Doctor of Physical Therapy

Student Ambassadors

Illustration of Columbia University students wearing Columbia shirts.

The Student Ambassador page for Columbia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program highlights current students who serve as liaisons between prospective students and the program. These ambassadors share their experiences, provide insights into the curriculum, and answer questions about student life, helping applicants gain a comprehensive understanding of the program. This resource is invaluable for prospective students seeking a firsthand perspective on the program and its community.

Student Ambassadors

  • Macy Doerge

    • Hometown: Overland Park, KS
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: The University of Kansas, Exercise Science 
    • PT area of interst: Sports Ortho, Pediatrics, Women's Health
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I love volunteering with animal shelters or rescues! 
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: Columbia DPT was not only the program that made the best impression on me academically, but it also had the best sense of community. The faculty and other students were so positive and supportive during the interview process. I felt confident that I would have an incredibly supportive experience on my journey to becoming a clinician. 
    • Advice for applicants: Remember that you want to be at the program that is the best fit for you! PT school is a challenging and rewarding experience, and you want to be where you feel the most supported. Trust that you will end up where you are meant to be! 
    Close-up portrait of Macy smiling with shoulder-length hair.

  • Dana Edson

    • Hometown: McLean, VA
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: George Mason University-Kinesiology
    • PT area of interst: Sports Ortho or Neuro 
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I played tennis in college
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT not only for its outstanding academics but also for the incredible community the DPT program has created. The relationship between students and faculty here is so special, and the professors are truly invested in our growth in and out of the classroom. The interactions between students and cohorts are always welcoming, and the willingness to support one another highlights the collaborative spirit of the community. 
    • Advice for applicants: Applying to PT school can feel overwhelming but do not lose sight of how exciting the journey is. Be authentic and do not be afraid to show who you are in your applications. Also, don't hesitate to use current students and alumni as a resource, they will give you a lot of valuable insight to determine if the program is right for you.
    Portrait of a smiling woman in green scrubs.

  • Grace Glennon

    • Hometown: Baltimore, MD
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: Fordham University, Majored in Cognitive Neuroscience and Women/Gender Studies
    • PT area of interst: Inpatient and performing arts
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I love to read and run in Central Park!
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT because of the strong sense of community I felt during my own application process. I wanted a physical therapy program which not only has a rigorous curriculum but also a faculty and student body who support one another. Columbia DPT is truly where I felt, and have continued to feel, an academic challenge and but also encouragement.
    • Advice for applicants: Everyone here has been in your position before, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Enjoy the process!
    Portrait of Grace smiling in a Columbia sweatshirt outdoors.

  • Claudia Mancha

    • Hometown: Chino, California
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: University of Oregon, Human Physiology and Psychology
    • PT area of interst: Neuro/Ortho
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I've traveled to 5 countries and will be hiking Machu Picchu this summer in Peru!
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT because of its incredible faculty support, diverse student body, and numerous opportunities it has to offer.
    • Advice for applicants: My biggest piece of advice for applicants is to choose experiences that you truly enjoy and not what you think looks best on an application. Try your best to not stress because you will ultimately end up at the program that is best for you.
    Claudia Mancha

  • Samantha Page

    • Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: University of Maryland, Kinesiology
    • PT area of interst: Ortho/Sports
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I've traveled to 23 countries and hope to reach 40 before 40 years old!
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia for its community. I was so welcomed by the faculty and current students on interview day and felt I would fit in well.
    • Advice for applicants: Try and get as much experience in different settings as you can before school, it has helped me so much in our classes. Also, keep in mind that your hard work will pay off!
    Sam Page

  • Louisa Maynard-Parisi

    • Hometown: South Orange, NJ
    • Undergraduate Institution and major: Temple University, Health Professions Major
    • PT area of interst: Pediatrics, Pelvic Health, and Prosthetics
    • Fun Fact/Personal interest: I am a huge foodie and I love dogs!
    • Why you chose Columbia DPT: I choose Columbia because of the people I met on my tour. Everyone was so welcoming and I could tell once I settled in, I would be able to create a new family. I knew I would be able to thrive in this environment and be able to lean on the professors whenever I needed help.
    • Advice for applicants: I know it is easier said than done but just be yourself! Take a deep breath and show your true colors!
    Portrait of Louisa in a white coat standing under a stone archway.
Back to top