From Tragedy to Triumph: It’s Been a Long Road for DPT’s Ali Johnson

At just nine years old, Alison “Ali” Johnson was living in the Red River Gorge area of Menifee County when her father passed away unexpectedly. In the years that followed, her mother developed an opioid addiction, reflecting a crisis that has affected countless families throughout Eastern Kentucky. 

Faced with personal challenges at a pivotal stage in her life, Ali was forced to find stability, resilience and a path forward.

Her first goal was simple but significant. She needed to complete middle school and high school. Looking back, she credits the unwavering support of her community for helping her succeed. Her older brother, whom she considers one of the most influential figures in her life, along with other family members, provided encouragement and stability during difficult times. Basketball also became an important outlet. It provided structure, purpose, and a sense of normalcy beyond the challenges she faced at home.

During high school, Ali experienced a setback familiar to many student-athletes. A torn meniscus required surgery followed by a lengthy course of physical therapy. While the procedure was successful, accessing rehabilitation was challenging. The nearest physical therapy clinic was approximately 40 minutes from her home, making regular attendance difficult. Although she recognized the importance of treatment, she admits she did not particularly enjoy the process.

Yet that experience ultimately shaped her future.

While attending physical therapy sessions, Ali recalls thinking, “I can be that change for other student-athletes who live within this area.”

After recovering from surgery and graduating from high school, she turned her attention to the next chapter: College. 

While many view rural Appalachia as a region challenged by limited healthcare access, economic hardship, and educational disparities, Ali's concerns centered on leaving the close-knit community she had always known. 

As a first-generation college student, she would be entering an unfamiliar environment. Her graduating class consisted of only 60 students, and the thought of attending a large university felt impossible. The financial burden of higher education was another significant concern.

The University of Kentucky provided solutions to many of those challenges. Through the Robinson Scholars Program, Ali received full undergraduate tuition and on-campus housing. Just as importantly, the university offered a sense of familiarity and support.

“UK was the ideal fit,” she said. “It allowed me to experience a new environment and greater independence while still remaining close to home and my support system.”

After exploring several academic and career options, Ali earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion before pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She enrolled in the University of Kentucky's DPT program at the Hazard campus, where she quickly found a supportive learning environment.

“UK PT faculty will go out of their way to make sure you get the help you need no matter what the situation is,” she said.

Earlier this spring, Ali was named the recipient of the Tassa Jones Wigginton Perseverance Award, an honor presented annually to a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program who demonstrates exceptional perseverance and dedication while overcoming significant personal challenges.

The award is given annually to a student who has overcome challenges while completing the degree, showing perseverance and dedication to the PT profession. Tassa Wigginton came to the University of Kentucky's Physical Therapy Department in the early 1980s as a nontraditional student, married with children. The official award proposal reads, “Perseverance can include raising children, loss of a family member, financial challenges, physical challenges, etc.”

For Ali, the award represents much more than academic achievement. Her personal experiences have shaped her professional aspirations and strengthened her commitment to serving others.

She hopes to use physical therapy as a means of helping individuals reduce their reliance on pain medication and return to the activities that bring meaning to their lives.

“Although I am a small piece of the puzzle,” she said, “I believe my personal experiences with the impact of addiction will help me better understand, relate to, and care for individuals facing similar challenges.”

Ali is a strong advocate for movement as medicine and believes patient education is a critical component of care.

“Motion is lotion,” she said. “It helps relieve pain when it is done in a way that meets a patient's needs and level of health literacy. I want to help people understand that solution. Even if I can help one person, that is monumental to me.”

Following graduation, Ali plans to begin her career in an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Georgetown, Kentucky. However, she hopes to one day return to Appalachia. Her own experience navigating healthcare barriers in a rural community shows the challenges many residents face when seeking care, and she remains committed to giving back to the region that supported her throughout her journey.

“The challenges I've faced are not unique to me,” Ali said. “They have strengthened my desire to become the best version of myself and to use my experiences to serve and support future generations.”
 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will celebrate the Class of 2026 from 10-11:15 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15 at the UK Singletary Center. Can’t come in person? Visit the livestream here.