The DPT Class of 2026 elected officers to serve on the Student Physical Therapy Association. Meet the new officers below in their own words.
Zachary Blanchard – President
I was born and raised in Orlando, Fl. I attended the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in health sciences. Coming back to Florida to be a double gator has been the greatest decision I could’ve made during this process. I really wanted to dive into Physical therapy for a couple of reasons. One being my own experiences with injuries and the recovery process and the other being my passions to help people get back to what they love. Being SPTA president is a huge honor to me, and I hope to represent the class in the best way possible. Through this first year I have loved interacting with every single student, faculty member, and patient that I have had the privilege of meeting and looking forwards to bonding with new ones in the future. Go Gators!
Marissa Dye – Vice President
I was born in Newport, Rhode Island and then have moved up and down the east coast, and overseas, over the last 23 years, but I would say Florida is my home state! I attended the University of Florida for my B.S. in Health Education and I am so happy to be a double gator earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. I have chosen this career track because I have a passion for helping people through movement. There is so much that we can do that benefits and heals our bodies simply through moving and I hope to be the person to push people to get better! As Vice President I hope to create an environment that is welcoming and feels like a home away from home! Go gators!
Lauren Mattozzi – Treasurer
I am from Naples, FL and I attended the University of South Florida where I graduated with a health sciences degree. My interest in physical therapy started thru my years of playing sports as well as experience interning as a school aide in classes for children with special needs. I love that physical therapists have the unique opportunity to build relationships with patients and provide care that creates life-long impacts to the health of patients. As the class of 26’ treasurer, I aspire to create an environment where our cohort has the ability to unwind in social events, provide fund raising opportunities for local organizations, and budget accordingly for different committees to provide events.
Jens Abraham – Secretary
Born in the vibrant city of Chicago and raised basking in the sun-soaked streets of Tampa, I’m a product of the windy city’s energy and charm, and a passionate advocate of Florida’s warm weather and culture.
I attended the University of Florida for my bachelor’s in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, and I’m incredibly proud to be back here at UF for my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as a double gator.
I discovered my passion for physical therapy as an avenue towards better optimizing human movement and understanding its incredible capabilities in restoring dysfunction. As SPTA Secretary, I aspire to make sure that as a cohort we are always on top of our responsibilities, and work to provide a cohesive congruency within our SPTA!