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To honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, ACAPT recognizes the leadership of Stephanie Eton, PT, DPT and Assistant Professor of Practice & Director of Residency Education at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Stephanie also received the ACAPT FHEL Grant in 2024.
Read more about Stephanie's background and achievements:
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My inspiration is twofold. In high school, my nephew was born with cerebral palsy, and I had the opportunity to witness his rehabilitative journey first hand. It was my first exposure to physical therapy and the interprofessional care team. I quickly realized how essential these disciplines are not just for the patient but also for the entire support system around them. I was deeply moved by the impact our field can have on every aspect of a patient's life and their caregivers.
Later in my journey, I transitioned to academia because of my love for teaching. Sharing my knowledge with students and helping them learn how to make the same kind of meaningful impact in patients’ lives is incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a defining moment in your professional journey?
It is hard to choose just one defining moment for my professional journey. I'm filled with gratitude for the path I've taken and the position I've reached in my career. This achievement wasn't the result of a single event but rather a series of small, meaningful moments that built toward a larger outcome.
One moment that stands out is completing my 18-month faculty residency development program. That experience challenged me in ways I never anticipated and opened doors beyond clinical practice. It laid the foundation for much of the work I've done and the recognitions that I'm proud of today.
Another defining moment was being named Tennessee APTA's Outstanding Educator of the Year for 2025. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine receiving such an honor. I'm deeply grateful for this recognition and incredibly proud to be acknowledged in this way.
How has your heritage influenced your approach to work and leadership?
As a first-generation American and the daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants who came to the US with very little, my heritage has shaped much about how I approach my work and leadership. Growing up, I witnessed the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the need to prove oneself in spaces where you may not be fully seen or understood. I saw firsthand what it meant to work hard and stay focused. That experience instilled in me a deep sense of drive and determination. It also gave me a strong awareness of my representation. I know that my presence in physical therapy education, especially in higher education, is rare. Because of this, I approach leadership with intentionality. I think about how to create a space for others like me, and how to challenge the norms that often make it harder for minorities to rise to leadership roles.
This perspective led me to pursue a grant through ACAPT focused on supporting minorities in the Higher Education and Leadership Fellowship. I'm very mindful of the example I set because I know others are watching and hoping to walk a similar path. My heritage doesn't just influence how I lead, it's the reason I lead the way that I do.
Why do you think National Hispanic Heritage Month is important for our profession?
I think National Hispanic Heritage Month is important to the physical therapy profession because it gives us a chance to reflect on Latino/a history, the journey many of us have taken, and the contributions we have made to our respective fields. It is a time to recognize hard work, dedication, resilience, and achievements of Latino/a professionals, many of whom have had to overcome significant barriers to get to where they are. I think representation matters and celebrating our heritage helps highlight the value of diversity in healthcare.
Have you faced challenges related to representation in your field? How did you navigate them?
It wasn't until I attended the Faculty Women of Color Conference that I truly understood the challenges that I had faced in my field. Before that, I often blamed myself for setbacks and internalized them, thinking they reflected my shortcomings, something I now realize was part of imposter syndrome. Those conferences were eye-opening. They helped me identify and name experiences like microaggressions, cultural inequities, and the systemic barriers that minorities often face in leadership and higher education. Hearing others share similar stories made me realize that I wasn't alone and that these challenges weren't related to personal weaknesses but could have been related to structural weaknesses.
I navigated these challenges by doubling down on my commitment to growth. I pursued continuing education and professional development, sought out mentorship, and built a network of peers who understand these experiences. Most importantly, I learned to believe in myself and my abilities. I reminded myself that I belong in these spaces, not just because someone allowed me in but also because I earned my place through hard work, dedication and resilience.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Set meaningful goals that reflect what truly matters to you and stay grounded in your values. Authenticity is your strength; do not compromise it. Stay committed to your path, even when it is challenging, because perseverance and hard work pay off. Your journey may look different, but it is still valid and worthwhile. Keep showing up and trust that your efforts will lead to meaningful success.
What are some projects or initiatives you are most proud of?
One project I'm especially proud of began as a national presentation on frailty screening, which has since evolved into a research initiative. This work has helped elevate awareness around early identification and intervention strategies for vulnerable populations in geriatric care.
Another initiative close to my heart is a research project I spearheaded focused on advising practices in DPT programs. Recognizing the critical role that mentorship and guidance play in student success, I aimed to identify best practices that better support both students as advisees and faculty as advisors. This work is helping to shape more inclusive, effective advising models across institutions.
How has your role in ACAPT shaped your perspective?
ACAPT played a pivotal role in shaping my professional trajectory by awarding me a diversity grant, which supported the completion of a 12-month Fellowship in Higher Education and Leadership. This grant was designed to help individuals from underrepresented backgrounds advance in leadership roles, which was an opportunity that aligned with my own aspirations.
Because I participated in the fellowship, I not only strengthened my leadership skills but also provided support for my transition into a new and innovative role as Director of Residency Education at my institution. ACAPT’s support allowed me to engage with educators across the country, gaining insights into higher education, mentorship, and problem solving at a national level. It opened doors to networking, collaboration, and a broader understanding of how inclusive leadership can transform institutions and teams. This experience has profoundly shaped my perspective, reinforcing the importance of representation, intentional mentorship, and systemic change in physical therapy education.
Are there cultural traditions or values that you integrate into your career?
Absolutely. One of the values I carry from my Nicaraguan heritage is a deep respect for community, spirituality, and resilience. These values shape how I interact with both patients and students. I make a conscious effort to understand and honor the diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs of those I work with, creating a space for what matters most to them and both care and education.
For example, I once worked with a student who was struggling academically while also navigating cultural expectations at home. Drawing from my own experience as a first-generation American, I was able to support them not just academically but also emotionally, validating their experience and helping them find balance. That moment reminded me how important it is to bring cultural awareness and empathy into my work.
I also understand the complexities of graduate student life, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. I strive to be a mentor who sees the whole person, not just the professional or academic side, and to model leadership that is inclusive and culturally responsive.