Scholars - Rizing Tide

Rizing Tide Scholars

To combat the lack of diversity in the physical therapy profession, the Rizing Tide foundation annually supports a group of high-achieving individuals who are pursuing a career as a physical therapist and who come from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Crest Scholars

Rizing Tide annually awards the Crest scholarship to first- or second-year DPT students who are pursuing a DPT degree either part-time or full-time.

Learn About Crest

2023 Scholarship Winners

DaNya Raelynn Horne

University of Southern California

DaNya Horne is a first year DPT student from Omaha, Nebraska. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Medical at Xavier University of Louisiana. Her love for physical therapy first began when completing an internship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. DaNya worked in their biomedical engineering lab, collaborating with Eureka! Of Girls Inc. Omaha to work on prosthetic functions. She also personally received physical therapy in her sophomore year of high school to help improve her patellar tendinitis. She enjoyed attending physical therapy and loved the interactions she had with her health care providers. DaNya was accepted into Xavier's early assurance program in partnership with the University of Southern California where she will spend her next three years of learning. DaNya is excited to learn about the different specialties within physical therapy and how she can contribute to and restore health support for marginalized communities.

Emmanuel Noye

North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy

Before settling in Chicago at the age of eight, Emmanuel “Manny” Noye was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, in a family that spoke three languages. Manny began to discover an interest in physical therapy after accompanying a close friend suffering from a TBI to their PT session, and discovering the healing power of movement. Also, growing up as an athlete with exposure to various injuries made him pay heed to the body’s ability to heal itself. Currently, Manny is pursuing a DPT degree at North Central College where he is a representative for the program’s DEI committee. He is passionate about empowering others and assisting them in fulfilling their potential. Manny’s top specialty area interests include sports, orthopedics, and pediatrics. However, he is open to exploring all specialties in his pursuit to becoming an excellent clinician.

Veoletta Range Dyer

University of Central Florida

Veoletta Range Dyer is a second-year DPT student at the University of Central Florida. After earning a BS in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy with a minor in Dance from Duke University, her love of anatomy and dance led her to pursue an MFA at Florida State University with an additional concentration in Dance Science. While at FSU, she worked as a graduate assistant where she taught pilates, assisted with physical therapy consultations, and helped condition and rehabilitate dancers. During this time, Veoletta discovered that she thrives in deciphering and designing programs tailored to an individual’s unique needs. Veoletta is delighted to expand her depth of knowledge to help improve patients’ overall health and seeks to foster environments where underrepresented physical therapists and students feel safe, supported, and able to excel.

Sanwal Dilshad

California State University, Northridge

Sanwal Dilshad embarked on his journey to become a physical therapist as a high school sophomore. Enamored by the opportunity to provide care for patients while satiating his passion for the human body, he declared as a Kinesiology major at California State University, Fullerton. Upon graduating in four years with summa cum laude honors, he began his doctoral journey as the youngest member of his cohort at California State University, Northridge. Sanwal is now entering the second year of his DPT program, and has nurtured his passion for DPT leadership and advocacy as a committee member for the CPTA, connections chair for CASSIG, CSUN DPT’s student representative to the annual state conference, and co-president of his cohort.

Georgina Janet Orozco

San Francisco State University

Georgina Orozco is the first of her family to graduate from college and attend graduate school. She was inspired to pursue physical therapy after her mother’s spinal cord injury. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she learned about the disparity minority members face in healthcare and has advocated for her parents and other members of the Hispanic community. Georgina is motivated to make the physical therapy profession more accessible, diverse, and inclusive. She provides guidance for undergraduate students pursuing physical therapy at her alma mater, California State University, Stanislaus, and through her Instagram page, @physical.therapyqa. Georgina is inspired to transform physical therapy and is grateful for the opportunity to achieve her dream of becoming a physical therapist and a leader in her community.

Hana Fakhoury

Northwestern University

Since Hana Fakhoury was a young girl, she knew she had one life goal. She wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to be, but she knew what she wanted to do: She wanted to help people—she wanted to feel for them, and to make them smile. It turns out that this goal wasn’t as easy to attain as she thought it would be. She became the first person in her family to obtain a college education, and graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Kinesiology. Raised by immigrants who worked their absolute hardest to provide her with the life she had, Hana took it upon herself to push as hard as she could in her studies, while also holding multiple jobs to make ends meet and volunteering in her community.

While volunteering with UIUC’s Disability Resources Center, Hana learned exactly where she was meant to be. There, she worked hands-on with students on the wheelchair basketball and track teams, as well as students with cerebral palsy as they attended their physical therapy appointments. The deep passion and commitment she found in her heart, even after her first day, was life-changing. She decided she would do anything it took to devote her career and heart to improving the others’ quality of life. She now attends Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and is set to graduate in 2026.

Josie Cooke

University of Washington

Josie Cooke, a DPT student at the University of Washington, came to physical therapy through their background in clinical research. While completing her MPhil in Clinical Neuroscience at Imperial College London, Josie researched the benefit of custom home-exercise programs for older adults experiencing unexplained dizziness. This experience confirmed her passion for using movement as medicine and empowering patients to return to the activities they love. Josie is very excited to begin their DPT journey at UW and to be part of this cohort of Crest scholars, collectively working to increase BIPOC representation in the PT field.

Natalie El-Zayat

University of Michigan-Flint

Natalie El-Zayat is a second-year DPT student at the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a first-generation college student who spent her childhood moving from continent to continent. She grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, then moved to the Democratic Republic of the Congo before settling in Michigan. Natalie has a passion for pelvic health physical therapy and wants to immerse herself in the field of prenatal care. She majored in Psychology during her undergraduate education and hopes to incorporate mental health management strategies while treating her future patients. She would like to practice in her Arab-American community and advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves due to language barriers.

Marquan Cromartie

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Marquan is a first-year physical therapy student at the illustrious and prestigious Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, under the guidance and care of his loving grandparents, Marquan pushed forward beyond low-income neighborhoods and adversity of many forms with dignity and grace. Now, he serves as a charismatic vessel from which love and light spreads. As a former FAMU football walk-on, he is the epitome of astuteness; he demonstrates hard work, dedication, perseverance, and caring with excellence. Alongside his charming personality and professional career interests, Marquan is also an adept oil painting artist.

Holly Brown

Duke University

Growing up as a child of a physical therapist, Holly’s introduction to the PT field was playing dress up in her mom’s scrubs. Her next encounters were on the patient side as she recovered from bilateral ACL tears. Over time, she saw that physical therapy provided a platform for her to make an impact as an advocate. She pursued this passion of advocacy at Furman University, where she graduated with a BS in Public Health and a BA in Spanish. As an undergrad, several formative experiences—serving as a medical interpreter, becoming a community fitness trainer, and completing a capstone with a non-profit supporting children facing neurodevelopmental delays—solidified to Holly that there was nothing more gratifying than empowering others. She is humbled to be a member of Duke’s DPT Class of 2026 and is committed to a future of centering marginalized voices to improve health equity.

2023 Rizing Stars

Darwin Sandoval

Saint Joseph's University

Darwin Sandoval is a young Mexican-American born and raised in South Jersey. Coming from a hard-working Nayarita background, Darwin attended Stockton University and earned multiple Dean's List awards while completing his BS in Health Science. Working on a blueberry farm as he grew up, Darwin experienced first-hand what strenuous work can do to the body. It was at his mother's physical therapy appointment, however, that ignited his spark and love for PT. Darwin realized how underrepresented Mexicanos were in the field and knew he wanted to become a catalyst for Mexican-Americans to pursue physical therapy. Darwin is a proud father to a beautiful toddler with Down syndrome and is a proud special needs advocate. Currently, Darwin is attending his first year of PT school at St. Joseph’s University. His future goals are to provide quality care to underserved communities and help children as an early intervention pediatric physical therapist.

Karen Joy Dansker

University of St. Augustine

Karen Dansker, a first-year physical therapy student at University of St. Augustine, was first introduced to the PT profession by her grandparents as they struggled with their health while raising her. Coming from a low-income household and acting as a caregiver at a young age, Karen was continuously exposed to different health care settings—and cardiopulmonary left a lasting impression. Seeing the adversities patients overcame gave Karen a unique perspective and drove her to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Karen comes from a sports background, but understands the challenges that are faced physically and mentally on a patient’s journey. While working with various physical therapists, was often reminded that some patients sought care for reasons beyond their physical injuries. These are the unseen reasons that can bring patients into a clinic: internal conflicts and external factors like lacking a support system.

This combination of factors in physical therapy care intrigues Karen and grows her compassion and desire to be that support system. She has witnessed remarkable physical and mental improvements in patients, and she eagerly anticipates contributing to more transformative journeys toward newfound success.

Joel Nweke

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Raised in the border city of McAllen, Texas, Joel Nweke discovered his passion for physical therapy during his medical assistant rotations. After many immersive experiences across various settings of the profession, Joel is now starting his journey as a first-year student at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s physical therapy program. With a dedicated goal of enriching the profession, he is determined to tackle the underrepresentation of minorities by educating others on the importance of diversity and inclusivity—all while upholding the highest standards of patient care.

Elisiah Jones

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Elisiah Jones, a first year DPT student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was raised in Tishomingo, Mississippi (Carter’s Branch). This small town molded Elisiah into the woman she is today. Without a doubt, her younger self would never have imagined herself in this ambiance of life. Her fascination for physical therapy began at the arrival of consecutive family ACL injuries due to basketball. Her mother catalyzed this domino effect, later followed by Elisiah’s sister (twice), three cousins, and eventually Elisiah herself. She underwent extensive rehabilitation for an “Unhappy Triad” injury. Elisiah subconsciously found a love for physical therapy while she helped her sister during her rehab journey—however, that love became consciously evident when Elisiah first embarked upon her own road to recovery.

Graduating magnum cum laude from Alabama State University with a BS in Biology and Secondary Education, Elisiah momentarily took time away from physical therapy and worked as a high school science teacher for nearly two years and a half. After her acceptance into the DPT program at UAB, Elisiah began to follow her passion. Her passion is tied not only to being the best physical therapist possible, but also to increasing diversity in the profession due to the lack of minority representation. She denounces any stereotypes that are placed upon anyone as everyone has a right to be included and empowered despite adversities faced. She believes that proper representation from all strokes of cultural backgrounds will translate into the comfortability, rapport, and general connectedness patients experience in physical therapy. To advocate for these beliefs, Elisiah mentors her former high school students, while also using her voice to express awareness within her cohort, faculty, and staff. She continues to seek opportunities to service her community by volunteering as an underrepresented minority.

Joshua Hubbard

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Josh’s interest in physical therapy sparked early in his childhood. His twin brother, Jashun, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, and older brother, Aaron, sustained a shoulder labrum tear during a football game. Both brothers spent a great deal of time in physical therapy, and young Josh accompanied both of them. As he matriculated into Alabama A&M University while playing sports, Joshua became conflicted about his potential career paths. He received his BS in Biology (due to his interest in sports), but decided to pursue PT after researching the profession, looking back on his life and experiences and recognizing that it would allow him to help different people in different settings—mainly sports and pediatrics.

Josh has a deep passion for mentoring young black men in and outside the world of sports as he has a background in mentoring through after-school programs and coaching as youth and high school football. He believes that his mentorship can inspire young men to chase their dreams and encourage more young black men to become doctors and physical therapists. Josh aspires to open his own PT clinic for children with cerebral palsy and to work in both pediatrics and sports PT.

Nia Ahart

University of Michigan-Flint

Nia Ahart, a native of Detroit, Michigan, completed her undergraduate education at Colgate University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in African-American Studies. Nia played Division 1 basketball and earned a scholarship at both Colgate University and Northern Illinois University. Her dedication, skill, and leadership as a basketball player earned her a starting position and captain recognition.
While sports initially piqued her interest in physical therapy, Nia’s personal experience with PT for a potential career-ending injury ignited her interest. Nia's passion for the field finally cemented when she worked as a PT tech in both outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings. These experiences exposed her to the critical need for equitable access to quality healthcare, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, Nia is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint. She aspires to become a licensed physical therapist, using her knowledge and athletic background to aid individuals in their journey toward recovery and better physical well-being.

Brandon Guerrero

California State University, Northridge

As a first-generation Latino college student, Brandon Guerrero is proud to begin his first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at California State University, Northridge. Working as a science tutor for three years at LA Mission College, Brandon helped his peers excel in their studies and realized that he loved helping others. It was this experience and his passion for learning about human movement that led him to earn his BS in Kinesiology, Exercise Science at California State University, Northridge. He then began to explore the PT profession and eventually started working as a fulltime PT aide at Aspire Physical Therapy in La Cañada Flintridge, CA.

There, he had the opportunity to work side-by-side with amazing physical therapists and witness the positive impact that they had on the lives of their patients. It was his time as a PT aide that helped him solidify his decision to pursue physical therapy. As a future physical therapist, he hopes to increase diversity in the profession by encouraging other first generation students of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds to join the world of physical therapy.

Faith Blanchard-Ludanga

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Faith Blanchard-Ludanga is a second-year student at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. She is also a wife and mother of two energetic boys. After seeing the many health challenges faced by individuals in the refugee community during her time living in Uganda, Faith felt compelled to use physical therapy as a conduit for bettering health outcomes in underserved populations. She hopes bring state-of-the-art health facilities, world-class training, and patient-centered services to those who need it most. She looks forward to using her own physical therapy practice to return dignity and hope to those who have lost both.

Li Chen

Duke University

Graduating from Gettysburg College in 2008, Li Chen is excited to embark on her second career as an evidence-based physical therapist. She has eleven years of experience helping nonprofits make data-driven decisions, which has resulted in winning more than $10 million in grants during her first career. She enjoyed her work as a healthcare research project manager, but became sedentary, ate more recreationally, and developed chronic low back pain. She set out to change this cycle of deconditioning. Her journey started with taking group exercise classes at a local YMCA. A year later, Li began teaching those classes, eventually moving to Los Angeles to become a full-time personal trainer.

Her favorite certification is the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). Growing up with entrepreneurial immigrant parents, Li has continued that legacy by founding a personal training business in West LA. At Duke DPT, Li will find innovative, sustainable collaborations that will allow her to open a PT clinic in an underserved community.

Lytzy Hernandez-Gonzalez

Duke University

Lytzy Hernandez-Gonzalez, a first year DPT student at Duke University, holds many passions near and dear to her heart—including a mission to advocate for access to healthcare. As a first-generation college graduate from University of Georgia, Lytzy holds the honor of being able to shift the experiences that her family has endured into genuine action for advocacy and change. Her Mexican roots and love for her family are embedded into her everyday life as motivation to create a comfortable environment for Hispanic patients where they can trust the holistic healing process.

2022 Scholarship Winners

Crest scholar Brittany Ballentine smiles in front of a river and a city skyline. She's wearing an orange dress and her arms are crossed as she looks into the distance.

Brittany Darnell Ballentine

University of Maryland

Brittany Ballentine, a second year DPT student at University of Maryland, Baltimore, found her passion for physical therapy through her love and passion for dance and movement. Brittany completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Fordham University. While in PT school, Brittany started a community project called B.U.I.L.T by Britt (Building Up Individuals over a Lifetime), where she hosts free community fitness classes to enhance the holistic care of Baltimoreans. She is excited about her PT journey and hopes to make a positive impact in the lives of her future patients.

Oliver Artiga

Northwestern University

Hailing from a working-class background, Oliver studied kinesiology at Occidental College and knew he wanted to leverage his education to work with individuals with physically arduous careers—like his parents. During undergrad, he partnered with campus administration and the facilities department to create a research-based stretching program for campus cleaning staff. The project introduced him to the power of movement as medicine. After graduating, he took a three-year gap year as a physical therapy aide to explore the field. It was a match made in heaven! He is currently excited to be a part of the class of 2025 at Northwestern University’s DPT program where he ultimately hopes to gain the skill to become a physical therapist and research ways to mitigate injury in occupations with high injury risk.

Crest scholar Fiorella Barreda smiles while standing in front of a plain wall. She's wearing a black, long-sleeved polo that says "Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy"

Fiorella Fernandez Barreda

Elon University

Fiorella Barreda was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to Orange County, California, with her family when she was seven years old. While going through the PT application process in 2020, she had to pick between three universities—and finalized her decision based on one of the fundamentals her parents taught her and her siblings: community service. Fiorella is involved with different committees at Elon University’s School of Health Science that allow her to stay aware of the community that surrounds her university and spread awareness of the PT profession. She will begin her second year in January 2023—and she looks forward to learning more about different specializations within physical therapy.

Zahraa Darwich

Wayne State University

Even as a child, Zahraa Darwich knew she wanted to help others through medicine—and when she visited a pediatric PT clinic as a preteen, she realized that she felt called to help people through the power of movement. Since becoming a DPT student at Wayne State University, Zahraa has grown more excited about the field—but sees many opportunities for the physical therapy industry to grow. She’s passionate about educating patients about the benefits of PT and helping more people regain functional health.

Mikaela Renae Holley

University of Alabama at Birmingham

At the age of 17, Mikaela was hit in a head-on car collision by a drunk driver. After completing 12 weeks of extensive physical therapy, she understood firsthand the benefits and positive lifestyle changes that the field of physical therapy could provide to her community. Graduating magnum cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Mikaela went on to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy from her alma mater and is currently attending her second year. Her passion is to encourage others to seek excellence in themselves despite life's challenges. In the U.S., but especially in Alabama, only a small percentage of therapists (less than five percent to be exact) come from an underrepresented racial/ethnic background.

She understands that it is everyone’s duty to recognize and close those gaps, ensuring quality care for all people in all communities. To advocate toward this goal, Mikaela helped found the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists (NABPT), currently serving as the Vice Chair. In this role, she not only advocates for the provision of culturally competent health care services in all communities, but she inspires her classmates, peers, and faculty to do the same. Her dream is to become a certified Women's Health Specialist providing services in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

2022 Rizing Stars

Carolina Mahecha Millan

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

As a first generation immigrant from Cali, Colombia, Carolina never imagined she’d be in the shoes she is today. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in biomedical sciences and a minor in public health while also being the main source of income for herself and her mom. After seeing her mom’s struggles to find a job as an older Spanish woman in an English-dominated country, Carolina knows firsthand how cruel this world can be to people who don’t share the same culture.

Carolina is currently enrolled in the DPT program at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, the #1 public HBCU. She’s surrounded by people who don’t look like her and she wouldn’t have it any other way. As a future physical therapist, she aims to eliminate the gaps in quality and accessibility of care in underprivileged communities.

Crest Scholar Liam Calvin Henson smiles in front of a beige fabric background. He wears a blue t-shirt.

Liam Calvin Odesa Henson

Samuel Merritt University

As a future Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Liam's goal is to broaden the reach of Physical Therapy services through inclusion and education. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community himself, he hopes to educate his community about the benefits of physical therapy. She is currently serving in the leadership team of Bearrison Street Fair in San Francisco and plans to continue to serve throughout her career to keep in touch with the ever-changing needs of her community. Furthermore, Liam aims to educate high school and university students about the physical therapy profession using their resources as the 2023 California Student Special Interest Group (CASSIG) president. Even as a DPT, he plans to continue helping students reach their goals of becoming physical therapists by improving advisement and educational resources in schools.

As more individuals in the population learn about physical therapy and its potential, she believes that the profession will have more ideas to improve itself for the years to come. They are also excited that physical therapy has recently incorporated more research and technology in its clinical care. Liam is excited about future technology that will improve patient care. Having more diversity in the profession means more hands on deck to develop these technologies and more ideas to improve the experiences of both patients and physical therapists in the future.

Maya Jones

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Maya Jones’s journey to become a PT began when she was an athlete. During the pre-season of her freshman year of college, Maya injured her right knee. She underwent extensive physical therapy and fell in love with the profession throughout my treatment. As she continued to explore the profession, Maya strayed away from sports physical therapy and fell in love with pelvic floor physical therapy. After graduating summa cum laude from Alabama State University with a BS in Rehabilitation Counseling, Maya decided to continue her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is currently a second-year student who strives to mentor pre-PTs and SPTs and increase diversity in the profession due to the lack of minority representation.

She deeply believes that patients feel more comfortable receiving healthcare from and being treated by providers who look like them and can relate to them—and that those patients are more likely to enjoy, return, and complete treatment. Maya founded (and served as a secretary of) the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists. It is her belief that the more opportunities created for minorities, the greater the chance to inspire them to enter the profession, empowering the entire profession to support this cause.

Erika Gonzalez

Texas State University

Erika's love for mindful movement began when she discovered yoga in 2015. Working at a local yoga studio in Austin, Texas, for three years cultivated this passion, and a personal rehabilitation experience led her to pursue graduate studies in physical therapy. Erika graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. Additionally, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course during her undergraduate studies. After graduating, she spent a year working at a post-acute rehabilitation hospital while applying to physical therapy programs across Texas. Erika was admitted into Texas State University's Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in 2021 and is set to graduate in 2024.

Currently, Erika is a second-year DPT student and the co-founder of the Hispanic Student Physical Therapy Association (HSPTA) at Texas State University. The HSPTA's vision is to promote diversity within the PT profession and offer an enriching experience of the Spanish language for the advancement of accessible health care. The HSPTA officers aspire to evolve the organization into one that provides medical Spanish resources and a sense of community for DPT students and practicing clinicians across the nation. Erika's goals include developing accessible yoga programs for people of all abilities and obtaining a medical translator certification. In her free time, she enjoys camping, reading, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, trying new foods, and teaching yoga.

Said Mendez

Duke University

Said Mendez is from Columbus, NE. He first came to the United States from Mexico with his mother and brother when he was 7 years old. He was first exposed to physical therapy when he took his father to his physical therapy sessions where he helped translate due to the lack of bilingual therapists. Growing up, Said often attended gatherings with his parents and their friends from the meatpacking plant.

Although everyone had a great time, conversations always led to the tough work and the pain in their bodies. However, attending physical therapy was not an option due to their highly demanding work schedules. Furthermore, the lack of Spanish-speaking physical therapists in Said’s hometown made them apprehensive to even attempt to go to therapy. Said eventually attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he completed a bachelors in Athletic Training (AT) and became highly involved in various organizations that gave back to the community and school.

Throughout his AT clinical rotations with various sports teams and high schools, Said also had the opportunity to complete his rotations at various physical therapy clinics. Unfortunately, he still saw a lack of bilingual physical therapists. This further confirmed his desire to pursue physical therapy. During the summer of 2021, he accepted an internship at a physical therapy clinic in Costa Rica where he learned from and aided a physical therapist. While in Costa Rica, Said learned about the Costa Rican healthcare system and improved his Spanish medical terminology. After returning from Costa Rica, Said applied to multiple physical therapy programs and later was blessed to accept an admission offer from Duke.As a first-year at Duke, Said serves on the APTA NCSSIG DEI committee that aims to bridge the gap of various healthcare disparities within the profession. In the future, he looks forward to using his skills and knowledge in physical therapy to effectively bridge the language disparity gap within the Hispanic population.

2021 Scholarship Winners

Ruth Morales-Flores, PT, DPT, CLT

Northwestern University

Class of 2023

Elisha Li, PT, DPT

Washington University in St. Louis

Class of 2023

Ricardo Locci, PT, DPT, CSCS

Northwestern University

Class of 2023

2021 Rizing Stars

Jacqueline Hua, PT, DPT

Northwestern University

Class of 2023

Tyrell McGee, PT, DPT

Regis University

Class of 2023

Surge Scholars

Rizing Tide annually awards the Surge scholarship to graduating physical therapy students or licensed physical therapists who are entering—or have just begun—a residency program.

Learn About Surge

2023 Scholarship Winners

Cortez Espinoza, DPT

Kaiser Permanente Southern California Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency

Cortez Espinoza, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate from Azusa Pacific University, embodies a commitment to education and service. During his graduate studies, Cortez's dedication was evident as he served as a graduate student assistant in orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, and pediatric courses. Cortez's journey toward excellence began at California Lutheran University, where he balanced academics with a passion for sports, playing both football and baseball. His drive extended to research, and he participated in the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, where he honed his analytical skills. Currently, Cortez is embarking on an exciting path, pursuing an orthopedic residency. Beyond his clinical aspirations, Cortez's heart lies in advocating for minority students. He envisions a future marked by diversity in healthcare, education, and political systems, and he strives to empower underrepresented communities and usher in transformative change.

Lena Parker, DPT

California State University, Long Beach Orthopaedic Residency

Lena (she/her) is currently an orthopedic resident at California State University, Long Beach. She was born and raised in southern California, and at the age of 14, she attended the Harid Conservatory: an international boarding school specializing in Russian-style ballet. She danced professionally in Nashville, TN, but retired soon after due to chronic injury and poor athlete support. While she initially saw this as a setback, it fueled her desire to learn more about how she could promote longevity in human performance from a holistic perspective. She received her 200-hour yoga instructor certification in 2011, her BS in exercise science from CSULB in 2019, and then her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in 2022. During her PT school career, she had the pleasure of serving as the co-leader of the Colorado chapter of PT Moves Me, an APTA-led initiative geared towards increasing diversity in the physical therapy workplace. She also served as the president of her cohort. Her hunger for more drove her to attend orthopedic residency back at her alma mater. She strives to be a supporter of her community through meaningful conversations, mindful awareness, and evidence-based practice.

Thomas Samaan, DPT

Northwestern University & Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency

Thomas is a neurologic physical therapy resident at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. After receiving his BS in kinesiology from Texas A&M University, Thomas received his DPT from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Throughout school, Thomas’s love for neurologic physical therapy and gait rehabilitation grew. Specifically, he became fascinated by the intersection between neurorehabilitation technology and clinical care. Thomas’s primary interests lie in the use of brain-computer interfaces for gait rehabilitation and artificial intelligence for knowledge dissemination. After completing independent coursework in these fields, Thomas decided to pursue a neurologic physical therapy residency to improve his leadership, clinical reasoning across the continuum of care, and research experience with the clinical use-cases of this technology. Thomas hopes to use his experience to improve the dissemination of evidence-based practice resources and the accessibility of neurorehabilitation technology in the US and abroad.

2022 Scholarship Winners

Devon R. Morris, DPT

Emory University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program

Devon graduated from Ithaca College with her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Studies and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees upon completing its accelerated six-year program. During her undergraduate years at Ithaca, Devon played for the Women’s Soccer Team and was a Martin Luther King Scholar. Throughout the graduate portion of her program, she also served on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Student Board of Directors and as the first Student Member of the Physical Therapy Journal (PTJ) Editorial Board. Upon graduation, Devon decided to pursue residency training so she could enhance her learning and deepen her understanding of musculoskeletal conditions to offer her patients the best possible care. She is currently completing an orthopedic residency in her hometown through Emory University while she works at the Emory Hawk's Sports Medicine Complex. Devon is passionate about working with athletes and is driven to propel the profession forward through service and research.

Keairez Coleman, DPT

University of Miami Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program

Keairez Coleman is a sports physical therapy resident within the University of Miami Athletics Department. Coleman joined the Hurricanes in July 2022 and will maintain long-term rehabilitative responsibilities and acute injury rehabilitative management for several sports. He will also assist the sports science and strength and conditioning staff when needed. Prior to arriving in Miami, this Mississippi native received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. Coleman also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology pre-medicine from the Xavier University of Louisiana as a student-athlete. Additionally, Coleman interned as a seasonal physical therapist with the Los Angeles Sparks women’s basketball team. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist via the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Blood Flow Restriction Therapy provider, and a USA Track and Field certified level one coach. Keairez plans to use his experiences to create opportunities for people of color and increase diversity in the profession of physical therapy.

Bridget Ochuko, DPT

Washington University Residency in Women’s Health

Bridget is a newly licensed pelvic floor physical therapist who’s completing a residency program at Washington University in St. Louis. Bridget was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and began her physical therapy journey at Emory University. Throughout her time there, Bridget realized her passion for treating pregnant people and exploring the practice of pelvic floor physical therapy. This passion exploded when Bridget decided to get her MPH while at Emory, completing their dual degree MPH/DPT program. During this program, Bridget learned about the disparities in maternal health present within the country—particularly within her state. Bridget began pouring all of her time and energy into learning how to create programs surrounding increasing access to care for Black birthing people and investigating how PTs could have a major impact on maternal morbidity and maybe even ultimately mortality. In doing so, Bridget was able to connect with a number of incredible pelvic floor PTs throughout the country who were all passionate and interested in increasing access to these marginalized communities.

Today, Bridget is thoroughly enjoying becoming an expert in pelvic floor PT and incorporating her yoga and meditation training into her therapy sessions. She’s also planning to become a doula to provide holistic care to her patients. Her ultimate goal is to increase access to this type of specialized care throughout the continuum of pregnancy and postpartum to all of her patients and future clients, particularly those who are marginalized within our society.

2021 Scholarship Winners

Stephon Moise, DPT

AdventHealth Orlando Orthopedic Residency Program

Stephon is a newly licensed physical therapist. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Central Florida and is completing an orthopedic residency program for specialty certification with AdventHealth. He spends his time staying active by playing soccer with friends and he enjoys treating lower extremity injuries of the hip, knee, and ankle.

Uzair Mohammad Hammad, DPT

University of Central Florida and Orlando Health Neurologic Residency Program

Uzair was born in Pakistan and raised in Miami, Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's in human performance and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Upon graduating, he immediately pursued residency training with an emphasis on Neurologic Rehabilitation—and what a journey it has been. He has grown tremendously since graduating and starting residency (both professionally and personally), and he is beyond grateful that he pushed himself to pursue this path...

Believe it or not, he was the student who wasn’t accepted into a DPT program on his first attempt (and he applied to many). However, he truly believes that struggle, hardship, and pressure can turn the tiniest piece of coal into the most precious diamond—and he's grateful be the coal who transformed himself into something better. He strives to see challenging experiences as opportunities rather than "punishments'' and this mindset has shaped him to become a self-driven, inquisitive, and empathic person who strives to do right by his patients and fellow human beings.

His research interest and passion lies in successfully fulfilling the gaps and overcoming the barriers neurological patients face on a daily basis. He hopes to one day develop an affordable and effective means of access to physical therapy for patients who are otherwise unable to access such resources—whether that be due to socioeconomic status, transportation, or restrictions placed on therapy by insurance companies.

When he's not working, Uzair like to refuel his passions by doing things he enjoys such as reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with those he cares about. He takes his free time seriously, because prioritizing his self-care is his antidote to preventing burnout.

Nanami Mano, DPT

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program

Nanami Mano is a geriatric physical therapy resident at the Centers for Rehab Services at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC CRS). She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Physical Therapy and serves as APTA PA Geriatric SIG Secretary. Nanami graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2021 and a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh (2018). Her passion for geriatric care includes fall prevention, vestibular rehab, and working with older adults with progressive neurological disorders.