Lorraine Cobb, Director of Clinical Education and Professor, talks with DPT student Marielle Rocklin and surfing participants.
This summer, students and faculty from Seton Hall University’s College of Health and Medical Sciences shared the joys of surf therapy with people with special needs and their families at an event in Spring Lake, New Jersey, hosted by national nonprofit organization A Walk on Water (AWOW).
“The Seton Hall University team worked with local surfers, lifeguards, therapists and other volunteers to create a safe and supportive environment for our athlete-participants,” said Jerry Thomas Monaco, PT, PhD, DPT, OCS, program director of Seton Hall University’s Interprofessional Health Science BS (BS in IPHS) program. “Our students worked closely with participants, many of whom had special needs, to ensure their safety and comfort both in and above the water.”
Founded in 2012, AWOW aims to build confidence, promote physical fitness and foster a sense of community through its surf therapy programs. Participants of all ages and abilities took to the waves under the guidance of professional surfing instructors at the Spring Lake event held June 7-8.
Monaco, who has been volunteering at AWOW events since 2021, said Seton Hall University volunteers, including IPHS Bachelor of Science majors and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty, had a fun and rewarding opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world environment.
Eager participants will try their hand at surfing with guidance from Jerry Thomas Monaco, PT, PhD, DPT, a Seton Hall volunteer and program director for the Interprofessional Health Sciences (IPHS) Program.
“By engaging with these children and their families in a supportive, non-medical environment, Seton Hall students developed communication, empathy and adaptability skills,” Monaco added. Health care students reported being inspired by the participants’ resilience and joy and developing a greater understanding of the therapeutic potential of recreational activities like surfing.
“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have participated in as a DPT student,” said Christian Cardone, a second-year student in Seton Hall University’s DPT program. “Volunteering at AWOW events the past two years has opened my eyes to the impact physical activity and kindness can have on someone.”
Seton Hall University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Domik Adornetto supports an athlete participant during the A Walk on Water (AWOW) event.
Monaco noted that for students like Christiane, participating in community service activities reinforces the importance of healthcare workers’ compassion and community involvement – a key part of the College of Health and Medical Sciences’ mission.
“The community outreach experience will have a lasting impact on how students approach health care and emphasize the importance of compassion and community involvement in their future careers,” Monaco said. “The Seton Hall team can’t wait to participate in these events again next year!”
Learn more about Seton Hall University’s nationally acclaimed Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the innovative IPHS bachelor’s degree program. Learn more about A Walk on Water.
Category: Health and Medicine
