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 McKenzie, our physical therapy intern!
Her journey to Shea: During my first year of PT school, I had the opportunity to tour The Shea Center and as someone passionate about becoming an Animal Physical Therapist, I knew right away that Shea would be an incredible place for my final rotation. The idea of working closely with animals every day and incorporating them into my patients’ treatment plans was a dream come true.
I grew up in the Bay Area and went to college at California State University, Long Beach, where I studied Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. Currently, I’m in my third year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Azusa Pacific University (APU).
What makes Shea unique: Hippotherapy is such a unique and growing field in Physical Therapy! The amount of input a horse can give to a client in a single session is so beneficial. The Shea Center excels not only because of the powerful impact of hippotherapy, but also because of the amazing staff we have and clients we see. The dedication of both the staff and the resilience of the clients creates a truly special atmosphere to be a part of.
Favorite client moments: There are so many incredible moments at Shea, but one that stands out is a patient who was initially afraid to try different positions on the horse, such as sitting backward or sideways. Week after week, we worked on easing his fears, and after much patience and encouragement, he finally did it! It’s so rewarding to see a client struggle with something for so long and then experience that breakthrough moment where they conquer their fears.
Skills you’ve learning on the job: I’ve learned so much in such a short time here! Every day is filled with new learning opportunities. Each client, horse, and therapist bring a different dynamic, which has allowed me to develop a wide range of knowledge. This experience has helped me refine my ability to adapt and personalize treatments for each client. I had no idea how much there was to learn about the horses themselves—their tack, movements, and even their breed can influence a patient’s response!
Favorite Shea Center horse: Boog is my favorite! Being only 5’1″, I love working with Boog, one of our smallest therapy horses. He’s the perfect height for me to feel comfortable and in control when I have a client on him.
What’s next for you: Once I finish my 12 weeks at here, I’ll graduate from Azusa Pacific University and take my board exams in January. After that, I plan to pursue my canine rehabilitation certification. I’ll spend the next year working in human PT to build my clinical reasoning skills while gaining valuable experience. My goal is to balance both human and animal rehabilitation as I continue to grow as a physical therapist.
