Meet the PTSA Board for 2019-2020!
By the Saint Louis University Physical Therapy Student Association
Position: President
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hallsville, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I love helping people and I enjoy science, so what better profession than one where I get to do two of the things I love everyday!
What’s something on your bucket list?
Ride in a hot air balloon
Fun fact:
I have held a koala!
LAUREN FOSTER
Position: President
Year: Junior
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
When I was little, I always wanted to become an elementary school teacher and that was my plan until High School. After competitively dancing for 15 years, I injured my back and was given a script for Physical Therapy. I was immediately fascinated by the different techniques used in therapy and the knowledge my PT shared with me. It was this experience that led me to SLU to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and learn to be a teacher of the human body. I look forward to the opportunity to give back and make a difference by helping others the way I was helped to heal and recover.
What’s something on your bucket list?
By the time I am 30 years old, I hope to have traveled to all 50 states!
Fun fact: I can communicate with others in American Sign Language!
Allison Drury
Position: VP of Programming
Year: Senior
Hometown: Bloomsdale, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
What originally spurred my interest was my huge obsession with the St. Louis Cardinals. I thought it'd be incredible if I could work for them by helping the players recover from injury. While that is a huge dream, I still will love PT whether or not I ever work for the Cardinals. I love science, studying the human body and how it heals through exercise, and I love children so I am definitely interested in pediatrics.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain after I graduate!
Fun fact: I stood about 15 ft away from Pope Francis
Stephanie Kim
Position: VP Programming
Year: PYI
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I have always had a curiosity for the health sciences, but also have always loved movement, so the idea of combining the two to work with patients and use exercise as medicine really inspired me!
What's something on your bucket list?
Name my first dog Potato
Fun fact:
I started the Instagram account, Dogs of SLU!
Kathleen Sullivan
Position: Treasurer
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Why did you want to become a PT?
I love helping people and active work, plus I think anatomy is super interesting!
What's something on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Australia
Fun fact:
I am a second degree black belt!
Kristen Maleski
Position: VP of Service
Year: PYI
Hometown: Long Grove, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I knew that I wanted to go into a career in the medical field and physical therapy was the career path that combined what I was passionate about: physical activity and helping people.
What's something on your bucket list?
I want to go scuba diving in Bora Bora
Fun fact:
I met Joe Jonas and cried.
Tara Frank
Position: VP of Service
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I hurt my knee playing soccer when I was younger, and my rehab was my first experience with the profession. Then in high school, I got to shadow a PT in her outpatient clinic for over a year. I've been on both sides of it and still love it, from being the patient, to getting to shadow alongside PTs.
What's something on your bucket list?
Scuba diving with seals!
Fun fact:
I ran a marathon in a day for my 18th birthday just for fun
Weronika Przybylo
Position: VP of Fundraising
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I wanted a job where I could stay active while helping my patients recover.
What's something on your bucket list?
Learn sign language
Fun fact:
I was in a boot for 4 months because I tripped on my dad's shoes.
Divya Gandhi
Position: VP of Fundraising
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I wanted to become a PT because I want to see my patients progress on their road to recovery, and I want to stay physically active.
What's something on your bucket list?
Go skydiving!
Fun fact:
I am left handed!
Emily Gier
Position: VP of Philanthropy
Year: Junior
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I had reconstructive hip surgery in high school so before and after surgery I spent a lot of time in physical therapy and fell in love with the profession!
What's something on your bucket list?
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Fun fact:
I have participated in the World's Largest Tomato Fight.
Kate Weaver
Position: VP of Secretary
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Jasper, IN
Why did you want to become a PT?
I did a lot of sports throughout high school, so I enjoyed being active and healthy. I fell in love with the human body through anatomy and an internship class at my high school. I got to shadow a lot of different health professions and loved PT the most!
What's something on your bucket list?
Go skydiving
Fun fact:
My grandpa played for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s
Emma DeVarenne
Position: VP of Secretary
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why did you want to become a PT?
I have always been active through sports and love that physical therapy allows me to continue being active in the workforce. I love how everyday is different, how I will be able to interact personally with patients, and the necessity of adaptability.
What's something on your bucket list?
To run a marathon
Fun fact:
When I am home for the summers in Chicago I work at Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs play.
Caroline Cooke
Position: VP of Alumni Relations
Year: Junior
Hometown: La Grange, IL
Why did you become a PT?
I have always been interested in a career in the healthcare field and growing up an athlete, I have always been intrigued with the way the body functions and moves. While learning what I love, I will be able to help others be able to do what they love.
What is something on your bucket list?
Visit at least 6 of the 7 continents
Fun fact:
I can burp the ABC's backwards
