FUTURE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ORGANIZATION
FPTO 2023-2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
Gracie Hernandez
Hi everyone, I’m Gracie Hernandez and I am so excited to be serving as Co-President this year! I was a member of FPTO my first two years at SDSU, and am so blessed to have been able to serve on the board last year. As a senior, I am thrilled to give back to this community, as it has given me so many opportunities, friendships, and memories I will remember forever. I am from a small town in Sonoma County, California and is where my passion for physical therapy began. I can’t wait for what this year will bring for FPTO!
PRESIDENT
Kate Novikov
Hi, I am Kate Novikov and I am so excited to be the Co-President for FPTO this year! I am a third year Kinesiology Pre Physical Therapy major originally from Los Angeles. I have been a member of FPTO since freshman year and served as the Co-Secretary my sophomore year. FPTO has been the most helpful informational source to prepare me for my future and I am eager to get further involved with the organization to help others learn as well. I currently work as a Physical Therapy Aide at Adjust Physical Therapy which has helped me gain first hand experience on what it is like to work in an outpatient clinic. Some fun facts about me are that I have been a dancer since the age of 4, I have a 6 year old golden retriever, and I love to cook!
VICE PRESIDENT
Talia Solovei
Hi! My name is Talia Solovei and I am thrilled to be this year's FPTO Vice President! I served as a Secretary for Spring 2023 and can not wait to continue on the board! I am a second year Kinesiology: Pre-Physical Therapy major from the Bay Area. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy after being a patient, due to competitive dance injuries, and am so excited to be working on my transition to the other side of the dynamic. In my free time, I enjoy playing with cats, cooking vegan food, and staying active. FPTO made by transition to SDSU such a positive one, and I hope to continue to create a similar experience for all members!
TREASURER
Ashley Johnson
Hello everyone! My name is Ashley Johnson. I am a third year here at state as a Kinesiology Pre PT major. I am so excited to be Treasurer for FPTO. I joined FPTO my second semester of freshman year and I love that as a junior I get this opportunity of being a leader in a club that has done so much for my college career and future. I was encouraged to be in this field of Physical Therapy by a background of sports and a condition that forced me into needing Physical Therapy. It is because of Physical Therapy that still to this day I get to play the sports I love. I can’t wait to be a future Physical Therapist and help someone like me! Some fun facts I am from Reno, NV. My sports are volleyball, soccer, and skiing. I am currently a Physical Therapist aide and an anatomy intern. I am so honored to be treasurer for this amazing organization and I can’t wait for this year!
SECRETARY
Manon Balas
Hi my name is Manon Balas and I will be your FPTO’s Co-Secretary this year! I am so hyped to part of your executive board and work with the rest of the board to help you get the resources you need for PT school. FPTO has continuously supported me through my college years ever since Freshman year, and I hope we can do the same for our members! I am a third year Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy major and I am originally from the Bay Area. I currently work at Adjust Physical Therapy and assist a Biomechanics Research Lab here at SDSU. Some fun facts about me are that I was born in France, I am currently part of a competitive collegiate dance team at SDSU and I love sushi!
SECRETARY
Grace Shumacher
Hey!! My name is Grace Schumacher and I’m so excited to be one of the secretary’s for this year! I’m a fourth year Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy major from San Diego. I work as a PT aide which has solidified my passion for physical therapy. In my free time, I love to hike, play pickleball, paddleboard, kayak, and sail! This organization has taught me so much about the major and applying to grad school and I can’t wait to see everything we accomplish this year!
SOCIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Ashley Thomas
Hi! My name is Ashley Thomas and I am looking forward to serving on the FPTO board as Social Events Coordinator! I am so excited to get to know all of you and for our upcoming events this year. I am originally from the LA area and am a third year Kinesiology (pre-PT) major. As a former dancer, I aspire to become a Physical Therapist who specifically works with dancers and in post-operative care. I enjoy going to the beach, making new friends, spending time with my family and cuddling my two dogs (Rowdy and Archer)! I can’t wait for all the opportunities FPTO has to offer this year!
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alexa Kennedy
Hi everyone! My name is Alexa Kennedy and I am super excited to serve on the board this year as your Media Coordinator. Being a member of FPTO has taught me so much about who I want to be and how I can get there, and my hope is to help do the same for all of you. I grew up in the Bay Area playing sports and coaching recreational swim team. The injuries I sustained from sports lead to my lengthy exposure with physical therapy, and combined with my love for helping and inspiring others my dream now is to become a physical therapist. Some fun facts about me are: I am a PT Aide for Manual Orthopedic Physical Therapy, I love Post Malone, and I’m obsessed with a good sunset beach swim. I can’t wait for a great year, and I hope to meet you all soon!!
Faculty Advisor : Dr. Arellano