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Spring/Summer 2023 Edition

Dr. Jessica Jenney

Daemen DPT Class of 2009

Dr. Jess Jenney, a proud alumna of ŷ������'s Physical Therapy program (Class of 2009), returns to her alma mater every year with a mission to inspire future PTs to design a career around a lifestyle of freedom and travel, and to prevent burnout in the conventional 9-5 model. Through her blog, WanderlustPTs.com, Jess provides career and business coaching for PTs and has helped thousands of new grads confidently become travel PTs, find their dream jobs, start online cash-based PT businesses, and create and launch their own online courses.

“I help PTs overcome imposter syndrome and realize their potential – what is possible in their career and life.”

Jess' passion for travel therapy and PT entrepreneurship began after she graduated and started her career as a traveling physical therapist. As she navigated the challenges of being a new travel PT and learned from her experiences, she quickly realized the need for mentorship in this niche and wanted to share her wealth of knowledge with others who wanted to pursue this lifestyle. So, in 2016, she created the WanderlustPTs blog to fill this gap and help aspiring traveling physical therapists make the transition smoothly, avoid common mistakes and pitfalls, and build a successful career.

Daemen played a crucial role in laying the foundation for Jess' clinical skills and success as a travel PT. She credits the university's rigorous “comp exam” as a key factor in preparing her for the board exam and notes that other schools lack this important preparation. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and invest in yourself after PT school. She notes that it was the informal courses, books, and business coaching she invested in after graduation that helped her to break through the ceiling of a conventional therapist's salary, learn how to start a successful online business, and master “time-freedom.”

Jess has become a leading expert in the field of travel therapy, telehealth, and PT entrepreneurship. She has been a featured speaker at various national events, such as the APTA's National Student Conclave and PT in Motion Magazine, PT BizCon, and has spoken at dozens of colleges and universities nationwide. In recognition of her contributions to the profession and growth in her business, she won PT BizCon’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2021.

“By helping more PTs love what they do and step into their potential, I am able to help even more patients than I would ever be able to help just by myself,” Jess said.

Through her visits to universities nationwide and WanderlustPTs, Jess is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with new grads and inspiring them to pursue a career path that supports the life they want to live. Whether it's traveling the world, starting a business, or finding a unique niche in the field, Jess is committed to helping PTs break out of the conventional mold and create a career that is fulfilling and meaningful.

“Growth only happens outside of your comfort zone, and I help people step outside of theirs,” added Jess.

For questions, free resources, speaking inquiries, or just to connect with Dr. Jess, reach out to her at , info@WanderlustPTs.com, or on social media @WanderlustPTs.

Dr. Michael Donegan

Daemen PT Class of 1999

DPT Class of 2004 

“Daemen!” The word brings an immediate flood of memories and emotions to the thousands that have been fortunate to attend the institution, as do words like, “Duns Scotus, Canavan Hall, Campus Drive...” Attached to each word are images and thoughts of friends, academic rigor, events, buildings, professors, and let’s be honest – parties. The Daemen environment is forever etched in the minds of alumni.

Dr. Michael Donegan, PT (’99), DPT (’04), MHA, recalls fondly his days at Daemen College.* “I was blessed to attend the institution during a unique time, learning under the first PT program director, Dr. Richard Schweichler, the current director, Dr. Greg Ford, and all directors between Drs. Keith Taylor, Michael Brogan, and Sharon Held. All were fiercely dedicated to their craft of training the next generation of professionals to both effectively care for those in need and drive the profession forward. Each were unique, providing valuable lessons for students that would span their careers. While the training focused on creating therapists, much more was available to those interested in learning.”

“I recall taking a quick trip to Schenck Hall on my last day on campus, having completed the undergraduate program, to thank Mike Brogan for his mentorship, said Dr. Donegan, “His last words to me were, ‘You’ll be back.’ I relayed some niceties and thought, ‘Not a chance! It’s time to stop spending money and time to start making it.’”

Dr. Donegan returned a few years later to complete Daemen’s transitional DPT program, alongside his twin brother, Chris, and his wife, Danae