From Adversity to Advocate: DPT Alumna Ileta Pizano Champions Healthcare Accessibility

During her undergraduate education at The Ohio State University, Pizano became the caregiver of a stroke survivor, which turned into a five-year commitment extending into the challenging times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Guided by her cousin, an occupational therapist, this experience allowed Pizano to understand the broader scope and importance of therapists.

Choosing MSJ's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program was a decision driven by the University's resources and close-knit community.

"I am so proud to be an MSJ student," Pizano says. "Here, I'm not just a number. The faculty really care about you. Professors like Dr. [Christina] Heinrich and Dr. [Eric] Schneider motivate me to be better and inspire me to be a really good therapist," Pizano says.

Growing up in poverty with a single parent, Pizano faced numerous challenges as a first-generation college student striving to achieve her education. Undeterred by these hurdles, she possesses a strong passion for giving back by volunteering through various organizations and initiatives, one of which is the MSJ student-led pro-bono Physical Therapy Clinic, a place where she gets a hands-on opportunity to apply her knowledge and provide free services to people who may be uninsured or underinsured.

"I feel that it is my duty gaining privilege as an educated individual to provide pro-bono services to those who are less fortunate," Pizano says. "A lot of people don't have the opportunity or accessibility to healthcare, and providing that to others can change their lives completely."

Pizano is also the adaptive sport lead for her cohort and volunteers for just about every activity that the faculty arrange for service with adaptive sports.

"I got involved with adaptive sports because, for financial reasons, I never had the opportunity to play sports as a child," Pizano says. "But more importantly, I wanted to help individuals with disabilities. I became immersed in an environment where I got a new perspective of life and what life for others is like."

She's been involved with organizations like Cincinnati IceBreakers Sled Hockey and CP Soccer for people affected by cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury who are ambulatory.

Betsey McCamish, whose son, Rory, has cerebral palsy says the reality of having a child who physically can't keep up with his same-aged peers means her son's opportunities are different and his activities can be limited or they must be adapted.

"Ileta dedicating her free time to coaching Cincy CP Soccer athletes has unlocked our family's entire outlook on Rory's potential and his future playing sports or recreation," McCamish says. "[Ileta] knows just the right moments of when to instruct, or assist, or adapt, or encourage, or challenge, or hold his hand, or carry, or just make him giggle. The way Rory's eyes and smile light up when he's empowered by Ileta is undeniable and contagious. But most importantly, the way she and the other volunteer coaches make him feel capable and included and happy is the greatest joy any parent can ever hope for their child."

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Interested in Doctor of Physical Therapy at the Mount?

The Mount's DPT Program is a 117-credit hour, 9 semester, 3 year curriculum designed to build from semester to semester as students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to be professional and proficient physical therapists. Mount St. Joseph University has a 91% graduation rate (2022 and 2023 cohorts) and 100% employment rate per 1-year post graduation surveys (2021 and 2022 cohorts).

Interested in learning more? Check out our DPT program page here!