Introducing Kaitlin

I can’t believe our Co-ops have been with us for two months already and all five of them have been wonderful additions to the F&L Ohana! We would like to introduce our final Co-Op student, Kaitlin, who works primarily at our clinics located at the Kokokahi YWCA in Kaneohe. She has been doing a great job of bouncing back and forth between the Aquatic center, WORC and Kaneohe clinic. She celebrated her birthday last week, so it’s only appropriate that we get to know her a little better and wish her a Hau’oli La Hanau!(HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?
I went to South Carroll High School in Maryland. I currently attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

What drew you to PT?
When I was younger I wanted to be a teacher, but as I got older I felt a draw to be more involved in the medical field. Physical therapy is a career that involves both teaching and medicine! Once I started looking at physical therapy schools, I knew that it was the right choice for me.

Why did you want to do your coop in Hawaii?
I love to travel and I wanted a change of pace from Boston.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten since arriving?
Natto! I tried it at a Japanese market in town with Mila.
What is on your to do list while here?
I really want to do a bicycle trip around the entire island! I also would love to learn how to surf.

What are your outside interests?
I really enjoy hiking, biking, and being outdoors! I love finding new places and meeting new faces, and any activities that can involve both : )

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I really hope that I can incorporate injury prevention programs into my career as a physical therapist. I am very interested in pediatric and geriatric orthopedics and hope to be able to work with both patient demographics.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?
My dad has been a huge influence in my life. He is the reason I hold so much value in being active and healthy. Growing up he always encouraged me to try new things, go new places, and find active ways to have fun. I wouldn’t be on the road to becoming a physical therapist if it weren’t for the experiences I had growing up with him.