Terry Nordstrom, PT, EdD, FAPTA, emeritus professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University, delivered the commencement address.
At each ceremony, Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, ’11, member, Board of Trustees, welcomed guests and graduates, and ATSU-ASHS Dean Ann Lee Burch, PT, EdD, MS, MPH, ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, and O.T. Wendel, PhD, president, ATSU Arizona & California campuses, also delivered remarks.
Watch the full ceremony and check out more photos below!
It’s her memory of friendly faces she encountered during her own interview process that inspired her to become a student ambassador.
“I wanted to become a student ambassador because I remember how much it meant to me to see friendly faces when I first started,” she said. “I wanted to be that same support for others. It’s truly special to welcome new students into a place that has given me so many great experiences.”
Avila is from El Paso, Texas, and has a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation sciences with a concentration in SLP. She said ATSU-ASHS’ program aligned with her goals and made it an easy choice for her program.
“The program’s focus on multicultural education and whole person healthcare as well as the opportunity to be prepared to serve diverse communities,” she said.
“I am excited to serve my community as a future bilingual speech-language pathologist. ATSU’s focus on whole person healthcare and its amazing professors are helping me become a culturally competent clinician, ensuring I can provide the best care to all populations.”
In addition to serving as a student ambassador, Avila is the class representative for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and a member of the Garden Club.
“I joined NSSLHA to be able to serve the communities here in Arizona,” she said. “I enjoy being part of a group of students who are passionate about making a positive impact through speech, language, and hearing services. Through NSSLHA, I’ve participated in various outreach events and gained valuable experience supporting individuals of different backgrounds.
“I’ve also enjoyed being involved with the Garden Club, where we focus on wellness and community by growing fresh produce and creating a calming space for students to connect and recharge.”
In her free time, Avila enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and taking her dog, Stetson, out for a pup cup.
On campus, she says she’s forged strong relationships with ATSU-ASHS SLP faculty.
“What I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the abundance of resources, the strong sense of community, and the personalized attention from the faculty. The professors genuinely care about all of our success and make themselves available to support us every step of the way,” she said.
“I chose ATSU because I wanted to find a school and program that made me feel like I was a part of a community,” she said. “I loved how welcoming everyone was during the interview process, and the faculty has been an amazing support system throughout my time here.”
Boudreau is from Gilbert, Arizona, and majored in physiology with a minor in psychology at University of Arizona, graduating in 2021 and later seeking to become a PA.
“I want to go into pediatrics after graduating and the pediatric workshop we had recently was amazing exposure to children of all different ages. We got to work on our physical exams on the children and hang out with them and it was definitely my favorite day of PA school so far,” she said.
Boudreau serves as a student ambassador, something she signed up for when she wanted to become more involved and have a chance to show prospective students what it was like to be an ATSU student. She also offers a unique perspective being from the area and having a lifetime of experiences on things to do in the East Valley.
She also shares insights into the supportive faculty found in the program.
“I absolutely love the faculty we have here,” she said. “They are incredibly knowledgeable and truly care about us becoming compassionate, well-rounded PAs who treat patients based on whole person healthcare. I also love all of the resources the school provides for students, like free counseling and learning specialists, to help support us both inside and outside the classroom.”
When deciding where to pursue his doctor of occupational therapy degree, Davis sought a place where he could continue to participate in research studies. He found that with ATSU-ASHS.
“One reason I chose ATSU was that I love the emphasis and recognition the school has in research and evidence-based practice,” he said.
Davis, from Snowflake, Arizona, hasn’t been disappointed, and says the University is setting him up for success.
“One of my long-term goals after I graduate is to eventually establish my own pediatric outpatient clinic near my hometown,” he said. “I am from a more rural part of Arizona where there are not a lot of OTs. I want to provide occupational therapy services to help address the needs of the people in that area.
“ATSU is helping prepare for my career in showing me the value of holistic and evidence-care, especially for those of the minority populations and groups. There is a lot that has been done, but there is so much more that needs to be done, and I want to contribute to it.”
Davis is highly involved in campus activities, serving as social media marketer for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), student coordinator with the ATSU Expo, member of the Social Justice and Garden clubs, and even coaching flag football.
Additionally, Davis serves as a student ambassador.
“I wanted to become a student ambassador to not only advocate for ATSU, but to provide how ATSU has helped me in achieving my goal of becoming an occupational therapist. One unique asset that I share is that I transferred from the OT master’s program to the OT doctorate program. Combined with my experiences with the student organizations I am part of, I share the events that have led to my decision to change programs.
“My time at ATSU has made me a better person and I want to share how it has with others.”
Outside of classes, Davis remains busy as a married father of two. His family life is another reason why ATSU-ASHS was a perfect fit.
“Another reason why I chose ATSU was that it was accommodating to my needs and the needs of my family. ATSU is in a family-friendly area with access to plenty of resources for a college family to thrive in. I remember when my family and I visited ATSU for the first time, my kids loved it. The staff was friendly, my children felt safe, and I felt welcome. Ever since then, ATSU has been like a second home to me,” he said.
“My family is my joy and inspiration that empowers me to get through school. Whenever I am not studying or in school, I try to spend as much time as possible as I can with my wife and kids.”
He also enjoys long-distance running, saying the training helps him maintain both his physical and mental health, and DJing weddings, charities, conferences, and other events.
On campus, Davis has a strong, supportive community that’s with him every step of the way as he pursues his degree.
“At ATSU, there is always someone there to help you out. Each professor is willing to go out of their way to help their students, even if it just means to listen to their concerns. You learn to make friends real fast because there are always projects we are working on together,” he said. “The classes are long, but being with friends makes it worth it.”
“In terms of student life, I like how there are different events from different student organizations,” she said. “There are also bigger events, such as the Diversity Festival or Spring Expo, that bring students from different programs together. It’s also a nice break from the workload.”
Bashar is from Chandler, Arizona, and graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with a major in biological sciences (neurobiology) and minor in psychology. When she began looking for an audiology program she found a lot to like at ATSU.
“I liked the small cohort size and the support given by the faculty even before starting the program. Some things that particularly stood out to me was that the program does not require a specific undergraduate degree to be accepted, as well the early start on clinical rotations in diverse and underserved areas. I also liked that the campus is located close to home, so I can spend time with my parents,” she said.
In her free time, Bashar enjoys playing and teaching piano and exploring coffee shops around the valley. On campus, Bashar is a member of the Student Academy of Audiology and a student ambassador.
“I know how intimidating it is to choose the right graduate program,” she said. “I became a student ambassador to help incoming and prospective students navigate their choices and make it easier for them to come to difficult decisions. As a student ambassador, I am able to give information about the nature of the audiology program and my experience at ATSU so far.”
For her, personally, the program is setting Bashar up for success.
“This program provides ample clinical experiences and hands-on learning from the first year,” she said. “I hope that from these diverse experiences, I can become a culturally competent audiologist in the future.”
Former A.T. Still University (ATSU) Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Haxton, MA, received the Wilbur Hill, DO, FACOFP, dist., Distinguished Service Award, and numerous ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) students, staff, and alumni were honored by the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) during the 2025 Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention in April in Jefferson City, Missouri.
ATSU-KCOM honorees included:
Graduating Wetzel Scholars: Nichelle Chastain, OMS IV, and Justin Hajicek, OMS IV
Continuing Wetzel Scholars: Samantha DeLuca, OMS III, and Caleb Liles, OMS III
New Wetzel Scholars: Erin Martin, OMS III
Medallion Awards: Kelly Kirkland, MBA, manager, ATSU-KCOM business operations
Young Physicians Network Student Physician of the Year: DeLuca
MAOPS Physician of the Year: Ben Cook, DO, ’14
Also at the convention, Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, FAAP, FACOFP, ’12, was installed as MAOPS president. Jordan Palmer, DO, ’17, Tessa Tolen, DO, ’23, and Shannon Buehre, OMS I, were installed as new MAOPS board trustees.
John Bailey, DO, ’90, Victoria Damba, DO, ’97, and Jeffrey Dryden, DO, ’82, transitioned off the board and were recognized for their service on the board and as past-presidents.
Dr. Bailey and Dr. Davenport-Kabonic
ATSU-KCOM students Olivia Collier, OMS II, Christeena Jojo, OMS II, and Krinal Gandhi, OMS II, presented research at the convention.
Collier, Jojo, Dr. Wilson, and Gandhi.
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) class of 2027 members marked their transition from didactic to clinical years with a special ceremony in April, and students pinned their peers with The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Humanism in Medicine pins, an organization which champions humanism in healthcare.
Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, dean, provided the welcome, and alumna Jess Caine, DO, ’14, delivered the keynote remarks. Kathy Schroeder, standardized patient coordinator, spoke about encounters with the students, while Sara Funk, DPT, assistant professor, anatomy, provided the campus faculty farewell.
Dr. Caine
Students also recited the Class of 2027 Oath, and received notes of encouragement and support from ATSU-KCOM students currently on clinical rotations.
Students from ATSU-KCOM, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU), and Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine competed on the Kirksville, Missouri campus, with SIU’s team claiming the top spot.
ATSU-KCOM’s team included Elliot Yount, OMS II, Cassandra Wheeler, OMS I, Erika Buhk, OMS I, and Nolan Levoir, OMS II.
Teams rotated through several different emergency medical simulations and were scored on all aspects of patient interaction and diagnosis.
Memorial Day provides an opportunity to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our country’s armed forces.
In observance of Memorial Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025. Facility access will be limited.
The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will be closed on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.
To view library hours at each location, please click here.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) student Ruthanne Teo, OMS III, was recently named the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Global Scholar of the Year, an award given annually to recognize students who take an interest in advancing international understanding of osteopathic medicine.
Teo said she was both excited and surprised by the honor, but once she starts telling her story it’s apparent this was something almost inevitable for her since a young age. It was then, growing up in Chandler, Arizona, she began dreaming about becoming a doctor and helping people in need of care across the world.
The spark came when she, her mother, and siblings read “Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption” by Katie Davis Majors. It tells Majors’ story of leaving the U.S. at age 18 to move to Uganda, establish a ministry, and try to uplift an impoverished community.
“That was the first time I was introduced to the kinds of hardships that are out there in developing countries,” Teo said. “It just deeply impacted my heart. I guess being a kid myself at that time I was like, wow, I want to be that for someone. I want to bring that kind of change.
“Something I also struggled with in my childhood was I had a huge insecurity of not feeling seen, just kind of being alone, feeling I could fly under the radar and no one would see. And that always opened my eyes and I would always try to look out for anyone else who’s feeling the same way. Reading about these kids in these situations, I don’t want them to be overlooked, either.”
Teo poses with her husband, mother, and brother during a mission trip.
Teo decided she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up and her mother supported that dream by helping her learn how she needed to go about achieving the goal.
When it came time to begin applying to medical schools, Teo started researching nearby ATSU-SOMA and quickly discovered how much the School, osteopathic medicine, and its mission matched up with the kind of physician she wanted to be.
“I had always been a little more holistically minded, just a huge influence from my parents, and I thought when I got my degree, I’d adapt it to be a little more holistic. I’d always loved working with my hands and thought maybe I’d figure something out there, too,” she said. “Then I’m reading the ATSU-SOMA mission statement, reading about the School, and I was like, wait a second, this is exactly what I’m trying to do. This is what I’ve been looking for.”
Teo recalls having read a lot of similar missions of other medical schools, claiming to be passionate about serving underserved populations. ATSU-SOMA, with its rotations through community health centers (CHC), stood out as one actually living that mission.
“I’ve loved working at a CHC and I can feel a difference when I do a rotation at a private clinic,” she said. “It just confirms for me that these are the patients (at a CHC) who I want to work with, and it was so cool to see I could actually make a difference and help.”
Teo has also been on several mission trips, powerful experiences where she’s seen the difference osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) can have in a community.
“One of the things that stood out to me was the lack of access to medication. We would go and have this amazing clinic and help all of these people, but what happens after this and these medications run out? Something needs to change,” she said. “With OMM, this is something I can do to help patients with my hands, something that’s free of charge, and I’m learning all of these ways to really help alleviate pain.”
After her first year at ATSU-SOMA, Teo went on a mission trip to Mexico and soon had a patient with chronic back pain. She offered to use OMM and the results were immediate.
“Just to see the look on the patient’s face, she had never had any kind of therapy before,” Teo said. “I explained every step, everything I was doing, and that moment when she felt that relief for the first time it was like, wow.”
Teo also addressed leg, knee, and neck pains with that patient, and word spread quickly from there.
“Patients started coming in asking for a massage and I ended up having my own station, and I just did that the rest of my trip. When I went for my next mission trip, they just automatically gave me my own station,” she said.
Teo is always seeking opportunities to serve. She volunteered at the Neighborhood Christian Clinic in Phoenix after returning from her first mission trip before she even started at ATSU-SOMA, and was thrilled when her third-year rotations offered a chance to go back to the clinic, now with OMM education in her toolkit.
After she graduates, her goal is to continue to provide care at a clinic where services are offered to those who need it, free of charge, including OMM.
“When I saw the award criteria I was like, well, that’s my passion, so I thought I’d apply,” Teo said. “It’s basically my whole personal mission statement.”
