SLU PT Student Organizes Physical Therapy Workshop in Madrid

SLU PT Study Abroad Opportunity - Madrid, Spain
by Nina Valaitis, DPT Class of 2021

I recently organized a physical therapy workshop with one of the SLU-Madrid dance instructors who is a PT. SLU PT students had the opportunity to go to a physical therapy clinic that specializes in treating performing arts patients including professional dancers from The Lion King and other musicals in Madrid.

The workshop focused on lateral ankle sprains, including a biomechanics review, observation of lateral ankle sprain treatment, and manual practicals between students using manual techniques, taping, and mobilizations. It was a great way to see a unique specialization as well as experiencing how the profession is different in Spain!

I am looking forward to coming back to SLU and starting to take more classes related to the PT profession!!

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Student study abroad experiences. Because of its unique format, the SLU PT program gives students the ability to study abroad the fall of their junior year. For more information about study abroad experiences at SLU go to: http://www.slu.edu/study-abroad.

Nina Valaitis, Alexis Ardovitch, Kathryn O'Brien, Hannah McGrath, Kelly Schweikert, Katie Fredrickson, Cass Goldner, Marley Coughlin, Morgan Fleming, Ryan Blechle, Katie Maus, Annie Mathy, Jessica Garland, Jimmy Harlan, and Amanda Ng all attended the workshop which was held on two separate dates. 

Photos submitted by Nina Valaitis and Alexis Ardovitch.


This event was not SLU-Madrid affiliated.

SLU PT Student Albert Marban Named as Honoree of Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Spotlight - Cheryl L Cavallo Memorial Scholarship

by Albert Marban (DPT Class of 2018)

My parents had dreams for a better life, which is why they migrated to the United States from Guerrero, Mexico. Their sacrifice to come to a country of vast opportunity has opened a door of knowledge for me in the realm of Physical Therapy. I am looking forward to sharing the knowledge I have gained from my SLU PT peers and professors with the people of Belize at the Hillside Health Care International in Punta Gorda. It's always been a goal of mine to share the knowledge I have gained from great people with individuals who come from a similar background as my parents. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to achieve this goal and learn from the people of Belize as well. A sincere thank you to the Cheryl Cavallo scholarship committee. I look forward to representing Cheryl Cavallo; who accomplished so much for her community, SLU and more importantly patients and individuals.

Cavallo Scholarship Honorees Tessa Fate and Albert Marban 

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the 16th Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K (register here) or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013. She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years. She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate. All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.

SLU PT Student Grows Clinical Skills and Cultural Understanding in Belize

Service Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
by Tessa Fate (DPT Class of 2018)

The Cheryl Cavallo scholarship allowed me the opportunity to complete an amazing four week clinical rotation in Belize, treating a diverse and underserved patient population and learning about the public health concerns that this country faces. I grew so much in my cultural understanding of the country as well as in my development as a physical therapist. 

Tessa Fate and Natalie Lynch presenting to other students during their clinical rotation  

I’m so grateful for this unique experience and this scholarship that made it possible in the first place, and I wish the same growth and opportunity for other students.

Cavallo Scholarship Awardees Tessa Fate & Albert Marban

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K each year or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013. She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years. She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate. All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.

OPTIM COMT Course Coming to SLU!

The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy and the SLU - SSM Health Physical Therapy Residency want you to know about the following course series offered by Optim Manual Therapy. This course series is to take place over six weekends on the beautiful Saint Louis University campus. With successful completion, participants can earn a Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT).

Course #	Module	Comments	Dates
1	Foundations I	Patient handling and interview concepts, indications/ contraindications, biomechanics, review of systems, organ and joint palpation, intro to common manipulations, intro to imaging, muscle length and strength testing	Nov 18-19, 2017
2	Foundations II	Patient education, persistent pain, exam of joint, common manipulations, functional movement analysis, imaging	Jan 27-28, 2018
3	Lumbar Spine	Lumbar anatomy and prevalence, lumbar exam, palpation, evaluation, manual therapy techniques, exercise, SIJ anatomy, exam, and treatment, peripheral nerve entrapments	March 24-25 2018
4	Lower Quarter	Hip, knee, foot/ankle: foundation, exam/eval, treatment, lower extremity palpation and nerve biasing, intro to hip movement system impairments, LQ exercise	June 2-3, 2018
5	Cervical Spine	Cervical and thoracic foundations, anatomy, biomechanics, differential diagnosis, exam, cervical and thoracic manual therapy and exercise, intro to cervical movement system impairment and repeated motions	July 28-29, 2018
6	Upper Quarter and Thoracic Spine	Shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist: foundation, exam/eval, treatment, upper extremity palpation and nerve biasing, intro to shoulder movement system impairments, UQ exercise	Sept 29 - 30, 2018

Learn more at http://www.optimfellowship.com/

SLU PT Director of Clinical Education Enjoys Memorable Time Spent at Pro-Bono Clinic

Pro-Bono Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
by Carol Beckel, PT, PhD, Director of Clinical Education

This was my 11^th trip to Belize and my 9^th opportunity to volunteer at Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). My time at HHCI is always special and allows me the opportunity to return to my roots as a physical therapist. It also provides me the opportunity to be a clinical instructor (CI) which is my passion now for nearly 25 years. This year was special as I was the CI for two SLU PT students.

Tessa Fate and Natalie Lynch (DPT Class of 2018) presenting to other students on the differential diagnosis for patients of back pain in the clinic during their time at Hillside Health Care International

In my role as the Director of Clinical Education, I review the progress of students in the clinic from afar. It is an incredible opportunity to witness the growth of confidence and skill in students first-hand.

Natalie Lynch, Tessa Fate, and I at the conclusion of a mobile clinic in Otoxha, a village 50 miles from the Hillside Health Care International campus.

This year was also unique as I helped close out the term as rehab director for another Billiken, Carley Kirsch, PT, DPT. I was privileged to be on the ground as she started in this role and at the end of her term.

HHCI Rehabilitation Director Carley Kirsch PT, DPT presenting to students on the Community-Based Rehab program at Hillside Health Care International in her role as Rehab Director

HHCI is my 2nd home and it is always a wonderful experience to be back working side-by-side with the incredible staff and volunteers that provide excellent patient care in the Toledo District.

Carol Beckel with Amira, Rehab Tech at Hillside Health Care International 

SLU PT Student Discovers Opportunities Through Collaborative Health Care in Jamaica

Service Trip Spotlight - Jamaica
by Bailey Flynn (DPT Class of 2019)

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to spend ten days in Jamaica participating in an intensive physical therapy camp benefiting individuals who had recently suffered from strokes. I was paired with another PT student from a different university and together we created and implemented an individualized treatment plan for our patient in collaboration with experienced clinicians. Treatment days consisted of various stations focusing on improving proprioception, gait, and strength along with some group activities and home visits. I got to practice my clinical reasoning and other skills I had learned in my PY1 year, in addition to learning techniques or other interventions that I had not previously been exposed to.

This experience, though, did not come without its challenges. There were points during the week where I doubted my abilities to really make an impact, as I was the least experienced student since others were at least PY2s. However, through collaborative efforts and conversations with both other students and clinicians, I was able to quiet those doubts and focus on what I could contribute which ended up being more than I thought. Regardless of experience level, students or clinicians all have different perspectives to bring to the table, which when shared ultimately leads to better patient care.

The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing the progression of our patient. After just a week and a half, these improvements in not only our patient but also all the patients attending the camp were incredible, and I feel fortunate to have shared in that experience. I would 100% recommend that other PT students go on an international clinical experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to rise to new challenges while getting to collaborate with students and clinicians from all over the country. I hope you all have the chance to take part in some kind of international experience because I know my own experience in Jamaica changed the way I look at my future in physical therapy, and it might just change how you, too, see your role in this world.

To learn more about the stroke camp, visit their website: http://www.friendsoftheredeemer.org/

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have participated in service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.

SLU PT Student Gains New Perspective During Service Oriented Clinical Internship

Service Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International

by Lexi Modglin (DPT Class of 2018)


The Cheryl L Cavallo Memorial Scholarship allowed me the life-altering opportunity to travel to Belize for a clinical internship at Hillside Health Care International. Hillside is a health care clinic that provides medical, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitative care to underserved individuals throughout Belize's Toledo District.

One of the many impactful components of this experience was the exposure to such a diverse population clinically. Hillside provides the only rehabilitation in the district, so we treat patients post-stroke in their homes, month old babies for clubbed feet, and walk-in patients with postural dysfunction all during the same day. 

Through my time in Belize as a student physical therapist I gained new skills and new perspective. I am grateful to Cheryl L Cavallo's legacy of clinical care and service, and all those who help contribute to her scholarship fund.

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the 16th Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K (register here) or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013.  She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years.  She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate.  All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.  

SLU PT Student Enjoys Immersive Experience on Service Trip in Belize

Service Trip Spotlight - Seine Bight, Belize
by Brea Masching (DPT Class of 2019)

This summer, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the culture, friendships, and hospitality of Seine Bight, Belize. I was lucky enough to be invited by Mary Jo Davenport, PhD, PT  to join her on a mission trip where we served the people of Seine Bight in a variety of ways. We spent our time in the mornings teaching the local children in Vacation Bible School where we shared stories, sang songs, and danced like nobody was watching. We then spent the afternoon hours performing home health visits where we were welcomed into the homes of the villagers, a great privilege in Garifuna culture.

Every aspect of this mission trip was incredibly wonderful and impactful, full of cheerful laughter and meaningful dialogue. I could go on and on about my fondest memories, but I’d like to focus on the home health visits and what our health care team was able to accomplish during our short time abroad.

The people of Seine Bight are living below the poverty line in a third world country, and have little to no access to health care. They have the opportunity to take about a two hour bus ride to a neighboring town whenever pop-up clinics are running, but that requires money and the ability to travel, two things many villagers simply don’t have. Many patients were home-bound because their health did not allow them the ability to descend their home’s stairs, since every home in Seine Bight is raised on stilts to protect them from rising waters. That being said, the need for medical care in Seine Bight is great but the access is essentially non-existent.

This mission trip has been organized by the beloved Miss Sue Dorn for over 16 years through a partnership between St. John Church and the Belize Mission Society, and she helps send wave after wave of health care teams to Seine Bight. Although short in duration, these trips can truly change the lives of the patients we see by providing necessary medication, assistive devices, education, and emotional support. The health care teams take a holistic approach in treating these patients by focusing the treatment on the developmental, physical, and spiritual needs of the villagers. This summer, a nurse was part of the health care team, and we did our best to converge our experience, knowledge, and ideas to best treat our patients.

Our sessions would include monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as educating patients on the importance of their medication and diet. We changed dressings, provided ointment, and cleaned wounds to the best of our ability. We assisted many patients in exercise programs to continue their rehabilitation started by health care teams before us. We even had the opportunity to deliver a donated wheelchair to a sweet girl with cerebral palsy, which was just an incredibly heartwarming experience!

Dr. Mary Jo Davenport and myself implemented an infant massage program, where we taught the mothers of the village the importance of infant massage as well as how to properly perform it. It was a wonderful bonding experience between ourselves, the mothers, and their young children that I hope to have the opportunity to experience again.

I am beyond grateful for this experience, and a piece of my heart remains with the people in Seine Bight. I was able to learn from the health care team regarding physical therapy and general patient care, but in reality I learned so much more than that. I learned all about the Garifuna culture, the people I met, the village I served, and I even learned a lot about myself. It was such a special experience, and I’d like to take this moment to advise you, if you’re even slightly considering joining a mission trip or attending a clinical experience abroad, to go for it! It is a life-changing and eye-opening experience that you simply shouldn’t pass up if given the chance.

For more information regarding the mission trip to Seine Bight, you can visit:

Belize Mission Society http://www.belizemissionsociety.net/

St. John’s Church http://www.stjstl.net/next-steps/serve/short-term-mission-trips/seine-bight-belize/

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have participated in service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.

SLU PT Student Uses Scholarship to Build Clinical Skills While in Perú

Service Trip Spotlight - Physical Therapy in Perú

by Clarine Stephens (DPT Class of 2019)

The Cheryl Cavallo Scholarship gave me the opportunity to experience physical therapy in a culture completely different from my own. Through the Scholarship, I stayed in Piura, Perú for 3 weeks treating patients in a clinic with a Peruvian physical therapist while learning so much about how culture and society there impact quality of care and access to treatment. I also had the opportunity to treat patients in a hospice, interpret pediatric appointments between an American physician and her patients, and teach massage techniques to cosmetology students at a trade school.

My clinical application skills and my ability to communicate effectively in Spanish improved immensely, both of which will be very useful for me in my professional career. I couldn’t be more grateful for the SLU Program in Physical Therapy and the Cavallo Scholarship for providing me the opportunity to experience all that I did in Perú!

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the 16th Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K (register here) or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013.  She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years.  She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate.  All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.  

SLU PT Students Enjoy Engaging with the Community at the North County Back 2 School Fair

SLU PT students Brea Masching and Christina Vivit (DPT Class of 2019) were invited to do a table presentation at the back to school health fair in North County on Thursday, August 10, 2017.

The Community Resource Fair - Back to School Edition is an annual event that includes free health screenings, a backpack giveaway event, children's activities, and workshops from community partners.

Christina and Brea presented together and made handouts on injury prevention in sports for kids and teens, the importance of mental health, concussions in the pediatric population, playground safety, and adaptive sports for kids with disabilities.

Pictured below are some of the handouts they gave out to the community.

They ran out of handouts not even halfway through the event! People were really interested in the information - especially injury prevention, adaptive sports, and mental health. 

SLU PT Student Focuses on Service - Not Finances - With Help From Scholarship

Service Trip Spotlight - Students Today Leaders Forever

by Kelsi Dilger (DPT Class of 2018)

This scholarship gave me the ability to go out and do the service that I love without having to worry about how I was going to pay for it. It let me put all my focus on helping people, buildings, and gardens get the help that they needed. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I get to provide help to others in need and am eternally grateful for those who contribute to the Cheryl Cavallo scholarship fund and the Hustle for Your Health Run/Walk to make it possible.

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the 16th Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K (register here) or donate directly to the fund. The Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K is in memory of Cheryl Cavallo, a long time faculty member in the Program in Physical Therapy who lost her courageous battle to cancer in 2013.  She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated this event for 11 years.  She lived the Jesuit mission everyday by giving back to those less fortunate.  All proceeds from the memorial fundraiser will benefit the Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to help defray travel costs for students wishing to pursue health care related domestic or international mission trips. For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact Michelle Cohen at mcohen17@slu.edu.

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students who have utilized the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship to finance their service trips. Service is an integral part of the Saint Louis University experience. SLU  is currently #4 on Washington Monthly’s list of universities who participate most in community service. To learn more about service at SLU, visit the Center for Service and Community Engagement website at www.slu.edu/service.  

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elissa C. Held Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS

SLU PT Alumni Spotlight - Elissa C. Held Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS

Adjunct faculty/Assistant Professor; Physical Therapist
Saint Louis University; Mercy Therapy Services - Town & Country
Hometown: Hillsboro, MO
Current Town/City: St. Louis, MO

SLU MPT Class of 2002

Interests, Activities, Clubs, and Professional Organizations
Member of the American Physical Therapy Association; International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists; National Multiple Sclerosis Society Healthcare Advisory Committee; Paraquad Health and Wellness Community Board

Co-chair of the Health Promotion and Wellness Task Force, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy

5th grade girls volleyball coach

I love being active outdoors, especially hiking and paddling.

If you could come back to SLU and teach a class, which class would you like to teach?
I am lucky enough to have done this. I have been assisting in several courses at SLU since 2007 as a laboratory instructor and lecturer. I am excited to be teaching full-time for academic year 2017-2018.

This just in! Elissa Held-Bradford, PT, PhD, NCS, MSCS, has agreed to join us next year in a full-time role for academic year 17/18 to oversee teaching assignments including coordinating Applied Neuroscience, Neurologic Physical Therapy Seminar, Pharmacology, and Neurological Conditions I.  She also will assist in other courses including Patient Management III and Neuropathology.

What was the most valuable lesson — inside or outside the classroom — you learned at SLU?
SLU taught me so many things as a student. One key lesson was communication. I learned the importance of listening and speaking so others feel heard and are respected. This has helped me be a better therapist, educator, researcher, and be a better person.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
To date, being involved with the Health Promotion and Wellness Task Force for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. It is exciting to feel a part of the momentum moving our field forward.
What advice do you have for students getting ready to graduate with their DPT?
You have chosen an amazing profession. Go leave the world a little better than you found it.

This is one of several posts featuring SLU PT Alumni experiences. The Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy wants to recognize the exciting and innovative things our alumni are doing, here in St. Louis and around the world. For more information for and about SLU alumni experiences go to: http://www.slu.edu/alumni-and-donors/.