Seton Hall Healthcare Students Embrace Surf Therapy

Director of Clinical Education and Professor Lorene Cobb chats with DPT student Mariel Loughlin and a surfing participant.

This summer, students and faculty from Seton Hall University's School of Health and Medical Sciences brought the joy of surf therapy to people with special needs and their families at events in Spring Lake, NJ, sponsored by A Walk on Water (AWOW), a national nonprofit.

"The Seton Hall team joined other volunteers, including local surfers, lifeguards and therapists, to create a safe, supportive environment for the athlete-participants," said Jerry-Thomas Monaco, PT, Ph.D., DPT, OCS, program director of Seton Hall's B.S. in Interprofessional Health Sciences (B.S. in IPHS) program. "Our students worked closely with participants, many with special needs, ensuring their safety and comfort both in and out of the water."

AWOW, launched in 2012, aims to build confidence, promote physical fitness and provide a sense of community with its surf therapy programs. At the Spring Lake events, held on June 7-8, participants of all ages and abilities took to the waves under the guidance of professional surf instructors.

Seton Hall volunteers - including B.S. in IPHS majors and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty - had a fun and rewarding opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, according to Monaco, who has volunteered at AWOW events since 2021.

An enthusiastic participant takes to the surf with guidance from Seton Hall volunteer Jerry-Thomas Monaco, PT, Ph.D., DPT, program director of the Interprofessional Health Sciences (IPHS) program.

"By engaging with these children and their families in a supportive and nonmedical environment, Seton Hall students enhanced their communication skills, empathy and adaptability," Monaco added. The healthcare students reported feeling inspired by the resilience and joy of the participants, gaining a deeper appreciation for the therapeutic potential of recreational activities like surfing.

"This is one of the most rewarding experiences I've been part of as a DPT student," said Kristianne Caldon, a second-year student in Seton Hall's DPT program. "Volunteering for the past two summers at the AWOW event has opened my eyes to the impact that physical activity and kindness can have on someone."

Seton Hall Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Domique Adornetto supports an athlete-participant during a A Walk on Water (AWOW) event.

Monaco noted that for students like Kristianne, participating in community outreach reinforces the importance of compassion and community involvement for health professionals - an essential part of the School of Health and Medical Sciences' mission.

"Community outreach experiences have a lasting impact on our students' approach to healthcare, highlighting the importance of compassion and community involvement in their future careers," Monaco said. "The Seton Hall team can't wait to be part of these events again next year!"

Learn more about Seton Hall's nationally ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the innovative B.S. in IPHS major. To learn more about A Walk on Water, visit here.

Categories: Health and Medicine

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