That commitment to improving lives has now earned the Franklin Park resident statewide recognition. Laskowski received the Illinois Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Student Award from the Illinois Physical Therapy Association in recognition of her academic achievement and dedication to the physical therapy profession.
Laskowski, who graduated in 2026 with a 4.0 grade point average, received the honor during IPTA's 75th Anniversary Celebration Social.
"It's a really big honor to be recognized," said Laskowski. "For me, it was never about getting the 4.0. The driving factor was to learn as much as I could."
A graduate of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Laskowski earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from Elmhurst University before exploring several career paths. Her interest in physical therapy was born while working as a nursing assistant at a memory care facility.
"I would see the therapists come in and work with our patients and residents," said Laskowski. "They were able to come in and help them maintain whatever function they had to still be engaged in life and be able to do things for themselves. It was so empowering."
Those experiences helped Laskowski recognize that physical therapy was more than a career opportunity. It was a way to make a meaningful difference in people's everyday lives.
Seeking an affordable, high-quality education close to home, Laskowski discovered Oakton's PTA program. She found a close-knit learning community where faculty, staff and classmates encouraged one another through the program's demanding coursework and clinical training.
"The program was very rigorous, but they prepared us so well," said Laskowski. "Our professors were very involved in our education and constantly made sure that we were prepared."
Her clinical rotations took her to Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, a Chicago-area Veterans Affairs medical center, a Team Rehabilitation clinic and a pediatric early intervention setting. Working with patients ranging from young children to older adults, she gained hands-on experience in orthopedic rehabilitation, acute care and home-based therapy.
While pursuing her degree, Laskowski also worked as a rehabilitation aide at Athletico Physical Therapy in River Grove, where she benefited from mentorship by experienced professionals, strengthening her clinical knowledge and confidence.
After graduating from Oakton, Laskowski began working at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, helping patients recover from injuries and manage orthopedic conditions. She also passed her national board examination in October, marking another important step toward professional licensure.
Alyssa’s dedication to helping others, strong work ethic and natural leadership have distinguished her throughout her time at Oakton,” said Melissa Mendoza, chair of Oakton’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, who nominated Laskowski for the statewide award.
Although her academic achievements have earned statewide recognition, Laskowski remains focused on the people she hopes to serve. She is particularly interested in pediatric and geriatric physical therapy, including helping children with disabilities develop essential movement skills and supporting older adults in maintaining their independence.
She also hopes to share her knowledge with future generations of physical therapist assistants, potentially serving as a clinical instructor or teaching in a PTA program.
For students considering a career in physical therapy, Laskowski encourages them to gain firsthand experience in the field and embrace the challenges that come with learning.
"Ask for help, stay curious and always think about the end goal," said Laskowski.
Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant helps maneuver the patient's body through stretches and exercises and oversees other important treatments. It's an important and rewarding job that offers opportunities for real connections with patients. Learn more about Oakton's Physical Therapist Assistant program.