Physical Therapy Program
Class of 2025 Convocation
December 12, 2025
Convocation Program
Introduction
Welcome and Introduction
Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker
Comments to the Class
Graduation Address
Presentation of Awards
CU PT Alumni Rising Star Award
CU PT Alumni Achievement Award
Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to Physical Therapy Education
Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS Marshal
Clinical Senior Instructor
Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA Professor
Program Director, Residential Pathway Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education
Roderick Nairn, PhD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
John H Samson, MD, PhD, MBA
Richard D Krugman Endowed Chair Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dean, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Venu Akuthota, MD
Professor and Chair | Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation CU Medicine Endowed Chair University of Colorado School of Medicine
Makayla Callender, SPT President, Class of 2025
Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS Associate Professor Director of Implementation, RESTORE Team
Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, EdD, PCS Assistant Professor Pediatric Residency Director
Deana Gordon, PT, DPT President-elect, PT Alumni Association
Deana Gordon
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
Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award
President’s Excellence in Teaching Recognition Award
Recognition of Resident Graduates
Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award
Mary Gosnell Award
Richard D. Krugman Award
Outstanding Capstone Award
National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society
Physical Therapy Program Altruism in Action Award
Herbert J Levy Humanitarian Award
Outstanding Doctor of Physical Therapy Award
Closing Remarks
Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc Associate Professor CAPE and Interprofessional Education Coordinator
Michael Harris-Love
Makayla Callender
Catherine Bilyeu, Meghan Hernandez, & Dana Judd
Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS Senior Clinical Instructor
Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS Assistant Professor Associate Director, Clinical Education, Residential Pathway
Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS Senior Instructor
Chelsea Van Zytveld, PT, DPT
Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney
Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD Associate Professor, Section Director of Student Affairs
DPT-MPH Dual Degree Track Director
Amy McDevitt
Amy McDevitt
Alyssa Arms & Michael Harris-Love
CU Physical Therapy Awards
Cerasoli Award for Outstanding Contributions to Physical Therapy Education
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
Champion of CU Physical 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
Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award and President’s Excellence in Teaching 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.
Mary Gosnell Award
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
Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award
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.
Outstanding Clinical Partner Award
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
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.
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
Herbert J. Levy Humanitarian Award
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.
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
*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!
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
Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS
Mike Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Melissa Barella*, MS
Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS
Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Rebecca Dehne**, PT, DPT
David DiGiacomo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
EJ Gann, PT, DPT, NCS
Alex Garbin, PT, DPT, PhD
Robyn Gisbert**, PT, DPT
Jeremy Graber*, PT, DPT, PhD
Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA
Michelle Harris-Love**, PhD, MSPT
Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, EdD PCS
Lauren Hinrichs-Kinney, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
Molly Jones*, PT, DPT, NCS
Dana Judd**, PT, DPT, PhD
Rebecca Keefer, PT, DPT, CCS
Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS
Melanie Lambert*, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS
Jennifer Logan PT, DPT, NCS
Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD
Daniel Malone**, PT, PhD, CCS
Mark Mañago**, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Nia Mensah*, PT, DPT, PhD
Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc
Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD
Mike Pascoe**, PhD
Stephanie Pascoe**, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Mattie Pontiff ** , PT, DPT, PhD
Eric Sawyer*, PT, DPT, STC, OCS, CFEI
Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC
Wes Thornton*,, DPT, PhD, NCS
Lilly Webster**, PT, DPT, MPH
Sarah Wiehe*, PT, DPT, NCS
Carolyn Willett, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA (Faculty Resident)
Zaffarano, Bryce**, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
*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
For all individual’s safety, rights, dignity, and perspectives
Integrity
Because professional behavior reflects who we are
Altruism
In service to the individual, community and organization
Accountability
To all those seeking care and providing care within our profession and health care systems
Collaboration
Leveraging collective input from all individuals
Passion
Commitment to lifelong learning, service, and community engagement
Leadership
Within the university, profession and community at large
Quality
Attainment of excellence in all we do
Diversity
Inclusivity in all endeavors
