March 31, 2026 — At Marist’s Parkinson’s Disease Stretch Clinics, doctoral students partner with members of the Poughkeepsie community to build strength, confidence, and connection through hands-on and community-centered care.

“Forming meaningful relationships with people in the community while developing our hands-on skills means a lot to us as students, and I’m always sure to let them know,” said Larry Brown '27, a current second-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. “Having this opportunity to meet, engage, and practice on local patients in this way helps fill in some of the gaps from our lectures and labs.”

The DPT program at Marist emphasizes experiential learning and clinical rotations designed to prepare students for their future careers. The Parkinson’s Disease Stretch Clinic is one example of how students learn while serving others.

Patient-Centered Experiential Learning

“Our DPT program strives to offer valuable learning opportunities while also giving back to the local community,” said Dr. Kristin Mende, Clinical Associate Professor of the DPT program. “The Parkinson’s Disease Stretch Clinics only further build upon this ideal of the program.”

Learning opportunities at Marist extend beyond the classroom, giving students the chance to practice what they’ve learned in real-life scenarios. Graduate students work one-on-one with local participants in the Poughkeepsie area, using the skills that they have learned from the program to help improve the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

“Hands-on experiences such as the Parkinson’s Disease Stretch Clinic allow me to take a step back to remember my ‘why’ during stressful times in the semester,” said Allison Prieto '27, a student in the DPT program.

Through direct engagement with patients, students gain the ability to intensify their communication skills and confidence while making real-time decisions.

Patients from the local community also benefit from the social interactions that the clinics provide, in addition to the relief from discomfort with the greater mobility that they feel.

“These activities offer valuable learning opportunities prior to students going to their full-time clinical rotations,” Dr. Mende said. The student’s charitable involvement in the community enhances their strengths, which can later be applied to post-grad life.

 

DPT students take turns learning about wheelchair exercise. Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Building Student Compassion

The stretch clinics also deepen students’ connection to the community and strengthen their passion for becoming physical therapists.

Dr. Mende notes the visible improvement in her students’ body mechanics when working with patients, as well as increased empathy, compassion, and strength in their acquired skills. All of which are valuable assets for graduate students entering the workforce.

This community-centered mindset has broadened the teachings within the program. “We recently integrated an exercise session into the stretch clinic, and to see the participants be active and having a great time warms my heart,” said Allison, who mentioned that practicing these skills has become an eye-opening experience for her. 

Larry said that he couldn’t be prouder to represent the DPT program through these clinics. The relationships he has formed with local patients incentivized motivation throughout his studies.

Professors Who Inspire

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Lab at the Science and Allied Health Building. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Programs such as the stretch clinics are made possible by the dedication and passion of the DPT faculty, who are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for their students.

The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a Physical Therapy Skills Lab, a Movement Analysis Lab—one of only three in the tri-state area—a Gross Anatomy Lab, and an advanced clinical simulation suite featuring a trauma bay and exam rooms.

With a 100% employment rate for graduates, the program’s excellence is reflected in its educators, whose primary goal is to optimize student learning and ensure confidence and readiness beyond the classroom.

Service-based activities are frequently offered for DPT program students. Dr. Yvonne Egitto encourages her students to participate in Special Olympics fitness screenings, and Dr. Heather Roberts manages an exercise group for individuals with cognitive loss.

“These programs would not be possible without the amazing professors who take the time to give back to the community,” said Allison.

“The teachers here are what make this experience so special,” said Larry. “It truly is an honor to be taught by them all.”

Interested in learning more about this incredible program? Check out the academics, professors, and overall student experience here.