After graduating from Shenandoah, Donahue worked as a physical therapist at Winchester Medical Center for two years.
Since 2012, she has been employed at BioMechanic Physical Therapy in Landsdowne, Virginia. She is also an adjunct lab instructor for SU’s Northern Virginia Physical Therapy program.
“Shenandoah offered me a streamlined undergraduate to graduate program that I could complete in six instead of seven years. I was able to receive an outstanding education in both areas of study and begin my career with the prestige of graduating from a top-notch program! SU has continued to allow me to progress toward career goals and be a part of the community by returning to assist with the program in Northern Virginia,” said new alumni board member, Sarah Green Donahue ’08, ’10.
“The places I have worked are very different settings. In the hospital, I worked with critically ill patients to help them regain their mobility. At BioMechanic, I help people to get out of pain and get back to things they love to do. At SU, I am fortunate enough to be involved in shaping future physical therapists — and in working with the students. I am constantly thinking, reviewing and learning what new evidence is out there in my profession,” said Donahue.
“The challenges were greatest while working in the hospital, seeing patients who had become very ill or injured or who had life changing medical problems.”
“The ultimate reward as a physical therapist is seeing your patients realize their goals,” expressed Donahue. “It’s the best feeling to run into a former patient around town and to be thanked for helping them to overcome whatever was ailing them.”
Donahue has always been interested in the medical field. “I was able to observe a PT while I was in high school. This was where I learned that patients really get to spend quality time with their therapist, unlike many other medical professions. The level of patient interaction is one of the main reasons I chose the field.”
Donahue stated that she gives back because “I want future students to have the best experience that they can at SU. The time I spent at Shenandoah was so important in shaping my future and I hope that they can have the same.”
“I am looking forward to being a part of the PT program, the alumni board, and watching my cousin play SU baseball!” Donahue is also very excited to bring her daughter to SU events and introduce her to the Shenandoah community.
Donahue notes meeting her husband, Brett Donahue ’09, ’10, as one of her fondest memories. The couple met during their sophomore year and both ultimately went on to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from SU.
“My husband and I have tried to stay involved with SU since graduating. The chance to serve on the alumni board has been an amazing opportunity to do just that.”
The Donahues welcomed their first child, Madeline Iris, on Sept. 8, 2014, and their second, Jack William, on Feb. 26, 2018. They live in Leesburg, Virginia with their dog, Jackson. “I enjoy visiting local wineries and snuggling with my kids,” Donahue concluded.