Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Ligotski DPT'18
Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.
Get to know Brianna Ligotski DPT’18, a legacy alumna, who was inspired by her parents’ experience to follow in their footsteps in attending USciences. A physical therapist, Dr. Ligotski works at Kaiser Permanente outpatient medical center in Stockton, CA and recently earned specialty board certification in neurological physical therapy.
I was born... to my amazing parents Michelle P’88 and Joe P’84 two months prematurely in Northeastern Pennsylvania in December 1993 during a blizzard.
I wanted to grow up to be... either a writer or a veterinarian.
People would be surprised to know that I... can play a pipe organ.
I like to collect... houseplants.
My favorite memory at USciences is... in 2013 when I won the CACC Cross Country Championship race.
The last book I read cover to cover is... "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle.
The last book I read that I would recommend to others is... "Grit" by Angela Duckworth.
The first album I bought with my own cash was... probably Bon Jovi’s “Lost Highway.”
I like to watch... The Office, NCIS, and Law & Order: SVU.
USciences is valuable to my family and me because... it has provided a place for everyone in my family (yes, all 4 of us—parents and my younger brother!) to find our own avenues in our contribution to healthcare professions.
The most challenging thing about my job is... Either working with patients with progressive neurologic conditions or not taking my work home with me. I get very invested in my patients, so it’s important to keep a steady work-life balance.
When people tell me they want to get more involved with the University... I think it’s fantastic! It feels great to be able to give back to the University as an alum in any way that we can contribute. Our support helps to keep USciences going!
Which talent would you most like to have? I can draw but I’d like to do it more often and to draw more creatively.
My most treasured possession is... my cat, Boots.
My real life hero is... Many people have inspired and motivated me throughout my life, but right now I’m very impressed by my younger brother, Eric BMS’18. He’s had to overcome a lot of obstacles and now he’s in his first year of medical school. It’s awesome to see how he’s continuing to grow and push himself and step out of his comfort zones. As the older sibling though I will always be able to say that I was the first “doctor” in the family ;)
I overuse the phrase... “it will be fine.” Definitely try to stay optimistic and glass-half-full!
The most famous person I’ve met is... Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer.
For me, USciences, in a word, is... reputable. The education I received from USciences is unmatched, and I was blessed to be involved with the athletics department as an athlete and then as a graduate assistant coach for all six of my years at the University. With the intimate campus and class sizes I still feel very much a part of the community even though I’m on the other side of the country. Having my parents on campus 20-ish years beforehand helped pave the way and make me feel part of the community right away when it was my turn to come aboard.