Alumni Update – August 2011

1996

Dina (Peterson) Qualter: My husband, Rich, and I started our own private practice in October and have grown into a four therapist practice, which has been an easy feat directly across the street from a major competitor. Our girls are nine and eleven now and we make a great golf foursome!

1997

Gina (Boyazis) Parsonis: Gary and I graduated from the USA in December with our DPT degrees. It‘s amazing how the school has grown. Way to go USA! We keep busy with our three precious children and operating our two private practices.

1998

Kristina (Hankel) Douberly: My husband and I have four boys now. After having two, we went to Ukraine and adopted two more. Our lives are an adventure, moving every 2-3 years with the Navy. Our most exciting orders were living in Japan. We are moving to San Diego, CAthis winter where I will return to practicing with a doctorate which Iwill receive in May 2012.

1999

Lauren (Lewis) Janusz: Ted and I have been living in Wilmington, DE for six years now with our three kids: Alex, 9; Zoey, 8; and Aaron, 6. In 2010, I started Brandywine Occupational Therapy, LLC, specializing in Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy including Hippotherapy.

John Kelley: I have finally completed the DPT program and will walk the stage for the last time in August.

Richard Walsh: I‘m still living in Hamilton in the Waikato region (central North Island) of New Zealand. Having passed my part 1 anesthetic exams, l‘m now an advanced trainee in anesthesiology. With those exams behind me there‘s more time to spend with Finn, 7; Aaron, 3; and Corlia. Shift work, especially nights, are a drag but life is
pretty good down here. We still miss St Augustine and everyone at the USA. It’s Rugby World Cup year so go the ALL BLACKS!

2000

Christopher Cronin: I am working for Southern Orthopedic Specialists and am the owner of Lakeshore Physical Therapy Contract Services, LLC. I am currently engaged to Dr. Jessica Rinaldo and will marry on November 19, 2011 in the US Virgin Islands.

Shana Harrington: I recently received a K12 award from the National Institutes of Health which will allow me to develop my research interests under the mentorship of Steven Z. George at the University of Florida. I have traveled to Guangzhou, China; Bonn, Germany; Darwin, Australia and Berlin recently as a medical classifier for Paralympic swimming.

Barrie Jo (Milunec) Wambold: My family is awaiting the arrival of our second child, a little girl, in the fall. We are very excited for our new addition to arrive.

Victor Williams: Dr. Christina McAdams and I would like the USA family to welcome our new daughter, Tierney Magnolia, into the world. Just like her mother, Tierney Magnolia is a beautiful blue eyed Galway girl. We currently live in Jacksonville and are truly enjoying all Florida has to offer.

2001

Randy Hernandez: I am currently working at the Movement Science Center in Metairie, LA. I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Jessica Hernandez, and two healthy boys. I received my Fellowship in AAOMPT two years ago.

2002

Cori Campbell: I have been working with Greystone Healthcare Management for over four years. I was promoted to the facility rehab director of one of their 134-bed skilled nursing facilities, where I assisted in the growth of the facility. Recently, I was promoted to executive director for Grey stone Home Health Care for their St. Petersburg, FL region. I will graduate with my MBA in September 2011. I continue to enjoy traveling. I traveled to Scotland in June and to Sturgis, SD for bike week in August.

Todd Gooch: I want to say ”hi” to the yellow class from USA. I miss you and the great times we had! My family is well. Our four kids and Kathryn are good. My outpatient PT practice is growing steadily and adapting well to the changing market. Wish you all peace and happiness.

Eva (Mackey) McAlister: I was married to CJ McAlister in May 2002, we have two children, Avery, 6 and Jake, 4. I opened Atlantic Coast Physical Therapy in August 2007, which is an outpatient/sports physi cal therapy clinic in Jacksonville, FL. I am the head Athletic Trainer for Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, FL.

Barry Raines: I currently manage two rehab clinics and one cardiac rehab clinic for Lexington Medical Center in the heart of South Carolina. I still enjoy direct patient care on a part-time basis. When l‘m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Jan, and kids Graci, 7 and Mac, 3.

Paul Vidal: My private practice continues to grow. We were just voted Best of South Jersey for 2011. I plan to open a second office in Princeton in September due to the
increased need for our post-concussion rehabilitation services.

2003

Lizzy Place Bohorfoush: l am now the director of PT in the Supportive Care and Survivorship Program at UAB, predominately treating patients throughout the different stages of their cancer experience. My husband, Justin, and I now have three kids: Whit, 4; Isabelle, 3 and Amelie, born in November of 2010.

Alex Lage: I am the director of physical therapy at the Center of Orthopedic Rehab Excellence in Miami, FL. My interests include manual therapy, sports medicine, TMJ, and general pofl surgical and non surgical orthopedics.

David Rath: I am looking forward to another terrific year of patient treatment. I believe my surrounding community will have a very positive impression of our profession. I enjoy the way hearts open when bodies are cared for.

Robert E. Schmidt Jr: I was a member of Team USA for the 2009 ITU Short Course World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. I was also appointed to the Washington State Board of Physical Therapy this year.

2004

Loren (Blanchard) Szmiga: We have a new addition to our family! Baby Tyler is four months old and Keira, 3, loves being a big sister. I specialize in hand therapy and Dave is busy managing several outpatient clinics in South Florida.

Farhad Haeri: This is my second year teaching Orthopedic/Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy at SUNY Downstate medical center as a full time Assistant Professor. I continue to work in my part-time private practice, as well as working part-time in Institute for Outpatient and Postsurgical Orthopedic Rehabilitation at Southside Hospital NSLU.

2005

Hilmir Agustsson: I contributed the chapter “Imaging Studies” in the book Neck and Arm Pain Syndromes, just published by Elsevier.

Kelly (Abraham) Bosscher: Brandon and I welcomed our second daughter, Lily Marie, on June 2!

Jarod Carter: I started a cash-based PT clinic in Austin, TX about a year ago, which has gone incredibly well. When other PTs asked how I created a successful cash-pay clinic I decided to build a website on the subject: www.DrJarodCarter.com. All is well and very fun in Austin.

Gerry Catapang: I have been busy in the private practice established in 1999. I started with the PhD, PT program last year. I am currently marketing two exercise DVDs and a website created for athletes: www.bestathletesociety.com. I also finished two chapters for a Physical Medicine textbook.

David Graziano: Married on November 20, 2010 to my wife, Hope.

Jessi (Morava) Hayhurst: I am working at HOPE Therapy, an outpatient pediatric facility in Waco, TX. Itraveled for two years and loved every minute of it. Now, l‘m enjoying the stability of family life and a permanent job that I love!

Harpa Helgadottir: I finished my PhD degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Iceland in December 2010. I have published three articles based on my thesis: Investigation of the Stability System of the Scapula in Patients with Cervical Spine Disorders, Assessment of ScapuIar Orientation, and Recruitment of the Scapular Stability Muscles in Patients with Insidious Onset Neck Pain and Whiplash Associated Disorders.

Lindsay Largent: I have been with Bayfront Medical Center (BMC) in St. Pete since graduation. I am active in the trauma, neurology, and cardiac ICUs. I am also the CCCE for BMC. I stay very busy at home with my boys. Eli is now 3.5 years old and Teo is 8 months.

Wendy Smith: I continue to work at Jupiter Medical Center, where we just became the first hospital in the state to be STAR certified, which is a training program for rehab professionals in the treatment of cancer patients. Personally, the family and I are planning another big RV trip for the summer…l must be crazy!

2006

Bryan Davis: My wife and I are still living here in Tri-Cities Washington and having a great time. I am still working for Columbia Physical Therapy and have been enjoying my time with them. We recently had more family move here so that has been fun for us and the kids. This has been a great company and area to work for and live in. I hope all of you are doing well.

Renae Gorman: In 2010, I passed the OCS exam. I traveled to CSM in New Orleans, LA this past February to enjoy the festivities and receive my Orthopedic Specialist pin. I have been teaching as adjunct faculty in a PTA program and recently changed jobs from private practice to home care in order to spend more time with my family.

Fawn Patete: I am living in Florida with Chad and have been practicing at a hand center for past four years. Chad and I were married April 30, 2011 and are enjoying our first year of marriage!

Sue (Tarazi) Machtley: It‘s been an exciting year. ln January, I opened my own practice in Seattle, WA. Then, I earned my OCS!

2007

Libby (Arnold) Bergman: I just qualified for the lronman World Championships in Hawaii this October and continue my practice at Brooks Rehabilitation in Ponte Vedra.

Kristen (Shelver) Gillette: We recently moved and my husband will be starting the physical therapy program at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Klaus is going to be three and Bernd will be one. I love throwing big fancy birthday parties for them in my spare time!

Christy Matthews Fellers: I have been promoted to Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Milligan College, a Christian college in East Tennessee.

Alexander Luy: l am still working in private practice in Jackson, TN. This year is the clinic’s 10th anniversary. The clinic’s name is Physical Therapy oflackson P.C. Anyone looking for a job and or partnership please give me a call at (731) 616-2246.

Norman Resurreccion: It has been a rewarding experience to lead my department at the Jersey City Medical Center after I graduated from the program. I am thankful each moment as I am able to guide my staff clinically and strategically towards the future of our profession.

2008

Beth Alexander: My husband and I live in Greenville, SC with our 3 children: Sara Kate, 8; Charlotte, 5; and Graham, 2. I continue to work for Shriners Hospitals for Children, where I have been a pediatric PTwith a specialization in wound care for over eleven years. I began my new endeavor as Director of Rehabilitation Services a few months ago.

Karen Arn: I am continuing to work in home health in rural Ohio and love it! Love the autonomy. I had my first child in February, Frederick Acelin Arn!

Christina (Wagner) Broome: My husband and I are enjoying working together with our side business of breeding shepards. l‘m working as a full-time manual physical therapist in an outpatient clinic with goals of obtaining my MTC from USA shortly and eventually my OCS certification.

Steph Burton: Life is good! Our son, Caleb, turns 2 in November after surviving a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia! My husband has opened his own business and is loving it! I am enjoying working in a short-term rehab unit in Greenville, SC!

Bryan Caplan: I am clinic director at Maryland SportsCare & Rehab in Eldersburg, MD.

Traci Powell: I continue to experience success in my business, New Stride Physical Therapy. We have been open for seven years and I know I bring a level of expertise to my field thanks to my education at USA.

Peter Sprague: I received an appointment as Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practice in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University.

2009

Sarah (Pousson) Beaudreau: Billy and I were married on April 30, 2011 in Cincinnati, OH. I am currently working at the inpatient rehab unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Billy is enjoying his job at an outpatient PT clinic.

Morgan (Fleury) Crews: My husband, Andrew and I welcomed our son, Easton James Crews, on March 2, 2011 at 7:37 am. He weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. We could not be happier!

David Dunham: I have completed my BSN and am now a registered nurse. I own a medicaid certified home healthcare company, Holy Spirit Home Health, and am providing PT and skilled nursing for patients. Life is good with the Dunhams.

Sarah Harrington: I recently accepted a staff PT position with Sta-home Health and Hospice in Jackson, MS. I worked in outpatient orthopedics for one year and I‘m ready to begin a new opportunity in a different setting and city.

Myau Jenkins: I hope that everyone is well. I have begun my own practice as a physical and occupational therapist in Nevada. If you are in the area, please stop by Mind, Body, and Soul Therapy. I would love to visit with you.

Terry Shepherd: I am the president and owner of Aquatic Health and Rehab, with 3 locations in Brevard County. Specialty certifications include: McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis Therapy, Pediatrics, NDT, Aquatics, WATSU, Alternative Therapy to include: Electro-therapeutic Point Stimultion, Manual Therapy, Strain/Counterstrain, Women‘s Health, Lymphedema, Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, Functional Capacity Evaluator, Sports Nutrition, Pilates Mat and Reformer, and Personal Trainer.

2010

Ashley-Lyn Adams: Adam Carlson and I both graduated in the blue class in December 2010! We are excited to announce our engagement! We will be getting married April 28, 2012 and can not wait! It all started when we interviewed to get into USA together and then entered and began our journey as members of the blue class. We are both PTs in the Jacksonville area and love it!

Jackie Brenner: I am currently working as a traveling PT in Orlando, FL at a skilled nursing facility. Travel has been very rewarding and is a new learning experience with each and every assignment. My fiance, Tim, and I are getting married this November in St. Petersburg, FL and celebrating our marriage with honeymoons in Key West and Italy. I have received numerous praises and recognition of my education and work ethic with each of the clinics I‘ve worked in. Ican only thank the faculty of the University of St. Augustine for instilling these high standards to help me formulate my confidence within myself as a physical therapist. Thank you USA.

Caroline (DeMahy) Dessens: Life after PT school has been a whirl-wind. We are enjoying another addition to the family. Cadence now has a baby brother, Gunner, that was born in May. Between keeping up with the kids and working in a sports/orthopedic based outpatient clinic, we are also planning on building a house. Complete organized chaos…what a surprise!

Rebecca Green: In May, I completed my first year working as a physical therapist in outpatient rehab at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, LA. I am also doing home health for a private owned company PRN and I got in engaged this past November. The wedding will be in January of 2012. I love my job, but miss St. Augustine and my classmates.

Grant Meisenholder: Currently serving time in Donovan State Prison at Otay Mesa. Fortunately they let me out every night! The case load is approximately 90 patients, most of which are chronic LBP. it’s a great challenge in that I‘m not allowed to have any of the fun toys we learned about in school. My tools are my hands and my brain. All of my patients are very respectful and appreciative. Really is the perfect job for me.

Kamal Mody: Professionally, I am trying to expand my private practice this year. Personally, my wife and I have been blessed with the birth of our baby boy.

Johan Otter: I became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives this year. My oldest daughter, who together with me survived a severe Grizzly bear attack and spectacular rescue 6 years ago, will enter Columbia Medical school in NYC this fall. Quite a recovery…a DPT and now a future MD!

Tia Powell: After graduation I moved backed to Richmond, VA. I’m currently working at an outpatient clinic where one of our clinics is located inside a Gold’s gym. Other than working, I’m just enjoying my school-free life with family and friends.

Don Reagan: Six months after graduation my wife and I welcomed Jaxon into our family while living in NYC. I began teaching fitness professionals at Equinox along with lecturing on athletic development to medical professionals. I recently accepted an Adjunct Professor position at Liberty University and full time work in Virginia.

Kanako Takiguchi: I am working as a full time physical therapist in an outpatient setting in Lake Worth, FL.

Trenton Van Ooteghem: After graduation I spent three months in a Red Cross/handicap international sponsored clinic as a PT in Cartagena, Colombia working primarily with amputees and pediatric patients. I am currently working as a traveling physical therapist in the beautiful state of Tennessee.

2011

Aaron Coon: I am now in beautiful Montrose, CO working for Rocky Mountain Therapy Services. The clinic is a small 2 person clinic with a great feel and great patient base. My family and I are very excited to be here.

Lynda (Pascual) Gatchalian: I just moved from Los Angeles to San Diego, CA with my husband who is in the military service. I am working at University of California San Diego Medical Center.

Devin Glezen: I graduated on April 15, 2011 and found a job working for an outpatient physical therapy private practice by the name of ProCare Physical Therapy in Montrose, PA. It is one of twelve ProCare locations in the northern tier of Pennsylvania and I look forward to furthering my career with them!

Yasuo lrie: For a while I wondered what was going to happen to them, but I have pulled through somehow. And I complete finished this course. I‘d like to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for all the work you’ve done. Thanks.