The power of connection: ’Berg alum guides current student toward future in PT

For senior Abby Snide, the summer before graduation turned into something much bigger than shadowing hours. It became the moment she could picture herself as a future physical therapist.

That opportunity came through Heidelberg’s strong support system. With the guidance of her advisor, Dr. Ryan Musgrave, Abby was connected to Rachel (Stroski) Byrne ’18, now a staff physical therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Rachel welcomed Abby into her world and gave her the chance to see what life as a PT really looks like.

The connection wasn’t random or luck; it was a Heidelberg faculty member and an alumna, working together to open doors. Abby, a health science major with a psychology minor, spent the summer at Nationwide Children’s, observing pediatric physical therapy.

“I know I want to go into physical therapy,” Abby said. “I got to see patients return week after week, follow their progress, and watch how clinicians build plans to help them get back to activity. It made everything I’ve studied feel real.”

Over the course of 40 observation hours, Abby learned the value of consistency, adaptability, and communication from watching Rachel. She saw how working with an 11-year-old looks very different from motivating an 18-year-old, and how even the most skilled clinician has to work hard to keep patients engaged.

“I was able to see Abby grow in her openness and comfort level with patient interactions, being more open to asking questions, and beginning to understand the clinical reasoning behind decision making,” Rachel said, noticing growth immediately.

For Rachel, the decision to host Abby was about more than just teaching. It was about giving back.

“Throughout my undergraduate and graduate school journey, I was afforded many opportunities to shadow various clinicians in internships and clinical experiences that helped mold me into the physical therapist I am today,” she said. “I wanted to provide that for someone else.”

Rachel’s own path is a reminder of what’s possible. Since 2021, she has been a staff PT at Nationwide Children’s, specializing in orthopedics. Her days include evaluating and treating patients ages 6–21 with a range of conditions, from fractures and joint pain to post-operative ACL reconstructions and labral repairs. She also mentors new residents through the hospital’s orthopedic residency program.

“Being able to mentor someone like Abby is a bit surreal,” Rachel said. “It feels like I was in her shoes not that long ago. It allows me to reflect on the mentors who helped me, and it inspires me to continue being that resource for others.”

For Abby, those conversations and experiences confirmed she’s on the right track and gave her clarity for the next step. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to gain additional experience before pursuing graduate school in physical therapy.

“The internship was fulfilling and motivating,” Abby said. “It helped me see the kind of professional I want to be.”

Rachel hopes more Heidelberg students and alumni will keep building those bridges. “Everyone can think of a mentor they had when they were just starting out,” she said. “It’s incredible to be that person for someone else.

“Heidelberg is all about building connections, while you’re there and beyond. Mentorship lets alumni continue those connections in a meaningful way.”

The story of Abby and Rachel shows what makes Heidelberg unique: a community where faculty and alumni open doors, students step through them, and together they create a cycle of support that lasts well beyond graduation.

– by Kaidan Mathias, MBA ‘26