Meet the 2014-2015 PT StuCo Board

We are very excited about our 
PT StuCo Board for 2014-2015! 
We interviewed each board member so that you could get to know them a little bit. 
Read on to meet some pretty great leaders!

President 

Kaitlyn Fraser

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

I wanted to be a member of the PT StuCo board because I thought it would be a great way to get more involved in the profession.  I used to be involved in various activities on the main campus during my undergrad years, but I figured that I would try to get more involved on the medical campus since I spend the majority of my time here.  This is my second year being on the executive board for PT StuCo and I have loved being a part of it.  I have gotten to work with a lot of different people and faculty members and I think that the experience is invaluable to my future career as a physical therapist.

2. What is your hometown?

Oak Forest, Illinois

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

Currently, the Soulard farmer’s market is my favorite spot because I love shopping for fresh fruits and veggies on Saturday mornings, but that will probably change as I continue to explore more of the city.

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

I became a Billiken because of the opportunities I was offered at SLU and the Program in Physical Therapy, in particular.  Out of the schools I applied to, SLU's PT program was the only 6 year, direct-entry program that encouraged students to study abroad and made it so easy for us to do so.  I was also excited about the fact that I could have a Spanish minor because I really enjoyed taking Spanish classes through high school.

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

Unlike most of my classmates, I never experienced an injury that required me to go to physical therapy.  I think I just kind of stumbled upon the idea one day.  I've always known that I wanted to do something in the medical field that would allow me to interact with patients.  I explored a few options, but after a few months of volunteering at a local hospital's outpatient clinic, I was set on the idea of becoming a physical therapist.

VPs of Programming
Kayla Grome

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

I became a PT StuCo board member because I saw it as a great opportunity to get to know more of the SLU PT community.  I have already been able to interact with many faculty members and have gotten to know some great PT students that I might not have met otherwise. 

2. What is your hometown?

Cincinnati, OH

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

My favorite spot in St. Louis is of course food related!  My favorite restaurant is Bailey's Range downtown.  They have THE best burgers and milkshakes.

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

I choose SLU not only for the highly rated Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, but for the beautiful campus, great city location and that 'SLU atmosphere' that we all know and love.  The overwhelming sense of community rooted in Jesuit values, campus involvement and school spirit is enough to win anyone over. Upon a single visit, I knew that SLU was the place I can thrive.  

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

As unoriginal as it sounds, ever since I was little I wanted to be a doctor.  It took me a little while to figure out that PT was the best fit for me.  After having experience with PT through sports related injuries throughout high school and researching the profession, I realized that it perfectly combines my love of science and working with people.

Katie Miller 

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

 I wanted to join the PT StuCo board in order to get more involved in the PT program. With my experience attending meetings so far, there are so many opportunities to get involved, complete service, and get to know the PT faculty and students through PT StuCo. Being a board member is also great because the things that we do and ideas we generate are truly up to us, so we get to focus on the things that we are most interested in!

2.  What is your hometown?

My hometown is Edwardsville, IL (about 30 minutes northeast of STL)

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

My favorite spot in STL is definitely Forest Park, especially the zoo and the Muny!

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

I became a Billiken not only for the great PT program and the fact that my mom is a SLU alum, but also because I love the urban campus and being surrounded by all the great people I have met who truly want me to succeed. 

5. Why did you want to become a PT?

 I wanted to be a PT because I love working with, helping, and teaching others. I was also drawn to the profession because of my background with dance. As a competitive dancer growing up I was always fascinated with the way that the body moves and works, so PT seemed like the perfect career path to take.

VPs of Service

Martin Schmitt

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

What inspired me to become a member of the PT StuCo board was the opportunity to work with other students in the PT program, as well as the faculty, to facilitate student involvement and relationships by promoting PT events and hosting meetings during the academic year. 

2. What is your hometown?

My home town is Darien Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, smack dab between Downtown and Naperville. 

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

My favorite spot in St. Louis is just about anywhere I can run to, particularly Forest Park. Being able to run there and all around it during the week is a great stress reliever! From the changing colors in season to the exotic animals at the zoo, it couldn't be more perfect the way it is. 

4.  Why did you become a Billiken?

I became a Billiken because of the great disposition that SLU has. The kind nature and vibrant energy of the students and faculty at this University presents a welcoming and charming community. Having an urban campus that is beautiful and active, along with a well versed culture, are exceptional characteristics that captured my interest. 

5. Why did you want to become a PT?

 I want to become a PT because I've always had a desire to be of service and help others. From sports injuries to helping friends with their PT exercises, I became interested in the mechanics and healing processes of the human body. After visiting on PT Admitted Student Day, I yearned to experience the opportunity to challenge myself in a program that would allow me to acquire a remarkable education and see personal growth through my experiences at SLU.  Also, I frequently injure myself one way or another, so hopefully I'll educate myself on how to avoid my past!

Dalton Greyerbiehl

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

One of the main reasons I joined PT StuCo is that I wanted to get involved. After attending a few events, such as the Turkey Bowl and massages at dance marathon, I knew that I wanted to be part of the executive board. Not only is it a great way to get involved with activities on campus, but it is a great way to meet classmates in the other PT classes. 

2. What is your hometown?

Birmingham, Michigan

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

Busch Stadium/ The Arch

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

When I first visited campus, I immediately fell in love. Everything from its beautiful campus to its great location was extremely appealing. Something that really stood out to me were the people. Everyone I met on campus was incredibly nice and outgoing. Not only did they make me feel at home, but they made feel like I was already part of the community. 

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

One of the main reasons I want to be a physical therapist is because it involves helping others. Throughout high school, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping others in someway. After having physical therapy a few times, I knew it was the right field for me. Not only does it involve helping others, it also promotes fitness and a healthy life style, something that is already a big part of my life. 

VP of Fundraising

Jackie Bynes

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

I've loved being a PT StuCo member for the past two semesters, and I wanted to be even more involved in the club.

2. What is your hometown?

My hometown is Chicago, IL.

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

I would have to say Forest Park.  It's a great place to go for a run, or just hangout with friends.

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

I love everything about SLU!  Everyone here is so friendly, the campus is beautiful, the academics are great, and much, much more!

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

I went to a physical therapist when I was younger, and I really loved seeing what they do and how they help people.  I found the job to be very rewarding and saw how much they had helped me during my recovery process.  This experience inspired me to pursue a career such as PT, where I can help people too.  I also love the options available for physical therapists.

Secretary

Alison Finan

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

I love the PT community and wanted to be apart of furthering and strengthening our community.   

2. What is your hometown?

St. Louis, Missouri

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

Nothing better than a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium :) and Webster Groves (suburbs girl at heart).

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

The awesome PT Program and the great sense of community!

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

My mother is my ultimate inspiration in becoming a physical therapist. Although she is an occupational therapist, her input and care towards her patients stands out to me. I hope to not only restore function and improve mobility, but to hold that firsthand contact with patients. I hope to instill a sense of confidence in patients and help them gain/regain the strength they are missing to improve their quality of life.

Treasurer 

Rochelle Reyes

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

PT StuCo would always get me pumped about becoming a physical therapist. I get so happy when I see us bonding as a collective group of PT students, from freshman to PYs. I wanted to be on board to help get others excited about what we can do when we come together.

2. What is your hometown?

Sugar Land, Texas: A suburb of Houston. 

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

Target, The UrbanOutfitters sales rack at the Galleria, and the Quad hammocks (when we have beautiful weather).

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

 In deciding what I wanted to study in college, I narrowed down my interests to Theology and Physical Therapy. Since SLU is mega-strong in both departments, I knew this was the place for me. I also love our campus, and I wanted to get a taste of all four seasons (instead of Houston's year-round heat).

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

Growing up, I ended up considering every other medical profession besides physical therapy, but none of the other professions fully hooked me. When I finally decided to look into physical therapy, I fell in love. As both a geek and a dancer, physical therapy combined my love for science with with interests in movement. And since both my parents are physical therapists, I guess it's in my blood too.

Additional Members

Nicole Becker

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board?

    I wanted to become a part of PT StuCo to get more involved in the program.

2. What is your hometown?

    St. Charles, MO

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

    Forest Park

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

  The PT program here :)

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

To help make a difference in someones life by getting them back to functioning in their daily lives.

Mike Gentile 

1. What inspired you to be a member of the PT StuCo board? 

I wanted to become a member of PT STUCO board because I wanted to immerse myself in the physical therapy field right away.

2. What is your hometown?

Orland Park, Illinois

3. What is your favorite spot in STL?

My favorite spot in Saint Louis is the turf field on Vanderventer. 

4. Why did you become a Billiken?

I wanted to be a Billiken because of the friendly and welcoming environment that SLU provides.

5.  Why did you want to become a PT?

 I wanted to be a physical therapist because it is a job that I can help to alleviate people's pain, while promoting good health.