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/.

SLU PT Faculty Member Dr. Ethel Frese Honored with FAPTA Recognition

Ethel Frese, PT, DPT, MHS, CCS, FAPTA was recognized as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (FAPTA) during the June 22nd Honors and Awards Ceremony at the NEXT Conference and Exposition in Boston.  This is the American Physical Therapy's Association's highest honor.  

In part, the honor recognizes those who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the physical therapy profession.  For those of us who have the distinct pleasure of working with and learning from Ethel, this most meritorious distinction is the fitting tribute to her numerous contributions.  

Congratulations Ethel on this most deserving recognition; we are full of pride.  Thank you for all you have done for our program, department, college, university, and profession.

Ethel Frese, PT, DPT, MHS, CCS, FAPTA

You can learn more about the Catherine Worthingham Fellows of APTA here. According to the APTA, all recipients receive a certificate, lapel pin, and honor cord during the award ceremony during each NEXT Conference and Exposition.

Photos by Tricia Austin, PT, PhD, ATC
Chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

SLU PT Student Focuses on Patient-Centered Care in Jamaica

Service Trip Spotlight - FOR U Stroke Camp

by Kelsey Streiter (DPT Class of 2017)

The Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship gave me the opportunity to travel to Jamaica to participate in an intensive, week long "stroke camp" that benefited individuals whose lives had been altered by neurological injury. I spent my time in Jamaica in the hillside, collaborating with therapists and students to create individualized treatments for the week. In the end, I was able to gain invaluable experience as a student and watch the participants grow and regain function while making memories with amazing people that will last a lifetime. 

Cheryl L. Cavallo, PT, Ph.D.

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.

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.