40 Under 40: Brooke Riley ’04DPT

BROOKE RILEY ’04DPT

Age 39

Doctor of Physical Therapy
​Physical therapy director at St. Vincent Strambi Clinic in Bull Savannah, Jamaica, and founder of the nonprofit organization Friends of the Redeemer United (FOR U), which encourages the healing process through awareness and involvement in spiritual, social, educational, and health-related services in rural Jamaica

"How Arcadia Influenced My Path

Arcadia set my path in motion. Through Arcadia, I began my journey working with underserved communities in Jamaica. Having the opportunity to travel internationally and serve in a developing country—where access to physical therapy services is a luxury—was a tremendous gift that shaped the course of my life.

Most Cherished Arcadia Memory

During my first trip to Jamaica with Dr. Karen Sawyer, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, and fellow classmates, my eyes were opened to a different world, a different way of thinking, and a different way of being. It was wonderful to experience that with my classmates and see them in a different light. I will always be grateful for that experience.

Advice to Alumni

Don’t settle for a job you are not passionate about just to pay the bills. Find your passion! You have something unique to offer the world—do what you were gifted to do and the world will be a better place. To Physical Therapy alumni: As physical therapists, we are not called to “fix” people, but to walk alongside them during their recovery, offer them the tools they need, and empower them to help themselves. "