Meet the new faculty in the School of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Antonio Vintimilla, PT, DPT, PhD
How long have you been a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
I have been a PT for 5-6 years now.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DPT?
I was always fascinated with the human body and especially how it moves, so I wanted to become an expert in that.
How did you learn about PNWU, and what drew you to teach here?
I learned about PNWU online and enjoyed my interactions with everyone from the beginning. Everyone was very organized and respectful. The entire interview and hiring process was very structured, which I liked. And once I got here the campus and area were beautiful, and the program needs facilitated my clinical, teaching, and research expertise. It was also an exciting opportunity to get into a developing program on the ground floor.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
My favorite aspect of teaching is watching that lightbulb click in students’ heads when they understand something. I love what I teach so I love to share that with other people and watch them understand it.
Dr. Rachael Arabian, PT, DPT, NCS, CLWT
How long have you been a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
6 years
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DPT?
I initially became inspired to pursue a career as a physical therapist shortly after sustaining a concussion while on active duty in the United States Army. I was so impressed with their clinical expertise, patient care, and various specializations. My physical therapist knew my love for yoga and even incorporated yoga into my daily home exercise program. At that time, I was already contemplating a career change into the medical field, and this was the perfect fit for me.
How did you learn about PNWU, and what drew you to teach here?
I learned about PNWU while making plans to move back to the West Coast after my son’s high school graduation (originally from Reno, Nevada). The school’s mission and vision really spoke to me with the added benefit of being a residential program and near the mountains.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
Getting to know the students and watching them grow and learn. The impact they are going to make in our community is going to be tremendous!
Dr. Angie Meloy, PT, DPT
How long have you been a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
I earned my transitional DPT in 2022 but have been a Physical Therapist for 29 years.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DPT?
I knew that I wanted to work in a healthcare field and PT really appealed to me because of the close relationships that we are able to build with our patients.
How did you learn about PNWU, and what drew you to teach here?
I’ve lived and worked in the community my entire career and have watched this university as it has developed over the years. With an unexpected change to my job back in 2020, I thought that it would be exciting to be part of this developing program.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
I really like working with the students and helping them at this early stage in their careers.
Dr. Sarah Lewis, PT, DPT, PCS, Doctoral Candidate in Health Sciences
How long have you been a Doctor of Physical Therapy?
I have been a physical therapist for 25 years. I received a master’s degree in physical therapy in 1999 and graduated with a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2021.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DPT?
All 25 years of my career have been in pediatric physical therapy. I set out to help children experience joy by optimizing function and participation with family members and the community. In turn, the children and families have brought me joy and immense professional satisfaction over the years.
How did you learn about PNWU, and what drew you to teach here?
I first learned about PNWU when the DPT program was started. I was drawn by the mission of the University to train health professionals for service in rural and medically underserved areas. I recognized the deep need for this model of education and physical therapy practice after working for years with families who had to travel to metropolitan areas for care.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with DPT students who are enthusiastic about the physical therapy profession. It is particularly rewarding to see students enjoy pediatric content and experiences, whether they always or never knew they would like to work with children.
