Perspectives Spring 2015

PERSPECTIVES • SPRING 2015 38 Last summer, the University of Miami- NSU Center for Autism-Related Disabilities (CARD) held a free five-day employment boot camp for young adults with autism that are transitioning to independent living and employment. Project EAARN Employment Boot Camp, held at the NSU-CARD satel- lite office, consisted of lectures by various professionals in the NSU community and hands-on activities designed to teach par- ticipants about a variety of topics related to life and work skills. Topics included personal care, money management, resume building, job search, and interview skills. Melissa Tovin, Ph.D., PT, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, along with her stu- dents, volunteered their time and expertise to this valuable program. During the first morning, Dr. Tovin gave a presentation to the participants on the im- portance of physical activity, fitness, and overall wellness. She discussed the bene- fits of exercise and the physical activity guidelines developed by the U.S. Depart- ment of Health and Human Services. After lunch, the participants traveled to the NSU University Center RecPlex, where they were greeted by a group of physical ther- apy students that were excited and eager to share their knowledge. Each participant worked one-on-one with a PT student as the students taught the participants how to safely use exercise equipment and devel- oped an individualized exercise program based on the participants’ personal needs and goals. At the end of the training ses- sion, the participants and students played a friendly game of basketball, allowing the participants to experience the fun of engag- ing in physical activity in a social format. Physical therapy students have partici- pated in this program for the past three summers, and each year students express surprise and excitement after the event. The students, some of who have never worked with individuals with autism, are surprised by the level of motivation and quick learning exhibited by the participants. “During the session, I began to realize how much working out, feeling physically fit, and learning new skills meant to the par- ticipants,” said Audrey Werneke, a first-year D.P.T. student. “They wanted to learn the right way, understand why, and really put their heart into each part of the workout. They really did understand a lot more than I had expected.” Students felt that although some partic- ipants were quiet and reluctant at first, by the end of the session they were more en- gaged, excited about the information they learned, and eager to begin their workouts. Students walked away from the experience with the realization they can make a differ- ence in the lives of people with autism. Participants also reaped benefits from interacting with the NSU students. Accord- ing to Alexis Bitting, UM-NSU CARD tran- sition and adult division case manager, who coordinates the boot camp, “The portion of the program that included the NSU physical therapy students was incredible, and sev- eral of our participants have joined their local gyms after being inspired by the stu- dents,” she explained. “They felt less scared about going to the gym because they had been exposed to the equipment and felt comfortable using it.” Deborah Chin, UM-NSU CARD transi- tion and adult programs manager, whole- heartedly agrees with her colleague’s assessment. “The participants only had a vague idea of what they should be doing for wellness, and they learned a lot,” she said. “The opportunity to work with a student one-on-one and develop a personalized ex- ercise program inspired a lot of them be- cause they had never stepped foot in a gym. After the activity, they recognized the need to exercise regularly and how out of shape they were.” PT STUDENTS TEACH YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE By Melissa Tovin, Ph.D., PT, Associate Professor Michael Masi, D.P.T., a 2014 Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, recently matriculated into the Physical Therapy Or- thopedic Residency Program at Carolinas Rehabilitation in North Carolina. This 12-month program, which is designed to prepare residents to sit for the ABPTS Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) Examination, consists of one-on-one mentor- ship that is provided via specialists in the profession. Carolinas Rehabilitation uses a heavy manual therapy and functional movement emphasis in its treatment approach. In addition, skill sets such as the SFMA and HVLA mobilizations are incorpo- rated throughout the curriculum to create a paradigm for resi- dents to assess and treat patients efficiently. “As an entry-level therapist, I recognize there is a lot more to be learned,” Dr. Masi admitted. “I feel that a residency will put me in the best position to continue my education. I’m grate- ful I have the opportunity to grow with my profession, and I look forward to improving my clinical gestalt.” His list of accomplishments prior to the inauguration of his professional career speaks to his devotion and appreciation for the profession. During his tenure as a graduate student, Dr. Masi received the NSU-PT Academic Excellence Award three years in a row. He also expanded his extracurricular education by receiving certifications in the fields of sports nutrition and strength and conditioning. As an NSU student, he utilized this knowledge by working as a strength coach for Renaissance Periodization, where he collaborated with a network of high- level athletes and professionals to create undulated training regimens and diet plans for clients worldwide. Compelled by his love for athletics, Dr. Masi accepted a class officer position as intramural coordinator because he feels that during a demanding curriculum, it is prudent to use physical activity as an outlet for stress. By practicing what he preaches, he was also able to compete in the American Pow- erlifting Federation’s Europa Powerlifting meet in April 2013 and in the NPC Diamond Classic Body Building Competition in April 2014. Additionally, he coauthored a book review entitled “Treat Your Own Knees: A Self-Help Treatment Plan to Fully Reha- bilitate 26 Common Knee Injuries and Conditions,” which was published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Reviews , and a column called “Augmenting the Bench Press: Scientific and Practical Applications” that was published by the Strength and Conditioning Journal . Dr. Masi’s future career plan includes becoming an expert in orthopedic physical therapy and one day reentering the world of academia as a professor. 2014 ALUMNUS DR. MICHAEL MASI Accepted to PT Orthopedic Residency Program in North Carolina By Shari Rone-Adams, D.B.A., M.H.S.A., PT Director, Entry-Level D.P.T. Programs News Briefs Continued... PT Fort Lauderdale