Joining the DPT Family

Alyssa Anson hired to support Trine's DPT Program

We are excited to welcome Alyssa Anson as our newest team member. Alyssa, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a minor in Professional Sales (Manchester University), is a member of the Admissions Team and the Curriculum Committee helping to select qualified applicants and assist in the ongoing accreditation process. She will also tap into her marketing expertise while communicating with potential students and the community in order to promote Trine's Physical Therapy program.

"I am most excited about all of the relationships I will build here at Trine," Anson said. "My role in admissions allows me to interact with applicants early on and continue to build relationships with them as they become students and alumni. I am also looking forward to promoting the program and finding new ways to effectively communicate the value of being a part of Trine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program."

Expanding our Team

Torrey Christopher, Class of 2021, now a part of the department newsletter production team

First year DPT student, Torrey Christopher joined our newsletter production team this spring and has also begun writing for APTA’s student blog, The Pulse. Torrey, who received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree at Adrian College, also completed a minor in journalism prior to coming to Trine. Torrey was Editor in Chief of The College World (Adrian College’s newspaper publication) and worked at her local newspaper, the Tri County Times (Fenton, MI), while in high school.

“Journalism and writing have always been passions of mine,” Christopher said. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to combine both my love for physical therapy and my love for journalism through writing for our department newsletter and APTA’s The Pulse.”

Read Torrey’s articles for The Pulse.

Director of Clinical Education Hired for New Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Katrina Roach, PT, DPT, CBIS

Dr. Katrina Roach graduated from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and an Associate of Science in PTA. She practiced as a PTA for seven years in an inpatient rehabilitation setting before graduating from the University of Findlay with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Roach has a special interest in treating patients with neurological impairments, and has served as a clinical instructor for dozens of students since 2006.

“The PTA program at Trine University will offer several unique opportunities for students including the potential to earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, integrated classroom work with future colleagues in the DPT program and the surgical technologist program, nationwide clinical internship opportunities, and participation in a pro bono clinic,” said Roach. “There is a high demand for PTA’s in the healthcare field. Trine PTA graduates will have the quality education that allows them to be empowered professionals who make a positive impact in their community through leadership, scholarship, and service. I am very excited to join the esteemed faculty and staff here at Trine University, to be a part of shaping the future of Physical Therapy, and most especially play a role in the development of potential clinicians in this great field."

Connecting the Dots

Second year student, Cameron Buzzard serves as a link between the APTA student board of directors and PT students in Indiana

Second year student, Cameron Buzzard was elected last year as an APTA Core Ambassador. As an ambassador, he relays information from the APTA student board of directors to PT and PTA students in the state of Indiana. Lately, his main focus has been preparing for PT Day at the Indiana Statehouse. 

“Recently, we have been working on gathering and distributing information about the upcoming PT Day at the Indiana Statehouse,” Buzzard said. “In addition, I have been attending meetings with the Indiana APTA board of directors and Student Special Interest Group to learn about various happenings in the state.”

Any students interested in applying to become a APTA Core Ambassador like Buzzard, can contact him with questions at clbuzzard14@my.trine.edu

Trine Graduate Recognized for Delivering Excellent Care

DPT Class of 2017 graduate, Dr. Cole DeVoss was recently recognized by Parkview Health for the excellent patient care he provided.

After a visit to the hospital late last year, Steve Alfano learned he had spinal stenosis and required surgery. Two days after the procedure, Steve was transferred to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Parkview Hospital Randallia, where he began physical therapy. It was there that he met Trine University DPT program graduate Cole DeVoss.

Steve’s wife, Debbie, recently shared with Parkview how Cole inspired Steve to continue working toward his goals and served as a constant source of support for both him and the rest of the therapy team. Debbie explained that, if not for Cole’s endless reassurance and encouragement for Steve to push himself to improve, her husband never would have made it this far.

“Steve and I just wanted to share how much Cole means to us for never giving up on Steve and always encouraging him to do better,” Debbie said.

Cole’s manager, Ann Marie Noll, wasn’t surprised when she heard about Debbie and Steve’s compliments for Cole and the entire care team.

“Cole is amazing, and I’m so proud of the difference he made for this patient,” she said. “He’s extremely dedicated to his patients, and they love him.” She added that Cole, who started with the department as a physical therapy technician as he was finishing school at Trine, recently passed his boards to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

“Our Inpatient Rehabilitation patients can be here for several weeks, and our therapists are dedicated to working hard to get these patients home,” she said. “Cole has a passion for excellent care, and it is apparent to our patients.”

Although Steve still has a long journey to recovery, he has transitioned to outpatient therapy and is thankful for the excellent care he continues to receive.

“Everyone who has helped Steve has been wonderful,” Debbie said. “We couldn't have had better care, and Steve couldn't have done it without all of their help. They have truly touched our lives.”

In an email sent to staff, Parkview Health President and CEO Mike Packnett thanked Cole for his kindness and unfailing commitment to help Steve through his therapy. Parkview Health said Cole represented Trine graduates across the region well by creating a positive experience for this couple.

“It is through your dedication to providing the highest level of care and support that people like Steve are inspired to remain committed to moving forward on their health journey,” Packnett said.

Spotlight on DPT Faculty

Dr. Jenna Encheff elected as President of the Animal Rehabilitation Special Interest Group of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT)

Dr. Encheff committed to a three year term starting in February and will work within AOPT of the APTA to provide a platform for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to educate, promote, and advance the practice of animal rehabilitation and wellness in all state jurisdictions. Congratulations President Encheff and thank you for your service to this growing Special Interest Group.