The Shea Center is a learning facility that takes on select students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and mental health. Students in these fields require hundreds of clinical hours to fulfill their degree and mentorship to build their skills.
Learn more about Devin, our physical therapy intern!
His journey to Shea: I am a 3rd year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at USC, a husband, and a father of two boys with one girl on the way. When my wife and I found an opportunity to intern at The Shea Center, we knew I had to take it. I am pursuing a career as a pediatric physical therapist, and I haven’t found a more unique or well-rounded therapy program to do just that than Shea.
What makes Shea unique: I have gotten to work with clients from two years old to nearly 90 years old here! I’ve seen many clients who have diagnoses I never learned about in school, and better yet I have been equipped to help them with some of the best therapists I’ve ever met. Shea is unique in its blend of volunteer support and staff to produce an effective treatment environment for clients in need.
Favorite client moments: One of my clients told me, “I love you, Mr. Devin” recently, and it melted my heart. He is also the same kiddo who once looked up at me and exclaimed, “Why are you a giant, Mr. Devin? Your head is way up there and mine is way down here!” This made me laugh out loud.
Skills he’s learned on the job: I have become a better communicator at Shea. As a therapist here, you need to lead a team composed of a horse leader, a sidewalker, and the client. This requires the ability to make and convey real time decisions with brevity so the team can work as one.
Favorite Shea Center horse: I love Baxter. He is a spunky and sweet young horse who always greets me when I walk up to him. He is warm with my clients and so quirky. My son Samuel had his first ride on Baxter and has talked about him constantly ever since!
What’s next for him: I recently accepted a position in an orthopedic residency at USC. I want to specialize in pediatric orthopedic spine rehabilitation in the future, and the next step is to refine my orthopedic skillset and knowledge base to do just that.
