Three members of the Marymount University family will be honored with awards June 28 during the American Physical Therapy Association Conference (APTA) and Exposition in Orlando, Florida:
- Dr. Diana G. Venskus, an associate professor of physical therapy, will receive the Humanitarian Award. The recognition honors individuals who exemplify the compassionate nature of the profession and actively demonstrate a commitment to humanity and selflessness in addressing health concerns. She directs the Physical Therapy Clinic at the Arlington Free Clinic, an academic-community service-learning partnership that integrates student-learning goals and community physical therapy needs in a pro bono service delivery model. She earned her bachelor’s degree at George Mason University, her master’s degree at George Washington University and her Ph.D. at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- An alumna, Dr. Secili DeStefano, ’01, ’07, who earned her master’s degree and doctorate from Marymount, will receive the Lucy Blair Service Award, which honors members whose contributions to APTA are of exceptional quality or value. She works at the Reston location of Bodies in Motion Physical Therapy where she administers premium care to a large, diverse population of outpatient orthopedic patients.
- Dr. Rebecca H. Leonard, an adjunct faculty member, will receive the Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award, which honors a physical therapy professional who embodies a commitment to developing physical therapy as a caring profession. The director and owner of Early Intervention Associates earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Connecticut, her master’s degree from Marshall University and her doctor of physical therapy from Rocky Mountain University.
