Class of 2026 Spotlight: Kayla Gray-Hillian

Degree:

Hometown:

Frederick, Md.

Where are you from, and what brought you to Marymount?

I’m from Frederick, Md., and after going to undergrad in West Virginia, I wanted to stay closer to home because I love the D.C. area. I got my bachelor’s in exercise science, hoping to study physical therapy someday, so I was looking for schools with great PT programs.

What drew me to Marymount’s DPT program was the opportunity to feel connected—not just to the city, but to meaningful experiences. I explored a lot of great schools, and Marymount was the only one that had a service learning trip built into the program. That dedication to service and hands-on learning really stood out to me. I felt like it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I knew I had to come to Marymount and be a part of it.

What has your experience been like in Marymount’s DPT program?

It’s been amazing, it truly feels like a family. The professors are so supportive. You can go to them for anything, and they care about you not just as a student but as a person. It’s a collaborative environment with your fellow students as well, where you feel like you’re growing together.

I also love that there are always opportunities to get involved. We’re very connected to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), which is headquartered nearby in Alexandria. I serve as the APTA liaison for my cohort, which has been an incredible experience. I’ve had the chance to go into local schools and talk about physical therapy, advocate for the profession and connect with different communities. I enjoy connecting with people and helping them understand what physical therapists do. Being able to go into different communities and show students what’s possible in this field has been really rewarding. I’m grateful for all the opportunities Marymount has given me to find my voice and share my love of PT with others.

What was your experience like on the 2026 service learning trip to Guatemala?

It was everything I hoped it would be and more! We were in Guatemala for two weeks and worked in a variety of settings, including community clinics, pop-up treatment spaces and even patients’ homes. My group focused on community-based care, which meant adapting to different environments and working with limited resources.

We treated a wide range of patients, from individuals recovering from strokes to young athletes, and had to be creative in how we delivered care. It highlighted how versatile physical therapy can be and how much impact you can make, even in challenging conditions.

The trip really changed my perspective. It showed me how much health care inequality there is and how these communities need support. I also didn’t realize how much this trip would impact me. I went in thinking we would go there and change people’s lives, but I never considered how much they would change me. I learned so much about human connection and the importance of trust in health care. It made me want to be the best health care provider I can be, and that is something I know I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

How has Marymount shaped your vision of being a physical therapist?

Marymount has emphasized empathy, adaptability and connection through every part of the curriculum. I’ve learned that you don’t have to be perfect to be a good physical therapist—you just have to show that you care and that you’re willing to meet patients where they are.

I want to be someone who listens, advocates for my patients and strives to understand their background and experiences. That human side of care is just as important as the clinical side. I hope to do more service work around the world and open my own clinic someday, where I can incorporate pro bono services and give back to the community.

What advice would you give students on making the most of their college experience?

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. College goes by so quickly, and there are so many experiences—leadership roles, service opportunities, networking events or even just connecting with your peers and professors—that can shape who you become.

There are so many ways to get involved at Marymount. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Build relationships with your professors, get to know your classmates and take advantage of hands-on experiences like service learning trips or community outreach.

Also, don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it feels intimidating. Some of the most impactful moments come from those situations where you’re pushed to grow. At the end of the day, just be present and appreciate the experience. You’re learning not just academically, but personally and professionally as well.