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 Facebook page to hear from current students and learn about program events.

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 | Amanda Theisen

Class of 2023

Email | thei8227@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Gustavus Adolphus College- Exercise Physiology

Hometown | Saint Joseph, Minnesota

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific for a couple of reasons. First, I was very impressed with the Clinical Education program. Pacific has a lot of connections with clinics near and far. Second, I had a great experience on Interview Day. The faculty and students helping on that day were incredibly welcoming. It felt like home in the first couple of minutes. I grew up in the midwest and had been curious to check out the West Coast for some time, especially Oregon. And the last reason I chose Pacific was because the communication was so good from the administration. I knew when I would be hearing from them, the exact steps I needed to take and how to take those steps."

Hobbies | I love running, doing yoga, hiking, rock climbing, cooking, writing and learning about the human body.

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

Class of 2022

Name | Kelsey Morihara, Lead Ambassador

Class of 2022

Email | mori8094@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Creighton University Exercise Science & Pre-Health Professions major, minor in Theology

Hometown | Waipahu, HI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because the DPT program felt like a welcoming environment with its core values of community, inclusion, and collaboration. Pacific is a place that provides an excellent education and the foundational tools to be a good clinician; one who is competent in the skills and knowledge of the profession to advocate for my patients and treat them holistically. This program has many things on my “list” – a good class size, engaging professors, strong emphasis on evidence-based research, success after graduation, nice facilities, welcoming classmates, and summers off (bonus). I knew Pacific would push me out of my comfort zone, which is where I grow the most. The PTs I shadowed who attended Pacific reminded me a lot of the students at Pacific. The people here at Pacific are intentional about taking the time to encourage me, teach me, and meet me where I am at. The positive experience I had on interview day that made me love Pacific so much, has stayed true to this day.”

Hobbies | Hiking, Going to the beach, Baking, Volunteering with youth, Eat #Foodie

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador

Name | Morgan Aase

Class of 2022

Email | aase5004@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Oregon State University- Kinesiology

Hometown | Hillsboro, OR

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because of the positive and welcoming atmosphere on interview day. I immediately felt at home at Pacific. The faculty genuinely want students to succeed and become the best clinicians possible. I also liked the location and the clinical opportunities." 

Hobbies | Traveling, hiking, working out, watching Netflix, playing board games, and exploring new places

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador

Name | Megan Dalmacio

Class of 2022

Email | dalm1060@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Creighton University, Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions
Hometown | Ewa Beach, HI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because of its reputation for putting out knowledgable AND compassionate physical therapists. Any school can push you academically but I truly feel that what makes Pacific special is its focus on developing you professionally and in your capacity for empathy. I was also thoroughly impressed after my interview day experience. The level of camaraderie among the students and faculty was so encouraging and comforting, especially on such a stressful day. The supportive environment created by the faculty and other students has contributed greatly to my successful transition into graduate school.

Hobbies | Cooking, Hiking, Find New Coffee Shops, Watching Korean dramas, Trying New Restaurants

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador

Name | Alysse M. Charlesworth

Class of 2022

Email | char5191@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Dickinson State University - B.A. Exercise Science and Double Minor in Dance and Coaching 

Hometown | Glendive, MT

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because of the faculty. Everyone from upper classmates to staff members has been welcoming, supportive, and passionate. The faculty truly cares about the individual. They want you to succeed and are committed to helping students achieve their goals. It is also inspiring having a campus dedicated to health professionals. I enjoy interacting with other healthcare students through Pacific’s interprofessional model of learning. It has helped me develop an understanding of each profession and where collaboration can happen. As healthcare professionals, we have the power to work together and improve people’s quality of life.

Hobbies | Dance, Track and Feild (Triple Jump/High Jump), Cross Country, Any and all outdoor activities 

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador, APTA member

Name | Ryan Herold

Class of 2022

Email | hero5042@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Oregon, Human Physiology

Hometown | Beaverton, OR

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific's DPT program for the friendly atmosphere, international clinical rotations, and incredible faculty.

Hobbies | Backpacking, kayaking, mountaineering

PT Student Activities | PT Student Ambassador, Social Chair

Name | Jordan Mason

Class of 2022

Email | maso5498@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate Institution and Major | San Diego State University, Kinesiology

Hometown | San Diego, CA

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose to attend Pacific University after the experience I had on interview day. The program came across to me as a place that wanted to get to know all of their students. A place to help us grow into the individual therapist we will become one day. The smaller campus size and the “open door” policy help to make the program feel like more of a community to me. 

Hobbies | Going to the beach, finding new breweries/restaurants, going to the gym, binge watching netflix, and traveling to new places.

PT Student Activities | PT Student Ambassador, Social Chair

Name | Sydney Neumann

Class of 2022

Email | reyn4951@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate Institution and Major | George Fox University, Exercise Science 

Hometown | Lodi, CA

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because of the opportunity to collaborate with students from other healthcare disciplines and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded physical therapists. Everyone I interacted with on interview day was genuinely passionate about the profession, which made me even more excited to be a PT student at Pacific!

Hobbies | Dancing, running, cycling, and trying new coffee shops 

PT Student Activities |  Pacific DPT Student Ambassador, APTA Core Ambassador for Oregon, APTA-Oregon Student Leadership Committee, APTA-Oregon Government Affairs Committee, American Physical Therapy Association, and APTA-Oregon member

Name | Ryan Uyeno

Class of 2022

Email | uyen4842@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Santa Clara University, Finance

Hometown | Honolulu, HI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "One reason I chose Pacific was because of their commitment to developing their students into well-rounded professionals and skilled clinicians.  I have both experienced first hand and been inspired by the positive impact that Pacific's DPT alumni have had in my home community." 

Hobbies | Basketball, spin workouts, hiking, playing with my family dog, reading, trying new local restaurants and breweries

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador, Class Treasurer, APTA Member 

 

Name | Annie Volk

Class of 2022

Email | volk4955@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, Exercise Science & Spanish Minor

Hometown | Hudson, WI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because of the welcoming and caring atmosphere the students, professors, and overall campus provided during interview day and through emails. I also liked the structure of the program and additional experiences offered such as volunteer opportunities, international clinical experience sites, and healthcare Spanish elective courses." 

Hobbies | Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, cake decorating, cooking, Netflix, and exploring new places

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador, Student Assembly Service and Outreach Coordinator, APTA member

Class of 2021

Cody Lim

Class of 2021

Email | lim7815@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science

Hometown | Waipahu, HI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "One of the main reasons I chose Pacific University was because of the professional interactions between students across the different years along with the professors. Camaraderie is a big thing, the professors do their best to help students understand and prepare to be future physical therapists, while students help support each other in and out of the classroom."

Hobbies | Photography, Volleyball, Running, Hanging Out, Hiking, Eating, Video Games (when there is time)

PT Student Activities |  Student Ambassador 

Kera Akiyama

Class of 2021

Email | kera.akiyama@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Northern Arizona University, Chemistry and Exercise Science

Hometown | Hilo, Hawaii

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because of their exceptional reputation as a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Pacific Northwest."

Hobbies | Soccer, hiking, adventuring, photography, and eating good food!

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador, Intramural Soccer

Maile Altier

Class of 2021

Email | maile.altier@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | Oregon State University - Kinesiology

Hometown | Lahaina, HI

One Reason I Chose Pacific | "I chose Pacific University because of how accepted and welcomed I immediately felt by the faculty and current students. I also loved that the campus is just made up of professional health programs and that interacting with students within different programs is built into our curriculum.”

Hobbies | Hiking, working out, hanging out on the coast, listening to podcasts, cooking, and exploring new places

PT Student Activities | Student Ambassador, APTA & OPTA member

Drew Hamm

Class of 2021

Email |  hamm7451@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution and Major | University of Idaho / Exercise Science and Health

Hometown | The Dalles, OR

One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because of the commitment the staff and faculty make to their students, to help them succeed in school and become the best Physical Therapist they can be

Hobbies | Hiking, camping, adventuring, baking/cooking, boating, snowboarding, reading, spending time with family & friends

PT Student Activities |  Student Ambassador, APTA member