Meet the MScPT Class of 2026!
Four students share what inspired them to pursue physical therapy and what they are most looking forward to over the next two years.
Grace Ju
Before starting this program, I completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology at the University of Toronto, which solidified my passion for physical therapy.
I also recently finished my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at U of T, where I gained a holistic perspective on client-centered care, specifically within the rehabilitation context.
My interest in physical therapy began when I broke my leg at five years old. I vividly remember the physiotherapist being so kind, and that positive experience sparked my interest in physical therapy. Later, witnessing family members face traumatic brain injuries and strokes, and seeing how their physiotherapists advocated for my family members, has fueled my passion to help others safely return to their daily living activities and improve their quality of life.
I am deeply motivated by the need for more accessible health care services in underserved communities, which has inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Over the next two years, I am excited to connect with new people and support each other as we work toward becoming physiotherapists. I am excited to continue developing my clinical reasoning skills through Active Clinical Exposure, clinical internships and labs.
When I am not in school, you can usually find me at the gym or a concert. I am a big foodie and love exploring new food and coffee spots around the Toronto area. I also am a huge NFL fan (go Bengals!), so you will probably catch me watching football games throughout the week.
Kayleigh Koufis
Before coming to U of T, I completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology at Brock University where I worked as a research assistant on a study looking at a gymnastics rehabilitation intervention for adolescents with scoliosis.
This experience helped me decide on this career path, but the most defining moment in my decision came during my grandfather’s time in palliative care. His physiotherapist did everything to help my grandfather keep his independence for as long as possible and it truly made a difference in his life. Helping people improve their quality of life is so fulfilling and I know I want a career where I can be part of that.
Over the next two years, I am looking forward to the clinical placements and making meaningful connections with the community and the physiotherapists who provide their time. U of T has partnerships with so many amazing places and learning from them will be a privilege.
Outside of school, I love to play sports, spend time with my family and friends, and spend time with my dog. I play ball hockey and ice hockey and I love to go on walks with my friends and spend as much time as I can with them even though we all have busy schedules. I also enjoy spending time with my family at our cottage. My family recently got a new puppy, Sully, and spending time with him always brings a smile to my face!
Melissa Lee
I just graduated with a degree in kinesiology from the University of Calgary, my hometown, where I completed a research project to better understand jump and strength testing of different types of athletes for rehabilitation or strength surveillance purposes.
I am fascinated by the complexity of using movement-based therapy to help someone achieve their wellness goals. My personal experiences with some major injuries have fueled my desire to share the effects of physical therapy with others. I find myself connecting what I learn, no matter the setting, to how I can apply it in practice, affirming this is a career that excites me!
Over the next two years, I am looking forward to learning more about myself and what area of physical therapy I am most interested in. Studying in Ontario will be an exciting change of scenery for me, being from Alberta. I can’t wait to meet new people and learn about everyone’s unique interests in this profession.
Outside of school I love being outdoors and doing anything that involves moving around. I grew up next to the Rocky Mountains, so I am often skiing, snowboarding, hiking or going for lake days. I have always loved sports and played varsity field hockey throughout my undergrad. I enjoy playing more casual games with friends – from dodgeball to spike ball to soccer. I also love to travel and have been fortunate to visit 25 countries so far.
Taylor Aldor
I completed my undergraduate degree in kinesiology at McMaster University where I volunteered at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence rehabilitation program for people with neurological and chronic conditions. This role kickstarted my love for working with people one-on-one to help them achieve their goals. I was also a Student Field Therapist for the cross country team where I provided manual therapy to athletes. During my year off school, I volunteered in the stroke and traumatic brain injury units at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and worked as a group fitness coach.
Learning about how exercise and movement can help treat chronic and neurological conditions inspired me to become a physiotherapist. When volunteering, I was excited by how treating patients through movement not only helped them physically, but also improved their emotional well-being. Seeing how excited patients were when they met their goals was so inspiring. Creating meaningful relationships with athletes and patients gave me the reassurance that this is the perfect path for me.
Over the next two years, I am excited to be a part of the rehabilitation community. U of T’s physical therapy program was always my top choice because of the close community of students and the opportunities for clinical placements in amazing, innovative facilities.
When I am not in school, I love being outside. My favourite thing about living in Toronto is exploring the countless parks and ravines around the city.