The Ambassadors are made up of approximately 22 students with typically 10-12 students from each class. The Ambassadors typically provide tours to prospective students during Admissions appointments or during events at the Health Professions Campus in Hillsboro. Ambassadors also work very closely with the Admissions office in providing an invaluable resource for prospective students.
If you would like to speak with a current student about their experience applying to or choosing Pacific University School of Physical Therapy, you are invited to contact one of our student ambassadors. Clicking on their name below will direct you to their e-mail. They will be happy to help you!
Class of 2013
Jonathan Eng
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Boston College
Hometown Portland, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific “Pacific University provides an atmosphere and community that transform passionate individuals into leading practitioners.”
Hobbies triathlons, trail running, working with my hands, etc.
PT Student Activities I am one of the “old wisemen” in my class, so if I am not studying then I am hanging out with my wife and pooch
Sara Garfinkel
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Oregon
Hometown Eugene, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific"Pacific had everything I wanted! I love the small school feel, the location is ideal, I really liked that the clinical experiences were spread out throughout the program, rather than piled on at the end and more than anything I really enjoyed interacting with all of the students, staff and faculty."
Hobbies Riding my horse, running, reading, hanging out with friends and classmates, watching movies and rapping in PT music videos:)
PT Student Activities Professional Student Senate-President, Student Judicial Council Represenative, Work Study in the Admissions office, Student Ambassador
Sara Hieter
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Oregon State University
Hometown Gaston, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific"Location Location Location! It’s close to home and where I hope to someday practice, so it’s great for networking."
Hobbies coffee, wine, walking my dog, enjoying the outdoors (fishing, hiking, snowboard, etc)
PT Student Activities studying, Ambassadors, class social events
Evan Hiles
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Linfield College
Hometown Hillsboro, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "The evidence based approach to practice was very appealing, but in the end it was the staff and students that swayed me to choose this wonderful institution."
Hobbies basketball, running, hiking, traveling, movies, eating, snowboarding
PT Student Activities clinical selection committee, Ambassador program, PE class, socials, lightening the mood
Annie Houlihan
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Wisconsin-
Stevens Point
Hometown Plymouth, MN
One Reason I Chose Pacific " I fell in love with Pacific during my interview weekend because of the dedicated students and staff. I moved from the Midwest and felt really comfortable in the city of Portland and the transition was easy."
Hobbies swimming, running, working out, traveling, hanging out with my family and friends
PT Student Activities study group, PT PE classes, Ambassador activities
Megan Swift
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Oregon
Hometown Salem, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "The faculty here at Pacific amazed me with their variety of specialties and interests. I knew that no matter what part of PT I became interested in or wanted to explore, there was an expert in that field located just two doors away."
Hobbies I love to walk my dog and enjoy the beautiful Oregon seasons as much as possible!
PT Student Activities Beginning Spanish for Healthcare Workers, Parkinson's Multidisciplinary Course, Ambassadors
Miranda Montejo
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Nevada- Reno
Hometown Riverside, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific "The interview is what sold me! The overall feeling I got from the students, faculty, staff and curriculum lay out made me want to be here. Plus, you get summers off!"
Hobbies soccer, running, swimming, snowboarding, eating, drinking and laughing
PT Student Activities studying, Ambassadors, class work out sessions and social events
Tracie Nygaard
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Willamette University
Hometown Astoria, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "I loved that Pacific was relatively close to home and current physical therapists said that they felt Pacific PT students were always incredibly prepared. An added bonus is that Pacific really values its PT program! They provide incredible professors, a great facility and a brand new anatomy lab (and I can’t forget...lots of fun little traditions that make me love Pacific even more!)."
Hobbies basketball with classmates, running, hanging out with friends, exploring new places in Portland, dancing, scrapbooking (yes, I said it), soaking up the sun and learning to ski
PT Student Activities the books, Ambassador Program, class get-togethers, making music videos, PT PE Class
Heather Robinson
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Oregon
Hometown Ashland, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "The friendly atmosphere, strong curriculum, and beautiful location. This school is incredible! I am proud to be a part of the experience that is Pacific University."
Hobbies snowboarding, skiing, running, rock climbing, hiking, hot spring soaking, traveling, and of course sharing any of these activities with my husband and friends
PT Student Activities Studying, Ambassadors, class social events
Melanie Sharpe
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Boise State University
Hometown Boise, ID
One Reason I Chose Pacific "Location and reputation! I worked with two Pacific alumni, who had amazing things to say about the program. The location of the school, so close to the coast and downtown Portland, was ideal for my active outdoor lifestyle."
Hobbies running, hiking, camping, walking my pups, hanging out with my amazing study group ladies!
PT Student Activities Ambassadors, studying, biweekly study sessions with the ladies
Candace Yonashiro
Third Year
Undergraduate Institution
Pacific University
Hometown Honolulu, HI
One Reason I Chose Pacific "Rigorous academic load. From talking with older PT students who had been at the top of their undergrad class, I knew that Pacific would challenge me academically and that such a challenge would only make me a better physical therapist. To be an excellent, effective physical therapist, I needed the best education and be in an environment where professors and students were extremely serious about learning."
Hobbies anything out in warm (Hawaiian) sunshine, baking, running/walking, watching sports
PT Student Activities studying, Ambassadors, Pacific University Peer Mentoring Success Program
Class of 2014
Courtney Barnes
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
Oregon State University
Hometown Prineville, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific “As an Oregon Native, attending Pacific always seemed like just a dream. Having direct interaction with many Physical Therapists from Pacific, I knew I would be fueled with evidence-based knowledge and provided with unmatched experiences throughout my education. It was not until after I arrived that I truly felt the magic. With daily welcoming greetings and boisterous laughter throughout the halls, you are not just given the tools to become a Physical Therapist, at Pacific you are give a new family of goodness.
Hobbies
hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, baking/cooking, kinect night parties, volunteering at Kinnaman Elementary, and spending time with friends and family.
PT Student Activities
Study Group, Student Ambassador, APTA Member
Nicole Brewster
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
Washington State University
Hometown Edmonds, WA
One Reason I Chose Pacific "I was drawn to Pacific for the team atmosphere and friendly environment. It also has great new facilities and the professors are all excellent and interested in all students succeeding."
Hobbies Working out, running, soccer, skiing, anything active!
PT Student Activities Social Chair, Student Ambassador, Member of APTA, Representative on Internship Committee, Intramural Sports
Jacki Carter
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Washington
HometownYakima, WA
One Reason I Chose Pacific "One reason why I chose Pacific: Looking ahead to three years of school, hard work, and a lot of change, it was important for me to find a place that felt comfortable and welcoming. I loved Pacific when I visited because it is a professional and highly reputable program but also offered a supportive and friendly environment. I can’t imagine going through PT school without the wonderful community of classmates, faculty, and staff that I have here."
Hobbies Dancing, Pilates, Yoga, Baking, Reading, Movie Nights, Traveling
PT Student Activities Student Ambassador, Representative on Internship Committee , APTA Member
Zachary Christopherson
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
Western Oregon University
Hometown Portland, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "One reason why I chose Pacific: I felt Pacific University was a great fit with both my personal and professional goals. The strengths of the program were in line with the opportunities I was looking for in my education specifically a clinically experienced faculty that were easily accessible, a focus on ethics and evidence based practice, attention to practice without referral and a positive student friendly learning environment."
Hobbies Coaching, Exercise, Recreational sports
PT Student Activities Class president, IPSS representative, Student Ambassador, Internship Committee representative, APTA Member, Intramural sports, Student assistant in Pacific athletic training room.
Perry Dunn
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
New Mexico State University
Hometown Las Cruces, NM
One Reason I Chose Pacific " I chose Pacific for the family atmosphere that is fostered by the professors, faculty and students. Even when I visited for interview, I felt at home and and have never felt any different since. Also, Pacific is located in a perfect area in the beautiful Pacific Northwest."
Hobbies Mountain biking, running, kayaking, basketball, soccer (most forms of exercise), movies and traveling.
PT Student Activities Student Ambassador, APTA member, Intramural Sports
Jamie Ford
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
Bemdidji State University
Hometown Edina, MN
One Reason I Chose Pacific " The family oriented atmosphere is was really sold me. There is not one student or faculty in this program who I feel uncomfortable around. Everyone here would go to the extremes for each other; whether it be help in a class, a shoulder to lean on, or just a person to show you a good time! I love my classmates."
Hobbies Anything active! Soccer, snowboarding, hiking, working out, going on adventures and just trying new things. I also enjoy getting crafty, going to concerts, creating a delicious meal, a good fellowship group, and some me time in the hot tub.
PT Student Activities I am an ambassador for pacific, a member of the APTA, and I really enjoy playing for any intramural sports team the PT student put together.
Cassandra Garcia
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Wyoming
Hometown Casper, WY
One Reason I Chose Pacific " I am very interested in providing therapy overseas in the future, and there are a number of international options available for clinical internships through Pacific."
Hobbies Running, hiking, camping, listening to music, reading, movie watching, attempting to paint, cross country skiing, eating Indian food, taking my dog Samson to the park
PT Student Activities Ambassador, Member of APTA
Lauren Gray
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
California State University, East Bay
Hometown Martinez, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific " Besides the amazing anatomy lab, the dedicated and caring faculty, and the great reputation, one of the things that struck me about Pacific was the family environment that fills the hallways. My classmates have become part of my family and I have made so many friendships that will last a lifetime."
Hobbies Horseback riding, swimming, reading (textbooks and “normal” books), hanging out with friends, playing intramural volleyball with the THERABANDits.
PT Student Activities Ambassadors, Internship Committee, APTA member
Krystyna Owens
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Portland
Hometown Portland, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "As I looked into Pacific I became increasingly enamored by the program that is offered for physical therapy. At first it was just a school with a good reputation and that kept me in the Pacific Northwest. Then I saw that Pacific did not require the GRE, it was a doctorate program that didn’t require loads of research, and most importantly, the great relationships between students and professors."
Hobbies Reading, shopping, video games, soccer, taekwondo, board games, Rubik’s cubes, going out to eat delicious food, and getting all the extra sleep I can
PT Student Activities Late night sleep-over study sessions, Student Ambassadors, APTA member
Jennifer Reif
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Wyoming
Hometown Deadwood, SD
One Reason I Chose Pacific " I chose Pacific because I felt it had a lot to offer for me. It has a great faculty whose is very welcoming and is always available to assist its students in any way. Furthermore, it has several elective options available for students to take throughout their three years, which was very appealing to me. I also liked the international opportunities available for clinical internships.
Hobbies Almost anything outdoors such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, back packing, snow shoeing, or running. Also, enjoy spending time with family and friends or reading a good book.
PT Student Activities Student Ambassador, APTA Member
Emily Roush
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Cincinnati
Hometown Versailles, OH
One Reason I Chose Pacific "Out of the twelve schools I applied to, the DPT program at Pacific stood out the most. I originally stumbled upon a video of this west coast school that the DPT students had made, and thought to myself, these look like people who know how to work hard and play hard. My interview however sealed the deal. I learned that out of the twelve schools I applied to, Pacific was the only one that focused on educating their students on how to properly critique and implement effective research into one’s practice. Aside from the curriculum, the DPT students here at Pacific know the importance of work hard then play hard. "
Hobbies I typically enjoy working out (whether it be free classes at the rec, outdoor activities, or Insanity/Hip Hop Abs with my roommates), reading a good love story, watching movies during study breaks, eating, dancing my face off, going to church on Sunday mornings, and boating or playing Pickle Ball with my family.
PT Student Activities APTA Member, Student Ambassadors, “Theraband-its” Intramural Volleyball team, DPT socials, and having a few laughs with the class of 2014.
Kayla Scotch
Second Year
Undergraduate Institution
University of Arizona
Hometown Wilsonville, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific "I was originally drawn to Pacific because of its location and great reputation, but what really got me excited about their DPT program was my interview. The students, faculty, and staff made me feel welcome and relaxed even though I was extremely nervous. Pacific continues to be a great environment."
Hobbies I enjoy anything to do with the outdoors! Exercising, walking my dog, riding my horse, snowboarding, wakeboarding . . .
PT Student Activities I am a Student Ambassador, a member of APTA, and participate in intramurals.
