Scholar: Demi De Guia
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Demi: Demi has always been interested in the art of movement analysis. She knew early on that she would strive for a career in physical therapy. She began her pursuit of becoming a physical therapist in community college, where she earned magna cum laude honors before transferring to CSUN. In May 2015, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, graduating summa cum laude. As an undergraduate student, she interned for 100 Citizens (now 3 Wins Fitness) and instructed exercise classes in the San Fernando Valley community. Having this passion for promoting improved health through exercise furthered her drive to become and physical therapist and apply to CSUN’s DPT program. As a DPT student, Delia has volunteered at demonstrations for visiting Japanese students, the ECLIPSE event assisting people living in prosthetics, the Ventura County Fall Prevention program by assessing fall risks, and in Simi Valley by instructing participants with Parkinson's in an exercise class. She was recently hired as a student personal trainer at CSUN’s Student Recreation Center and happily dedicates her time to helping clients achieve their fitness goals. As an LA resident for over 20 years, Demi proudly supports the Boys in Blue. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to CSUN for my outstanding education and for the unique opportunity of this award. Receiving the Campanella-Dodgers Scholarship is an immense honor for both my family and myself. Thank you for the generosity and support you have provided me!”
Scholar: Elnaz Khalili
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Elnaz: Five years after immigrating to America from Iran, Elnaz graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive psychology. While searching for a physical therapy school in California, she became interested in CSUN after learning about its close collaboration with the Dodgers Foundation. During her five semesters in the program, Elnaz has participated in several volunteering activities, including the ECLIPSE Symposium for people living with limb loss, providing demonstrations for the visiting Japanese students from JIKEI, and at the Ventura County Fall Prevention program. After graduation, she is interested in working with geriatric patients as an orthopedic physical therapist and plans to get certified as a canine rehabilitation therapist. Elnaz is proud to have been selected as one of the recipients of the scholarship. “Working in a profession that plays a direct role in improving quality of life for humans and animals has been one of my goals since I was a child. I feel very honored to be part of the Dodger family. Thank you to the [Campanellas] and the Dodgers Foundation for their generosity. Kind hearts like theirs will always be appreciated.”
Scholar: Erik Hasan
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Erik: Erik is proud to say that he is the first in his family to attend graduate school. He began his journey at CSUN in 2012 as an undergraduate Kinesiology student emphasizing in exercise science. As a Kinesiology major, he spent a semester as an intern for the late, Dr. Jennifer Romack. During his five semesters in the DPT program, Erik has been involved with the prehab training at La Crescenta Valley High School with Dr. Aimie Kachingwe, outreach programs for local students from Chatsworth High School, international visits from Japanese students, the CSUN ECLIPSE Symposium for people living in prosthetics, and been a guest lecturer for an undergraduate anatomy class at CSUN.
Erik grew up in Los Angeles with a family of Dodger fans. They are extremely excited that he received the Campanella-Dodgers Scholarship. Erik wants to be the best physical therapist he possibly can so he can help people function at their highest level. He is thankful to the Campanella family and the Dodgers for their generosity and for helping him achieve his goals.
Scholar: Erika Bandy
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Erika: Erika was introduced to physical therapy after experiencing several injuries as a professional ballet dancer. She is passionate about human movement and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University. She knew she wanted to go to graduate school to further her studies in the field of physical therapy and to be able to pursue a career that would allow her to help others through human movement. During her time in the DPT program, Erika has been very involved in the PT Club on-campus and has volunteered in several programs and events on and off campus. Erika is honored to receive this scholarship and has been a proud Dodger fan since she attended games as a child with her grandfather. She is thankful to the Dodgers and the Campanella Foundation for their generosity and support of physical therapy and the education of further physical therapists.
Scholar: Ester Seungeun Woo
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Ester: Ester moved to the United States from South Korea nine years ago with a desire to learn a new language and culture. As the first college student in her family, she was well supported and able to enroll in the physical therapy doctorate program at CSUN. As an older student with English as her second language, she has had to study and work harder than most to understand and master the class material. During her time in the program, Ester has spent many hours volunteering and caring for patients. She said that receiving the scholarship is a tremendous honor for her and her family.
Scholar: Kenneth Gardner
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Kenneth: Kenneth has been a student in the DPT program since 2015. He has taken part in several outreach programs in the community and has been heavily involved with his church in-service to youth as well. He is the first in his family to receive a doctoral degree and is grateful for their love and support. He is thankful to the Campanella family and to the Dodgers for receiving this scholarship. Growing up a Dodger fan and watching games with his father, he is excited to see that the franchise is so generous. Kenneth said that he wants the experience of receiving the scholarship to help him develop into a more generous and caring person who can provide the best service.
Scholar: Maryssa Steffen
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Maryssa: Maryssa was introduced to physical therapy at a young age when her brother was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His rehabilitation team helped him overcome physical limitations and thrive. Witnessing his rehab inspired her to help people navigate their world with more confidence and move with as much independence as possible. While at CSUN, she has been able to work in the community and fulfill her leadership potential. Maryssa’s involvement in CSUN and the community has included serving as the treasurer for the Physical Therapy Club and volunteering for several outreach programs. She is grateful to have received this scholarship and is encouraged to keep moving forward in her physical therapy endeavors and to set the bar high as she pursues residency and fellowship programs.
Scholar: Mary Nelly Geronimo
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Nelly: Nelly said she is fortunate to be the first member of her family to pursue an advanced degree. As a CSUN DPT student, she has volunteered for several on-campus programs, including the department’s ECLIPSE Symposium for people living in prosthetics. She is thankful to the Dodgers and the Campanella family for their generosity and efforts in providing students with financial assistance. Nelly said she is truly excited and thankful for the scholarship, but most importantly, she is excited to be a part of the Dodger family.
Scholar: Stacy Choi
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 60)
About Stacy: Stacy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science from CSU, Long Beach. During her time in the DPT program at CSUN, she has been involved in several volunteer activities. She and her family are immensely honored to have received this scholarship. Stacy is thankful to the Campanella family and the Dodgers for their generosity and support in helping her to continue pursuing a career in helping others.
Scholar: Alisa Ovsepyan
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Alisa: Throughout Alisa’s academic and professional career, she has had many leadership opportunities that have shaped her into the person she is today. In high school, her perseverance led her to become the captain of her varsity water polo and swim teams. As an undergraduate at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), she moved her way up from an intern to the role of marketing coordinator for the university’s Health and Wellness Organization. Alisa received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCSB and decided to apply for the CSUN DPT program because she wanted a career where she could really make an impact on peoples’ lives. She has a great passion for helping and working with others. For two years, she has been involved with CAMINO, a graduate peer mentorship program; this year she is mentoring a first-year DPT student. Aliso said that receiving this scholarship has been a true blessing and she is grateful to the Campanella and Dodgers foundations for their generosity. As a L.A. native she is honored to be considered part of the Dodgers family.
Scholar: Chelsea Carroll
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Chelsea: Chelsea transitioned from an education and career in dance to graduate school in the DPT program. As a DPT student, she has enjoyed helping first-year students succeed by being a mentor for the CAMINO program. She also serves as co-president for her class and was the class lead at the ECLIPSE event, in addition to volunteering for several other programs at CSUN and in the community. Chelsea will be traveling with other DPT students to Rishikesh, India for her doctoral project and is excited to use the knowledge she has received at CSUN to relate it to global health. She thanks the Dodgers and the Campanella foundations for this scholarship and said it is coming at the perfect time. In the future, she hopes to follow in the foundations’ footsteps and be able to give back to the local and global community.
Scholar: Antonio Hanlin Feng
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Antonio: Antonio is an international student from China in the DPT program. As an international student, the application process was very difficult and he is extremely grateful that he was accepted and has the opportunity to study at CSUN. Receiving this scholarship further encourages him to study physical therapy and gain an education in America. He thanks the Dodgers and Campanella foundations for the recognition. Studying and living in another country has been a challenge for Antonio, culturally and financially. He is honored to receive the scholarship and it is his goal to be someone who can give back to society in the future.
Scholar: Jenna Gould
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Jenna: Jenna graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in global studies and physical anthropology. After graduation, she decided to change course and pursue a career in physical therapy. During her time in the DPT program, she has assisted in teaching anatomy to undergraduates in the Kinesiology program and has traveled to Vietnam to complete a needs assessment for a physical therapy school in Da Nang. Jenna is also the vice-president of the Physical Therapy Club and is currently working with other students to develop a student-run pro-bono clinic on-campus. She is thankful to the Campanella and Dodgers foundations for honoring her with this award. “Working hard and serving others are the things that matter most to me,” she said. “Roy Campanella and the Dodgers are the embodiment of those principles. Their generosity and commitment to the community have made me a lifelong Dodger fan.”
Scholar: Melissa Geiger
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Melissa: Melissa graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in biology and a minor in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of the Kinesiology health assessment club, Poly Fit. She is now a DPT student at CSUN and the first in her family to attend a graduate doctoral program. Receiving this scholarship is an honor for her. “I am so thankful to be part of such a wonderful profession that gets to help people have a better quality of life every day. Thank you for the generosity and support of the Campanellas and the Dodgers,” Melissa said.
Scholar: Samantha Hire
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Samantha: Samantha earned her degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University where she also played soccer on an athletic scholarship. After graduating, she returned to her alma mater to volunteer as team chaplain for the women’s soccer team. As a CSUN physical therapy student, Samantha has continued volunteering for programs that work with athletes. She considers it a great honor to receive this scholarship. She is thankful to the Dodgers and Campanella foundations for their generosity and for helping her to achieve her dream of assisting athletes in reaching their full potential and serving underprivileged communities abroad.
Scholar: Shirley Kong
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 61)
About Shirley: Shirley graduated from CSU, East Bay with a degree in Kinesiology and an option in pre-physical therapy. During her undergraduate studies, she dedicated her free time to participating in a community service organization. While at CSUN as a DPT student, she has continued to volunteer her time to many department and community related programs. She is very proud to be the first in her family to receive a college degree and to attend graduate school. She is honored to receive this scholarship and hopes to be able to serve her community and promote health and wellness like the Dodgers and Campanella foundations do. When she becomes a physical therapist, she hopes to help her patients both physically and emotionally on their journey through rehabilitation, similar to the experience and impact of physical therapy on Roy Campanella’s life
Scholar: Alexis Maglalang
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Alexis: Alexis majored in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science when she was an undergraduate student at CSUN. Her love for sports medicine in high school and working with student athletes, led her to an interest in pursuing something that would allow her to help others regain strength and mobility to enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle. She carried that mission into college and was heavily involved in “3 Wins”, a free Kinesiology exercise program that is delivered at parks for low-income communities. As the program director for the El Cariso Park program, she helped that community to see the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.
As a child, Alexis can recall watching the Dodgers play. Learning about the partnership that CSUN had with the foundation was very exciting news to her. She considers it an incredible honor for her and her family to receive this scholarship.
Scholar: Andrea Lopasso
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Andrea: Andrea’s journey to where she is now began in Brazil about 10 years ago; she was teaching English to port workers so they could communicate better with international employers and receive better pay. She then moved to Los Angeles and attended CSUN’s Kinesiology program. During her time in the program, she started a dance group that serves the downtown community at a very low cost. Now in the DPT program, Andrea enjoys teaching Pilates to elder communities because they continually report that the exercise improves their lives. She is very grateful to the Campanellas and the Dodgers for their help in her journey. Her goal is to continually help others live a healthier and better quality of life.
Scholar: Khiem Banh
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Khiem: Khiem is the treasurer of his DPT class 62 (his background as a public accountant has come in handy in this position). He is also a mentee in the CAMINO program at CSUN; a program that assists low-income, first-generation graduate students to more easily enter into healthcare careers. Off-campus, he officiates college basketball and instructs/evaluates high school officials.
As a Cambodian-Vietnamese student whose parents were refugees, he is proud to be the first in his family to finish college and to attend a graduate program. Receiving this scholarship is an honor for Khiem and his family, who just welcomed a baby boy in the beginning of the year. Having benefited from physical therapy himself, he knows how impactful healthcare is to the quality of life. He made a decision to change careers in the hopes of helping others enjoy a better quality of life as well. Khiem is thankful to the Campanellas and Dodgers for bringing him into the Dodger family.
Scholar: Michel De Angelis
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Michel: Michel was born in Switzerland, has a French first name, Italian last name, is 100% Polish, and has been living in the United States since he was three years old. The son of a single, immigrant mother, he is immensely proud to showcase what is possible through hard work and perseverance. Through CSUN’s Kinesiology program, he discovered and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Michel was a highly involved undergraduate student in several volunteer programs. His experience with volunteering has helped to develop his skills as a leader, team player and life-long learner. He is thankful to the Campanella and Dodgers foundations; receiving this scholarship has made his experience in the DPT program even that much better.
Scholar: Nataly Ochoa
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Nataly: Nataly grew-up in the low-income, Hispanic immigrant community of Sun Valley. In her neighborhood, few knew about the benefits of physical therapy or what the profession offered. This was a reason she decided to pursue physical therapy; she wanted to be able to serve the needs of underprivileged communities like her own. Also, back when she was the captain of her high school cross country and track and field teams, she couldn’t help but notice how often her teammates would have to prematurely end their seasons due to injury. She shared in her teammates’ frustrations as they weren’t able to reach their full potential and her passion for physical therapy grew. With this sense of purpose and drive, she graduated from UCLA in physiological sciences with the goal of becoming a physical therapist at the end of her academic journey. Nataly is humbled and honored to receive this scholarship. It helps her to get one step closer to becoming the first in her family to graduate from a doctoral program. She is thankful to the Campanellas and the Dodgers for their generosity.
Scholar: Sara Fisher
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Sara: Sara graduated from CSUN’s kinesiology/exercise science program with honors. Prior to her undergraduate studies, she was a veterinary technician. During that job, she sustained a back injury that led her to seek physical therapy. While healing, she found her passion in the power of movement and its positive effects on the body. That was when she decided to go back to school to get her bachelor’s degree so she could one day apply to a physical therapy graduate program. Sara considers CSUN a second home. She is a co-president for her DPT class at CSUN and she enjoys communicating with her professors and classmates. She is honored and grateful to receive this scholarship, as it allows her to focus on her academics and her goal of becoming a physical therapist who makes a positive impact on the community.
Scholar: Susan Adele Havens
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Susan: Susan came to CSUN’s physical therapy program after 20 years of being a dancer and movement artist. Prior to CSUN, she was a student at UCLA, working on a graduate research study about the effects of arts-learning in low-income elementary school populations. She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in world arts and cultures-dance. She then earned her master’s degree from USC in film production. At USC, she served as the Chair of the Women’s Cinematic Arts, an organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting the presence of women in the film, television and digital industries. Susan now serves as a co-president for DPT class 62 at CSUN. She enjoys spending her free time with her six year old daughter, Lucy. She is honored to have received this scholarship. Some of her earliest memories are of attending Dodger games with her grandfather before he passed away. She thanks the Dodgers and the Campanellas for their generosity.
Scholar: Woody Somvichai
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Woody: Woody grew up in Southern California and is thrilled to be attending CSUN (his top choice PT school). Raised by a single-mother, he is proud to be both a first-generation American and first-generation graduate student. He knows first-hand the disparities in access to care based on language, economic status, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation. As a result, Woody is committed to being the best physical therapist possible and will be a professional who gives back to the diverse communities that have shaped him. During his time in the DPT program, he has volunteered for several events and been involved in the CAMINO for Health Careers Mentorship program. Woody is truly honored to have received this scholarship and is grateful to be able to work in a career that gives him the opportunity to make a difference. He said that he feels he has a responsibility to give back to the community, especially to those that need help the most and he thanks the Dodgers and the Campanellas for recognizing the importance of cultural perspectives and for their generosity. He is thrilled to be a part of the Dodger family.
Scholar: Yana Tutunik
Year Awarded: 2018
Working towards degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Class 62)
About Yana: Yana graduated from the California Institute of the Arts with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Through teaching group and private yoga classes in Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro, she found her passion in working with the body to optimize movement. Wanting to serve the community that gave her so much, she moved back to Los Angeles from Rio in 2014 and began preparing for a DPT program. She got involved with CSUN’s pre-Physical Therapy Association and worked as an aide for over a year. This solidified her commitment to become a physical therapist; a PT who can utilize movement as preventative medicine for individuals, a shift in healthcare that she sees necessary for Americans to use as preventative medicine. Yana is grateful for this scholarship and said she will pass along the show of faith she’s been given by being a dutiful and passionate physical therapist.
About the Scholarship: Roy “Campy” Campanella was a catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and one of the first African Americans to play Major League Baseball; he was also a three-time National League MVP. In 1958, he was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, ending his baseball career. He started physical therapy which helped him gain enough mobility to become a guest instructor at the Dodgers’ spring training camp, offering lectures to young catchers. Roy passed away in 1993, a year later his wife Roxie began donating money to physical therapy programs and she continued to do so until her passing in 2004.
The scholarships at CSUN are made possible due to a generous contribution from the Campanella Family. In 2005, the Roy and Roxie Campanella Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation partnered to dedicate scholarships to CSUN physical therapy students. Roy and Roxie’s daughter, Joni Campanella-Roan, has enhanced the partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers and continues to be actively involved with the College. Read more about the honoring of this year’s recipients from CSUN Today here.
Scholar: Joanne Maragakis
Scholar: Jennifer Au