Contact Us

Contact Us

The CA Outreach Challenge is managed by the CA Student Special Interest Group (CASSIG)

For information please contact us at: caoutreachchallenge@gmail.com

CASSIG Community Service Committee:

 

 

Committee Chair: AJ Coloma, SPT (he/him)

Franklin Pierce University--Goodyear, AZ, Class of 2027

Favorite Volunteer Experience: Before starting DPT school, I volunteered at the Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. This experience was lifechanging for me and solidified my calling to physical therapy. One of the most touching memories during my volunteer experience was watching a patient use an assistive device to stand after being bedridden for 2 years. The power we have through volunteering can be lifechanging and I want to continue that as a student physical therapist and a future physical therapist!

Hobbies: Photography, Soccer, Film, Reading

Favorite sports: Soccer, Judo

Favorite foods: cheesy potatoes, breakfast burritos, alfredo pasta, and seafood boil

IG: @aj.thespt

 

 

Committee Member: Anthony Montano

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Class of 2026

Favorite volunteer experience:I loved attending Rancho Los Amigos 2024 Spinal Cord Injury Games! Seeing so many SPT/SPTA volunteers representing their schools, networking with PTs/OTs, and cheering on the participants in competitive sports like rugby, basketball, and pickleball was amazing. I noticed throughout the event how each participant changed their body position and manual/power wheelchair to complete an activity. It shows that there isn’t one way to participate in a sport and highlights task variability!

Hobbies: Exercising, golf, bowling, spending time with friends and family

Favorite sport: Football

Favorite food: Pasta

IG: tonymontano_44

 

 

Committee Member: Tiffany Chang 

California State University, Sacramento,  Class of 2026

Favorite volunteer experience: Volunteering at pediatric physical therapy clinic was one of my most memorable experiences. It was my first time being exposed to this area of physical therapy, and it really made me appreciate the work that PTs do. In addition to observing treatments for conditions such as torticollis and gross motor development delay, I assisted the team by preparing for sessions and sanitizing the treatment areas. This experience sparked my interest of me in pursuing a career working with pediatrics.

Hobbies: Playing pickleball, reading, and watching tv shows

Favorite sport: Badminton

Favorite food: Anything except for pickles and olives

Instagram: @tiffietoffeee

 

 

 

Committee Member: Vincent Luna

Samuel Merritt University, Class of 2027​

Favorite volunteer experience: In my undergraduate career, I took a semester abroad in Uganda to learn about Global Health. My program placed at a local health clinic where I got to learn about the needs of the Ugandan people, the development/reconstruction of their healthcare system, and how Ugandan Physicians practice medicine. At this internship, I was able to volunteer in their community outreach trips to more rural parts Uganda. These opportunities allowed me to see how essential public health is and how powerful outreaches could be to those who lack essential resources. This inspired me to help people in a way that is effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

Hobbies: I love the outdoors (hiking, climbing, backpacking, camping), but I also love to visit different coffee roasters to taste each of their roast!

Favorite sport: I honestly like any sport! But I love to play baseball/softball, basketball, badminton, and rock climbing (boulder/sport)

Favorite food: Tosilog!

IG: @vince_11_luna

 

 

Committee Member: Aaron Zagar

Chapman University,  Class of 2026

Favorite volunteer experience: Volunteering at the Chapman Service Learning clinic. This is where we recruit participants from the community to come in and help them with any PT related inquiries. I had a great time with my participant and it was a rewarding experience. Funny enough, a month later I was getting an X-ray for a sprained finger. The X-ray technician ended up being that same participant, and it was nice to catch up with them and see how the PT interventions positively affected them at work!

Hobbies: Traveling, music festivals, running, anime/manga, spending time with friends and family

Favorite sport: Basketball and MMA

Favorite food: Pork Katsu Curry

Instagram: @zagar_aaron

 

 

Committee Member: Hannah Smith

California State University, Sacramento,  Class of 2026

Favorite volunteer experience: My favorite volunteer experience was the Bikefit program at Shiners Children's Hospital in Sacramento. I had the opportunity to work alongside PTs and help children with disabilities learn to ride bicycles and tricycles that were specifically designed to meet their needs. It was so rewarding to watch these kids improve and see their excitement at their graduation from the program when they got to take the bikes home.

Hobbies: When I'm not studying, I love playing soccer and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, cooking, and going to concerts.

Favorite sport: Soccer

Favorite food: My favorite food is anything Italian!

Instagram: @hannah_smith__

Founder of the CA Outreach Challenge

Gail Bachman, PT, DPT – San Diego State University, Class of 2015

“I started this volunteer competition as a way to recognize the amazing work SPT/SPTAs were doing throughout California. I also wanted to find a fun way to encourage students who were new to volunteering to get involved in their community. I was amazed with the response in our first year and was truly touched with all the student’s stories from their time volunteering. I am very proud to be in profession with such caring and amazing individuals, high fives all around!” 

Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns: bachman.gail@gmail.com

 

Check out the CPTA!

This student run project is graciously sponsored by the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA). The CPTA represents more than 9,800 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants statewide. As the third largest Physical Therapy association in the world, the California Physical Therapy Association remains the largest voice for the physical therapy profession in the state of California.

Check out what the CPTA has to offer you by visiting their website: www.ccapta.org