HPD Perspectives Magazine Summer/Fall 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 23 recognizes senior PTA students for outstanding community service in diversity affairs. Additionally, she was the recipient of Broward College’s Irene Fischley Award, given to one outstand- ing student in each health care program for academic excellence and community service. Following gradua- tion, Wilson began her career as a licensed PTA with a concentration in outpatient orthopedics and pediatric physical therapy. As a passionate PTA and avid learner, she felt compelled to further her education in the physical therapy field. In 2016, she was accepted to NSU’s Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. While at NSU, Wilson has demonstrated academic excellence, student leadership, and community service. She has main- tained a 3.84 grade point average and was the recipient of several academic awards, including—but not limited to—the Academic Excellence Honor Roll Award, the Dean’s Honor Roll, and the Professionalism Award. While excelling academically, Wilson dedicated countless hours serving as class copresident. She also presented to students from other Health Professions Division colleges on topics such as time management and diversity in health care. Academic excellence always has been important to Wilson, but her passion for community service truly defines her purpose in life. She has spent countless hours providing health care services, such as blood pressure screenings, diabetes prevention education, and health and wellness promotions, to medically underserved populations. Wilson also has dedicated her time as a volunteer coach, teaming up with Dynamic Orthopedics and the Memorial Rehabilitation Institute for the inaugural junior wheelchair basketball team in South Florida— the Fort Lauderdale Junior Sharks. Additionally, she has spent time traveling throughout Fort Lauderdale to speak to school-aged children about youth empower- ment, with an emphasis on perseverance. Her recent academic research, “Examining ICF Related Factors to Address Obesity and Physical Activity Among High School Adolescents from Medically Underserved Populations (MUP),” was led by Annabel Nunez-Gurnards, Ph.D., PT, and pub- lished and presented at the APTA 2019 Combined Sections Meeting. Wilson strives to make the commu- nity better by using physical therapy as a platform to educate and encourage others to get physically active. Wilson leaves an everlasting impression on those she encounters. Colleagues point to her interpersonal skills, adaptability, and cultural competence together with her love and support for her daughter, family, and friends. According to Wilson’s mentor Kurt Klein, M.T.C., PT, owner of AccuCare Physical Therapy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, “Ashley is a gem!” To learn more about the APTA Minority Scholar- ship Award, please visit apta.org/HonorsandAwards /Scholarships/MinorityScholarship/ . o Jennifer Canbek is director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program—Fort Lauderdale. Ashley Wilson