Student Physical Therapy Association
 |
Amy Tran, Alexis English, Danielle Cardinale, Kristin Sirigano |
The Sacred Heart University Physical Therapy Association is a graduate student funded and operated Organization established by the Physical Therapy students of Sacred Heart University to function as the representative advocate and resource for all members of the Sacred Heart University physical therapy graduate population. The Student Physical Therapy Association shall pursue continuous improvement of all aspects of the graduate physical therapy education and University life experience through open dialogue and constructive and positive interaction within all areas of the University community.
In keeping with the philosophy, overall mission and traditions of Sacred Heart University, the Student Physical Therapy Association shall seek to embrace all physical therapy students and encourage participation and development within Sacred Heart and local communities.
SPTA Officers 2012
Dana Humbert, President – HumbertD@SacredHeart.edu
Dana Humbert is a second-year DPT student at Sacred Heart University. She received her B.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology and a minor in Dance from James Madison University. She was in the midst of applying for her Master’s in speech therapy and deaf education when along came a sport injury that changed not only her gait, but her direction in life. She spent several years taking pre-req courses for PT and applied to the only school she wanted to attend: Sacred Heart. Be still her heart, she was accepted and has been glowing ever since. Dana is thrilled to be a part of the Student PT Association as president and looks forward the upcoming semesters. In her free time, Dana loves racing triathlons, ASL, scrapbooking, dancing, and cheering for the Miami Dolphins.
Alexis English, Junior External Liaison – EnglishA@SacredHeart.edu
Alexis English is a second year DPT student and is the Senior External Liaison for the Sacred Heart Physical Therapy Program. Originally, from Belmar, New Jersey, Alexis pursued a BS in Exercise Science while participating in the 3+3 DPT program. At Sacred Heart, Alexis was CCO of the Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy clubs where she was involved with various on campus and community based service programs. Currently, Alexis is the Administrative Research Graduate Assistant and a student member of the APTA.
Danielle Cardinale, Secretary – CardinaleD@SacredHeart.edu
Danielle Cardinale is a member of the 2013 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Sacred Heart University. She grew up in Easton, PA and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Marist College in 2006. She has always had a strong entrepreneur spirit and passion for health and wellness. Danielle did not realize her path in physical therapy until 2009, which is when she started continuing her education with prerequisite courses for the DPT program. During her prerequisite studies she worked as a Physical Therapy Aide at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. In addition to her physical therapy studies, Danielle is a martial artist and figure competitor.
Gene Lyons, Treasurer – LyonSe27@SacredHeart.edu
Gene (Geno) Lyons is a second year graduate student from Canton, MA. He graduated from Boston University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Health Science. At BU, he volunteered as a Peer Counselor and played Lacrosse as well as intramural sports. In 2007, he spent a semester abroad in Sydney, AU working as an assistant to the strength and conditioning coach for Sydney’s WNBA team. While abroad he also volunteered as a “physio aide” for the world famous Hawkesbury Canoe Classic event. He took a year off from school and worked as a Personal Trainer at LA Fitness. Geno enjoy sports, traveling, and playing bass guitar when he’s not in school or working. As SHU’s DPT Class of 2013 Jr. Treasurer, he looks forward to working with the administrators as well as his classmates to help make the next few years more financially feasible.
Meredith Kerner, Vice President – kernerm23@sacredheart.edu
Meredith Kerner is a first year DPT student at Sacred Heart University, originally from Floral Park, Long Island, New York. She is a 2010 graduate of Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Services and minor in Healthcare Ethics. During her undergraduate career, Meredith volunteered as a PT Aide at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has a passion for working with children and is looking forward to pursuing a career in pediatrics. In her free time Meredith enjoys coaching a high school girl’s club volleyball team, spending time with family & friends, and spending her summer vacations in Avalon, New Jersey.
Kristin Sirignano – Junior External Liason – sirignanok@sacredheart.edu
Kristin Sirignano is a first year DPT student at Sacred Heart University and is the Junior External Liaison of SHU’s Student Physical Therapy Association. In addition, she is currently the Secretary of the Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) for the Connecticut Physical Therapy Association (CPTA). Kristin is from Clearwater, Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Exercise Science. In her spare time, Kristin likes to spend time with friends and family, explore and experience new places, and stay active. She is very excited about being a part of SPTA and looks forward to her and her classmates’ future within the profession.
Amy Tran, Junior Treasurer – trana@sacredheart.edu
Amy Tran is a first year DPT student at Sacred Heart University, originally from Vietnam. She had moved to the San Jose, California with her family eight years ago to pursue “American’s Dream.” She received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from University of California, Davis in 2010. She worked as a PT-aide at Solano Sport Physical Therapy in Vacaville, CA since her senior year in college until starting PT school. Amy really determines and focuses on everything that she’s doing, and she believes that is the key for success. She loves new adventures, cooking, shopping, and doing community services.
Kelsey French, Junior Secretary – frenchk@sacredheart.edu
Kelsey is a first year DPT student at Sacred Heart University. She is originally from Olympia Washington. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Linfield College in ’09 with minors in Biology and Psychology. Kelsey worked as an aide at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Portland Oregon for two years between her undergraduate and graduate education. Her time in the field has been extremely beneficial in preparation for the SHU DPT program and she enjoys sharing her experiences with her class. Kelsey is happy to be a part of the SPTA team and looks forward to all of the exciting events coming up in the next couple of years. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys hiking, playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.
Pre-Physical Therapy Club
The association's aim is to provide pre-physical therapy students with information on the graduate program, volunteer opportunities and to set up a mentorship with graduate level students.