SLU Program in Physical Therapy Faculty Member Dr. Carol Beckel Leads Fundraising Effort and Raises $2000 for Clinic in Belize

Saint Louis University Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni Contribute to Fundraiser for Hillside Health Care International

Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy Faculty Member Dr. Carol Beckel joined forces with alumna Carley Kirsch (DPT Class of 2013) on June 29th this summer to raise money for a non-profit medical clinical in Southern Belize, Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). Dr. Carol Beckel and Carley serve on the Board of Directors for HHCI. Carley volunteered at HHCI for a year as the Rehab Director and Dr. Beckel provides short-term volunteer coverage as a PT as well. HHCI is a clinical affiliate for students in the Program in Physical Therapy.

Dr. Carol Beckel and Carley collected items from around the midwest including donations from family and friends as well as Program of Physical Therapy faculty, staff, and alumni. Emma London and Bailey Flynn (both 2019 graduates) who both completed clinical rotations at HHCI donated items after wrapping up their lives in St. Louis. 

Several Program alumni helped prepare for the sale and on the day off the sale including a classmate of Dr. Carol Beckel's, Katherine Meirink (1992), Meg Robben (2006), Lexi (Modglin) Wisch (2018), and Caitlin Whiteley (2018) spent time sorting items ahead of the sale. 

On the day of the sale, Katherine along with her daughter and a Girl Scout from their troop came out to support the sale. In addition, Program Staff Kristin Hrasky and current student Remy Arnold (Class of 2020) who will complete a rotation at HHCI in January of 2020, also helped to make sales, carry items to cars, and clean-up at the end of the sale.

In total, the yard sale raised $2,000 to support the work of HHCI to provide primary medical care, pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, and communication education in the Toledo District of Belize. To learn more about HHCI please go to HillsideBelize.org.  Although it was a hot and humid day in St. Louis, it was a fun way to raise money, help folks clean out their own basements, and help others find that perfect new item for themselves!

Story by Kristin Hrasky

Billikens In Belize Find Joy in Volunteering at Pro-Bono Clinic

Billikens In Belize Find Joy in Volunteering at Pro-Bono Clinic 
By Carol Beckel, PT, PhD, Director of Clinical Education

Returning to Belize is like returning to a 2nd home for me. This trip marked 10 years since the first time I traveled to Punta Gorda, Belize. It was a joy to recall memories with the staff and volunteers at Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). The changes in Punta Gorda and at HHCI over the past 10 years are amazing. 

Carol driving one of the HHCI vehicles back from a mobile clinic in Aguacate

Any trip back to HHCI that includes working with SLU PT students is extra special. This year I worked with two students in their 3rd Professional Year, Bailey Flynn and Jessica Dworak. Any day in the clinic watching students connecting with students and evolving as physical therapists is a great day. Bailey and Jess jumped into their roles at the clinic during the two weeks I worked with them. That included participating in a radio broadcast promoting the physical therapy program at HHCI.

Bailey and Jess during a commercial break on 100.9 Sunshine Radio

I also enjoyed participating in First Friday Fitness class sponsored by HHCI and provided by the PT students. This activity is part of the community-based rehabilitation program at HHCI to assist in advancing wellness and disability awareness beyond direct patient care. Jess and Bailey selected the education component and designed the fitness portion for the participants.

Bailey and Jess leading the educational component of First Friday Fitness

It is always hard to leave students during their clinical experience but I know I they are in good hands under the supervision of the rehab directors and the wonderful HHCI rehab tech.

Carol and Amira, HHCI Rehab Tech

It is a personal and professional joy to continue to partnering HHCI. I encourage any physical therapist to consider volunteering with HHCI. For more information on HHCI check out their website at hillsidebelize.org.

SLU PT Student Gains International Experience at Pro-Bono Clinic in Belize

Clinical Rotation Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
Photos and captions provided by Emma London (DPT Class of 2019)

It is my last day in Belize, and time flies! 

First Mobile Clinic to the Garifuna Village of Barranco (and sweating immense amounts)

Our physical therapy set-up in Barranco. 

Obviously here I'm assessing motor planning and functional movement patterns and not just having fun...

Educating on Low Back Pain and postural awareness at Hillside's Health Fair in Punta Gorda, Belize with Rachael, a DPT student from Montana and Amira, our rehab tech at Hillside 

SLU PT Students Provide Disabilty Awareness Education in Belize

Update from Belize - Hillside Health Care International

This January, PYIII students Danielle Keeney and Albert Marban are spending 4 weeks of their internship at Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). Dr. Carol Beckel, Director of Clinical Education, is serving as their clinical instructor for the first two weeks. 

They are working with another PT student from Radford University to provide Disability Awareness Programs (DAP) in schools across the Toledo District, the southern most district of Belize. DAP teaches children about disabilities and how to include individuals with disabilities in activities. 

This week they presented to children aged 5 to 12 in the Dolores and San Marcos Villages. During the lunch recess in San Marcos, Albert and Danielle challenged some boys in a foot race along the village road. 

In addition to the DAP program, Danielle and Albert see patients in the HHCI outpatient clinic and for home health patients. This time of year the weather is beautiful though you can still sweat when working during the day. 

SLU PT Student Albert Marban Named as Honoree of Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Spotlight - Cheryl L Cavallo Memorial Scholarship

by Albert Marban (DPT Class of 2018)

My parents had dreams for a better life, which is why they migrated to the United States from Guerrero, Mexico. Their sacrifice to come to a country of vast opportunity has opened a door of knowledge for me in the realm of Physical Therapy. I am looking forward to sharing the knowledge I have gained from my SLU PT peers and professors with the people of Belize at the Hillside Health Care International in Punta Gorda. It's always been a goal of mine to share the knowledge I have gained from great people with individuals who come from a similar background as my parents. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to achieve this goal and learn from the people of Belize as well. A sincere thank you to the Cheryl Cavallo scholarship committee. I look forward to representing Cheryl Cavallo; who accomplished so much for her community, SLU and more importantly patients and individuals.

Cavallo Scholarship Honorees Tessa Fate and Albert Marban 

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 Student Grows Clinical Skills and Cultural Understanding in Belize

Service Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
by Tessa Fate (DPT Class of 2018)

The Cheryl Cavallo scholarship allowed me the opportunity to complete an amazing four week clinical rotation in Belize, treating a diverse and underserved patient population and learning about the public health concerns that this country faces. I grew so much in my cultural understanding of the country as well as in my development as a physical therapist. 

Tessa Fate and Natalie Lynch presenting to other students during their clinical rotation  

I’m so grateful for this unique experience and this scholarship that made it possible in the first place, and I wish the same growth and opportunity for other students.

Cavallo Scholarship Awardees Tessa Fate & Albert Marban

There are two ways to help support the Cheryl L. Cavallo Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may participate in the Annual Hustle for Your Health 5K each year 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 Director of Clinical Education Enjoys Memorable Time Spent at Pro-Bono Clinic

Pro-Bono Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International
by Carol Beckel, PT, PhD, Director of Clinical Education

This was my 11^th trip to Belize and my 9^th opportunity to volunteer at Hillside Health Care International (HHCI). My time at HHCI is always special and allows me the opportunity to return to my roots as a physical therapist. It also provides me the opportunity to be a clinical instructor (CI) which is my passion now for nearly 25 years. This year was special as I was the CI for two SLU PT students.

Tessa Fate and Natalie Lynch (DPT Class of 2018) presenting to other students on the differential diagnosis for patients of back pain in the clinic during their time at Hillside Health Care International

In my role as the Director of Clinical Education, I review the progress of students in the clinic from afar. It is an incredible opportunity to witness the growth of confidence and skill in students first-hand.

Natalie Lynch, Tessa Fate, and I at the conclusion of a mobile clinic in Otoxha, a village 50 miles from the Hillside Health Care International campus.

This year was also unique as I helped close out the term as rehab director for another Billiken, Carley Kirsch, PT, DPT. I was privileged to be on the ground as she started in this role and at the end of her term.

HHCI Rehabilitation Director Carley Kirsch PT, DPT presenting to students on the Community-Based Rehab program at Hillside Health Care International in her role as Rehab Director

HHCI is my 2nd home and it is always a wonderful experience to be back working side-by-side with the incredible staff and volunteers that provide excellent patient care in the Toledo District.

Carol Beckel with Amira, Rehab Tech at Hillside Health Care International 

SLU PT Student Gains New Perspective During Service Oriented Clinical Internship

Service Trip Spotlight - Hillside Health Care International

by Lexi Modglin (DPT Class of 2018)


The Cheryl L Cavallo Memorial Scholarship allowed me the life-altering opportunity to travel to Belize for a clinical internship at Hillside Health Care International. Hillside is a health care clinic that provides medical, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitative care to underserved individuals throughout Belize's Toledo District.

One of the many impactful components of this experience was the exposure to such a diverse population clinically. Hillside provides the only rehabilitation in the district, so we treat patients post-stroke in their homes, month old babies for clubbed feet, and walk-in patients with postural dysfunction all during the same day. 

Through my time in Belize as a student physical therapist I gained new skills and new perspective. I am grateful to Cheryl L Cavallo's legacy of clinical care and service, and all those who help contribute to her scholarship fund.

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.