Cleveland State University DPT Program

Another successful FunFitness at the Ohio State Summer Special Olympic Games. Thanks to all who volunteered. We had less volunteers than normal but still screened approx. 300 athletes!

Way to go CSU DPT Students!

"Huge shoutout to the amazing students from Cleveland State University DPT Program for volunteering at today’s EmpowerMe Wellness Co****le Event at Vitalia North Olmsted! Arrow Senior Living Management

Grateful for your energy, professionalism, and heart. This is how great therapists are developed."

Alumni Highlight

Dr. Marlena Klein is a 2022 alum who has gone on to be a successful neurologic physical therapist. Before pursuing a career in physical therapy, Dr. Klein was exposed to the profession at a young age. Her grandmother had dementia and Parkinson’s disease that required daily care. Dr. Klein describes that many of her core childhood memories include home health PT sessions where she watched her grandma work with the therapists. Years later, Dr. Klein became involved in her high school STEM program where she got to shadow at an outpatient clinic, and her love for the profession was confirmed. She then went on to attend California State University, Northridge where she majored in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science.

After graduating from Cleveland State, Dr. Klein began working for University Hospitals and has been with them for three years. She also completed UH’s Neurological Residency Program and graduated from the program in January.

Outside of her work in the clinic at UH St. John’s outpatient center, she is active in University Hospital’s ALS Clinic where she works with an interdisciplinary team that meets with patients monthly. Dr. Klein also conducts research on stroke recovery with high intensity gait training and auditory rhythmic stimulation. Lastly, she has assisted with teaching as a part-time instructor in the CSU program!

When she isn’t in the clinic, conducting research, or teaching, Dr. Klein enjoys cooking, playing volleyball with her friends, running (recently including the Malibu Half Marathon), and hiking!

Dr. Klein wants to remind all current, and future PT students, that “PT school is a journey – there will be highs and lows – just know it will all be worth it and one day you will wish you were back in lecture and lab with your class.”

Congratulations on your successful career, Dr. Klein! You make us CSU proud!

Congrats to CSU DPT Adjunct Instructor Dr. DiFilippo in being re-elected as Ohio's Chief delegate to the APTA House of Delegates.

"This includes conducting regular meetings of the Delegates, preparing resolutions for presentation to the House of Delegates, and serving as a liaison between OPTA Delegates and the APTA or other chapters when considering issues for the upcoming House of Delegates, which meets in July.

The House of Delegates also elects national leaders including the APTA Board of Directors and APTA Nominating Committee."

Thank you Dr. Dan Thorson for being the keynote speaker at the Professionalism Ceremony. We appreciate all your involvement with the CSU DPT program!

Last night, the CSU DPT Class of 2027 along with faculty, family and friends celebrated their Professionalism Ceremony and received their white coats in anticipation of their clinical placements this summer!

At the event, students also collected over 70 items for the Lift Up Vikes food pantry. Thanks to all our donors, students and congratulations again!

We are excited to announce that we have added to our team!

Dr. Courtney Gaddis will be joining us in the fall as an Assistant Clinical Professor. Dr. Gaddis obtained a Bachelor of Science in physical education from the State University of New York, a DPT from The Sage Colleges and she completed a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary residency at Duke University.

Her teaching experience includes time at Cleveland State University but also Tufts University and Walsh University. She is also an APTA credentialed clinical instructor. She currently is a physical therapist at University Hospitals St. John Medical Center. Her community service includes serving as a member for the Bryant and Stratton PTA program and INTO (fair-trade, non-profit) advisory boards.

We are looking forward to her joining the CSU DPT team in August!

Welcome Dr. Gaddis!

Know anyone interested in attending CSU for their DPT degree? Let them know the University’s spring open house is this Saturday. Potential students can talk to faculty and students, as well as get some hands on experience!

Open House | Cleveland State University Open House Student Center 2121 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115 [email protected] Spring Open House Saturday, April 25, 20269 a.m.–2 p.m.Register Now!It only happens once a year! Don’t miss your chance to experience Cleveland State University in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Head to ....

Dr. Mary Milidonis and several students from the DPT Class of 2027 recently celebrated at the Ohio APTA 75th Anniversary Gala.