Alice Barnes, PT, DPT, SCS, has always been drawn to excellence. Her journey through the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program and beyond is a testament to that drive. A member of the Class of 2019, Dr. Barnes will be honored with the CU PT Alumni Association’s Rising Star Award at the CU PT Convocation Ceremony in December, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the profession and her commitment to innovation in patient care.

Dr. Barnes recalls her first encounter with CU as pivotal: “I never felt like just a number; instead, I felt seen, supported, and genuinely valued.” That sense of belonging, combined with CU’s academic reputation and proximity to the mountains, made the decision clear. “CU was exactly where I wanted to be,” she says.

One of her fondest memories from the program was attending the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in New Orleans. “It was truly inspiring to see how accomplished and respected our faculty are… I aspire to emulate [them] in my own career.”

Since graduation, Dr. Barnes has carved a unique path in sports physical therapy. She began at UC Health Steadman Hawkins, where she helped launch an adolescent concussion program. She then became the first Sports PT Resident at Children’s Hospital Colorado in partnership with Regis University. Today, she leads The Performance Shift, a multidisciplinary private practice that integrates sports and pelvic PT, sport psychology, nutrition, and more. “It’s a true one-stop shop for high performers and athletes across the spectrum,” she explains.

Dr. Barnes also remains deeply connected to CU, serving as a lab instructor and clinical mentor. Her passion for holistic care and professional advocacy shines through her role as Professional Director for the APTA Colorado Chapter. “I love the ability to collaborate… on ways to use our degrees outside of the clinic.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Barnes envisions expanding her performance collective, growing a nonprofit to support athletes and families, and bridging gaps between PT and sports performance through a new partnership with the University of Denver.

Receiving the Rising Star Award, she says, is “such a humbling and meaningful honor. I feel incredibly grateful to be recognized by the CU PT Alumni Association—a community that has played such an important role in shaping who I am as a clinician and a person. CU gave me the foundation to think differently, challenge myself, and pursue a more holistic, innovative approach to patient care. This award feels like a reflection of not just my own work, but of the mentors, classmates, and patients who have influenced my journey along the way. I’m proud to represent CU and hope to continue giving back by mentoring others and helping move our profession forward.” Her advice to current DPT students? “Always say YES to experiences… the beauty about PT is that it can shift with the seasons.”

Dr. Alice Barnes exemplifies the spirit of CU PT—innovative, compassionate, and committed to advancing the profession. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to all she will accomplish in the years ahead.