Leah Sacco

When Leah Sacco ’25 was a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, faculty encouraged her to pursue the specialty that inspires her today. 

“Faculty at UMass Lowell helped me discover the physical therapy specialty of neurology,” says Sacco. “I find deep meaning being part of a clinical team that helps patients find their way back to the life they once knew.” 

After graduating from the DPT program, Sacco was accepted into the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physical therapy neurological residency program. For one year, she worked in the areas of spinal cord injury, acute care and outpatient care. Once she completed the residency, the VA hired her as a full-time physical therapist. 

“I am so grateful that I chose to come to UMass Lowell, where I met faculty who recognized potential in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself,” says Sacco. “The sense of family you get here is like no other. The faculty push you every day to be the absolute best version of yourself.” 

As a high school student in Stoneham, Sacco wasn’t sure if she wanted to become a physical therapist but was interested in pursuing a career in health. She majored in kinesiology at UMass Amherst, following the physical therapy track in case she decided to apply to a doctorate physical therapy program. When the pandemic hit, she became a certified personal trainer, worked as a physical therapy aide and provided group fitness guidance to family and friends. 

“I absolutely fell in love with the impact fitness and movement can have on both physical and mental health,” says Sacco. 

With her decision made to become a physical therapist, she applied to UMass Lowell’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the only public program in the state. 

“I chose UMass Lowell because it’s an affordable public university, and I liked going somewhere with smaller class sizes,” says Sacco. “Faculty really get to know you here.” 

JoAnn Moriarty-Baron, who was an associate teaching professor at the time, ignited Sacco’s passion in neurology. “Through Dr. Moriarty’s mentorship, I discovered how rewarding neurological patients are to work with,” says Sacco. “Her enthusiasm for teaching and ability to make complex material come alive stayed with me and helped me find the neurology specialty where I felt that I could truly make a meaningful difference.” 

Sacco also received guidance from Caroline Pisinski ’20, a graduate of the DPT program and adjunct faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology. Pisinski completed the neurologic physical therapy residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital. 

“Dr. Pisinski answered all of my questions about work-life balance, the level of mentorship, workload, compensation and benefits,” says Sacco. “What resonated most was her insight that the residency is demanding, but you emerge as a true advanced practitioner who is helping people overcome their most difficult moments in life.”