Waldron College Student Ambassadors 2016

Rebekah (Bekah) Lucas, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

I am a first year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) program. I graduated from Radford University in the Spring of 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in COSD with a minor in American Sign Language. I am the current acting vice president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association for the 2016-2017 school year. I am also a registered Emergency Medical Technician on the Basic level (EMT-B). A fun fact about me is my favorite place in the world is Dollywood!

Arianne Thompson, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

I am a senior at Radford University and am double majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Dance. I am a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and volunteer with Girls Incorporated.  In 2015, I served as a graduate assistant in the Radford University Speech-Language Hearing Center’s Preschool Language Lab.  This past summer, I performed at the American College Dance Festival’s National Gala at the Kennedy Center and have been asked to perform again this coming spring.

Hannah Brooks, Department of Occupational Therapy

I am a first year graduate student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program and a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. I am currently most interested in working with different professionals in a team-based environment.

Taylor Morgan, Department of Occupational Therapy

I am a second year graduate student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program here at Radford. I received my bachelor's degree in sociology at Old Dominion University in 2012. After graduating, I worked as a behavioral counselor at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. I came to Radford to pursue my master's degree and love the OT program. I currently hold the position of fundraising co-chair for the Student Occupational Therapy Association on campus. Outside of school, I have interests in hiking, photography, and exercise. I am a native of Seattle but have lived in Virginia for most of my life. I am honored to serve as an ambassador for Waldron College and look forward to serving my department and representing Occupational Therapy!

Erin Shelton-Despain, Department of Physical Therapy

I was born in Bassett, Virginia. I attended Virginia Tech and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in 2014. I am currently in my first year in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I love being involved in the community and volunteering. I work as a water aerobics instructor at the YMCA in Roanoke. I also volunteer at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a youth leader. I enjoy participating in sports and outdoor activities.

Julia Drapac, Department of Physical Therapy

My name is Julia Drapac. I am a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy Student in Radford's DPT program in Roanoke, VA. I completed my undergraduate degree at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA where I majored in Kinesiology, Exercise Science with a concentration in Pre- PT. I am a current member of the RUSPTA and VPTA. Interesting facts about me are that I am one of 7 kids, I am a twin, and I grew up in Minnesota....though I will still never be used to the snow!

Megan Frederick, School of Nursing

I am a junior/Level 1 student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I have been on the Dean’s List for the past four consecutive semesters and am the recipient of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Nursing Scholarship. I am a member of the Radford Women’s Golf Team and am originally from Chicago, Illinois.

Nitya Sharma

I am a senior at Radford University. I am currently enrolled in the Nursing Program as a Level III nursing student. I am the Vice President of the Student Nurses Organization on the Radford Campus. This past summer I worked in the operating room at CRMH for an amazing six weeks. The experience has inspired me to work in a Cardiac ICU after graduation before returning to school for my nurse anesthetist license. I am passionate about my chosen career and hope to provide exceptional patient care throughout my lifetime.

Daniel Brooks, School of Social Work

I am currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program here at RU. I am a 2008 graduate of Hampton University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While completing my undergraduate studies, I was a four year collegiate athlete in football and maintained a GPA of 3.0. After completion of my undergraduate program, I began working in the field of counseling. I have an extensive history of working with individuals across the mental health spectrum. I also co-founded a motivational, inspirational, and spiritual non-profit, Dream Chasers Academy. In this role, I conduct motivational seminars and facilitate programs for children and adolescents. My wife and I married in July of 2015. I aspire to impact the world through social work by creating and implementing programs that serve at-risk youth and adolescents.

Hannah Mowery, School of Social Work

I am a senior and am studying Social Work with a minor in Health and Aging. This is my second year as a Student Ambassador for Waldron College and I am a recipient of a scholarship from Commonwealth Care of Roanoke.