Colorado Mesa University’s Sandra Willett, PhD, recognized for her exemplary mentorship, knowledge and experience in pediatric physical therapy
The Jeanne Fischer Distinguished Mentorship Award recognizes renowned mentorship and practice in the pediatric physical therapy field. The American Physical Therapy Association announced Colorado Mesa University’s Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Sandra (Sandy) Willett, PhD, as the 2025 recipient for her sustained, altruistic mentorship beyond what’s expected within the nominee’s regular employment.
“This is a very prestigious national award,” stated Professor of Physical Therapy Christopher Carcia, PhD, founding director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at CMU.
This award is a great honor and representation of the outstanding faculty in the Physical Therapy Program at CMU. Carcia originally came to CMU to build this successful program from the ground up. This is where he crossed paths with Willett, as she is a core, full-time faculty member in the program.
“I always knew I wanted to be in a healthcare profession where I could work with children...a profession that was growing, dynamic and making a meaningful impact upon children’s futures,” said Willett on her pursuit of a career in the pediatric industry.
Willett is dedicated to bringing her talents to classrooms in the Physical Therapy Program. She urges students to be curious and consistently embrace the journey of learning throughout their lives.
“I encourage my students to be good listeners and observers, to read children’s and families cues then follow where they lead. And to find a strong mentor,” Willett stated.
Willett instills the key skills for success in her class and the physical therapy program and provides valuable lessons that serve as stepping stones to navigate life. Her dedication to “life-long learning” is demonstrated through her accomplishments, including this most recent achievement. As a University of Nebraska Medical Center graduate, she credits her successes to her past work experiences.
“I worked with an incredible team of pediatric physical therapists in my former position at Munroe Meyer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. This team [who nominated Willett for this award] was highly motivated to learn, grow and raise the bar for children and families,” said Willett. “Having an incredibly receptive and enthusiastic group of mentees made it easy to become a mentor.”
A combination of influence, experience, talent and enthusiasm helped Willet receive such a prestigious award. Representing Colorado Mesa University, Willett’s efforts inside and out of the classroom allowed a light to shine on the Physical Therapy Program here on the western slope of Colorado.