Each year approximately 30 PT Ambassadors volunteer their time and energy to be the student voice of the DPT program. All of our Ambassadors are actively involved in campus culture and the local Physical Therapy community, and work closely with the Admissions Office to provide an invaluable resource for prospective students.
We encourage you to speak with a current student about their experience applying to and choosing 鶹Ӱ's School of Physical Therapy. Ambassadors' emails are provided below, and they will be happy to help you learn why Pacific is the school for you!
Lead Ambassador
Name: Linzay Shirahama
Email: shir2109@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Portland State University
Major: International Studies: Latin America; Community Health Education
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
One reason I chose Pacific: The student ambassador panels at the open house and interview day really impressed me. I don’t think many places would have faculty leave the room and allow students to answer any prospective student questions. And then the ambassadors had all positive things to say! Beyond the ambassadors, I talked to many people with connections to Pacific and only heard glowing reviews. No wonder Pacific is such a well regarded university. The fact that Pacific makes it easy for prospective students to contact ambassadors showed me that Pacific trusts the students and is very assured in the caliber of the program. These things made me want to be part of the Pacific community.
Hobbies: Casual nature walks, hiking, backpacking, creative cooking, dehydrating creative cooking into backpacking meals, staring at my houseplants, aspiring to swim-bike-run, bouldering, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), attempting silly SUP tricks, being a semi-coordinated dancer.
Class of 2027
Name: Crystal Benitez Coronado
Email: beni2096@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: California State University San Marcos
Major: Kinesiology, Movement Science
Hometown: San Diego, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose 鶹Ӱ because I immediately felt welcomed and valued — not just as a student, but as an individual. With abundant resources to support my success, I knew I could truly thrive here. In addition, the close-knit community at Pacific made me feel at home from day one, reinforcing that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
Hobbies: My hobbies include cooking, hiking, trying new coffee shops and food spots, and spending time with friends and family. In addition, I am also a competitive powerlifter and a certified USA Powerlifting State Referee and referee for meets on weekends when I am available.
Name: Emily Cheavtharn
Email: chea1248@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Salem, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the culture created by the students and faculty. I knew I wanted to be a part of a program that encouraged collaboration and creating relationships with fellow classmates and faculty. Since being a student, my expectations have been exceeded. The faculty here truly want you to succeed not only as a student but also a professional, and I've never been in such a welcoming and collaborative environment with my peers.
Hobbies: Playing sports, watching sports, cooking & baking, trying new places to eat with friends!
Name: Grace Comeau
Email: come2081@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Utah Valley University
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Oregon City, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: 鶹Ӱ was not on my list of schools at all when I was applying to go to school, and I only ended up applying because the Physical Therapist I got my observation hours under mentioned she had gone here and loved it. When I had my interview, I was blown away by the emphasis on student success both during classes and clinical rotations, but also by letting the current students speak for themselves on their experience. Pacific did not hide behind letting the applicants try and contact their students, or go to an event outside of the interview process, but decided to put their students front and center to showcase what it can offer. It made my decision incredibly easy in the end when it came time to decide.
Hobbies: I enjoy sports, especially basketball, going on road trips, hiking, cooking, and going to see movies with friends.
Name: Kai Crusos
Email: crus1986@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: When I first looked into where I wanted to go I spoke with local PT's and they all said that Pacific was the best program in the PNW. I chose Pacific because of the smaller community and how welcoming it was during the interview day. I was so happy with how comfortable I was to talk with professors and ambassadors. I loved hearing about how much the ambassadors loved the program, and it really solidified my decision to go.
Hobbies: Handstands, circus, dancing, juggling, hiking, cuddling my dogs and going for walks.
Name: Mackenzie Lamey
Email: lame20289@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Washington State University
Major: Kinesiology, Minor in Strength and Conditioning
Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the welcoming environment and tight-knit community. Coming from a large University for undergrad, I wanted a program where I felt seen and known, and Pacific is exactly that. Since interview day I felt as though the faculty and peers have your best interest in mind, and do everything they can to help you succeed. It was also important to me that I could enjoy my hobbies, which the PNW provides the perfect opportunity for!
Hobbies: My Hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, surfing, paddle boarding and spending time with my friends and family!
Name: Marissa Layosa
Email: layo0082@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology, Minor in Psychology
Hometown: Hanama’ulu, HI
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific for many reasons, but what stands out to me the most is the strong sense of community and support from the faculty and staff. They are genuinely invested in student success, creating an environment that encourages growth both academically and personally. This sense of community reminded me of the close-knit atmosphere I grew up with in Hawai’i, making Pacific feel like a home away from home.
Hobbies: Watching/playing sports, going to the beach, traveling, baking/cooking, being with friends and family, and being in nature.
Name: Meghan Michels
Email: mich0782@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Pacific Lutheran University
Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical therapy, Minor in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Hometown: Medford, Oregon
One reason I chose Pacific: When I had the opportunity to tour the campus I immediately felt the energy and excitement about physical therapy! A priority for fellow students and faculty is to create an environment of support, hard work, and excellence. I immediately felt at home at 鶹Ӱ!
Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include soccer, fly fishing, drawing, hiking, and being with friends and family!
Name: Austin Slobodian
Email: slob1849@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific due to the family culture I experienced on my interview day. From the faculty to the student ambassadors running the interview day I felt well-supported. The love for the profession of Physical Therapy was also embodied by everyone running the program.
Hobbies: I enjoy fishing, watching football, baseball, basketball and hockey, lifting weights, playing men's baseball during the summer, and going out for meals with classmates!
Class of 2026
Name: Emily Bath
Email: bath8579@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: California Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Grants Pass, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: "Interview Day sealed the deal for me! Although I came in expecting the day to feel stressful and intimidating, I ended up feeling relaxed and valued as an individual from the moment I walked in. The faculty were very approachable, talking and laughing with me and answering any questions I had. Additionally, the current students on the panel all emphasized the team environment Pacific creates within the program, which I’ve been able to experience over the short period of time I’ve been here thus far. It builds quickly!"
Hobbies: Running, camping, rafting, hiking, scoping out new views… anything outside, and probably with coffee!
Name: Rozelle Bustos
Email: bust7921@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Stockton University in Galloway, NJ
Major: Health Science with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy
Hometown: Los Angeles- Koreatown, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: "If I had to choose one reason out of the many reasons I chose Pacific, it would be the diversity. Coming from the military, diversity is something I wanted to continue to see because I had been surrounded by different people from different places most of my adult life. At 鶹Ӱ, I already saw from not just the students but even faculty that there was more diversity compared to other schools I was accepted to. Some were born and raised in Oregon, but others were also out of state, like myself!"
Hobbies: CrossFit, Bikram yoga, BJJ/ watching MMA, baking, hiking, surfing in the summer, going to Korean saunas (jimjilbangs), pickle ball, grooming my German Shepard Lulu, tending to my houseplants and I really really like to clean and organize things
Name: Ryan Chapin
Email: chap8076@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Eastern Washington University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Walla Walla, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the program’s reputation and the inclusive and welcoming environment. I wanted to find a program where I could be myself, and that is exactly how I felt during my interview day! All of the students and faculty made me excited to continue my education, and that is not something that I felt at the other places that I interviewed at."
Hobbies: Anything to do with jellyfish, listening to podcasts, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, traveling, and playing sports.
Name: Kyleigh Corpuz
Email: corp5961@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Hilo, HI
One reason I chose Pacific: "I chose 鶹Ӱ because I knew that I wanted a program that was strong educationally but also provided a supportive environment. The support both in and out of the classroom from the faculty is unmatched, allowing me to become the best student and future clinician possible. Not only is there support from the faculty, but also my peers and that is a huge component for me since we are going through classes and every day together. It is so comforting to know that at any time there is a bunch of people who have my back."
Hobbies: Running/working, going to the beach, shopping, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and petting any dog that passes by.
Name: Kyla Damerow
Email: dame9696@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Bemidji State University
Major: Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
Hometown: Black Diamond, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific because of the environment and values that the program had and displayed, especially during interview day! The minute I stepped on campus, it was a welcoming and supportive environment, and you could see just how much faculty and staff supported each other to be successful! Along with that getting to be in the PNW is a huge bonus!"
Hobbies: Being outdoors, playing sports, traveling, and being around friends and family!
Name: Miguel Diaz
Email: diaz4216@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: University of New Mexico
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
One reason I chose Pacific: "After the interview, I knew that I wanted to attend Pacific's PT program. The energy on campus was welcoming and encouraging! The staff and current ambassadors made it clear that the program was non-competitive and everyone was a part of the Boxer family. It seemed like a great program to be a part of being so far from home!"
Hobbies: Weightlifting, hiking, trying new restaurants, and watching movies
Name: Ramyar Eslami (Ram)
Email: esla9007@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Portland State University Honors College
Major: Pre-Clinical Health Sciences
Hometown: Kurdistan, Iran (Born) & Beaverton, OR (Raised)
One reason I chose Pacific: "I chose Pacific for many reasons, but the inclusive and supportive community among the students and staff stuck out during my interview day. The faculty and students at this school all carry a positive energy and look to help each other achieve a common goal. From day one, there has been a sense of togetherness on campus, which has made my experience so far much smoother than I was expecting. As a current student, I have appreciated how much the program has invested in the students and how well it has set a foundation for becoming the best professional in PT. I also can't go without mentioning that we are in the PNW, which is automatically a plus!"
Hobbies: Watching and playing all types of sports, but specifically basketball and soccer. Listening to music, playing board games, hanging out with friends and family, exploring new foods across Portland, camping and being outdoors, and cars!
Name: Kennedy Howard
Email: howa8846@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Portland State University
Major: Applied Health and Fitness
Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon
One reason I chose Pacific: “A large part of why I chose Pacific was because of the wonderful DPT students and the culture they cultivated here. I could clearly tell this was an environment with skilled people that could foster my growth as a clinician. I absolutely adore my cohort, and I’m constantly impressed by my peers in this program. Upon interviewing, I met some of the most gracious and humble physical therapy students who I knew I wanted to learn alongside. The student body contributes such a large portion of a program’s learning environment, and meeting the amazing ambassadors upon interview day just solidified that Pacific was where I wanted to be.”
Hobbies: Dance, Hiking, Kayaking, Gyrotonic, Whale watching, and Star gazing
Name: Kaila Mann
Email: mann9257@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Chapman University
Major: Human Physiology
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
One reason I chose Pacific: "Going through a 鶹Ӱ program is a challenging process, so I wanted to find a learning environment that supported me academically and in my personal life. Through the interview process, I felt that support through the friendly and genuine interactions I had with the professors, staff, and students. I was impressed with the numerous opportunities in interprofessional education and ways to get involved within the program and community, which emphasized the importance of a school-life balance for me."
Hobbies: Dancing, weight lifting, hiking, finding good food places, finding new ways to get active, spending time with friends and family
Name: Allison O’Connor
Email: ocon8584@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Colorado State University
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Hometown: Evergreen, Colorado
One reason I chose Pacific: "Once I came to campus for interview day, I immediately felt welcomed and was drawn to the genuine nature of the faculty and students. There is such a positive and supportive environment that had been created, and that was evident throughout all the interactions I had while on campus. I could see that the faculty cared about their students and was rooting for their success. Coming from out of state, I was looking for a school that had a good sense of community and a collaborative environment. I wanted to be in an area that had lots of activities/things to check out nearby, so being in the PNW is a bonus!"
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, working out, paddle boarding, going for walks
Name: Kaila Oshiro
Email: oshi6367@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: 鶹Ӱ
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Pearl City, Hawaii
One reason I chose Pacific: "I chose 鶹Ӱ for numerous reasons. One of the top reasons being that I loved how they encompassed a tight-knit community feel. I initially chose to come to 鶹Ӱ for my under鶹Ӱ career because I knew they had a great DPT program and a lot of ties to Hawaii. All throughout my under鶹Ӱ, Pacific was my home away from home, and the DPT program is all of that plus more. On interview day, they made me feel so welcomed and comfortable. They put a huge emphasis on not only making sure that you are a good fit for their program but also that this program is a good fit for you."
Hobbies: Surfing, hiking, weight lifting, cooking, hanging out with family & friends
Name: Emily Payne
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email: payn7574@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Transylvania University in Lexington, KY
Major: Health and Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
Hometown: Tigard, OR / Northern Virginia
One reason I chose Pacific: "When applying for PT school, I knew I wanted to move back to Oregon, specifically in the Portland area, and Pacific provided just that. After receiving an offer to interview, I was able to visit the Hillsboro campus firsthand, and I fell in love immediately. I felt at peace. Though small, 鶹Ӱ is mighty and faculty, staff, community members, and peers will work in the best interest of the 鶹Ӱ students to ensure success and happiness in their field of study."
Hobbies: Trying new coffee places, working, hanging out with friends and family, watching lots of soccer, finding new avocado plushes to collect
Name: Ashley Shumacher
Email: schu8083@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Washington State University
Major: Kinesiology, Minor in Biology
Hometown: San Jose, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: "After my interview and tour at 鶹Ӱ, I knew it was the school for me! All the students and staff were so caring and supportive. At other schools and interviews, I felt like a number, but 鶹Ӱ made me feel wanted, valued, and supported."
Hobbies: Hiking, baking, traveling, and doing anything outdoors
Name: Jordan Wheeler
Email: whee9115@pacificu.edu
Under鶹Ӱ Institution: Oregon State University
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Portland, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: "During my interview day, Pacific felt like home. All of the faculty, current students, and others within the Pacific community were so welcoming and kind. It was evident that there was a family-like dynamic between everyone in the DPT program at Pacific. In addition, the program's dedication to helping those within the community, like volunteering with Special Olympics, was important when making my decision due to my passion for helping underserved populations. They truly embodied their core values of health equality, community health and wellness, and diversity of people."
Hobbies: I love playing tennis, weightlifting, hiking, traveling, reading, and watching anime