April 2023 Commencement Program

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

COMMENCEMENT

APRIL 20 23

Friday, April 21, 2023

Orem, Utah

commencement

APRIL 2023

commencement activities

Conducting

Dr. Cameron K. Martin

University President & CEO

Processional of the Graduates

Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar (please stand)

Order of Academic Procession

Administration & Board of Trustees pg. 22

Faculty and Official Guests pg. 17

College of Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning pg. 10

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Candidates

Master of Science in Health Science Candidates

College of Medical and Professional Sciences pg. 11

Doctor of Medical Science Candidates

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Candidates

Master of Science in School Counseling Candidates

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate Candidates

College of Nursing pg. 13

Doctor of Nursing Practice Candidates

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Candidates

College of Rehabilitation Sciences pg. 14

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology Candidates

Doctor of Physical Therapy Candidates

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy - Pediatric Science Candidates

Posting of the Colors

Utah Valley University ROTC

The National Anthem

Evelyn Gee Harpist

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Invocation & Reflection

Cade Mooney

Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduate

President’s Welcome

Dr. Cameron K. Martin

Special Musical Number

Evelyn Gee

Vers La Source Dans Le Boi by Marcel Tournier

Presentation of the Professor Emeritus Award

Presented by Dr. Malissa Martin

Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost

Professor Emeritus Award Presented to Dr. Wes McWhorter

Founding RMU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director

Commencement Address

Mike Schlappi

CSP, MBA, Author, Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame

Reading of Names and Degrees

Ms. Dailie Todd

Student Success Manager

Conferring of Degrees and Remarks

Dr. Rogan L. Taylor

Board of Trustees Vice Chair

Alumni Welcome

Dr. Jeff Lau

Dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Doctor of Physical Therapy Associate Professor

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Ceremony Conclusion

Dr. Cameron K. Martin

Recessional of the Graduates

(Please stand)

Participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not indicate degree completion. Upon degree completion, the Registrar’s Office will post the degree on the academic transcript and graduates will receive an official RMU diploma.

4 | APRIL 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Significance of the Hood

The hooding portion of the Commencement ceremony dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and signifies special recognition of master’s and doctoral degree candidates. Faculty members place the hood over the heads of the graduates, recognizing their success in completing the program and symbolically welcoming them as fellow scholars. The hood identifies the owner’s academic institution, degree, and field of study through the length and the colors of the lining and binding. Each graduate’s field of study is designated by its corresponding color as listed below.

Apricot

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner

Dark Blue

• Doctor of Philosophy

Golden Yellow

• Doctor of Science

Kelly Green

• Doctor of Medical Science

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Light Blue

• Master of Science in Addictions Counseling

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

• Master of Science in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling

• Master of Science in School Counseling

Peacock/Teal

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

Silver

• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

• Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology

Slate Blue

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Other Regalia

Apricot Stole

• Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate

• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Light Blue Stole

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

• School Counseling Certificate

Military Veterans

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions would like to recognize our graduates who are veterans. As members of the military, these students have demonstrated their commitment to the RMU core values of collaboration, authenticity, trustworthiness, inclusiveness, and service, especially that of selfless service. In addition to what these graduates will do as health professionals, they have already given service to our nation, our state, and our community. Military veterans received a commemorative red, white, and blue cord to be worn at this commencement ceremony, signifying the University’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

6 | APRIL 2023 COMMENCEMENT commencement regalia

Mike Schlappi Commencement Address

CSP, MBA, Author, Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame

Mike Schlappi has an inspiring message for every American, young or old: “Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.” As president of Mike Schlappi Communications, and confined to a wheelchair, he is spreading that word to audiences ranging from students to chief executive officers, from rookies to Olympic champions, and from small gatherings to major conventions.

At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president, had been awarded his Eagle Scout and was a competitive athlete when he was involved in a tragic shooting accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but after months of rigorous therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become an athletic standout.

Schlappi is a four-time Paralympic Medalist and two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball. The only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be on four consecutive summer Paralympic teams, Schlappi was honored by the state of Utah in 2000 as one of its Top 50 athletes of the past century. He served on the board of trustees that managed the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake. He is the founder and director of the Wheelchair Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves disabled athletes.

Hoping to inspire others through his experiences, Schlappi hung up his sneakers and transitioned from the sports arena to the speaking platform. His engaging presentations have entertained and inspired thousands of audiences worldwide. Schlappi’s thoughtprovoking story challenges individuals to succeed despite difficult circumstances by empowering themselves and accepting personal responsibility. He received his CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) from the National Speakers Association.

Off the basketball court, Schlappi graduated with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Healthcare from Arizona State University, and on a leadership scholarship, earned an undergraduate degree in Finance from Brigham Young University. His personal experiences with nurses, doctors and therapists not only saved his life, but also pointed him to a career in healthcare. He spent many years as the Director of Rehabilitation for Intermountain Healthcare. Schlappi is also a writer and author of three popular inspirational books which draw heavily on his own experiences and the challenges he’s overcome: Shot Happens, Bulletproof Principles for Personal Success and Motivational Leaders.

APRIL 21, 2023 | 7 featured biographies

He has won numerous honors including the American Medical Association’s Special People Award, The Sporting Goods Manufacturer of America’s Heroes Award and the Golden Key Athlete of the Year Award. Mike has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for Wheelchair Basketball and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike and his wife, Tami, reside in Draper, Utah and are the parents of five children. They now are the grandparents of 3 of the world’s most beautiful grandchildren.

Dr. Wes McWhorter Professor Emeritus Award Recipient Founding RMU Doctor of Physical Therap Program Director

Dr. Wes McWhorter has been a licensed physical therapist (PT) for more than 40 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-physical Therapy & Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Physical Therapy from the U.S. Army - Baylor School of Physical Therapy, and a PhD in Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation from Brigham Young University.

Dr. McWhorter joined Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) in 2010 as the founding program director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. He helped to establish the program from its inception and grow from one cohort to two and from 40 students per year to 100. In addition to growing the number of students, the number of program faculty and staff also greatly increased under his leadership.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. McWhorter was involved in several aspects of RMU including program administration, teaching, and academic advising. He served on several different university committees and was the recipient of many awards. Some of the awards include; Aegis Therapies Endowed Chair Award (2010), RMU Difference Maker Award (October 2015), and the RMU Presidential Award of Excellence (December 2017).

In addition to effective program management and development, Dr. McWhorter has been active in professional scholarship throughout his career, as demonstrated by his 20 peerreviewed articles, one book chapter, and 65 professional presentations.

His research has been published in major journals such as North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Journal of Health Policy & Administration, Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, Physical Therapy in Sport, and more. He contributed a chapter on Hyperbaric Oxygen in Wound Healing in the 1995 textbook Wound Healing.

8 | APRIL 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Dr. McWhorter has presented at conferences and symposiums across the country including at the Roseman Research Symposium, the Experimental Biology and Medicine/ American Association of Anatomist Conference, the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, the Annual Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association Meeting.

APRIL 21, 2023 | 9

college of health sciences and lifelong learning

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

Athletic Training

Gregg S Mallett

(Malden, MA)

The Longitudinal Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects of Weighted Vest Training

Hannah Lynette Stedge

(Ogden, UT)

The Effects of Simulation Education on Athletic Training Students’ Self-Confidence when Performing Rectal Thermometry: A MixedMethods Study

Healthcare Professions Education

Alyssa S. Anderson

(Chicago, IL)

Athletic Training Students’ Mental Health Recognition & Referral Skills: A Sequential, Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

Healthcare Leadership & Administration

Jonathan Robert Wright

(Mapleton, UT)

Fall Prediction in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

Human & Sports Performance

Crystal Lee Abitz

(Beaufort, SC)

Strength and Conditioning Coaches’ Emotions, Emotional Labor, and Reflective Practice During Interpersonal Problems with their Athletes in the Weight Room

Michael Kantor

(Minneapolis, MN)

The Influence of Age and Sex on the Performance Time and Choice of Attack During Concealed Knife Attacks

Integrated Health Sciences

Dana F. Tischler

(Cedar Hills, UT)

Utilization and Perceptions of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Inpatient Physical Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study

Neurologic Rehabilitation

Jennifer Lynn Meyer (Dallas, TX)

Reliability and Validity of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Master of Science in Health Science

Health Promotion & Wellness

Paulette Marie Creel

(Antioch, CA)

Rehabilitative Science

Kayla G. Clark

(Crystal, NM)

Matthew James Ross

(Millcreek, UT)

 Veteran # Class Leadership

Sports Performance

Steve Carwile

(Bloomington, IN)

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college of medical and professional sciences

Doctor of Medical Science

Advanced Clinical Practice

Tecshana Nicole Blackwood 

Stephanie Vranes Ringwood Ney

(Baldwin, NY) (Salt Lake City, UT)

Melanie Nelson

(Salt Lake City, UT)

Healthcare Leadership & Administration

Ralph Capra

Tori Steely

Christopher Turnbull

(Maspeth, NY) (Orem, UT)

Nithchel Marcelin

(Jensen Beach, FL) (Stanley, NM)

Healthcare Professions Education

KalareLyn Eberting

Nathan S. Sanborn

(Springville, UT)

Psychiatry

Arvin Morris Ward

Patrick A. Willett

(Stuart, FL)

Jacie Christine Touart (Pleasant Grove, UT) (Atlanta, GA)

Stephanie P. Boulter

Jo Andrea Hughes

Colleen Hill Tope

(Sacramento, CA)

David Duncan Taylor (Frisco, TX) (Portland, OR)

Katy Kwan

Cynthia Marie Sieto

(Greensboro, NC) (Easton, PA)

(Battle Creek, MI)  Veteran # Class Leadership

(Beaufort, NC)

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Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Sarah Jean Kent

Maegen Rindlisbacher

Elisabeth Wagner

Summer Hibbard (Provo, UT)

Kristen P. Trinnaman

Jonathan Neves (Salem, UT)

Melissa Barton

Master

(Jefferson City, MO) (Pleasant Grove, UT) (Provo, UT)

Victoria Lynne Bowman

of Science

(Salt Lake City, UT) (Hooper, UT)

(Layton, UT) (Spanish Fork, UT) (Salem, UT)

Summer Hibbard

Shayley Warner (North Salt Lake City, UT)

in School Counseling

(Holladay, UT) (Riverdale, UT)

Emily K. Russell

Shayley Warner Lindsey Erin Jorgensen

(North Salt Lake City, UT) (Richfield, UT)

Pamela Elizabeth Gardner Jonathan Neves

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Alexandra Allen (Blanding, UT)

12 | APRIL 2023 COMMENCEMENT

 Veteran # Class Leadership

APRIL 21, 2023 | 13

 Veteran # Class Leadership

college of nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Nneka Ikedinma Angela B. McCormick  (Wyomissing, PA) (Upper Marlboro, MD)

college of rehabilitation sciences

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

Janine Bienstock

(Spring Hill, FL)

Alicia Helena Bolanos Andrade

(Fort Lee, NJ)

Marissa Caccavale

(Long Beach, CA)

Nabonita Dutta

(Danville, CA)

Sabrina Ann Eskridge

(Georgetown, DE)

Angelyn Lorraine Franks

(Vilonia, AR)

Kathleen Holmes

(Berkley, MA)

Christa Prati

(Powell, OH)

Rajesh Selvaraj

(Canton, MI)

Kayla Marie Solomon

(Washington, UT)

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Bryce Bridge

(San Jose, CA)

Sarah Bone

(Fort Wayne, IN)

Grace Carlson #

(Chattanooga, TN)

Juan Carmona-deVille (Boise, ID)

Genon Anthony I. Catarroja #

(Irvine, CA)

Dean Chung

(Torrance, CA)

Nicholas Edwards

(Henderson, NV)

Skylar Fenton

(San Francisco, CA)

John Henry Fischer II

(Colorado Springs, CO)

Cameryn Renae Fossell #

(Apache Junction, AZ)

Tucker Gregory Gamble

(Centerville, UT)

Cayson Goff

(Minersville, UT)

Paige Guild # (Phoenix, AZ)

Henry Guzman (Stoughton, WI)

Michael Hardy

(Post Falls, ID)

Braxton Shawn Higgins

(Cedar City, UT)

Lisa Holeman #

(Vancouver, WA)

Jacob Holt

(San Diego, CA)

Molly Horton

(Hendersonville, NC)

Joshua Allen Huhn

(Valley View, PA)

Kevin Ishitani #

(Honolulu, HI)

Tyler Kailiuli

(Roseburg, OR)

Dylan Kuntz (Soldotna, AK)

Ashley Latimer (Fresno, CA)

Eric Lee

(Springville, UT)

Eric Luo

(Honolulu, HI)

Grace Marting

(Colorado Springs, CO)

Clayton McKnight

(South Lake Tahoe, CA)

Kelsie Marie Merritt #

(Sparks, NV)

Cade Mooney

(Cedar Hills, UT)

14 | APRIL 2023 COMMENCEMENT

 Veteran # Class Leadership

Hayden Morby (Ogden, UT)

Julianna Mulvey

Bethany Joy Slaughter

(Cottondale, TX)

Kyle Sorensen #

Caitlin Thomas

(Dixon, CA)

Kimberly Ward 

Merenci Lynn Osborne #

(Spokane, WA) (Boise, ID)

Kelsey Paul

(Orem, UT)

Veronia Powell

(American Fork, UT)

Jackie Severseike #

(Spanish Fork, UT)

Molly Sicard

(Cottage Grove, MN)

(Salt Lake City, UT)

Jonathan Patrick Sprouse

(Heber City, UT)

Brianna Stiteler

(Simi Valley, CA)

Allison Stone #

(Roseburg, OR)

Derek Strate

(Magrath, Alberta, Canada)

Faith Stults #

(Lake Stevens, WA)

(Spokane, WA)

Marin Williams

(Arcata, CA)

Marcella Grace Woodley

(Gulf Shores, AL)

William Xu

(Los Angeles, CA)

Amber Rose Yates

(Tallahassee, FL)

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Pediatric Science

APRIL 21, 2023 | 15

 Veteran # Class Leadership Darbi L. Sterling-Hinde (Alva, OK)

colleges and program leadership

College of Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning

Interim College Dean

Jennifer Austin

PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Program Director

Jennifer Austin

PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS

Program Assistant

Jane Ewoniuk

DSc, MOT, OTR/L CHWC

Sr. Faculty and Associate Director of the Office of Research & Sponsored Projects

Thomas Cappaert

Healthcare Professions Education

Jennifer Austin

PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS

Human & Sport Performance

Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS)

Program Director

Kim Isaac

PhD, AT, LAT

PhD, EdD, ATC, CSCS

Integrated Health Sciences (co-CTDs):

Mike Miller Mary Shotwell

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA

Michelle Webb

EdD, OTD, OTR/L

Neurologic Rehabilitation

Kristen Johnson

PT, EdD, MS, NCS

Concentration Track Directors

Functional Nutrition

Denise Pickett-Bernard

PhD, RDN, LDN, IFMCP, IFNCP

Health Promotion & Wellness

Mary Shotwell

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA

Healthcare Administration

Kim Isaac

PhD, AT, LAT

Orthopedic Sports Science

Healthcare Professions Education

Sr. Instructor and Director, Human Research Protection Program

Darcy Hammar

PhD, ATC, CSCS CIM

Concentration Track Directors

Athletic Training

Malissa Martin

EdD, ATC

Health Promotion & Wellness

Mary Shotwell

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA

Healthcare Leadership & Administration

Jennifer Austin

PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS

Thomas Cappaert

PhD, ATC, CSCS

Pediatric Science

Jane K. Sweeney

PT, MS, PhD, PCS, FAPTA

Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice (MS ATP)

Program Director

Michele Monaco

DSc, ATC

Kim Isaac

PhD, AT, LAT

Rehabilitative Science

Kim Isaac

PhD, AT, LAT

Sports Performance

Kim Isaac

PhD, AT, LAT

College of Medical and Professional Sciences

Interim College Dean Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Malissa Martin

EdD, ATC

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Program Director

Bartley Rust

DHSc, PA-C

Program Director

Tyler Sommer

MPAS, PA-C

Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)

Program Director

Linda J. Spencer

PhD, CCC-SLP

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Master of Science in Addictions Counseling (MSCO-AC)

Program Director

Verl T. Pope