(Bolingbrook, IL) Bodycentral's DeJ'a Crippen Selected as Prestigious National APTA’s 2022 Minority Scholarship Award Recipient

We are proud to announce that Bodycentral Physical Therapy's very own DeJ'a Crippen PT, DPT has been selected as the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) 2022 Minority Scholarship Award Recipient. This prestigious award is given annually to a minority physical therapist student who demonstrates a commitment to advancing and positively impacting minority affairs within the profession and shows great potential for leadership. DeJ'a recently visited Leadership Congress in Washington D.C. to receive the prestigious award presented by APTA’s President Roger Herr.

"DeJ'a exemplifies the qualities we look for in our Clinical Team members. She is curious, growth-minded, and driven by a passion to serve our communities and grow the profession. We are proud of her accomplishment and are lucky to have her on our team", shared Chief Clinical Officer of Therapy Partners Group & Co-Founder of Bodycentral Jen Allen, PT, DPT.

DeJ'a obtained her Doctorate from the University of Sciences in Philadelphia earlier this year. While at the University of Sciences (now St. Joseph's University) Dej'a left a lasting impact on the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program by creating an inclusive Physical Therapy Club named BIPOC PT Club (Black Indigenous and People of Color) for Minorities. BIPOC PT club hosted educational classes and created a space for minority students to enhance their professional development and increase their comfort level within the profession. In addition, DeJ'a developed a communication system within the University that allows minorities to connect with professors and directors in a positive manner where everyone's voices are heard and validated.

When asked what this award means, DeJ'a said, "My voice is being heard. My efforts are being acknowledged. I have been recognized as someone who will be able to educate within, and advocate for, my community".

The entire team at Bodycentral and throughout the Therapy Partners Group family of brands are very proud of DeJ'a and everything she has accomplished. She is truly making a difference in the world of physical therapy and we can't wait to see all the great things she will do in her career.