Eagle Passan Andrea L. Pantoja does internship at Children’s Rehabilitation Institute in Lima, Peru

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016

Eagle Passan Andrea Lissette Pantoja, a junior and Pre-Physical Therapy student at Texas State University, pursued her studies during the summer of 2016 by doing an internship at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute in Lima, Peru.

While at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute, Pantoja learned about educational, psychological, auditory therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy for children with mental and/or physical disabilities at Peru’s leading rehabilitation clinic.  She worked with the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute Physical Therapists and professionals in developing individualized therapy programs for children afflicted with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities.  “The patients receive physical therapy, social skills training, verbal skills training, and sensory stimulation exercises for several hours a day at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute,” said Pantoja.

“I learned about traditional and alternative methods of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs provided to children from all walks of life in Peru,” said Pantoja.  “The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute builds a team of medical doctors, psychical therapists, assistants, and the parents in providing physical therapy and rehabilitation services to each child,” added Pantoja.  “Overall, I had a great learning and volunteer experience at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute in Lima, Peru,” said Pantoja.

While in Peru, Pantoja also learned about the rich and diverse history and culture of Peru and its people,  including a trip to the infamous Inca village of Michu Picchu in the Andes Mountains.

Pantoja is a 2013 Honors graduate of Eagle Pass High School, a Gates Millennium Scholar, and a Terry Foundation Scholar at Texas State University.  She is the daughter of Jesse and Margarita Pantoja of Eagle Pass, Texas.