Heather Shevchik O'Brien
Heather Shevchik O’Brien, MSPAS, PA-C, BS, 2006 graduate of Kinesiology
The education program and professors from the Kinesiology department provided a foundation of knowledge and confidence that has been crucial throughout her career.
Heather walked onto Penn State’s campus Fall of 2002 and never dreamed she would be back in 15 years to take care of the medical needs of students as a Physician’s Assistant at the University Health Center. Happy Valley continues to be, a bright spot in her life as it has enabled her to chase dreams and meet some of the most influential and amazing people in her life. From working on leadership skills with fantastic women through the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI), to traveling abroad to Australia, Penn State provided her the opportunity to learn how to thrive professionally and personally.
The education program and professors from the Kinesiology department provided a foundation of knowledge and confidence that has been crucial throughout her career. The research opportunities and classes provided unique qualifications when applying for graduate school. Moreover, on an individual level, a handful of people from the department helped to instill confidence and provide support that has not gone unnoticed.
The education and skills she learned in Kinesiology aided her well as she pursued her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at DeSales University and graduated in 2010. Heather then went on to work in a surgical setting doing spine and joint replacement in orthopedics in the Lehigh Valley.
One of Heather’s favorite memories from her was traveling with the Kinesiology Department to Las Vegas for a conference and taking a side trip for a water rafting adventure on the Colorado River. Excursions like these are fuel Heather toward her dream of being able to visit all seven continents in the world! She only has two more to go!
The Kinesiology department is thrilled to have Heather back on campus to not only speak and mentor to students going through the program but to also provide quality care for the student body.