Student Ambassadors | Physical Therapy
Each year approximately 30 PT Ambassadors volunteer their time and energy to be the student voice of the DPT program. All of our Ambassadors are actively involved in campus culture and the local Physical Therapy community, and work closely with the Admissions Office to provide an invaluable resource for prospective students.
We encourage you to speak with a current student about their experience applying to and choosing Pacific University's School of Physical Therapy. Ambassador's emails are provided below, and they will be happy to help you learn why Pacific is the school for you!
Please follow our program's Facebook page to hear from current students and learn about program events.
Class of 2025
Name | Liz Belecky
Class of 2025
Email: bele5217@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Major: Health and Exercise Science, Minor in Spanish
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
One Reason I chose Pacific: “I chose Pacific not only because of the program’s reputation but also how kind and helpful everyone was during interview day! I just had a feeling that I belonged here after speaking with the students and faculty!”
Hobbies: I love to do anything outdoors, including hiking, paddle boarding, and hanging out at a lake! I also enjoy finding new food and coffee spots with friends!
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador, Community Service Coordinator
Name | Rex Brayley
Class of 2025
Email: bray7320@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Oregon
Major: Human Physiology
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
One Reason I chose Pacific: “While researching programs, the positive and diverse community that Pacific has created was a huge attraction for me to attend this program. After interviewing and touring on Zoom, I truly felt giddy about the opportunity in front of me and knew that this was a good environment to learn in. The smaller class sizes create great relationships with my fellow peers but also the faculty as well. I genuinely feel like the faculty wants to know about us and our goals moving forward as future healthcare professionals. On top of earning my DPT, I can explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest most weekends! Easy choice for me.”
Hobbies: Playing soccer, hiking, love a movie night, seeing live music, and surrounding myself with friends and family
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Austin Cooper
Class of 2025
Email: coop4347@pacificu.edu
Undergrad Institution: Purdue University
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Prior Lake, MN
One reason I chose Pacific: “One of the first things I noticed about Pacific University and the DPT program is how welcoming and genuine all the staff and other students were. I also have always wanted to visit the west coast, so I decided to use this as an excuse to travel.”
Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, playing guitar, rollerblading, kayaking, and rugby
PT student activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Gabrielle Dorsen
Class of 2025
Email: dors5104@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Kansas
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Bartlett, Illinois
One reason I chose Pacific: “I chose Pacific because during my interview, I felt so comfortable, and I felt that the faculty and students wanted to get to know me as a person first. Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew I would have people in my corner if I moved halfway across the country to come here. Along with the great reputation of the program and the great clinical opportunities, the genuine sense of community and support of all the faculty and students is why I chose Pacific!”
Hobbies: Exploring coffee shops, cheerleading, going for walks, listening to music, watching sports
PT student activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Emma Helsel
Class of 2025
Email: hels5113@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: St Charles, IL
One Reason I chose Pacific: “The values of the program and the people that I met during my interview was why I chose Pacific. Everyone was so welcoming and preached inclusivity and collaboration. I liked that the program was non-competitive and it was clear that the staff and students are here to help everyone succeed. It is also in the beautiful PNW which put it even further on top!”
Hobbies: Exploring new restaurants, playing sports, hiking, playing cards, baking cookies
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Cali Lescas Hernandez
Class of 2025
Email: Lesc5157@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington - Seattle
Major: Biology and Physiology
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
One reason I Chose Pacific: “When visiting Pacific's PT program, I immediately knew that I could thrive here. It was a place that I could call home where the barriers between student and professor from undergrad didn't exist. Pacific fit my non-negotiable PT school need of a welcoming place with the goal of educating and inspiring its students on a personal level. I felt included in the community from day one and have been able to feel the growth toward my goals since. It didn't hurt that the campus is in the beautiful PNW.”
Hobbies: Soccer, video games, exercise, watching movies, and music. I also love zoos and aquariums
PT Hobbies: Student Ambassadors, Research Assistant
Name | Carolyn Nevin
Class of 2025
Email: nevi5323@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of New England
Major: Applied Exercise Science, Minors in Coaching and Nutrition
Hometown: Harwinton, CT
One Reason I chose Pacific: “Having moved around a bit before, I was really looking for a place that I would easily connect with and feel at home. I recognized quickly that Pacific would be just that during the interview process. Now that I am in the midst of the program, I can confidently say that the professors, faculty, and students have expressed a genuine care for helping us all be successful. There were a lot of logistical reasons why it was a great fit for me, but the community and program offerings that would help me grow as a person and a PT ultimately led to my decision to choose Pacific. Plus, I was so excited to explore the PNW!”
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, concerts, working out, skiing, going to the beach, traveling!
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Rebekah Pearson
Class of 2025
Email: pear4961@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Majors: Dance, Religious Studies
Hometown: Newnan, GA
One Reason Why I Chose Pacific: “From the first time I stepped onto campus, it felt like home. I felt that the College of Health Professions would not only set me up for success through its programming but would also provide an environment where I felt supported while I was learning. As I have begun my first semester in the DPT program, I have been incredibly impressed by the heart with which each person approaches their role. I can only hope to grow into a clinician who can project the passion and purpose I sense from each member of the Pacific University DPT community.”
Hobbies: Ballet, Irish Dance, Hiking, Drinking Coffee, Knitting, Shopping at Trader Joe's
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Megan Pham
Class of 2025
Email: pham3910@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of California Irvine
Major: Public Health Sciences, Psychological Sciences Minor
Hometown: Irvine, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific: “One of the main reasons I chose Pacific was the welcoming atmosphere I experienced throughout my interview day. A supportive learning environment has always been important to me, so seeing the family-like community between the faculty and students, both in and out of the classroom, was exactly where I saw myself growing as a person the most.”
Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, surfing, watching a sunset at the beach, camping, traveling, concerts, and anything dog related
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Kevin Saltzman
Class of 2025
Email: salt5049@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Washington State University
Major: Kinesiology with a minor in Strength & Conditioning
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
One Reason I chose Pacific: “Every single staff member I talked to treated me like they knew me for the past five years. Despite my interview on zoom, I gained a sense of being a part of a positive community where I belonged. Throughout my application process, all the faculty were approachable and genuinely wanted me to succeed. All of my questions were answered with diligent feedback in a timely manner.”
Hobbies: Playing basketball, lifting weights, hiking, cooking, playing video games, playing chess, watching tv shows and movies, and spending time with any and all types of dogs!
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Elle Smith
Class of 2025
Email: smit5132@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: CSU San Bernardino
Major: Kinesiology Allied Health Professions
Hometown: Chico, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: “One of the main reasons I chose Pacific was the warm and welcoming environment I felt on interview day. On top of the amazing clinical education opportunities and high licensure pass rate, the community the school has built highlights inclusivity, collaboration, and camaraderie, which is exactly how I knew Pacific was the best fit for me in building my future career.”
Hobbies: I love hanging out with friends and family, going on hikes/walks, trying out new restaurants, and being a dog mom!
PT Student activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Lia Tom
Class of 2025
Email: tom5331@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate institution: California State University Stanislaus
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii
One reason I chose Pacific: “I chose Pacific for many reasons, but the main reason that swayed me is the sense of community and support from the students, faculty, and staff. Coming from Hawaii means that community is everything, and I was really happy that I found that here at Pacific University. Knowing that I am a part of a family where everyone is loved, accepted, supported, and diversity is found provides the best environment for me to succeed as a student. When you come to Pacific University, you know you are a part of something great and that you are a member of the Boxer family forever!”
Hobbies: Hiking, exercising, going to the beach, cooking/baking, watching Friends and Halloween Movies with my niece and nephew!
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Brianne Wickland
Class of 2025
Email: wick5581@pacificu.edu
Undergrad Institution: California State University, Northridge
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
One Reason I chose Pacific: “Originally, I was impressed by Pacific’s academic reputation and dynamic clinical program opportunities, including international clinical sites. However, what won me over was the interview process. I felt so much support and positive energy from the staff and student panel. It was apparent that the staff honestly cared about who I was as a person, which spoke volumes about their program. As a current student, I can say that is absolutely true! All of the staff at Pacific take a vested interest in us as students and go out of their way to create a warm and supportive learning environment.”
Hobbies: Finding the best croissant in Portland, yoga, trail running, weightlifting, salsa dancing, and international travel.
PT student activities: Student Ambassador, Running Club, Yoga teacher for yoga club
Class of 2024
Name | Jenna Hawk, Lead Ambassador
Class of 2024
Email: hawk3327@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Rehabilitation Science
Hometown: DeForest, Wisconsin
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I have always wanted to move to Oregon, and I felt so comfortable making the move 30 hours from Wisconsin after I met all the faculty and students on Interview Day. Everyone was so welcoming and answered all my questions about the school and living in the Pacific Northwest. Between Pacific's reputation of success and the overall sense of community, I know I made the right decision."
Hobbies: running trails, reading, dog mom activities, exploring new areas, watching sports, golfing
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Baylie Cameron
Class of 2024
Email: came5537@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Linfield University, Exercise Science
Hometown: Silverton, OR
One Reason I chose Pacific: "The program stood out to me immediately as a learning experience that transcends the PT field into the whole of the human condition. Of course, I was impressed by the licensure pass rate and accreditation, but the dedication to service, positive learning environment (thriving within a cohort by collaboration rather than competition), and faculty that provide the highest quality of mentorship were the most vibrant points for which I chose this program."
Hobbies: I enjoy painting, biking, windsurfing, going to concerts, and collecting tarot cards.
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Abigail Clark
Class of 2024
Email: clar1396@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Humboldt State University, Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy Major, Psychology Minor
Hometown: Carlotta, CA
One Reason I chose Pacific: "One of the main reasons I chose Pacific was because of the community. I asked so many questions when I was researching the school, went to a bunch of informational sessions, and toured the campus before I applied. Every single interaction I had with staff, faculty, and students was positive. I also really liked that there were so many clinical opportunities interspersed throughout the three years. I can't imagine myself going anywhere else for PT school, and to top it off, it's in the beautiful PNW!"
Hobbies: Horseback riding, reading, bullet journaling, being outside, listening to music, taking walks/hikes
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Kat Dayharsh
Class of 2024
Email: kat.dayharsh@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: San Jose State University, Kinesiology (with a specialization in rehabilitation science)
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
One Reason I chose Pacific: "During my application process everything was online, and I was amazed by how welcoming Pacific still managed to feel even through the virtual filter of zoom. The faculty genuinely want to know you and want you to do well, and the fact that it was so apparent that day was just amazing to me. I am also a very hands-on learner and appreciate that Pacific goes above and beyond the requirements for weeks of clinical experience we complete before earning our DPT. "
Hobbies: Hiking doodling, coffee drinking, hanging out with my cats and partner, music, dancing, weight lifting, video games, being a nerd
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Madalyn Graf
Class of 2024
Email: graf2408@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Washington State University
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the family-like community I felt on interview day. Not only did I feel like my best interests were taken to heart but I liked seeing the collaboration of students and faculty making the experience so welcoming and insightful. It reassured me that Pacific is where I belonged and that I would thrive beyond getting to learn what I get to call my career."
Hobbies: working out, playing sports, going to concerts, singing, dancing, hiking, running & being around friends and family
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Amber Higashi
Class of 2024
Email: higa0399@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Seattle University, B.S. Biology
Hometown: Mililani, HI
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the welcoming atmosphere the students and faculty created during the interview day. Pacific went above and beyond to create an interview day that not only highlighted the academics but also the community they built. I also appreciate that the faculty continue to incorporate new strategies to encourage student success."
Hobbies: cooking, baking, going to the beach, watching movies, exercising
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Ben Hoskyn
Class of 2024
Email: hosk2617@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Boise State University, B.S. Kinesiology emphasizing in Exercise Science
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I was looking for a school that would have a supportive atmosphere and a feeling of community and Pacific provided exactly that. Both the current students and professors gave me a true sense of that community during the interview day even with it on Zoom, which spoke volumes. Everyone has proven that impression correct, from students to faculty!"
Hobbies: Running, Biking, Hiking, Downhill Skiing, Reading, Playing the Guitar, Concerts, and Fly Fishing
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Milana Ivkovic
Class of 2024
Email: milanaivkovic@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Pacific University, Exercise Science- Integrated Physiology and Psychology
Hometown: Beaverton, OR
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because I heard nothing but great things about the quality of the education, staff, and faculty. After touring the facilities and meeting current students, I knew that this learning environment would be a great fit. We have endless clinical opportunities and locations as well. I also wanted to stay in the PNW and be close to my family. Plus, all the PTs I have worked with that graduated from Pacific have been successful and compassionate health providers, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps."
Hobbies: Grass and indoor volleyball, watching docuseries, playing Rummikub, coaching youth volleyball, trying new restaurants and cuisines
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Isabel Lin
Class of 2024
Email: isabel.lin@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: University of Utah, Kinesiology
Hometown: Richland, Washington
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because I felt a strong sense of care from the faculty members during my interview day, and the welcoming atmosphere even through zoom. Not only does Pacific have a wonderful academic and clinical education program, but the faculty genuinely wants to help you become a well-rounded clinician. I saw myself becoming a part of this community and growing in Pacific's program."
Hobbies: Painting, hiking, exercising, reading, and trying new recipes!
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador, APTA Member, APTA Oregon Member
Name | Janelle Matsuoka
Class of 2024
Email: mats2953@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Sciences
Hometown: Mililani, HI
One Reason I chose Pacific: "Among the many reasons of choosing Pacific, I particularly cherished the close-knit and supportive community between the students and faculty. It is a value of mines that was evident since my interview day. The learning environment is very welcoming and encouraging, with faculty who genuinely care for our student success. I immediately knew this program will challenge me, allow me to grow as an individual, and become a well-rounded physical therapist."
Hobbies: going to the beach, exercising, dancing, hiking, finding new coffee shops, cooking
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Weston O'Connor
Class of 2024
Email: broo2784@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions, Exercise and Wellness BS
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
One Reason I chose Pacific: “I chose Pacific University because they gave me such an amazing interview experience. After the student panel, I could tell the students felt supported and excited about their learning experience. They had great things to say about the teaching staff and the environment Pacific was able to create. I can now confirm these claims and am so grateful to be a part of this program.”
Hobbies: Lifting Weights, Reading, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Anything Dog Related, Halloween
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Stacey Storaker
Class of 2024
Email: stor9307@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Pacific University, Exercise Science Integrative Physiology
Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because every aspect of the admission process had an emphasis on the resources and support systems that are available to students. Pacific was focused on providing and fostering an environment where students can thrive at every point in their education."
Hobbies: Running, listening to podcasts, reading, cooking and baking, comedy, drinking coffee
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador, Running Club
Name | Alexia Thomas
Class of 2024
Email: thom3050@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Central Washington University, Clinical Physiology Major, Physical Rehabilitation Therapies Minor
Hometown: Covington, WA
One Reason I chose Pacific: "Between all of my interactions with the faculty and students, I had felt very welcome to the Pacific community. The location of Pacific University was also very ideal for me as I get to stay relatively close to home. "
Hobbies: I love to find new places to eat, working out, and watching new shows on Netflix.
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Luis Velazquez Barrios
Class of 2024
Email: vela3930@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Oregon State University, Kinesiology Major Pre-Therapy Focus
Hometown: Hillsboro, OR
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the hype and consistency that came with it. Everywhere I worked at or spoken with, probably due to where I have lived all my life, made Pacific sound welcoming and achievable. Interview day I encountered many friendly staff members who went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. They made me feel proud of myself for having to make it this far and even guided me to keep pushing forward. The sense of comfort and support from the staff I just met made a big impression on me and made me feel like this is something I can actually accomplish. Support is a big factor in my educational career, and having the sense of support from school staff on top of my family and local friends is that much more incredible."
Hobbies: Soccer, gym, video games, traveling, anime, competitive sports, hanging out with friends, annoying my dog
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Kacey Wong
Class of 2024
Email: wong0539@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: Pacific University, Kinesiology
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific University for a multitude of reasons, and the first reason is because of the education that Pacific has to offer. Professors, faculty, and students promote collaboration and teamwork that is geared towards my success."
Hobbies: Going to the beach, shopping, outdoor sports, hanging out with friends, and watching tv shows
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Class of 2023
Name | Victoria Ball
Class of 2023
Email | ball4513@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Saint Mary’s College of California, Allied Health Science Major and Dance Minor
Hometown | Sacramento, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific because not only is it a great choice academically, but I could tell from my Interview Day that the community here was very close and tight-knit, and that the faculty and current students genuinely cared about our wellbeing and success. I knew PT school would be a challenging three years, and I wanted to be in an environment that was positive and felt like a family!"
Hobbies | Dancing, Lifting, Hiking, Cooking, Embroidery, Reading, Playing Board Games, and Collecting plants!
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Dianna Church
Class of 2023
Email | chur2771@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Pacific University - Exercise Science Integrated Physiology
Hometown | Bothell, WA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific because of the positive and welcoming environment that the faculty, students, and staff create. Everyone truly wants you to succeed and grow not only as a practicing physical therapist but also as a person. I liked the structure of the program and how clinical rotations are interspersed throughout the three years. Along with all of that the PNW is an amazing place to live!"
Hobbies | Running, working out, hiking, finding new coffee shops, baking, and trying new recipes
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Morgan Clark
Class of 2023
Email | clar8235@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Northern Arizona University, Exercise Science and Psychology
Hometown | Issaquah, Washington
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific largely because of how the students, staff, and community made me feel when I came to Interview Day. Oregon is a beautiful state with so many activities to do, both outdoor and indoor. Knowing I could embrace the Oregon lifestyle while learning alongside driven peers and future colleagues reassured me, I was in the right place. The optional elective courses, like Healthcare Spanish and ample clinical experience offered at Pacific were also impossible to overlook. I finally had the “gut-feeling” that everyone had spoken about."
Hobbies | Exercising, cooking, shopping at the farmer’s markets, hiking, and adventuring!
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Codie Conching
Class of 2023
Email | conc9613@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Whitman College, B.A. Art, Biology Minor
Hometown | Honolulu, HI
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "Although I was initially drawn to Pacific because of its reputation amongst therapists I shadowed in Hawai‘i and my love for the PNW, what solidified my decision was being introduced to the incredibly knowledgeable faculty and the friendly, welcoming students. Learning environment has always been important to me and Pacific's DPT program fosters the ideal challenging yet supportive community for me to become a skilled and compassionate physical therapist."
Hobbies | Digital art, volleyball, cooking, trying new eateries!
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Anna Copenhagen
Class of 2023
Email | cope9438@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Colorado, Boulder -- Integrated Physiology and Psychology
Hometown | Pleasanton, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific because of the sense of community I felt. On interview day I saw how much staff and students supported and respected each other and I could tell that community and lifting others up are both highly valued here. International clinical experience options, volunteer service opportunities, and the great faculty also helped me decide on Pacific."
Hobbies | Traveling, baking, watching Netflix, hiking
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Becky Flores
Class of 2023
Email | flor9407@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | San Diego State University, Kinesiology (Pre-PT)
Hometown | Long Beach, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose pacific because it felt like home. It was warm, inviting, and each professor and student I talked to truly seemed to love the program and wanted to get to know me. Each student was extremely happy and had so many things to rave about the program that I knew I had found the place I belonged."
Hobbies | Reading, writing poetry, running, cooking, hiking, exploring new places, growing my plant family, and board games.
PT Student Activities |Student Ambassador
Name | Maddie Foulk
Class of 2023
Email: foul8225@pacificu.edu
Undergrad institution/Major: University of Montana - Exercise Science major, Psychology minor
Hometown: Big Timber, MT
One Reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the strong sense of community, inclusion, and belonging that I have felt since interview day. It was very evident that this program does an amazing job at supporting and caring for each and every one of their students, even beyond the classroom. I immediately felt comfortable and at home when I visited Pacific. I absolutely love this program and would not want to be anywhere else!"
Hobbies: hiking, concerts, finding cute coffee shops/breweries, biking/spin classes, running, traveling, going to the beach.
PT Student Activities: Student Ambassador
Name | Alex Nguyen
Class of 2023
Email | nguy9445@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Hawaii at Manoa - B.S. Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences
Hometown | Honolulu, HI
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because of how friendly the staff, professors, and students were on my interview day and prior. When I first got to campus, I just felt so welcomed and immediately could see myself going to school here for my DPT degree. It honestly felt like a second home with how much accommodations and care they gave to their students. The atmosphere is inviting, and I knew that I would be challenged academically, but also gain so much over my next couple years. Pacific also has such a large variety for their clinical sites and professors are always willing to meet with you to help you succeed."
Hobbies | Hiking, in-door bouldering, trying new restaurants, watching anime, working out, and playing PC/board games
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Bryan Nicol
Class of 2023
Email | nico9401@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Oregon State University, Athletic Training.
Hometown | Beaverton, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "There are certainly a few reasons for having chosen Pacific, but one of the reasons was a combination of the staff and current/former students I had talked to. With the staff, they were all so welcoming and friendly, even during the actual interview. They really made the interview feel more like a conversation rather than the stressful process that it really is. Then they seemed to make a great effort during the rest of the day to talk and get to know everyone. The faculty also have a diverse range of certifications and skills that I feel truly helps meet the goals of making well-rounded clinicians when we graduate as we can learn from therapists from all areas of PT. The students that were at the interview days and open houses all seemed to be a big family, which is also something I really wanted from a program that I would be spending so much time in and around."
Hobbies | Relaxing with friends and family, any athletic activity, going to the coast, hanging out with my wife and new puppy
PT Student Activities | Student ambassador
Name | Rachael Phillips
Class of 2023
Email | phil8997@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Westmont College, B.S. Kinesiology (and a minor in Political Science)
Hometown | Palm Desert, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | There is a strong sense of community at Pacific, between both the students and professors, and I left the interview knowing that I wanted to be a part of it. Everyone is so welcoming and genuinely wants to get to know you! I am also excited for the international clinical site opportunities.
Hobbies | Tap dancing, throwing the javelin, hiking, reading a good book, and drinking tea
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador
Name | Jamie Stalder
Class of 2023
Email |stal4844@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | Pacific University, Exercise Science Integrative Physiology, minor in Disability Studies
Hometown | Steilacoom, Wa
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "One reason I chose Pacific was the community that is fostered not only within each class, but within the program and with faculty as well. The DPT faculty and students make it very evident that we are all here to help each other to learn and grow as student physical therapists, there is no competition once you're admitted. The programs vast number of national and international clinical partnerships is also a plus!"
Hobbies |Hiking, singing, hanging out with dogs, watching Netflix, exploring and eating as much candy/ junk food as possible.
PT Student Activities |Student Ambassador
Name | Caitlin Wade
Class of 2023
Email | wade8230@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Utah, Kinesiology
Hometown | San Luis Obispo, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific after my interactions with faculty, staff, and students on interview day. I knew this program was exceptional, but the best aspect of stepping onto campus was meeting the faculty who are top-notch, genuine, and supportive people. Everybody truly cares about you here at Pacific."
Hobbies | Exercising, Grey’s Anatomy, artsy things, being outside, listening to music
PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador