A passion for helping people move in the outdoors inspired Maggie Smith ‘21 to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at the University of Vermont. A day spent ice climbing with injured war veterans assured her that she made the right choice.

A partnership between Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and Sunrise Mountain Guides provides veterans with opportunities to learn and practice ice climbing — and gives DPT students the chance to experience the joys of helping people rise to physical, mental and emotional challenges.

“It was cool to be part of an ice climbing experience with veterans,” said Smith. “My mission as a PT is to help people move in an outdoor setting so they can return to the recreation they love to do.” 

The veterans’ disabilities range from post-traumatic stress syndrome to knee pain, traumatic brain injury or spine trauma from explosions. Students practiced their psychosocial skills while interacting with and assisting the climbers, said clinical assistant professor Elizabeth Sargent, who arranged for students to ice climb with the veterans.

“The veterans we service have been diagnosed with invisible disabilities that make it hard to experience positive joyful experiences,” said retired Staff Sgt. Misha Pemble-Belkin, program coordinator for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Veterans Ventures. “Achieving something that seems unachievable, like climbing a 50-foot ice waterfall, can relight the fire inside to seek out those joys once again. Sharing this experience with students helps the veterans in breaking downs stigmas and barriers.”

Smith appreciated learning a fresh way to help people experience outdoor exercise.

“As a PT, it’s important to be aware of opportunities to participate in inclusive exercise, and I want to do physical therapy in a nature-based setting,” Smith said. “Experiences like this bring me closer to that reality.”