Gracie Wilkerson

Gracie Wilkerson is a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi in 2021 with a B.A. in Biology and double minors in psychology and chemistry. Though Gracie has had a desire to work with children with special needs since childhood, her decision was solidified during her undergraduate years through a variety of unique experiences.

While at the University of Mississippi, Gracie had the opportunity to volunteer with an elementary STEM club teaching science lesson to early elementary aged students. She also had the opportunity to be a part of CollegeCorps in collaboration with the Jumpstart program to provide supplemental education to underprivileged children in rural Mississippi. Her true passion, however, lies in promoting functional independence with mobility, which led her to pursue a career in physical therapy. During her senior year at Ole Miss, Gracie observed and assisted with PT sessions at Beyond Therapy for Kids in Tupelo, Mississippi, an outpatient interdisciplinary pediatric clinic. 

Gracie is very excited to participate in the LEND program. Through LEND, Gracie hopes to develop strong interdisciplinary team skills as well as gain the confidence to be an advocate for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, especially those in rural America where access to services can be challenging. Her goal is to always ensure patients, and their families leave her care feeling hopeful for an optimistic future.