Casey Townson is a second-year graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Dayton in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Pre-Physical Therapy.  During her undergraduate career, she served as the first vice president for the campus’ newly founded Health and Sport Science fraternity, Phi Epsilon Kappa, as well as the vice president for the Pre-Physical Therapy Club.  She hopes to continue to grow and develop her leadership skills in a variety of settings as a LEND trainee.

Casey’s mother, who has worked in special education for over 15 years, has served as her role model for providing incredible and compassionate care to children with disabilities. From a young age, Casey has had the opportunity to work alongside children with disabilities and she continues to be inspired by them and their families. In 2014, Casey began working as a teacher’s aide for New Avenues to Independence, a summer camp program which provides recreational and educational activities while reinforcing Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.  From that experience she was able to see firsthand the benefits of working on an interdisciplinary team, which included parents, to provide care for children with a wide range of disabilities. 

Casey is currently completing a clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the outpatient physical therapy department. As a LEND trainee, she looks forward to collaborating and learning from her colleagues in different graduate programs, as well as family and self-advocate trainees. It is her hope that this experience makes her a better, well-rounded clinician so that she can help individuals with disabilities receive the best care possible.