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.
Jake Sentman
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Born for the storm and built to overcome it. As an adopted Guatemalan child who lost his mother to colon cancer at the age of eleven, Jake is no stranger to battling adversity. But even when the flowers were knocked back, the roots remained. After graduating from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science, Jake decided to continue his growth as an SPT and joined the class of 2027 at UNC Chapel Hill. As a self-described underdog from Hampstead, North Carolina, Jake feels driven to uplift the profession for the love of the individuals around him. If one thing can define him, it's that an underdog is a hungry dog—and hungry dogs run faster.
Asmaa Embaby
Rutgers School of Health Professions
Asmaa Embaby is a second-year DPT student at Rutgers School of Health Professions whose DPT journey began in high school after a devastating sports injury. Despite missing a promising athletic season, she saw the setback as an opportunity that ignited her passion for physical therapy. As a young, ambitious woman, Asmaa embodies the core values of a great prospective healthcare professional: empathic, ethical, and dedicated. She graduated summa cum laude and earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology at William Paterson University. She continued to work as an EMT for more than three years when she joined a volunteer squad at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she is the assistant director of her school’s pro-bono clinic, providing quality physical therapy services to an underserved community in Newark, New Jersey. As a first-generation college student, Asmaa is an exemplary role model for her peers and future DPTs.
Zachary Chen
George Washington University
As a first-year DPT student at George Washington University, Zachary Chen is ready to delve into the daring and challenging environments housed within the world of physical therapy. With an endlessly curious and inquisitive nature, Zachary is committed to pushing far beyond the boundaries of his comfort zone and submersing himself in the new experiences that await him in the program. Full of persistent passion and caring compassion, he is dedicated to blending his love of physical therapy with his love of neuroscience and bringing unforeseen positive change to the world of physical therapy and beyond.
Taliyah Morgan
Tennessee State University
Taliyah Morgan is a first-year DPT student at Tennessee State University. She was introduced to the physical therapy profession after dislocating her elbow while playing high school basketball—quickly realizing that injuries take a physical, mental, and emotional toll on individuals. Her role as a physical therapy technician solidified her ability to showcase the empathy, compassion, and altruism needed to motivate and support patients, enabling them to successfully recover from all aspects of an injury. As the current APTA Liaison Chair of her class, Taliyah is passionate about advocating for the physical therapy profession—while also specifically advocating for health equity. She believes that no one should live life in pain due to a lack of resources or funds, and she is committed to serving underrepresented and underserved communities.
Jalyn Gorman
Creighton University
Jalyn Gorman is a second-year DPT student originally from Fort Defiance, Arizona. He earned his Bachelor of Science in exercise science and his Master of Science in athletic training from Northern Arizona University. Jalyn's passion for physical therapy began when he worked at a healthcare facility on the Navajo Reservation. He always had a passion to help others, but at that healthcare facility, he witnessed first hand the disparities in healthcare. Physical therapists meet many of their patients at the lowest points of their lives. Observing the dramatic impact PT had on patients’ physical and mental health inspired Jalyn to pursue a career in this profession. As a proud member of the Navajo Tribe, Jalyn is deeply committed to supporting, uplifting, and advocating for his community. Drawing on his heritage and personal experiences, Jalyn is focused on bridging gaps in healthcare access and providing high-quality care to underserved populations.
Sixela Cabellero
Elon University
Sixela is a first-generation Latina from Raleigh, North Carolina. She comes from a large family and is deeply motivated to make them proud. Sixela is currently pursuing her doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree at Elon University, where she is dedicated to advancing her skills and knowledge in the field of physical therapy.
Davion Enders-Jones
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Davion Enders-Jones, a dedicated second-year student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, exemplifies leadership and commitment as both the class president and SPTA president for his cohort across three campuses. With a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Texas Tech University, Davion's path to becoming a physical therapist was shaped by his personal experiences overcoming numerous sports injuries. Drawing from the grit and resilience he developed as an athlete, Davion is devoted to helping his future patients unlock their full potential. He is deeply engaged in understanding the mind-body connection and mastering advanced manual techniques, with a vision to pass this knowledge on to the next generation of physical therapists, ensuring continued excellence in patient care.
Jude Alvarado
Maryville University
Jude is a dedicated personal trainer and an incoming second-year physical therapy student. With a passion for fitness and rehabilitation, he combines academic expertise with practical skills to help clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Outside of his studies and work, Jude is deeply passionate about art and aspires to attend anatomical drawing school. He aims to use his artistic skills to enhance physical therapy education materials and hopes to be published as an illustrator in textbooks. Jude also plans to open his own clinic in Chicago, where he will advocate for youth fitness, and inspire the next generation to lead healthy, active lives.
Liliana Campuzano
Texas State University, Round Rock
Lili Campuzano is a second-year doctor of physical therapy student at Texas State University, Round Rock. A first-generation student and DACA recipient, Lili immigrated from Mexico at the age of 11, seeking safety and better educational opportunities. Her introduction to rehabilitation began at a young age because of her grandmother, who provided care to villagers in their remote Mexican community. Growing up in a low-income household where professional medical care was often out of reach, Lili witnessed the profound impact of healthcare disparities. These experiences have fueled her commitment to advocating for equitable healthcare and addressing the needs of underrepresented communities.
Alyssa Nelson-Kamalu
Tufts University School of Medicine
Alyssa graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2011 with a BA in sociology. She went on to pursue her MS in criminal justice at Suffolk University, graduating in 2013. She spent the next 8 years establishing herself as a criminal justice advocate. Alyssa began to reevaluate her career choice after receiving physical therapy during intensive breast cancer treatment. In August 2021, Alyssa took a leap of faith, quit her job as an elder protective services supervisor, and devoted the next two years to fulfilling the prerequisites necessary to seek admission to Tufts University’s DPT program in Boston. She is so proud to have completed her first semester as a Tufts Jumbo!
Motivated by her battle with breast cancer, the birth of two children, and the lack of diversity in the field, Alyssa hopes to become an oncology- and pelvic health-specialized PT. She believes physical therapy must become a standard of care for oncology patients and pregnant persons, as both pregnancy and cancer play a role in changing the way the body functions.
2024 Rizing Stars
Kathy Trinh
University of Washington
Kathy Trinh never personally attended physical therapy. However, physical therapy appointments became essential to maintaining the health of her family, so she grew a clear understanding and interest for the growing field of rehab therapy. While her sister had the privilege of immediate and affordable access to physical therapy, Kathy's mother and grandmother faced a different situation. Having immigrated from Vietnam after the war, they endured preventable pain due to a lack of adequate care and the challenges of obtaining equitable treatment. This inspired Kathy with a passion for equity and intersectional community service, as she strongly believes in creating change to close the gap created by systemic barriers, whether socioeconomic, cultural, or environmental. As a second-generation immigrant herself, she advocated for herself to obtain a college education and received a bachelor’s in public health at the University of Washington.
Tommy Woods
Shenandoah University
Tommy is a graduate from Norfolk State University where he played baseball with a major in exercise science and a minor in psychology. He is currently enrolled in a dual doctorate of physical therapy and master of athletic training at Shenandoah University. Tommy’s dream is to become a sports performance therapist for elite athletes in college and at professional levels. His hobbies are working out, cooking, traveling, and learning Spanish. Tommy’s “why” for physical therapy stems from the lack of representation in underserved communities. Becoming a physical therapist allows him the opportunity to directly impact the community around him.
Makenna Dixon
Washington University in St. Louis
Makenna Dixon is a second-year DPT student attending Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in northern Virginia where she found her love for physical therapy while attending her mother’s physical therapy sessions. During this time, her mother lost employment—leading to an inability to obtain health insurance and ultimately causing her health to decline rapidly due to an inability to access healthcare resources. From this experience, Makenna learned that a lack of financial support, stability, or ability to afford health care and insurance should not determine whether an individual can obtain physical therapy services, and she became passionate about opening up a pro bono clinic in the future. Makenna wants to advocate and help to combat racial disparities in healthcare by ensuring that individuals can access proper care—even beyond physical therapy. She has an interest in pursuing inpatient neurorehabilitation as a speciality following her graduate studies.
Yousef Tamimi
Carlow University
Yousef Tamimi is a first-year DPT student at Carlow University. Born in Iraq and forced to relocate multiple times due to war, Yousef sought refuge in the United States nine years ago, where he worked diligently to support his family before embarking on his academic journey. He earned his bachelor of science in biology from Carlow University, graduating summa cum laude. During his undergraduate studies, Yousef presented two research projects and was invited to serve on three university committees and one city planning committee, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to his community. Yousef’s own experience with physical therapy and his love for anatomy and physiology ignited his passion for the profession. Currently, Yousef is an active member of his cohort, serving as the president of Carlow University's Student Physical Therapy Association.
Telkevia Mackey
Duke University
Telkevia Mackey, a second-year DPT student at Duke University, discovered her passion for physical therapy during a high school rehabilitation internship at a local community hospital. She was deeply inspired by the meaningful relationships she observed between clinicians and patients, witnessing firsthand the profound impact therapists have on their patients' lives. Growing up in a large, low-income family, Telkevia has always been driven to pursue a career where she can make a significant difference in others' lives. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric physical therapist, helping children and their families enhance their quality of life and function.
James Lee
Hardin-Simmons University
James Lee is a first-year DPT student at Hardin-Simmons University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in exercise science and his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Harding University. James was inspired to pursue physical therapy by his constant involvement in sports throughout his childhood. He was intrigued by how people can heal their bodies through proper treatment and care. As a Korean American, James has learned a lot about what it means to connect with others. He has grown to appreciate getting to know people from a variety of cultures. With a degree in Spanish, James has received his Global Seal of Biliteracy in the language, further contributing to his goal of connecting with others. James is inspired to contribute to the world of physical therapy in his own unique way and is thankful to have the opportunity to continue to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a physical therapist.
Ka'Leah Davis
Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus
Ka'Leah Davis, originally from Griffin, Georgia, began her academic journey at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Although she faced medical disqualification after her first year, her dedication to becoming an army officer remained unwavering. She went on to earn a BS in exercise science from Georgia Southern University, graduating summa cum laude as a proud first-generation college graduate and army second lieutenant. Ka'Leah is now a second-year doctoral student at Georgia Southern and a passionate entrepreneur. She founded the non-profit PureNTENT, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to community outreach, mentorship, and advocacy for mental health, LGBTQIA+ issues, and diversity.
Ka'Leah’s ambition extends to advancing the field of physical therapy and expanding access to holistic health and fitness services. She envisions creating a comprehensive facility focusing on underserved and underrepresented communities. Her goal is to integrate physical therapy, fitness, and overall well-being, ensuring these crucial services reach those who need them most. Guided by Maya Angelou’s quote, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated,” Ka'Leah exemplifies perseverance and commitment in all her endeavors.
Andrea Bejaran Choto
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Andrea is a second-year DPT student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her path to physical therapy began when she translated for her Spanish-speaking parents during their therapy sessions for work-related injuries. Witnessing the challenges faced by her parents—who came to the U.S. seeking a better future—inspired her to bridge the gap in healthcare equity. Driven by a passion for helping others, Andrea is excited to join the Rizing Tide Community. As president of the DEI club in her program, she is committed to advancing diversity in physical therapy, especially for underserved populations, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments for future patients.
Jessah Doctor
University Of Connecticut
Jessah Doctor is from Waterbury, Connecticut. Growing up, he always nurtured a passion for sports and music—and he’s now taking those passions and discovering how he can apply them to his professional development. Jessah believes that physical therapy has so many opportunities for a person to succeed—whether as someone receiving care or someone who wants to join the ever-growing profession. Find your “why,” and never let it go!
Aliyah Hunter
University of Pittsburgh
Aliyah Hunter is a first-year DPT student from Stafford, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise science at Chatham University. She was first introduced to the field of physical therapy when receiving treatments for various sport injuries—but It wasn’t until after a surgery complication where she lost her ability to walk that she really found her passion for the profession. After regaining full health with the help of her physical therapist, Aliyah started to focus on her own journey to becoming a physical therapist. She partook in various shadowing and internship experiences. She also had the pleasure of working as a physical therapist aide at Fusion Rehab and Wellness in Spotsylvania, Virginia, where her love for physical therapy grew even more. She is excited to start her first semester at the University of Pittsburgh where she will gain the knowledge and wisdom to become the best physical therapist she can be.
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.
Christy Effendie-Peterson, DPT
MAC Performance Physical Therapy Sports Residency
Christy is currently a sports physical therapy resident at MAC Performance PT in Sacramento, California. Her career in athletics began at UC Davis where she competed for the Olympic Taekwondo team, worked for the athletics department, and served on the leadership team for Athletes in Action. She would later go on to become a full-time athletics communications director, garnering experience in all three NCAA levels and at the semi-professional level. She shifted her focus to physical therapy in 2018 in order to better serve athletes on a one-on-one basis and received her doctorate in physical therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 2022. During her schooling, Christy served as a graduate student assistant in neuroanatomy and neurorehabilitation courses for younger cohorts. Now a resident, Christy aims to deepen her skills as a sports therapist in order to see athletes return to play at the highest level as safely and efficiently as possible. She strives to see increased female and minority representation within sports and is an advocate for the role of physical therapy in collegiate athletics.
Brandon Johnson, DPT, MS, CSCS, CiDN
Regis University Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy | Completed in 2024
Brandon Johnson, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS, CiDN, is a Florida-native physical therapist who earned a doctorate from Regis University and is currently attending their orthopedic residency program. Dr. Johnson has a strong academic foundation in the exercise sciences, earning both a bachelor and master of science in applied kinesiology and physiology from the University of Florida. With over a decade of fitness industry experience as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he has continually displayed an unwavering enthusiasm for health, wellness, and fitness, evident in his dedication to helping individuals optimize their human performance.
During his graduate studies at Regis, Dr. Johnson served as the first African American/Native American student body president on the School of Physical Therapy Advisory Board, as co-chair of the AAOMPT Student Sig, and the Student Graduate Council—and was awarded the Regis University School of Physical Therapy Excellence in Leadership Award. He was also selected as an APTA Leadership Scholar, a program identifying impactful emerging leaders within the field of physical therapy. He is an active member of the APTA’s Colorado chapter, as well as the orthopedic and sports sections. His dedication to his personal development and leadership underscores his commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care to a myriad of patients of various backgrounds, while endeavoring to evolve himself as an individual and further elevate his practice.
In addition to his expertise in various fields, Dr. Johnson possesses a keen interest in manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, sports rehabilitation, and professional leadership. He contributed to the Denver Nuggets’ championship-winning 2022–2023 season as part of their sports performance team, excelling in a high-pressure, multidisciplinary setting. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Johnson enjoys resistance training, hiking, and live concert events, bringing a dynamic and compassionate approach to empowering patients toward recovery and peak performance.
Shelley Menk, DPT
Women's Health Residency Program at the University of New Mexico
Shelley Menk is a physical therapist from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has practiced in the physical therapy field for over a decade and has treated veterans, children, and aging adults. Shelley developed a passion for treating patients with pelvic-related conditions as she learned about the underserved nature of the patient population and experienced postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction after the birth of her children. Shelley is now leveraging this experience to help others on their road to recovery. She is currently completing a residency through the University of New Mexico to obtain a Women's Health Clinical Specialist Certification (WCS), and she is thrilled about the opportunity to continue to assist these underserved patients as she develops in the field.
2024 Rizing Stars
Juan Pablo Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS
University of Miami Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency
Juan Pablo Rodriguez is a Colombian American from West Palm Beach, Florida. He is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist, doctor of physical therapy, and a current orthopedic physical therapy resident at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. Juan is a huge science and philosophy nerd who loves traveling, exploring, and connecting with others. Juan currently treats across the spectrum in orthopedics, but has a specific interest in managing complex persistent pain cases and serving ethnically diverse communities, including the Latinx community.
Andres Isaac Ramos, DPT
Harris Health's Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
Andres Isaac Ramos is a physical therapist from Socorro, Texas. He is a doctor of physical therapy and a current orthopedic physical therapy resident at Harris Health in Houston, Texas. Passionate about fostering equity in healthcare, Andres provides care to a diverse and underserved patient population, gaining invaluable experience in addressing complex musculoskeletal conditions. While treating a broad spectrum of orthopedic cases, Andres is particularly interested in promoting health equity and improving access to high-quality care for marginalized communities. Outside of his professional pursuits, Andres enjoys playing basketball and weightlifting.
