Since I was a little girl I knew that there was something special about the University of Kentucky and agriculture. My dad and uncle are both graduates of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and my family has shown dairy cattle for many years. I grew up hearing stories about how the college always took care of their students and ensured they were successful. Heading into college, I knew I needed that kind of support and guidance to make it through my schooling. I also knew I wanted to do something in healthcare. I looked through different programs and just happened to come across Human Nutrition, and what a blessing that was! There is truly a place for everyone in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the DHN program. My favorite classes were Sports Nutrition with Dr. Stephenson, Life Cycle Nutrition with Dr. Combs, and of course all the cooking labs with Chef Bob! My favorite experience was being a CAFE student ambassador. I loved advertising DHN to incoming students and promoting all of the avenues available after graduation.

After graduation, I took a year off from school and worked as a Physical Therapy Technician to gain experience, as well as save money before heading to Physical Therapy School. I then attended the University of Kentucky’s Physical Therapy Program at the Hazard Campus. Three years later, I began working as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at ProActive Therapy in Frankfort, Kentucky. I am currently in my second year of practice treating patients of all ages and conditions.

As a physical therapist my job is to treat musculoskeletal conditions to allow my patients to live a life with as few physical limitations as possible. The fun part is when I am presented with an opportunity to educate and provide resources to my patients on the role nutrition also plays in their success at physical therapy. Diet and exercise go hand and hand and thanks to my BS in Human Nutrition I am able to better treat the entire patient.