Marissa R. Holske

This is a photo of Marissa Holske. Marissa is wearing a white shit with a gold necklace.

Growing up as a gymnast in a small town in Massachusetts, I ended up going to physical therapy after a back injury. Through that experience, and shadowing at several different physical therapy clinics, I realized that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted the chance to help others the way I was helped in physical therapy. I decided to go to Ithaca College because of the reputation of their physical therapy program as well as the variety of amazing opportunities that I could get involved in on campus. I was also able to minor in coaching which many other schools do not offer. After I graduate with my doctor of physical therapy degree, I hope to work with the athletic or pediatric population.

Ithaca College provided me with many different opportunities to advance my learning but being in the Human Anatomy Lab during the summer of 2019 was one of my most memorable experiences. It was a humbling hands-on experience to learn how our bodies function and see the different effects from various diseases. Each day I attended lab, I was challenged and able to learn something new that I was able to take away to help me treat my future patients and become a better clinician.

Academic Achievements and Personal Highlights

  • Dean’s List
  • Flora Brown Award
  • Peggy R. Williams Award for Academic and Community Leadership
  • Study Abroad, Bond University (Australia)
  • Research Assistant, Pediatric Yoga Study
  • Research Assistant, Cancer Survivorship Program
  • New York Physical Therapy Association, Student Special Interest Group, Ithaca College Liaison
  • Ithaca College Physical Therapy Association, Professional Development Coordinator
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Puppy Raiser
  • Big Brother Big Sister of Ithaca & Tompkins County