’t make money.”
— Coach Billy Napier, Florida Gators
Anything else that you’d like to share?
My brother and I record a weekly podcast primarily discussing local high school and college sports to shine a spotlight on athletes in our area!
2021
Evan Templeton
Hometown:
Lynchburg, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BA, Sport and Exercise Studies — Randolph College
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have always had a passion for fitness and health, and my internship in undergrad confirmed that this was the field I wanted to be a part of!
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Being around people, both students and professors, that are so dedicated to and passionate about physical therapy. Also the thought of one day applying the skills we’re learning to help people.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I want to help people do the things they want to in life with less pain and to the best of their capabilities.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy working out, running, and hiking. I also enjoy doing MMA at a local gym.
What is your favorite quote?
“The more we value things, the less we value ourselves.”
— Bruce Lee
Sophie Silver
Hometown:
Pasadena, Md.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Exercise Science — Liberty University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I wanted to find a job where I could help others and really make a difference doing something that I loved. When I learned about the career of physical therapy from a friend I found it to be the intersection of my love of health professions and physical activity. The more I looked into the career and began my job as a physical therapy aide, I saw the beautiful diversity in the field and knew I wanted to become a physical therapist.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I would not know how to begin! Every day in physical therapy school is completely new and exciting to me. I have been challenged and stretched in my academics, character, and professionalism. I am incredibly thankful for the faculty and my cohort because they make every day in physical therapy school a blessing.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to use my degree in any setting to serve others and give the best quality care I am able to give. I am dedicated to being a future doctor who leads from my core value of faith. I am still considering many different settings for my future. I am hoping my clinicals will help me gain experience in the different settings. Having a background in acute care and inpatient settings, I do have a love for hospital settings.
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies are playing piano, exercise, and reading.
What is your favorite quote?
“Speak the truth even if your voice shakes.”
— Maggie Kuhn
Patricia Garrett
Hometown:
Appomattox, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BA, Sport and Exercise Studies — Randolph College
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My “why” for choosing physical therapy is my granddad. After his open-heart surgery, I was able to attend his physical therapy sessions and witnessed not only the importance of helping those that are loved by others but also the importance of rehabilitation with proper care.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Two of my favorite things about the DPT program is their passion for cohesiveness and collaboration amongst my professors and classmates. I am excited to learn and grow professionally throughout this program.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to be able to make a positive impact within the physical therapy profession. From the first patient to the last, I will strive to provide the utmost care just like the influential and passionate care that was provided to my granddad.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy playing soccer, traveling, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.”
— Mia Hamm
Carter Leake
Hometown:
Glen Allen, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Kinesiology; Minor, Biology — Longwood University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I became interested in the physical therapy field after breaking my ankle in high school. I have always desired to work in the medical field, however going to physical therapy introduced the combo of exercise and rehab. I realized in my PT experience that this field provides an opportunity to help individuals live a higher quality of life. Ever since, I knew the physical therapy profession was meant for me.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I am most excited about continuing to learn throughout each semester as an SPT on my way to becoming a DPT. I am so grateful to be in this program with an amazing cohort of future DPTs who all share the same common goal as me. Another added bonus to this program are all the professors and faculty who are committed to our development as future practitioners.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to become a knowledgeable and trusted Doctor of Physical Therapy. I am dedicated to treating all of my future patients with respect, empathy and compassion. I will strive to improve each patient’s quality of life and positively impact my community. As of now I am unsure which setting I would like to work in, however my current interests are sports medicine and the geriatric population.
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include exercising, spending time with my family and friends, being near water and watching sports. Exercise has always been a great energy booster and stress reliever for me. I really enjoy relaxing near water — beach or river! I am also a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoy watching sports in my free time.
What is your favorite quote?
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
— Gandhi
Cameron Light
Hometown:
Ridgeway, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise — Virginia Tech
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I grew up playing sports and working out, so the combination of this and my desire to help people lead me to the field of PT.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The faculty here at the University of Lynchburg has been above and beyond my expectations. I look forward to getting to know them all better as I continue pursuing my degree here.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to work in the orthopedics/sports medicine world of physical therapy one day.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with things like hunting and hiking as well as playing basketball and lifting weights.
What is your favorite quote?
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
— Kobe Bryant
Hunter Bogert
Hometown:
Midlothian, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Allied Health — Cedarville University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have always been fascinated by the human body and movement. I am a big people person and love to help people!
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
One of my favorite parts of the program is serving in the community service organizations.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to open my own clinic down the road focusing on holistic treatment.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to read my Bible, listen to music, dance, watch t.v. shows, and hang out with friends.
What is your favorite quote?
“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.”
— C.S. Lewis
Anything else that you’d like to share?
If I had the opportunity, I would try to become a professional snow ski instructor.
Ian Niday
Hometown:
Bland, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Allied Health — Radford University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My mother had a bad accident when I was young and I saw how well she did with physical therapy.
I also have a friend who is a PTA who told me all these amazing success stories about patients that they encountered. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives too. I enjoy staying active and I would like to help others to do the same.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I really love being around so many like minded people. We’re all just one big family and I love it!
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I want to work in acute care in a hospital near or around Roanoke, Va.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy making costumes, playing D&D, and running.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you’re proud enough to write it, you should be proud enough to put your name on it.”
— Oregon state Sen. Alan Olsen
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I am really excited that I am able to share my technical expertise in audio and visual recording.
“I told you random audio elective classes I took in college would come in handy Mom!” 🙂
Jessica McQuaid
Hometown:
Locust Grove, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Health Sciences, Pre-PT — James Madison University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have always enjoyed competitive swimming, exercise and being physically active. Growing up, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I was not sure what area. At JMU, I volunteered with an organization called overcoming barriers and had the opportunity to assist a physical therapist in an aquatic setting with young students who had cerebral palsy. I was able to see the profound effect that exercise had on their quality of life. I saw my passion for helping people, love of swimming, and exercise come together and I knew I found the profession for me.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
It is exciting to see how driven and resilient the DPT program is as a whole. The pandemic has presented challenge after challenge and our professors and cohort continue to rise to the occasion. I am thankful to come to class every day and to be surrounded by those with a passion for physical therapy and lifelong learning.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
As a physical therapist I will use my skills of compassion, intelligence and optimism to inspire, collaborate, and spread a growth mindset. I will humbly serve the community, demonstrate integrity, and adapt to change. I will motivate, educate, and empower my patients. I will strive for excellence by expanding my knowledge and embracing the most current research in order to provide the best care for my patients.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I like to spend time outdoors, running, swimming and hiking. I also like to relax and read.
What is your favorite quote?
“It’s the time under tension that will calcify your heart to a point where you become an unstoppable force of nature. Don’t veer away from the struggle — hold fast and embrace it.”
— Ian Strimbeck
2020
Denise A. Martin
Hometown:
Fayetteville, N.C.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Health Science — Virginia Commonwealth University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My interest in physical therapy was sparked after volunteering at the in-patient spinal cord injury floor at MCV Hospital. I got to see how physical therapy largely impacted the patients’ quality of life and I wanted to be part of that process.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is the hands-on training and assessments. I enjoy learning all the material in Clinical Practice and working with my team to solve case-studies and how to effectively evaluate and diagnose patients!
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to provide high quality care to underserved and underrepresented communities. I hope to educate the community on the importance of health and wellness and serve as a role model for women of color.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to cook, bake, watch anime, and spend quality time with my family, friends, and significant other. I recently found my love for hiking while here in Lynchburg.
What is your favorite quote?
“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.”
— Booker T. Washington, educator and presidential advisor
Anything else that you’d like to share?
If it wasn’t for PT, I would have become a chef and studied in Paris!
Cody Bryant
Hometown:
Richmond, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Health Sciences, Pre-PT — James Madison University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives coupled with my interest in the human body and exercise originally led me to physical therapy; however, I did not fall in love with it until I started working in an outpatient clinic following graduation. It was an opportunity that opened my eyes to what physical therapy entailed and showed me the powerful impact a physical therapist can have on someone’s well-being. It’s a career that provides a constant challenge, allows me to work in an active environment, and improve people’s quality of life.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I love being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about physical therapy and enthusiastically seek to learn more. Everyone from the faculty to the students are here to help each other succeed and improve the profession as a whole.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to work in an outpatient setting where I can positively impact my community and future patients. I also want to give back to the field by educating, inspiring and acting as a role model to others interested in pursuing physical therapy.
What are some of your hobbies?
Fishing (saltwater and freshwater), kayaking, hiking, playing/watching sports, anything by the water.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”
— Steve Jobs
Kaitlyn King ’20
Hometown:
Brookneal, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Exercise Physiology — University of Lynchburg
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Healthcare has always intrigued me, for helping people is my passion. Likewise, I have always enjoyed physical activity. Physical therapy is a way I can help people improve their quality of life with physical activity.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is being surrounded by peers who share the same passion for learning and for helping others as me.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to utilize my degree to provide physical therapy to underserved rural areas.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include exercising, crafting, hiking, and exploring new places.
What is your favorite quote?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
— Aristotle
Austin Bennett ’20
Hometown:
Lynchburg, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Exercise Physiology — University of Lynchburg
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have been coaching fitness for nearly a decade, and have been a movement addict since high school. As I began to dive deeper into the science of movement and also relevant research, I was able to truly find the career path that incorporated both my passion and serving others by helping to restore movement. Healthy movement is crucial to life and is found within every facet of human existence.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Being back on campus in an in-person learning environment despite the pandemic!
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Restore healthy movement necessary to extend the quality of life of those in my community.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, hunting, exercising, listening to podcasts and reading.
What is your favorite quote?
“I failed is 10 times more of a man than ‘what if’, because ‘what if’ never went to the arena.”
— Greg Plitt
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I’m a proud army veteran.
Davis Tarkenton
Hometown:
Midlothian, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Exercise Science — High Point University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Many injuries that kept “lighting the fire”, Passion for helping others, but more importantly, learning something new each and every day.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is the idea of cooperation over competition. Having been in undergrad, where the grade was the most essential, the DPT program wants the individuals to adapt a growth mindset, which leads you to the grades without having to cram information and, eventually, forget it later on.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to make a difference in the PT profession, by continuing to engage and reach out to other PT’s to further enhance my knowledge base. In due time, I plan on opening my own clinic, hopefully by a beach!
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include soccer, listening to all genres of music (country is still a work-in-progress), catching up with friends, watching Star Wars, and going on new adventures.
What is your favorite quote?
“You have to work hard in the dark to shine in the light.”
— Kobe Bryant
This resonated with me immensely with all of the work I put in to late nights at the library on campus for tests and exams, and it paid off in the end. Rest in peace, Kobe.
Mary Pierson
Hometown:
Bluemont, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological, Biology — Christopher Newport University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
The summer just before I started my sophomore year of college I decided to shadow at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Charlottesville. This is where I absolutely fell in love with the profession. Patients would come in with all sorts of different impairments, and the physical therapists that I shadowed offered these individuals genuine therapeutic help. I saw people who were in increasing amounts of pain make amazing progress through PT. The amount of time and effort these PT’s put into their patient’s really inspired me!
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of Lynchburg’s program for me is the amount of collaboration that we get to participate in with both professors and classmates. There are so many opportunities in this program to get involved. Our SPI program offers a great way for students to give back to the Lynchburg community through PT, as well as work together with different members of the DPT program. I am a part of the Community Health Center, and we get the amazing opportunity to offer pro bono services to those who need physical therapy.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to make as much of a difference as I can through physical therapy. I am determined to learn what I can in order to address the needs of every patient that requires PT. As far as what setting I see myself in, I had the opportunity to shadow an inpatient physical therapist prior to joining this program and it was incredible. No matter where I end up, I plan on using this degree to make a difference in people’s lives.
What are some of your hobbies?
In my free time I love to run and work out! I also enjoy cooking and baking if I get the chance. On weekends I enjoy hanging out with friends and relaxing! 🙂 I am also a coffee-holic so I would definitely consider coffee drinking to be a hobby (haha).
What is your favorite quote?
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
— Albus Dumbledore, J.K. Rowling
Jordan E. Palma
Hometown:
Richmond, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Sports Medicine — Averett University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I became interested in physical therapy after taking a sports medicine class in high school. Following high school I was exposed to the Functional Movement Screen through a professor who co-founded the company. Their passion towards movement and explaining how we move was mesmerizing and I had to learn more.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I really enjoy participating in the University of Lyncburg’s Community Health Center because we are allowed to implement what we learn in class to real life situations.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I am uncertain at the moment but my fields of interest are sports and pediatrics. I am considering finding a clinic that specifically treats a pediatric population with a focus on sports rehabilitation.
What are some of your hobbies?
I play soccer and skateboard when I have free time.
What is your favorite quote?
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Anything else that you’d like to share?
A life goal of mine is to one day open a clinic in Guatemala for physical therapy because the field is unknown over there. I have chosen to aim for this because of my family history and my family’s struggles with receiving healthcare in Guatemala.
Drew Turner
Hometown:
Amherst, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Kinesiology — James Madison University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My interest began with anatomy and physiology, and peaked after being able to observe the impact that physical therapists make while at an internship.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the program is the accessibility. The faculty are always available and are passionate about what they do, I have access to the health science building 24/7, and I have access to thousands of books or articles.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to utilize my degree by continuing to expand my knowledge within the field of physical therapy to better the lives of my patients and members of the community.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to stay physically active by going to the gym, participating in pick up games of any sport, and by tending to my garden in the summer.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold.”
— Bob Marley
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I love to watch Jeopardy. At one time, I used to have over 250+ episodes recorded and would rewatch periodically. I have taken the test to become a contestant the past two years, but have been unsuccessful.
2019
Eric English
Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology — Christopher Newport University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Growing up, I always had a desire to help and serve others. In high school, I had a pretty complicated foot injury that went undiagnosed for about 6 months. Along my way to recovery, physical therapy helped give me hope that I could get better after being hurt for so long. In that experience, my interest in physical therapy was sparked.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program for me has to be all the opportunities we get to work with the local community. I personally work with our Laurel School program and Community Health Clinic, and the joy we bring to people through these services is extremely rewarding.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
With my degree, I’d love to work in some sort of hospital setting. It is easy for patients to feel helpless in that type of setting. I’d not only like to help treat them physically, but also help bring them hope and joy.
What are some of your hobbies?
My biggest hobbies include weight lifting, collecting sports memorabilia, and cheering on all the professional Pittsburgh sports teams.
What is your favorite quote?
“The word of the LORD came to me: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”
— Jeremiah 1:4-5
Anything else that you’d like to share?
I would just like to add that the standard at this program is not just about receiving a great education, but also about making a community that will last a lifetime. Not only do I get to work with amazing faculty and fellow students, but they truly all have become part of my family. This award is as much their award as it is mine for all the effort we all bring everyday.
Caitlyn Ragland
Hometown:
Buckingham, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
MEd, Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities — University of Virginia
BS, Kinesiology — University of Virginia
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I’ve always wanted a job in the healthcare field, but my interest in physical therapy first sparked when I went with my brother to his sports medicine PT session. I thought it was so cool that he could treat himself through therapeutic exercises.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of this program is seeing and feeling everyone’s passion for learning and willingness to collaborate to aide in this learning.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to work as a physical therapist in an outpatient setting, possibly with individuals with disabilities. I would one day like to own my own clinic in which I can give other physical therapist the opportunity to do this same thing.
What are some of your hobbies?
Spending time with family and friends, reading, spending time outdoors.
What is your favorite quote?
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”
— Luke 1:45
Lauren Smith ’17
Hometown:
Snoqualmie, Wash.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Biomedical Science — University of Lynchburg
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Originally I was looking at being a veterinarian. However, once I realized that career did not fully match my lifestyle, I was on the lookout for careers that involved health service, interpersonal relationships, and community involvement. Physical Therapy checked all those boxes, so I shadowed a local PT. During that time was when I realized that PT is was what I’m meant to do!
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is being part of my Student Professions Involvement (SPI) group. These groups allow us to use our knowledge to benefit our local community. I am involved in the Geriatric SPI group, and we are already applying our PT skills in our Parkinson’s Exercise Class. It is rewarding to be able to get to work closely with the participants in the class and challenge them in a safe environment.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
While I’m not sure which direction I want to go within physical therapy, I hope that I am able to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients and my community.
What are some of your hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are hiking and kayaking, but I enjoy anything that involves my dog, Charlotte!
What is your favorite quote?
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
— Mother Theresa
Daniel Beale
Hometown:
Roanoke, Va.
Undergraduate degree and school:
Liberty University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My love of movement and the hope that I can empower others to find a similar attitude in their own lives.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
Recognizing how powerful the information is that we are learning and having a group of people to learn and discuss that with.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to share this knowledge in a way that patients respect and find useful.
What are some of your hobbies?
Bicycling, disc golf, gardening, and hanging out with my bride.
What is your favorite quote?
“When a man loves a cat I am his friend and comrade with no other introduction.”
— Mark Twain
Anything else that you’d like to share ?
School is a wonderful opportunity! Please remind me.
Amanda Reeder
Hometown:
Medford, N.J.
Undergraduate degree and school:
BS, Kinesiology — James Madison University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
My first exposure to physical therapy was as an injured athlete — I spent a few years trying to rehabilitate some chronic pain that I had developed from years of gymnastics. Although physical therapy did not get me back to competition level like I hoped, it did get me excited about becoming a PT in the future.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
I have really enjoyed getting to know my classmates and it is awesome to be surrounded by so many people all trying to achieve the same things that you are. The program is definitely difficult, so having people to support you is essential.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
On the first day of orientation, all the faculty stood up and admitted that the specialty they were considering when they started PT school is not where they ended up. I have only finished my first semester of school, so I am approaching specialties with an open mind. But for now, I am interested in pursuing industrial physical therapy, working with veterans, or opening a specialty clinic for gymnasts.
What are some of your hobbies?
I really enjoy reading and cooking, although I can’t read “fun books” during the semester or I would never get anything accomplished.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be afraid! And then do it anyway.”
— Susan Jeffers
