Student SIG

What Is the Conecticut Student Special Interest Group (CTSSIG)?

The purpose of the Student Special Interest Group shall be to provide a means by which students, and student affiliate members, have a common interest, and because of their enrollment in a Physical Therapy (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) school. These students may meet, confer and promote the interest of their classes and schools within the Student Special Interest Group and further develop their role as a student body within the Association.

Objectives of the CTSSIG:

Identify and respond to issues related to student members.
Promote the role of the students in physical therapy in the CTAPTA, APTA, and the Physical Therapy profession
Promote membership and encourage the participation of students in the Student Special Interest Group and the APTA
Provide services to further the Student Special Interest Group’s purpose and responsibility to the student physical therapist and student physical therapist assistants in the state.
Increase student awareness regarding various aspects of advocacy for the profession and patients

Benefits of the Student SIG

o Networking with students in your state.

o Contacts with professionals across your state.

o Opportunities to find mentors and be mentored.

o Develop leadership skills.

o Receive important information about the working of your state chapter and your future as a PT or PTA.

Chapter Leadership & Membership.

Sabrina Balducci, President

Hi everyone! My name is Sabrina Balducci. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Health and Wellness. I am currently in my first year as a DPT student at Sacred Heart University. I chose physical therapy because I believe true health care begins with proper movement and physical activity and I have seen how beautiful it is to be able to aide patients in returning to previous function that they may have once been scared to lose or even thought impossible. I am excited to help advocate for this career that I have become so passionate about so that I may further help patients to get better and feel their best as they return to everyday activities. Physical therapists play such an important role in our patients lives and I hope to inspire and educate those around me on the importance of exercise, body mechanics, and proper body alignment. Not only will it help us to perform activities of daily life more easily, but it also betters our overall health to always perform our absolute best and learn how to truly listen to our bodies. After graduation, I would love to work with youth athletes and sports recovery in an outpatient setting one day.

Ethan Pollack, Vice President

Hello! My name is Ethan Pollack, and I am a current DPT 1 at Sacred Heart University. I graduated in 2021 from the University of Bridgeport with my bachelor's in health sciences. I chose physical therapy as it gives me the opportunity to pursue my passion for helping others grow and get back on their feet, along with a field that I will constantly be learning my whole career. By restoring function in patients, you give them a chance to return to their lives that they may have missed out on for whole knows how long. I aspire to grow within my time at Sacred Heart and with my fellow co-directors of the CT SSIG into the best physical therapist I can be. My current interests in physical therapy are neuro rehab of spinal cord injury and chronic neurological diseases, however, I am hoping they expand as my education grows over the next few years!

Jennifer Pasram, Secretary

My name is Jennifer Pasram and I am from Old Bridge, New Jersey. I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2022 with my Bachelors in Exercise Science and am currently continuing my education at SHU as a first year DPT student. I knew I wanted to become a physical therapist from a young age because of the amazing experiences I encountered from various outpatient clinics when I was injured as an athlete. I always loved the atmosphere of PT clinics and the drive that PT’s have to help an individual’s body move again. I am a strong believer that exercise is medicine and my goal is to give back and treat patients, giving them that same experience I had too. I can see myself working with all populations, but I would love to work with athletes who are struggling to get to their passion, just as I was when I discovered physical therapy.

Sabina Schuele, Social Media Chair

Hello! My name is Sabina Schuele. I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2022 with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science and am now a first year DPT student at SHU. I chose physical therapy as my career path because it aligns with the lifestyle I live and want to promote in society. I want to assist in bettering individuals’ daily life and promote movement. I can see myself working with a wide variety of patients, but my passion is with pediatrics! Physical therapists help patients live a life they love, and there is nothing more rewarding than that!

Haley Wong, Core Liaison

Hi Everyone! My name is Haley Wong and I graduated with my BS in Athletic Training from Quinnipiac University in 2021. I have since matriculated into the Quinnipiac DPT program, where I am a D2 student. I chose physical therapy because I enjoy utilizing movement to help people find autonomy in their health journey. In the future, I hope to work with athletes as I have a special interest in sports performance and strength & conditioning. I am very excited to contribute to the growth of this amazing profession and community!

Interested in getting involved? Email president.ctaptassig@gmail.com for more information about upcoming events and membership opportunity.

This Special Interest Group is open to PT and PTA Students APTA CT members.