The physical therapy program is dedicated to our students’ success and wants to highlight students for their efforts.
2024-25
Hailey Thomas
Hometown:
Montpelier, Virginia
Undergraduate degree and school:
BA, Sport and Exercise Studies
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy to help people. However, it was my own experience rehabilitating after a major hip surgery and struggling with foot drop that truly revealed to me the profound impact this field can have, both positively and negatively. Witnessing firsthand how physical therapy can help individuals overcome challenges and recover or adjust to a new “normal” solidified my passion. I am driven to show others that with dedication and compassion, any obstacle can be overcome in the journey to recovery.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is collaborating and learning from such an amazing group of faculty. Also, one of my favorite things that I look forward to so far this summer is what out-of-pocket jokes Dr. Blair or Dr. France make in our anatomy class to keep us on our toes and laughing.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
With my DPT degree, my primary goal is to demonstrate to my patients that compassionate and attentive healthcare professionals still exist. Beyond staying updated with current research, my utmost ambition is to ensure every patient feels genuinely cared for and supported in their journey toward recovery! I aspire to create an environment where each person leaves my clinic with the assurance that their well-being and progress are my top priorities.
What are some of your hobbies?
I LOVE the outdoors! Whether it’s hiking with my dog, simply relaxing outside a restaurant with friends, or spending time on or near the water. I cherish these moments. Also, coming from a sports-oriented family, I enjoy watching almost any game. Softball has been a significant part of my life, and after undergoing surgery, I was grateful for the chance to coach for three years at my former high school!
What is your favorite quote?
“Nothing in life that is worth anything is easy”
Anything else that you’d like to share (i.e. something unique)?
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the faculty of our DPT program for nominating me for Student of the Month. It is truly an honor, and I deeply appreciate all the support and recognition that comes with this award.
Jenna Kyte
Hometown:
Midlothian, Virginia
Undergraduate degree and school:
BA Cognitive Science (concentration in Neuroscience), minor in Psychology; University of Virginia.
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do specifically until I took a Neuroscience of Exercise class during undergrad. After that class, I started researching the field and shadowing at a local outpatient clinic in Charlottesville. Immediately, I knew physical therapy was what I wanted to do because I loved the close relationships clinicians built with their patients and their eagerness to find long term solutions to impairments rather than temporary fixes.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program so far has been receiving a huge support system. Between faculty and classmates, there is always someone to turn to for help. Despite only knowing one another for a few months, I already feel extremely close to my cohort.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
No matter what population I work with, I hope to develop trusting relationships with my patients. My goal is to ensure they feel heard throughout their treatment and to emphasize the importance of both their mental and physical health. By creating an understanding and motivating environment, I hope physical therapy will be something my future patients look forward to each week.
What are some of your hobbies?
In my free time I’m usually hanging out with friends, reading, sitting by the pool, or exploring new places in Lynchburg. I also enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially with my dog, Bean. I love taking her for walks and finding an open field for her to run around!
What is your favorite quote?
“Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end.”
Anything else that you’d like to share (i.e. something unique)?
N/A
Gabby West
Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia
Undergraduate degree and school:
Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
I have always known that I wanted to work in the health field, but I was initially unsure of the specific path to pursue. During high school, I had the chance to observe a sports medicine program, and from that moment on, I fell in love with this dynamic and rewarding field.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The most exciting part of the DPT program is connecting with such an incredible group of people. As a cohort, we collaborate to make sure no one is left behind, and I am eager to see how these relationships develop both throughout the program and in the years to come. The faculty here are also a highlight because they are extremely helpful and are quite the comedians.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I am still exploring which specialty to focus on, but with my degree, I am committed to providing exceptional care to every patient I meet. My goal is to ensure that each patient feels not only heard but understood throughout their recovery process.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love spending time with my family and friends, as it always leads to a great time together. I also enjoy cooking and have a strong interest in true-crime shows. Additionally, in my spare time, I like to come out of retirement and create cheer routines!
What is your favorite quote?
“When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.”
Anything else that you’d like to share (i.e. something unique)?
During my gap year, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a technician in California. This experience not only allowed me to develop valuable skills but also enabled me to connect with inspiring individuals. I am excited about the future and eager to see where this field will take me next.
Gio Orsi
Hometown:
Mount Laurel, NJ
Undergraduate degree and school:
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Exercise Science
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
Watching rehab videos for injured NFL players in high school.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The friends I’ve made so far and working with them each week.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Open my own clinic up north one day.
What are some of your hobbies?
Lifting, building legos, sculpting.
What is your favorite quote?
“Save the neck for me, Clark.” – Cousin Eddie
Geoff Berenson
Hometown:
Clemmons, NC
Undergraduate degree and school:
Biology, UNC Charlotte
What sparked your interest in physical therapy?
In my sophomore year of college I needed intense physical therapy following a car accident that could’ve taken my left leg. During rehab, I saw that I was working the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life, mostly thanks to the confidence of my PT and how much growth I saw every session. When reflecting on my own career path, I knew I wanted to help others like my PT helped me.
What’s the most exciting part of the DPT program?
The people. Everyone here from the professors to the students to the other staff members are amazing people that actually want to help you. I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time and I’ve made many lifelong friends here.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I either want to pursue my MSAT after my DPT and work with a professional sports team or get a NCS.
What are some of your hobbies?
Watching and playing sports, listening to music, going to the gym, and reading.
What is your favorite quote?
Right now it’s “What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished”- Kobe Bryant after going up 2-0 in the 2009 NBA Finals. I’ve taken this mindset since completing undergrad. Even though completing undergrad is a huge accomplishment, I knew that it wasn’t my final goal.
