Exercise Science Alumni

Brian started off at FGCU as a Human Performance (now Exercise Science) Major. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in 2007, Brian considered many different options for graduate schools. Ultimately, he decided to continue at FGCU to pursue his Master's degree in Physical Therapy because of the many positive relationships he had built with the PT faculty. After receiving his Master's in Physical Therapy in 2010 from FGCU, Brian went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2014.

When asked what led him to his major, Brian says, "I have had an interest in health and fitness for most of my life. When deciding on a career I wanted to be in a field where I could help others and also remain active myself." He found that the Human Performance Program was a perfect fit for his interests and that Physical Therapy was the logical extension of his path. During his time at FGCU, Brian had several opportunities to participate in internships and clinical rotations. He says, "In both my undergraduate and graduate education, the most rewarding experiences were those where I was able to take what I'd learned and use it to help others."

During his educational career, Brian was also able to serve as a graduate teaching assistant. This experience had a tremendous impact on Brian, as he was able to discover his love for teaching. After graduating, Brian worked as a Physical Therapist in an outpatient setting for about 5 years. During this time, he also came back to FGCU and began teaching as an Adjunct and began coaching CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. Currently, Brian is working as a physical therapist, teaches at FGCU and Keiser University, and is co-owner of Thoroughbred Athletics/CrossFit Thoroughbreds in Fort Myers. Brian says, "All of this keeps me very busy, but I love what I do and I'm very grateful for the path my life has taken."

Brian leaves these words of wisdom for any students who pursue a degree in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences:

"Remember that the end goal is not just to get a job but to enter a profession. Take every occasion to learn and treat every day as an opportunity for professional growth. You will never regret the hard work you invest in your own development.

Rosa is a graduate of the Human Performance (now Exercise Science) Program. After graduation in 2007, Rosa made the decision to look outside of Southwest Florida for her job search. Her first employment after graduation was with a wellness center on the east coast of Florida. It wasn't until she saw an opportunity to work in Cardiac Rehabilitation that Rosa decided to return to Southwest Florida. Rosa spent one of her experiential learning experiences in a cardiac rehabilitation facility and had since been intrigued with working with cardiac patients. This fall, Rosa will begin work with the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida alongside Pediatric Cardiology. She will be performing metabolic testing on patients with congenital heart disease. This opportunity will bring Rosa closer to her long-term goal of working more closely with children and providing education on exercise programs in order to decrease childhood obesity and unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles.

Rosa believes that her communication skills have helped to set her apart from other applicants. Being bilingual has allowed Rosa to engage with more of her patients on a personal level and contributed to her ability to individualize her work for each patient. Rosa feels that her extra efforts are appreciated by those she is able to work with. She encourages all recent and soon-to-be graduates to be confident in going outside of their comfort zones to pursue their passions. She says, "If you really want to succeed in this career, you have to be persistent with getting that job and spread your positive energy to the world!"

Edgar Barreto graduated from FGCU in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance (now Exercise Science). After graduating, Edgar went on to work with Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Red Sox in 2010, the Portland Sea Dogs in 2012, Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2013, and is currently serving as the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, FL.

When asked why he chose FGCU and how his education has helped him toward his career goals in professional baseball, Edgar described how the Exercise Science program gave him opportunities to work with professional baseball teams and the impact that his had on his professional development, "My career started with this program and I am forever grateful to all of the individuals that helped me along the way."

Edgar passes on these words of wisdom to other students who choose to pursue the Exercise Science Program: "If you follow this career for the right reasons, you will be successful. Be persistent and determined to achieve your goals and reach that maximum capacity of your abilities!"

Sean knew he wanted to become a physical therapist ever since he was in high school. He started at FGCU in the Human Performance (now Exercise Science) Major and went directly into the DPT program after earning his Bachelor's degree in 2010.

Sean shared two experiences in his educational career that helped to shape him into the physical therapist he is now. The first was his experiential learning experience at Webber International University when he was an undergraduate student. Sean and two others helped develop the strength and conditioning program into a multifaceted, dynamic program. Sean's other memorable experience was during a clinical rotation during his doctorate program. Sean took this opportunity to self-reflect and determine what type of clinical experience he wanted to offer to the PT and PTA students he would eventually work with. 

Sean urges current and future students to put in the extra effort at FGCU. He says that, "The staff of both Exercise Science and DPT [programs] were always more than willing to assist when needed. If you want to do the bare minimum you will get the bare minimum out of it. However, if you are willing to try a little harder, it is amazing what you can get out of the programs."

After working for a while in Louisiana, Sean has return to SWFL and currently works at The Terraces of Bonita Springs which includes Skilled Nursing, Home Health, and Outpatient Services. He also works in the skilled nursing facility at Lee Health.

Bridgett attended FGCU for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 2011, Bridgett graduated from the Human Performance (now Exercise Science) Program and went straight into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Having completed the Human Performance Program at FGCU was an advantage for Bridgett when it came time to take Movement Science in the DPT Program. She felt prepared for the challenges in the DPT Program because of the solid foundation of knowledge she gained in the Human Performance Program.

When Bridgett graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2014, she was very selective about picking her first employment. In the end, she utilized her network at FGCU to find a job in Fort Lauderdale at Select Physical Therapy. Bridgett serves as the Clinic Center Manager of Select Physical Therapy, located within a performance gym. Bridgett is grateful for experiences she had working as a hostess which helped to hone her customer service skills, as well as her experience as a strength coach which contributes to her expertise working with athletic populations; both skills that she utilizes when working with clients.

Although Bridgett's goals have evolved over time, she feels encouraged by the opportunities around her. Bridgett is working to build up the athletic population in the clinic. Through her job, Bridgett has been able to work with ballerinas at a ballet studio as well as collegiate football players who are preparing for the NFL draft. She encourages future graduates to find a place of employment that provides outlets for mentorship and that encourage employees to pursue their interests.

Robert is a graduate of the 2012 class of the Human Performance Program (now Exercise Science). When Robert applied to FGCU, he may not have known the impact that his education would have on his future. Looking back, Robert told us, "I would not be in the position that I am now without my education through FGCU's Human Performance Program." Robert learned in the program that he has a passion for helping individuals age actively, and has gone on to earn a Master's Degree in Gerontology and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Education in Health Professions.

One of the Exercise Science professors, Dr. Hunt, made an impact on Robert from his first day in the Program. Robert said, "I feared the work load and the expectations [Dr. Hunt] had for each of us, but knew that the educational journey would be worth it." Finally, when graduation came, Robert knew that all of his hard work had paid off.

He encourages any current and pre-exercise science majors to, "Trust the process and know that your professors have your best interest in mind." As he works toward his doctorate in Education in Health Professions, Robert is also working as the Assistant Director of Wellness at Moorings Park in Naples, where he has worked since graduating from FGCU. The Exercise Science Program has a close relationship with Moorings Park and send many students to intern there and learn under the direction of people like Robert.

Jaime graduated from FGCU in spring of 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance (now Exercise Science). He was initially drawn to our campus because he had heard good things about FGCU and the Department of Rehab Science's Human Performance Program. Jaime says that he has always had a passion for sports and wanted a career where he would have opportunities to work for a professional franchise.

During his spring internship, Jaime was able to work with the Boston Red Sox. He says that despite the 60+ hour weeks, he found his internship to be the most impactful part of his academic journey. Jaime says, "The knowledge and experience gained from (the internship) afforded me the credentials that carried well over into the strength and conditioning industry, in sports and athletic performance."

After graduating, Jaime worked with Red Sox strength and conditioning staff for a full season and eventually accepted a position with a private company, training professional baseball players and helping to develop minor league players.

While working for the private company, a colleague from FGCU contacted Jaime and encouraged him to apply for a job with the Home Base Program. Jaime discloses, "I was reluctant and hesitant at first, but knowing I would be making a grand impact on the lifestyle of my brothers and sisters in arms for a better change, I was convinced that this is where I needed to be." Jaime currently works as the strength and conditioning specialist for Home Base's Southwest Florida Warrior Health and Fitness Program out of Marieb Hall. "It is amazing working at your alma matter. I have so many memories from campus and the exercise lab," Jaime says of working at FGCU where he earned his B.S.

For current Exercise Science students, Jaime says, "The best advice I can give the current students in the program is to be a team and rely on each other... They should become a cohesive unit and work collectively as they all have the same goal."

FGCU and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is fortunate to have professionals like Jaime come back to the University after graduation and share their knowledge and experience with the community.

Armando graduate from the Exercise Science Program in 2014. Armando is a native to SWFL and felt that FGCU was the obvious choice because of the quality of the Exercise Science Program. He was drawn to the health and wellness field because of his own personal experience with the benefits of exercise. He says, "Exercise helped me tremendously during my transition from military to civilian life. I wanted to learn more about the field and how I could help others gain the same benefits it afforded me."

When asked about his most memorable experience during his undergraduate career, Armando says it was without a doubt his internship with the Boston Red Sox. During his internship, Armando established a network that eventually led to an opportunity to help the Red Sox Foundation Home Base Program design a fitness program for Veterans.

In January of 2015, Armando was asked to return to FGCU to teach Exercise Science students in the laboratory setting. He relished the opportunity to help mold students into professionals in the field. In 2016 Armando received the FGCU Soaring Eagle Alumni Award. This is awarded to alumni for their outstanding achievement or service in their professional or volunteer life. Armando current serves as the Program Director for Home Base. He explains that the program is dedicated to helping post - 9/11 Veterans, Service Members, and families heal from invisible wounds. He says, "We are honored to partner with FGCU and the Marieb College of Health and Human Services to ring these programs to Southwest Florida."

Armando advises current and future Rehab Sciences students to go the extra mile and volunteer at every opportunity presented. "Every experience is a learning opportunity. That will set you apart from your peers."

The A-Sun named Kelsey Carpenter, along with another individual, as its Postgraduate Scholarship Recipients.

Also, for the third-straight year, Kelsey Carpenter earned a place on the A-Sun Softball Academic All-Conference Team. A 2015 President's Scholar, she has also maintained a spot on the President's List or Dean's List every semester at FGCU, and was a recent recipient of the prestigious Eagle Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes the ability of the winner to combine athletic and academic success (minimum 3.20 GPA) with community service.

On the field Carpenter aided the Eagles offensively and defensively as a mainstay in the outfield. She held a fielding percentage of .989 with 85 put outs, five assists and only one error in 53 games in 2015. Offensively, the senior led the team in batting average (.355), homeruns (5), hits (55), RBI (31), runs (34), slugging percentage (.529), walks (19) and total bases (82).