UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences

Associate professor of social work, Bethany Backes, an expert on intimate partner violence, spoke with the Orlando Sentinel about the urgent need to recognize warning signs and respond quickly to domestic violence in order to protect victims and their children. Drawing on years of research and frontline experience, Backes brings to light the consistent challenges survivors face as her research exposes gaps in the criminal justice system and calls for stronger enforcement of protections in domestic violence cases.

“Children are another weapon that is used by the abuser,” said Backes. “Whether they directly harm the children or threaten to harm the children – all of those things are tactics used by abusers to terrorize the victim.”

Read more https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/20/toddlers-deaths-in-orange-highlight-disturbing-domestic-violence-trend/

The College of Health Professions and Sciences is proud to announce the formation of our first ever Alumni Council! With 13 inaugural members, this council will play a pivotal role in advancing the college’s mission by enhancing engagement, mentorship, events and philanthropy.

“CHPS alumni are making an impact in healthcare and communities across Florida and beyond, and this council creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen those lifelong connections to the college," Dean Matthew Theriot says. "Our alumni also link us to the practice and professional worlds in exciting ways, so their input is critical to help ensure that we continue providing the most current, cutting-edge, and forward-looking education and preparation possible for our students.”

The founding council members include the following graduates:
Sasha Ruiz ‘12 ‘15 MA
Lauren Sobel’12 ‘17 DPT
Catherine Allbritton ’13 ‘17 DPT
Brooke Johnson ’25
Philip Agostinelli ‘08
Shanick Augustin ‘04
Jason Benn ‘08 ‘12 DPT
Raven Jackson ‘12 ‘16 MS
Sylvia Revangile ‘15 ‘19 ‘23 MSW
Mya Simard ‘24
Luke Thibault ‘24
Lauryn Verica ‘11 ‘12
Steve Thompson ‘14 DPT

Read more about the council https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/news/chps-alumni-council-launched/

Hello, social work Knights!

We loved seeing so many of our social work alumni on Friday at Cantina Catrina, where they gathered for a happy hour and networking event held in conjunction with the NASW Florida Annual Conference. 💛🖤

We're proud to have more than 34,000 graduates from the College of Health Professions and Sciences. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect with fellow CHPS alumni in the year ahead!

You’re Invited! 📢 Save the date for the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science's sixth annual conference! This two-day conference will showcase cutting-edge scientific innovations in kinesiology, physical therapy and athletic training.

Highlights for this year’s event include:
✅Lectures and roundtable discussions from internationally recognized investigators
✅Pre-conference add-on, “IEPRS Lab Crawl: Learn in our Labs!”
✅Networking opportunities

Mark your calendars, registration opens in August! More information, including discounted rates, this year’s speakers, and CEUs, coming soon!

Jennifer Tucker, clinical associate professor of physical therapy and director of UCF Go Baby Go!, recently appeared on FOX 35 to highlight the incredible impact the program has had on the Orlando community over the past decade. Alongside Damianna Quinones, a proud parent of a Go Baby Go! car recipient, they shared how the program not only unlocks new possibilities for children with mobility challenges but also inspires both UCF and K-12 students through hands-on innovation and teamwork. Watch their interview https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/fmc-l2mk9ulr7bnk5rid

Congratulations to University of Central Florida - Go Baby Go for being recognized as this month’s Community Champion by WESH 2 News!

Led by Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Tucker, UCF Go Baby Go! helps children with mobility challenges experience movement through customized ride-on vehicles tailored to their unique needs. Recently, Tucker and UCF physical therapy students partnered with high school students from Cristo Rey Orlando to modify vehicles for Melody and Keller, two children who require additional mobility support.

With an impressive 220 cars provided in the 10 years this program has been in place, we’re so proud to be a part of helping so many children and families move toward greater independence. 💛🖤

UCF Go Baby Go! helps children with mobility challenges Two young girls are gaining independence and smiles thanks to customized cars designed to help children with mobility challenges.

Kinesiology alumna Taylor Culver ‘23 is joining the group of UCF grads who are powering the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As an event executive for the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston, Culver will have the opportunity to contribute to the energy outside the stadium by creating and executing large-scale fan experiences.

“Because of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through UCF, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.” Culver says.

Read more https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-grads-score-jobs-with-fifa-world-cup-2026/

We're so proud of this talented young alumna and future speech-language pathologist. Her impact is already felt!