Jennifer McKee

Jennifer McKee is a second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Humboldt State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology. While attending Humboldt State, Jennifer served as a Center for International Programs Student Ambassador, worked as a Skills Guide for an organization called Starfish Hero, and was fortunate to work in the Human Performance Lab and Biomechanics Lab on campus. These experiences allowed her to build diverse relationships with families and individuals throughout her community, which is something she looks forward to doing with the Pittsburgh community while in graduate school.

One of Jennifer’s goals as a physical therapist is to help children and adolescents with disabilities to understand and enjoy all of the incredible experiences and skills they are capable of doing with the body and mind that they have. Jennifer has enjoyed working with athletes with disabilities for many years, and is currently assisting with a weekly strength and conditioning program for the local Mighty Penguins sled hockey team where she is able to help players of all ages and abilities optimize their bodies’ function and performance. She is a regional wheelchair basketball classifier for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, and has volunteered with soccer teams at the Parapan American Games in Canada and with athletes at the Handbike Battle in Austria. 

Jennifer is excited to be a part of the LEND program this year. She is looking forward to having opportunities for collaboration with various health care professionals and learning about how to best advocate for children with disabilities throughout her career. She looks forward to growing as a leader and as a professional while continuing to develop her personal values and understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities.