Kayla Roe

The complexity of the human body has always intrigued me and I have always had a passion for caring and helping others. The Physical Therapy profession not only facilitates and guides healing in those who have an injury, illness, or disease; it also helps individuals prevent the occurrence or progression of these ailments in addition to assisting the population with maintaining their current health status. This profession is not specific to any particular population either. As a physical therapist, I will have the ability to diagnose and treat individuals from infancy to adulthood. Every individual is unique in various ways. Thus physical therapy is not just a science, but an art as well in which I will be challenged on a daily basis to tailor treatments specific to the patients' needs, goals, and preferences to treat the individual as a whole instead of specifically focusing on a particular diagnosis.
Upon graduation, my goal is to focus my time and energy within the geriatric population as the number of individuals within this group continue to rise. Neurological disorders are also very prominent within our society today, thus I may chose to specialize in this area as well. The prominent goal for my future is to open up my own clinic in which my background in human nutrition and physical therapy can be utilized to promote and maintain all aspects of health in addition to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the occurrence and progression of various diseases, injuries, and conditions.

During my experience within the Physical Therapy Program at NAU, I have had the opportunity to assist in several community projects and events to assist individuals with various diseases. For example, I assisted with organizing and hosting the Go Big for Parkinson's Run/Walk and Silent Auction to help raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disease. I also participated in the Tango for Parkinson's Event at Carter Rehab in which I encouraged individuals suffering from Parkinson's Disease to engage in fun and active physical activity. In addition, I have observed and helped facilitate treatment at several different physical therapy settings, such as inpatient hospital, pediatric, home health, outpatient orthopedic, and inpatient acute rehabilitation. I plan to organize and participate in research studies during my experience in the Physical Therapy Program to further my education.

I love to exercise and participate in physically active interests such as running, dance, walking my dog, hiking, and playing sports. I also enjoy reading fiction books and nonfiction articles and studies to further my education on various topics. In addition, I love to experiment with my cooking and baking to find new healthy recipes to try. Music is also a passion of mine, so I enjoy to relax and listen to my favorite artists and bands often. I attend church weekly in which I am able to engage and develop relationships with people in the community as well. I also spend time with my friends and husband by going out to eat and watching movies.