Class of 2025 Convocation Program

Physical Therapy Program

Class of 2025 Convocation

December 12, 2025

Convocation Program Introduction

Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS Marshal Clinical Senior Instructor

Welcome and Introduction

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA Professor Program Director, Residential Pathway Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education

Guest Speaker

Roderick Nairn, PhD Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Guest Speaker

John H. Samson, MD, PhD, MBA Richard D. Krugman Endowed Chair Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dean, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Guest Speaker

Venu Akuthota, MD Professor and Chair | Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation CU Medicine Endowed Chair University of Colorado School of Medicine

Comments to the Class

Makayla Callender, SPT President, Class of 2025

Graduation Address

Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS Associate Professor Director of Implementation, RESTORE Team

Presentation of Awards

Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, EdD, PCS Assistant Professor Pediatric Residency Director

CU PT Alumni Rising Star Award

Deana Gordon, PT, DPT President-elect, PT Alumni Association

CU PT Alumni Achievement Award

Deana Gordon

Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to Physical Therapy Education

Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT Associate Professor, Section Director of Curriculum Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD Associate Professor Assistant Program Director and Faculty Residency Director

Convocation Program Champion of CU Physical Therapy Award

Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc Associate Professor CAPE and Interprofessional Education Coordinator

Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award

Michael Harris-Love

President’s Excellence in Teaching Recognition Award

Makayla Callender

Recognition of Resident Graduates

Catherine Bilyeu, Meghan Hernandez, & Dana Judd

Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award

Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS Senior Clinical Instructor

Mary Gosnell Award

Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS Assistant Professor Associate Director, Clinical Education, Residential Pathway

Richard D. Krugman Award

Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS Senior Instructor

Outstanding Capstone Award

Chelsea Van Zytveld, PT, DPT

National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society

Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney

Physical Therapy Program Altruism in Action Award

Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD Associate Professor, Section Director of Student Affairs DPT-MPH Dual Degree Track Director

Herbert J. Levy Humanitarian Award

Amy McDevitt

Outstanding Doctor of Physical Therapy Award

Amy McDevitt

Closing Remarks

Alyssa Arms & Michael Harris-Love

CU Physical Therapy Awards Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to Physical Therapy Education

Mary Gosnell Award

The Physical Therapy Program initiated this award in 1998 to highlight the significant contributions to physical therapy education by Pauline (Polly) Cerasoli, PT, EdD, Director of the CU Physical Therapy Program and Assistant Dean of Allied Health from 1988 to 1996. The award recipient must demonstrate: significant contributions toward the academic or clinical education of student physical therapists at the University of Colorado, creativity or innovation in educational activities, membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and be a role model of professional behavior in the educational process.

Herbert J. Levy established this award in memory of a fellow physical therapist, Mary Gosnell, PT. The student who receives this award has been nominated by his/her Clinical Instructors for outstanding clinical performance and has demonstrated the following characteristics: knowledge in integrating didactic and clinical content, effective communication skills, determination of appropriate patient care procedures and progressions based on sound problem solving, acceptance of responsibility for comprehensive patient care, competence in technical skills, effective teaching ability, a positive, enthusiastic and caring attitude, and professionalism in all aspects of patient care.

Champion of CU Physical Award

Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award

The CU Physical Therapy Program Faculty recognizes and appreciates members of our community who support and contribute to the education of our students. The Champion of CU Physical Therapy Award identifies outstanding individuals from outside of the CU Physical Therapy Program who positively impact the education of our students. The Champion of CU Physical Therapy is recognized for providing unwavering support to our students and going above and beyond to ensure their success while at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

This award was established by the Physical Therapy Program Faculty in 2000 to honor those Clinical Instructors who have made remarkable contributions through their mentorship of our students during the clinical phase of the curriculum. This award honors dedicated individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical education and have provided excellent clinical experiences for our students. The award recognizes their integral role in preparing well-rounded, caring, and compassionate professionals who will lead physical therapy into the future.

Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award and President’s Excellence in Teaching Award

Outstanding Clinical Partner Award

The CU Anschutz Teaching Awards are presented to faculty who devote their passions to DPT student education. Our recipients of the Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award and the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award embody innovation, dedication, and passion for physical therapy education.

The Outstanding Clinical Partner Award was established by the Physical Therapy Program in 2023 to honor a Clinical Site for their strong commitment to a collaborative partnership in order to create a culture of teaching and learning that contributes to Excellence in Clinical Education.

This award recognizes the collective effort of all the individuals at this site who make each clinical experience successful, including the administrative leadership, the site coordinators of clinical education, clinical instructors, clinicians, and staff who provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for our students to be able to thrive.

National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society This society is an organization established by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy to recognize current DPT students who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and professionalism in academics, research, leadership and service. Society inductees will receive national recognition and special distinction at their graduation ceremony.

CU Physical Therapy Awards Outstanding Capstone Award

Herbert J. Levy Humanitarian Award

This award was established to recognize outstanding work on a capstone project by a graduating student. Recipients of the award were nominated by their faculty mentor, and the winner was chosen based on merit of their written paper, poster presentation, and oral presentation.

The CU Physical Therapy Alumni Association established this award to honor Herbert J. Levy, PT, a pioneer in physical therapy. He graduated in the first Physical Therapy class at the University of Colorado in 1948, helped establish several physical therapy and rehabilitation programs throughout the city of Denver, and developed one of the first private physical therapy practices. His involvement in the field of physical therapy continued long after his retirement from practice in 1986. He was an ardent supporter of and valued the relationship that he had with the Program. In 1988 Herb received the first Alumni of the Year Award. The recipient of this award personifies the attributes of Herb Levy: by demonstrating consistent commitment to the profession of physical therapy and to the CU Physical Therapy Program; by honorable actions and thoughts; and by having pride in family, a kind heart, a warm smile, and a generosity of spirit.

Richard D. Krugman Award Richard D. Krugman, MD, served as Dean of the University of Colorado School of Medicine for 24 years. Fondly known as the “Dean of Deans” across the nation, Dr. Krugman established this award to honor an individual who portrays the spirit of service to individuals and the community, fostering caring and quality of life for people at all levels of society. This individual, chosen by their peers, is compassionate toward others, creates connections and values ongoing innovation.

The recipient of this award mirrors Dr. Krugman’s leadership through excellence, integrity and high quality work.

Physical Therapy Program Altruism in Action Award The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program Faculty established this award in 2015 to recognize a graduating student who demonstrates a spirit of altruism through action.

This award was inspired by Betti Krapfl, physical therapist and former faculty member, who demonstrated dedication and passion toward improving the access and delivery of physical therapy and other services to diverse and underserved communities both locally and globally. The recipient of this award is recognized for exemplifying the qualities of leadership, commitment and altruism through consistent and ongoing service.

*The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program provides a variety of scholarships to both prospective and current students to make physical therapy education more financially feasible. The efforts of the Physical Therapy Scholarship and Endowment Board and the generosity of our donors allow us to provide scholarships in a variety of areas including diversity, rural, merit, and dance performance. If you are interested in providing support for the CU PT Scholarship Fund you may visit: https://giving.cu.edu/fund/physical-therapy-scholarship-fund or use this QR code. Thank you!

Outstanding Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Award The Physical Therapy Program Faculty established the Outstanding Doctor of Physical Therapy Award to recognize the exemplary achievements by a student graduating from our program. The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates academic/clinical/research excellence, effective interpersonal skills, leadership ability, social responsibility, professional duty, involvement within the community and/or professional association, and collaboration with others. They show a commitment to personal achievement, seek out opportunities for professional growth, are inclusive of others, and demonstrate the potential to make lasting impact on the Physical Therapy profession and the needs of society. The recipient of this award represents additional core values of the profession and our program including respect, passion, accountability, altruism, compassion, integrity, and equity.

Class of 2025 Graduates Ayres, Rodrigo - Morrison, CO Plans After Graduation: Hawaii I would like to thank: My wife Babcock, Kelly - Lone Tree, Colorado Plans After Graduation: Applying to work at Denver Health Outpatient Physical Therapy I would like to thank: My amazing fiancée Kyle, my wonderful family, and all of my supportive friends Banfield, Taryn - Plano, Texas Plans After Graduation: I have applied for pediatric residency and am eager to embrace the opportunities and experiences that arise after graduation. I'm also excited to spend the holidays with my family and not studying!

I would like to thank: My family, friends, classmates, faculty, and clinical instructors for their support, encouragement, and guidance throughout this journey.

Bashir, Salma - Portland, OR Plans After Graduation: I plan to move to Seattle and work in pediatrics! Also to explore the beautiful state of Washington.

I would like to thank: My parents and siblings.

Becker, Brooklynn - Eau Claire, WI Plans After Graduation: I plan to celebrate the holidays back in Wisconsin with my family. Then, I will return to Colorado to begin working within the inpatient rehab setting.

I would like to thank: My family and fiancé for their continued support. I would also like to thank my cohort and professors for making my time in this program unforgettable.

Beltran, Gio - Fort Myers, Florida Plans After Graduation: Work as a physical therapist I would like to thank: Spikeball in the quad, frisbee, my family, and the great friends I have made along this journey.

Benson, Suzanna - Santa Clarita, California Plans After Graduation: Try to learn another language before licenses issue and I can lean into being unstable and start travel PT with my Sasha bear.

I would like to thank: The banger support system of humans I've accumulated who willingly, lovingly, and consistently show up for me.

Bonde, Axel - Mancos, Colorado Plans After Graduation: I have applied to the Howard Head Sports Residency, which would begin July, and will be working at the UCHealth Steadman Hawkins clinic starting in January.

I would like to thank: My family, friends, professors, mentors and all who have helped propel me along this journey. Without their love, advice and support I would not be here today.

Bruce, Hailey - San Jose, CA Plans After Graduation: Immediately following graduation, I plan to return home to California and find a job in an outpatient Ortho setting specializing in sports.

I would like to thank: I would like to thank my parents, family, friends, and significant other for all of the support over the years. I couldn't have done it without you guys!

Class of 2025 Graduates Callender, Makayla - Richmond, Virginia Plans After Graduation: Moving back east to work for a year in outpatient ortho before applying to residency in the next cycle.

I would like to thank: The friends I've made on this journey, along with the professors and my family who supported me. Most importantly, I'd like to thank my partner Colin for being with me through all the ups and downs.

Campbell, Karin - Frederick, CO Plans After Graduation: My immediate plans following graduation are to enjoy the lack of homework, tests, and studying by traveling to some bucket list locations.

I would like to thank: Josh Morse and Lisa Campbell. Josh, for supporting me enthusiastically and unconditionally in achieving my dreams. Mama, without your example I never would have aimed so high.

Campbell, Emily - Larkspur, Colorado Plans After Graduation: I plan to first rest, read books, and spend time with my partner. Then after a couple weeks initiate PRN inpatient work.

I would like to thank: Aaron Wiles for supporting me and being my biggest believer. My dad for teaching me to always pursue my dreams. My mom for understanding the insanity of a graduate schedule.

Carroll, Patrick - Minneapolis, Minnesota Plans After Graduation: Drink a Guinness at an Irish pub in Dublin.

I would like to thank: Ethan Kitchens for being a great friend, and Cory and Lara for being great professors.

Chan, Alaric - Hong Kong Plans After Graduation: Fly home and spend time with my family who has been supportive throughout my journey of becoming a doctor of physical therapy I would like to thank: My family, all the friends that I've met in the program, faculty and especially Dr Harris-Love for making this happen today.

Christoff, Emma - Scottsburg, IN Plans After Graduation: I intend to stay in Denver and continue to experience everything Colorado has to offer I would like to thank: My family and friends who have support throughout this journey Coffin, Kiana - Honolulu, Hawaii Plans After Graduation: I'm planning to take some time off to focus on finding a position that aligns with my long-term career goals.

I would like to thank: My friends, family, professors, clinical instructors, and patients for helping me become who I am today. I would not have been able to do this without you.

Creahan, Nicholas - Saint Louis, Missouri Plans After Graduation: Work and learn in outpatient orthopedics.

I would like to thank: My wife and daughter for their support for pursuing a second career My dog Jac for letting me use him as a pillow for study sessions Dem boys for all the love and support My parents of course!

Delaney, Amy - Thornton, Colorado Plans After Graduation: Spend time with my family and husband while pursuing PT positions in Colorado.

I would like to thank: my family, friends, mentors, and husband for their support throughout the entire process of my life and future career.

Class of 2025 Graduates Demolli, Luke - Colorado Springs, Colorado Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I will begin my career as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Whitefish, Montana, starting January 2026.

I would like to thank: My mom, dad, and brother. Your unconditional love and support have meant everything. I wouldn't be here without you and I'm so proud to share this achievement with you.

Donoghue, Colleen - Walnut Creek, California Plans After Graduation: I plan to ski the month of December with my friends and enjoy the holidays with family before I take an outpatient orthopedic + sports medicine job starting in the new year.

I would like to thank: My fiancé Austin, my parents, my brother and sister as well as Olivia, Gabby, Sarah, David, and for getting me through the long days with laughs and study hours with snacks.

Fisher, Gabriella - South Lake Tahoe, CA Plans After Graduation: Celebrating 2.5 years of hard work with my amazing friends, family, and fellow classmates!

I would like to thank: My family and friends for being my biggest cheerleaders. And of course my incredibly impressive PT school girl gang who continue to inspire me and push me to be better each day.

Forman, Noah - Golden, Colorado Plans After Graduation: Looking for orthopedic or sports PT positions in Denver, and taking a moment to appreciate the work I've put in for this degree.

I would like to thank: My brother, my parents, and my grandfather for being my unrelenting support system and motivators. I would also like to thank my friends and classmates for being by my side along this journey.

Gomez-Corona, Marcos - Aurora, Colorado Plans After Graduation: Moving to the western slope to work for an outpatient orthopedic clinic with community outreach.

I would like to thank: My mom Celia and all of the faculty. Shout out Mark Manago, Dawn Magnusson, and Joe Palmer!!

Gratzl, Norbert - Cleveland, Ohio Plans After Graduation: To learn new snowboard tricks, film pro riders, and rehab anyone who watches the footage and says, "Yeah, I can do that."

I would like to thank: My mom, my sister, my girlfriend Hannah, and all of my incredible friends for supporting me in my transition from engineering to physical therapy. Thank you.

Hand, Ashley - Greenwood Village, CO Plans After Graduation: I am looking forward to beginning my career working with the orthopedic population, but have not yet decided where that will be!

I would like to thank: My parents and fiance for their love and support throughout PT school Haruna, Umaru - Louisville, CO Plans After Graduation: Relax, prepare for boards, and finally get back to working out regularly.

I would like to thank: My parents, Ben and Anita Haruna, and my sweetheart, Kelly Bates.

Hennessy, Elizabeth - Auburn, California Plans After Graduation: Following graduation, I plan to celebrate this accomplishment with loved ones before beginning my new job at Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport.

I would like to thank: My family and my partner Gavin for always believing in me and helping me remember the important things in life.

Class of 2025 Graduates Herrera, Karina - Los Angeles, California Plans After Graduation: I will be enjoying a break with my family before starting a position as a pediatric physical therapist in Los Angeles working with exceptional children with moderate to severe neurological disorders.

I would like to thank: Mi profundo agradecimiento a Dios, a mis padres, familia, y amigos, cuyo apoyo y fe me han sostenido a lo largo de este camino. Muchísimas gracias!

Hunt, Elizabeth - Littleton, CO Plans After Graduation: I'll be taking some time to recover from ACL reconstruction surgery while also exploring opportunities in pediatric residency.

I would like to thank: My mom, dad, and brother for always supporting my dreams. And to my best friends, thank you for filling even the hardest days with laughter.

Kalbacken, Kaylin - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Plans After Graduation: I plan to travel widely, pursue continued specialty education through certifications and residencies, and explore varied clinical roles to ultimately find and grow into my dream PT career.

I would like to thank: Thank you to my family and friends I've made for their endless love and support. They've kept me grounded, motivated and believing in myself throughout my PT journey. I wouldn't be here without them.

Kitchens, Ethan - Knoxville, TN Plans After Graduation: Move back to Knoxville to be with my wife and pup and start my career as a neuro PT. I would like to thank: My family, my friends who carried me through countless hours of mind-numbing study sessions, but most importantly, my incredible wife, Mackenzie. Without her I would have never come this far.

Leffler, Shannon - Newberg, Oregon Plans After Graduation: I will be headed on a 3 week trip abroad with my mom!

I would like to thank: My family, and the lifelong friends I've made along the way Luce-McKay, Ellen - Mi-Wuk Village, California Plans After Graduation: Plans to return to California to work in a small outpatient orthopedic clinic in a cute mountain town & take time to reconnect with life outside of being a PT student.

I would like to thank: Everyone who I've met here & everyone who has supported me on this journey - thank you all!

Maddaford, Yesenia - El Paso, Texas Plans After Graduation: I plan to move to the western slope to work at an outpatient clinic. I look forward to giving back to the people of this beautiful state.

I would like to thank: God for all these blessings. To my family, you are more than my reason. You are my inspiration, everything I do is to honor you. Saying thank you will never be enough.

Martinez, Maximilliano - Englewood Plans After Graduation: Take a much-needed break and spend time with family.

I would like to thank: Thank you to my faculty, CIs, family, and Tam for standing by me these last 2.5 years; your support, guidance, and belief in me made this journey possible.

Mauder, Kaitlyn - Plainfield, Illinois Plans After Graduation: To explore my passion for inpatient rehabilitation, and find an environment that lets me continue to grow and deepen my practice as a clinician.

I would like to thank: Mom & Dad for vent sessions & support, Ryan for phone call study breaks, Emily for keeping me reading for fun, & Amber, Ashley, & Lizzie for the laughs & support - I couldn't be here without you all.

Class of 2025 Graduates Maurer, Jennie - Verona, Wisconsin Plans After Graduation: Roadtripping across the country to see friends and family, with a few solo ventures in between! Then continue my travels with travel PT. I would like to thank: My family and best friend for being here to celebrate with me and for the unconditional support they have provided me! & "The Old Folks Home" for being my rocks throughout this program!

McGinn, Gabby - Omaha, Nebraska Plans After Graduation: Explore New Zealand!

I would like to thank: My beautiful friends and family Mimmack, Hannah - Englewood, CO Plans After Graduation: Exploring the profession further through travel PT across the United States and abroad.

I would like to thank: My parents, sister, and my partner Will for supporting me through the roller coaster that is PT school. I couldn't have done it without you.

Mosley, Jacqueline - Highlands Ranch, CO Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I'm excited to take some time off to relax and travel to Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and Aspen before starting my career as a Physical Therapist.

I would like to thank: I'd like to thank my parents for their encouragement and advice throughout my entire academic journey.

I wouldn't be where I am now without the support of my family and friends along the way.

Motwani Condor, Zabrina - Denver Plans After Graduation: Still figuring it out.

I would like to thank: My parents Mercedes and Suresh and my brother Vishal for being the biggest cheerleaders ever.

Nishikawa, Sarah - Sunnyvale, California Plans After Graduation: Following graduation, I'm excited to begin my career as a pediatric physical therapist in Colorado and continue growing as a clinician to better support the children I serve. But first, Japan!

I would like to thank: My family, my friends, and everyone who believed in me and supported me along the way - I truly could not have done it without you.

Padgett, Amber - Norwood, Colorado Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I plan to bop around Europe for a bit before returning to the Western Slope to find a job serving rural Colorado.

I would like to thank: My parents for their endless support, my sisters for always listening, Jonas for the daily laughs, my classmates for study sessions and Thursday night volley, and Willow for making each day better.

Paul, Jenna - Arundel, Maine Plans After Graduation: I will be pursuing further education in a pediatric residency to enhance my knowledge and skills in an area I am profoundly passionate about.

I would like to thank: I would like to thank my mother and father, Tina and Lloyd, for their unwavering support. And my fiancé, Asael, who devoted countless hours as my mock patient and was my greatest cheerleader.

Prudhomme, Tremayne - Houston, Texas Plans After Graduation: Continue preparing to take my NPTE in January and return to Texas to spend time with my family and friends.

I would like to thank: My parents, family, and friends for their continued support throughout this journey. I would not have been able to reach this moment without your unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices.

Class of 2025 Graduates Raudalez, William - Compton, California Plans After Graduation: Spend time with my kids LIAM AND THEO I would like to thank: My parents, my brothers and sister, and my kids Liam and Theo for being very supportive. I also want to thank Dr. Amy Mcdevitt, Dr. Catherine Bilyeu, and Dr. Dana Judd for never giving up on me Reinalda, Bianca - Corvallis, OR Plans After Graduation: I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends from home while studying for the boards, before returning to Colorado!

I would like to thank: My family, my friends near and far, my incredible PT school roommates, and our amazing cohort for all the joy and learning!

Robic-Myara, Dylan - Montreal, Quebec, Canada Plans After Graduation: Will be working full time as a Physical Therapist at Therapy One Rehabilitation Center in Panama City Beach Florida.

I would like to thank: I would like to thank: My parents Antoine Robic and Monique Myara, my siblings Sabine Robic-Myara and Arnaud Robic-Myara. My family, Gina and the Carrone, Mark Kormos, Tisa Joseph and Jad Robic-Joseph Rose, Erin - Denver Plans After Graduation: Time to travel and continue to apply to find a dream job or next opportunity.

I would like to thank: The Roses and Gallistels for all their love and support!

Ruehr, Ella - Bellevue, Washington Plans After Graduation: Skiing in Utah, spending time with family and loved ones, then starting my career as a travel physical therapist!

I would like to thank: My partner, Joel, my family, and all my PT friends who have been there to support me and live through it all with me!

Seiller, Olivia - Cincinnati, Ohio Plans After Graduation: Moving to Colorado Springs, traveling with friends and family, and exploring where I feel most fulfilled professionally.

I would like to thank: My friends, whose laughter can get me through anything, and my family and Jack for being my biggest fans.

Shucai, Karl - Vernon New Jersey Plans After Graduation: Make that bread and marry my best friend.

I would like to thank: My wonderful Fiance, family, and friends for their unyielding support throughout this process. This journey started nearly 10 years ago and you all believed in me before I believed in myself.

Simes, Hunter - Florida Plans After Graduation: Taking a few well earned weeks off, then looking forward to starting the career that I have spent so much time preparing for!

I would like to thank: I'd like to thank my family for all of the love and support over the years of schooling, and all of the amazing friends I have made since being here. I couldn't have done it with out them.

Standerfer, David - Sedalia, CO/Claremont, CA Plans After Graduation: I have accepted a position in the CU Sports Medicine and Performance Center Orthopedic Residency Program, starting in January.

I would like to thank: To my parents, sister, girlfriend, roommates, friends, classmates, professors, mentors, and everyone who has supported me along the way - thank you. We did it!

Class of 2025 Graduates Stovall, Daniel - Aurora CO Plans After Graduation: After earning my DPT, I plan to build clinical experience and advanced skills, then join the Air Force as a physical therapist to support service members' health and readiness.

I would like to thank: My Parents, Wife, and Mother-in-law for your constant support and encouragement throughout the DPT program. I couldn't have achieved this without you.

Tajii, Patricia - Manteca, CA Plans After Graduation: Looking forward to begin practicing as a new PT and beginning a new chapter in life.

I would like to thank: My family for always supporting me with everything in life. My Mom, Dad, Allie, and Brad who have always been there for me and have shaped me into the person I am today.

Telep, Natalie - Kansas City, MO Plans After Graduation: To continue with the internship phase of my rotation at University Hospital as an acute care therapist.

I would like to thank: My parents Yvonne and David Telep, for all your support and for studying with me so much you probably could've passed the NPTE yourselves. I wouldn't be here without you.

Tsamasfyros, Toni - San Mateo, CA Plans After Graduation: I plan to travel and spend time with family before starting work and hopefully going to sports residency!

I would like to thank: Many people but specifically my roommates Gabbi and Taryn for always pushing me, my family for always supporting me and especially my boyfriend Coby for being my rock through it all.

Tully, Emily - Charlotte, North Carolina Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I plan to begin practicing as a physical therapist with an interest in exploring specialty training opportunities such as a residency in sports physical therapy.

I would like to thank: my family for their unrelenting support, my friends and roommates for their constant encouragement, and my partner, who has kept me calm and focused through the challenging moments of my PT journey van Deinse, Emily - Ventura, CA Plans After Graduation: Pelvic Health Physical Therapist at Connect NW Physical Therapy in Bellingham, WA I would like to thank: My parents, friends, mentors, and Collin.

VanderPloeg, Blake - Arvada, Colorado Plans After Graduation: I plan to visit family and friends in Michigan before returning to the Denver metro area to work with the pediatric population.

I would like to thank: Jeff for his endless support, Bryce for his comedic relief, Dad for his Friday night pizza fests and financial support, and Mom for starting me on this path in the first place.

While, Taylor - Laramie, Wyoming Plans After Graduation: Following graduation I have accepted a job at an outpatient orthopedic clinic back home in Laramie, treating patients of all ages and pursuing a wound care certification!

I would like to thank: My family, my boyfriend Dylan, every person who took me in during my clinical rotations, CU DPT program especially Wendy Kriekels & every CI who took time to support my learning While, Taylor - Laramie, Wyoming Plans After Graduation: Following graduation I have accepted a job at an outpatient orthopedic clinic back home in Laramie, treating patients of all ages and pursuing a wound care certification!

I would like to thank: My family, my boyfriend Dylan, every person who took me in during my clinical rotations, CU DPT program especially Wendy Kriekels & every CI who took time to support my learning

Class of 2025 Graduates White, Daniel - Sharon, Massachusetts Plans After Graduation: I am beginning my PT career in January 2026 with Coal Creek Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado I would like to thank: Rod, Emily, Umaru, Ethan and Jennie for being the greatest friends throughout school. My biggest thanks goes to my wife, Cece. Thank you for your unwavering patience and love for the last six years.

Whiteside, Mackenzie - Golden Plans After Graduation: CU Sports Med and Performance Center Orthopaedic PT Residency I would like to thank: My family for the unwavering support and the faculty for a great experience in the program.

Xaybanha, Xavier - Vancouver, Washington Plans After Graduation: I am excited to stay in Colorado to further my professional development and continue learning from the diverse opportunities within physical therapy.

I would like to thank: my family for the endless love and support that kept me motivated throughout this journey, and my friends for the chaos, good laughs and unforgettable memories. I couldn't have done it without you all

Class of 2025 Graduates

Anagnostopoulos, Kimberly Ayres, Rodrigo Babcock, Kelly Banfield, Taryn Bashir, Salma Becker, Brooklynn Beltran, Giovanni Benson, Suzanna Bonde, Axel Bruce, Hailey Callender, Makayla Campbell, Emily Campbell, Karin Carroll, Patrick Chan, Alaric Christoff, Emma Coffin, Kiana Creahan, Nicholas Delaney, Amy Demolli, Luke Donoghue, Colleen Fisher, Gabriella Forman, Noah

Gomez-Corona, Marcos Gratzl, Norbert Hand, Ashley Haruna, Umaru Hennessy, Elizabeth Herrera, Karina Hunt, Elizabeth Kalbacken, Kaylin Kitchens, Ethan Leffler, Shannon Luce-McKay, Ellen Maddaford, Yesenia Martinez, Maximilliano Mauder, Kaitlyn Maurer, Jennie McGinn, Gabrielle Mimmack, Hannah Mosley, Jacqueline Motwani Condor, Zabrina Neely, Linda Nishikawa, Sarah Padgett, Amber Paul, Jenna

Poole, Blake Prudhomme, Tremayne Raudalez-Frausto, William Reinalda, Bianca Robic-Myara, Dylan Rose, Erin Ruehr, Ella Seiller, Olivia Shucai, Karl Simes, Hunter Standerfer, David Stovall, Daniel Tajii, Patricia Telep, Natalie Tsamasfyros, Antonia Tully, Emily van Deinse, Emily VanderPloeg, Blake Wheeler, Brianna While, Taylor White, Daniel Whiteside, Mackenzie Xaybanha, Xavier

CU Physical Therapy Faculty

Rebecca Abbott**, PT, DPT, PhD

Jennifer Logan. PT, DPT, NCS

Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS

Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD

Mike Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Daniel Malone**, PT, PhD, CCS

Melissa Barella*, MS

Mark Mañago**, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS

Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS

Nia Mensah*, PT, DPT, PhD

Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc

Rebecca Dehne**, PT, DPT

Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD

David DiGiacomo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS

Mike Pascoe**, PhD

EJ Gann, PT, DPT, NCS

Stephanie Pascoe**, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT

Alex Garbin, PT, DPT, PhD

Mattie Pontiff **, PT, DPT, PhD

Robyn Gisbert**, PT, DPT

Eric Sawyer*, PT, DPT, STC, OCS, CFEI

Jeremy Graber*, PT, DPT, PhD

Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA

Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Michelle Harris-Love**, PhD, MSPT

Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC

Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, EdD PCS

Wes Thornton*,, DPT, PhD, NCS

Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS

Lilly Webster**, PT, DPT, MPH

Molly Jones*, PT, DPT, NCS

Sarah Wiehe*, PT, DPT, NCS

Dana Judd**, PT, DPT, PhD

Carolyn Willett, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA (Faculty Resident)

Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS

Zaffarano, Bryce**, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS Melanie Lambert*, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS

*Hybrid Faculty **Residential & Hybrid Faculty

Mission, Vision & Values Mission The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program leads discovery and innovation to improve movement, participation, health, and wellness for all individuals and society through excellence in education, research, clinical care, and service.

Vision Transform health and foster wellness in individuals and society through education, discoveries, engagement and innovation with dedication to diversity and equity for individuals, communities and society.

Values Our Program values serve to support our mission and vision, shape our culture, anchor our goals and reflect the physical therapy profession’s vision and core values.

Respect

Passion

For all individual’s safety, rights, dignity, and perspectives

Commitment to lifelong learning, service, and community engagement

Integrity

Leadership

Because professional behavior reflects who we are

Within the university, profession and community at large

Altruism

Quality

In service to the individual, community and organization

Attainment of excellence in all we do

Accountability

Diversity

To all those seeking care and providing care within our profession and health care systems

Inclusivity in all endeavors

Collaboration Leveraging collective input from all individuals