Allison Reed is a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Lock Haven University in 2019, with a pre-physical therapy concentration and psychology minor. During her time at Lock Haven University, Allison developed her leadership and interpersonal skills as the Student Associate Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Retention of the Global Honors Program, where she organized and led freshmen orientation and various admissions events. Allison became interested in working with children with developmental disabilities when shadowing at Mary Cariola Children’s Center in her hometown of Rochester, NY. During her shadowing experience, she was able to observe the meaningful impact that an interdisciplinary team of health care providers could have on children with various physical and intellectual disabilities. Allison also held a position as a residential counselor at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, where she became impassioned to dedicate her professional career to advocating for this population.  

Allison aims to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy and to work in a clinic that specializes in children with developmental disabilities. As a LEND trainee, she is looking forward to collaborating with graduate students from various disciplines, self-advocates, and family members as well as learning about the policies and interpersonal factors that affect the family and child with special needs.