What’s your education background?
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health

Where are you from?
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas. 

What are your interests outside of school?
Hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, and movie marathons. 

What drew you to the physical therapy profession?
I was working as a personal trainer and coach in undergrad. I felt that I was limited in the knowledge I had at the time to truly help people and make differences in their lives. I knew that as a physical therapist I would have the freedom and option to find a setting and patient population I truly desired to work with. Also, it would provide the training and knowledge I needed to rehabilitate others safely and efficiently. 

Why did you choose CU PT?
I chose CU PT because from the moment I arrived on campus for interviews I felt welcomed and like I belonged here with the other students. It was obvious that the PT faculty were extremely supportive and heavily involved in research with a desire to enhance PT as a profession. 

How has your experience been with CU PT?
Great! Although there were very challenging times, I know that the program has prepared me to be great physical therapist and I built relationships that will last a lifetime. 

Certainly, the last portion of your DPT journey was not as expected with COVID, how have you adjusted to virtual learning and all of the guidelines in clinic situations?
It was a big learning curve, but it helped to be understanding that it was a challenging and quick transition for everyone. I learned a lot about patience and to be more forgiving that not everything is or needs to be perfect. 

Have you given any thought to what the future of PT holds in terms of innovation?
I think the pandemic has highlighted the importance of PT. Patients recovering from COVID have significant limitations in endurance and that’s where we come in as physical therapists. Also, with the distancing guidelines, it has required many outpatient clinics to develop a model that requires treating one patient at one time, which allows for better individual care.  

Have you developed a particular specialty or envision what you’d like to do after graduation?
I unexpectedly began to enjoy outpatient orthopedics and I think that has a lot to do with being placed in a good clinic with great mentors. 

What’s next, and how will your CU Anschutz experience help you move forward in your endeavors?
Next is finding a clinic that shares my values and provides quality patient care that aligns with my new professional identity. My experience at CU Anschutz has taught me to be flexible and keep an open mind with everything that life offers you and I hope to carry that forward.