When Madison “Maddie” Ferguson, MOT ’25, took the stage at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) summer commencement ceremony, she spoke with both humility and conviction. For Ferguson, earning her Master of Occupational Therapy degree wasn’t just an academic milestone — it was the fulfillment of a lifelong calling. “I grew up
Manuela Perales, MSN, RN, (USAHS MSN ‘20), has devoted her 25-year nursing career to serving others through compassionate, high-quality care. As the associate director for patient care services/nurse executive at the Veterans Administration (VA) Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, Texas, she brings leadership and heart to veteran care. In 2021, Perales
For over two decades, Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT (USAHS MPT ’96), has been a powerful force in reshaping the landscape of the rehab therapy profession. As a clinician, entrepreneur and changemaker, she blends her deep understanding of patient care with a bold commitment to solving complex industry challenges. “Never forget that at the heart
Dr. Highsmith (fourth from left) poses for a quick photo during a training mission with his U.S. Army Reserve physical therapy and occupational therapy colleagues.] Jason Highsmith, PT, DPT, PhD, CP, FAAOP (USAHS DPT ’03), embodies the true spirit of being a force for good. As a physical therapist and officer in the U.S. Army
At 80 years old, Dr. Joseph Heavey, EdD, MPA (EdD ’24), has already accomplished so much in his life. He is the proud father of 10 children, grandfather to 20, and has built a successful career in education and hospital leadership. But for Dr. Heavey, learning and personal growth are not just milestones to achieve
Driven to learn from every experience, Doctor of Physical Therapy alum Anton Asknder discovered during his clinical rotation with the Miami Dolphins that excelling as a sports physical therapist requires much more than technical expertise. Anton Asknder (DPT ’24) embarked on his USAHS journey with a focused goal: to pursue a career in sports physical
In the high-stakes world of professional baseball, where every pitch, swing and play holds the weight of expectation and competition, there is an individual behind the scenes who plays a crucial role in keeping the players in top form. Byron Campbell, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS, MDNC, USAHS DPT alum, is a former Division 1 and
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), Teresa Gingles, PT, USAHS DPT 2011, embarked on a journey that would lead her to become a beacon of hope and advocate for an aging population. Dr. Gingles is a 2023 Force for Good Alumni Video Contest winner. The alumni video competition celebrates the incredible
With her philosophy of “Encourage the heart, lead by example and inspire a shared vision to maintain the highest standards,” Jessica Hovland, DNP, RN, CPAN, NE-BC, PMGT-BC (DNP ’20) is taking her innovation and leadership learnings and putting them to practice. Dr. Hovland graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with a
As an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Alli Yingling (MOT ’19) fell in love with occupational therapy (OT). Working toward a psychology degree, she interned at a large pediatrics clinic that employed physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. “After spending time with the owner, who was an OT, I
Nestled in the historic city of St. Augustine, FL, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare education. Renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional graduates, the University takes pride in the transformative impact its alumni have across healthcare education. In 1979, Dr. Stanley Paris took
More than 200 University alumni, students and employees, along with alumni families and community members, attended the inaugural Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend, held September 15–17 on the St. Augustine, FL campus. Activities included a family barbecue, continuing education sessions, campus tours, a campus fair and community impact activity, alumni/employee reception and an in-person