My name is Deja Brown, & I am the treasurer on the APTA KS SSIG board. I am a first-year DPT student at the University of Saint Mary. I chose physical therapy because I had experienced it myself, and it taught me true resilience from an ACL injury, & therapy helped me reach my goal of playing sports again. I want to help people in the same way get through one of the hardest times in their lives and get them back to their personal goals that they had before being injured. I chose to be a part of the APTA KS student SIG because I want to be a great representation of my university & learn more about APTA. Activities that I enjoy outside of school are binge-watching TV shows and spending time with family & friends!

I’m Joshua Curry and I am the chairperson for the Kansas APTA SSIG. I am a first year student at the University of St Mary. I chose to pursue physical therapy because of the impact that it has had on my life. I know first hand how important physical therapy is and I want to be able to give back what I have received. I wanted to be apart of the Kansas SSIG because I want to be more involved in the physical therapy community. Advocacy is very important to me and the Student SIG allows for my voice to be heard even louder. Organizing events for SPTs all throughout Kansas also allows me to meet future physical therapists and build connections with new friends and possible mentors. One hobby of mine is playing soccer. I have played and loved the sport since I was young so I really enjoy being able to kick a ball around whenever I can and watch professional matches as well.

My name is Landon Robinson and I serve as the Student Council Representative for this year’s SSIG. I am currently finishing my first year at the University of Saint Mary. I chose physical therapy because I have a love for helping people through struggles in life. I got to see first hand what it’s like to watch family members go through physical therapy, and I loved being able to see how integral physical therapists were in the rehabilitation process. I chose to be a part of the APTA KS SSIG because I have always had a desire for leadership positions, being a changemaker, and being an advocate for those around me. When I am not in class or studying for class, you can find me at the gym or hanging out with my 3 year old Bernedoodle, Maverick, and binge watching some Netflix.

My name is Ethan Taylor, I serve at the Director of Membership, and I am currently a first year at the University of Saint Mary. My goal in physical therapy is simple: to help people get back to doing the things they love. I have always believed that this field offers a unique opportunity to enact real, measurable change in a person's life. Often, a patient is told they will ‘never’ walk again or ‘never’ return to their greatest joys; I see those moments as a starting point rather than a conclusion. I want to be the person who steps into that journey to assist and push them farther than anyone, including themselves, ever expected. I joined the board to bring students together and create opportunities that help us become the best clinicians we can be before we even enter the field. By networking and fostering close relationships with SPTs outside our own programs, we build a foundation that will one day make us stronger in the clinic. I believe a strong, reliable network of professionals is what will push physical therapy forward, growing the respect and renown our profession deserves. When I’m not studying, you’ll usually find me outside. I live for snowboarding, camping, and trail running, which is pretty ironic considering I live in Kansas! Finding ways to pursue those passions here requires some creativity and a lot of miles on the road, but staying active is a non-negotiable for me.

My name is Rhett Koppes and I serve as the Vice Chairperson for the SSIG. I am currently a second year PT student at Wichita State University. I chose physical therapy because I have a passion for helping others overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I want to help people recover quickly, move more efficiently, and become stronger than before. I’m fascinated by learning about the human body, and physical therapy allows me to combine that curiosity with hands-on care to make a meaningful, lasting impact on people’s lives. I wanted to be part of APTA Kansas Student SIG because I am passionate about student advocacy, leadership, and professional involvement within physical therapy. Serving on the SSIG Board would allow me to advocate and collaborate with PT students across Kansas and help students connect to professional resources. I am motivated to help strengthen student engagement at the Midwest Student Conclave and ensure student voices are represented. Outside of class, I am really passionate about lifting weights and running.

Hello! My name is Mazzi Carlson, I attend the University of Kansas Medical Center and I am finishing my first year in the DPT program. I chose to pursue physical therapy because I want to positively impact people’s lives during vulnerable times. In the physical therapy profession, we are able to encourage, support, and guide people, not only physically, but mentally. I wanted to be a part of APTA Kansas SSIG to gain leadership experience, represent my program, and learn more about what it means to be a part of APTA. PT advocacy is so important right now and it is an opportunity to be able to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Outside of class, I enjoy working out and being active, whether that is running, hiking, or pickleball. I really enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, and playing instruments, as well.

Hello, my name is Joshua Jordan and I am a first year at the University of Saint Mary’s. I chose physical therapy because, like many others, I once went through physical therapy myself and immediately knew it was something I wanted to pursue later in life. I attended therapy two to three times a week for six months and truly enjoyed every aspect of the profession—from the way physical therapists care for their patients to the environment of the clinic itself. I loved being in the field and surrounded by the therapy atmosphere so much that during my undergraduate years, I wanted to experience physical therapy from a perspective beyond that of a patient. To do this, I worked in several clinics to gain firsthand exposure to the role of a physical therapist, and those experiences confirmed that this is what I 100% want to do. I loved every minute of it. I wanted to be a part of the APTA Student SIG because it provides an excellent leadership opportunity, as well as the chance to learn and network with other students and professionals. The APTA also does an incredible job advocating for physical therapists, which is something I strongly support and want to be a part of. Outside of school I enjoy watching the Kansas Jayhawks, playing basketball tennis or golf, going out with friends, and traveling as much as possible.

Hi! I am Haley Walker, a first-year student at the University of Saint Mary, and I am the Secretary on the Student SIG board. I chose physical therapy so that I could be there for people when they are at their lowest. I want to give them hope and a good laugh every day. I am excited to build connections with all my patients and be a small glimmer of joy in their recovery. I wanted to be a part of the APTA KS Student SIG to get more involved in my future community. I want to begin evolving the profession while I am still in school to ensure the best possible clinical experience for my colleagues, my patients, and myself. Outside of the classroom, you can find me in the gym. I enjoy powerlifting and bodybuilding styles of training and plan to compete in either the NPC Wellness division or take on a powerlifting competition after my first full year in my career. Other hobbies include: baking for my friends and family, reading self-help books, trying new restaurants, and the beloved doom scroll.