2025 Student Spotlights - Natalie Aston - Physical Therapy
During her time as a graduate student, studying to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, Natalie Aston immersed herself in a variety of experiences at CSULB, and will carry those special moments with her as she embarks on a new chapter as a professional clinician.
Some of those memories include getting to play on the DPT intramural volleyball and basketball teams – and even taking home a championship home in basketball. She also volunteered as a sitting volleyball coach at an adaptive sports non-profit, and as a group boxing class instructor for individuals with Parkinson’s disease; this all while completing multiple clinical rotations, working with a variety of patient populations, and completing the rigorous didactic coursework.
“Though PT school was highly demanding, these extracurriculars offered me additional spheres to explore my love of exercise and helping others, while also taking a break from the books.”
Anyone who puts themselves through physical therapy school, knows that it is a long journey, with many ups-and-downs. Yet ever since Natalie first discovered the profession – first as an athlete herself, and through shadowing her volleyball coach, who also worked as a chiropractor, and worked with physical therapists through his practice – she has been on a mission to better understand the power of the human body, and how movement can be used as medicine.
“I believe that many people underestimate their bodies’ capabilities, and I’m passionate about helping others realize their potential to live their fullest, most vibrant lives.”
While learning to empower people through movement at the graduate level, Natalie’s motivation for helping others became even more meaningful after her grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“My perspective on physical therapy and my profession deepened as my first patients became the family members who had shaped me into who I am.”
Natalie was further impacted when her grandmother suffered a stroke just before finals during her second year, compelling her to spring into action.
“I became her personal PT, staying by her side throughout her hospital stay, inpatient rehabilitation and transition home.”
Natalie cites the unwavering dedication, support and flexibility she received from the CSULB DPT program faculty and the encouragement of her friends in her cohort, as reasons she was able to reach her goals.
“Overcoming these challenges only strengthened my gratitude for the CSULB DPT family, while also giving me a newfound appreciation for our profession.”
Now, Natalie is galvanized more than ever to want to become the best clinician she can be, and having had the experience helping her grandmother through a stroke, she is inspired to pursue a specialty in neurologic physical therapy, and become a leader in her field.
“Neurologic physical therapy is particularly compelling to me because of the complexity and uncertainty in rehabilitating the nervous system, offering endless opportunities for growth and advancement. Personally, I feel most alive when I’m doing what I love, which often involves being active, and physical therapy centers enable individuals to do just that.”
