Doctor of Physical Therapy
DeSale University, Class of 2023
Associate Exercise Science, Certificate Personal Training, Class of 2017
Helping Others to Stretch Their Boundaries
“CCM was the steppingstone I needed to get on the right track with my life. Without CCM, I would not have gotten the start I needed to find and pursue a career I’m really passionate about.”
Now working on his doctorate in physical therapy at DeSales University, Kevin Danilowski ’17 did quite a bit of journeying before settling on a career path. That is until he came to County College of Morris (CCM) – for the second time – and discovered the Health and Exercise Science department and Dr. Michael Paul, chair and professor, in particular.
The first time he came to CCM, Danilowski thought he would get a degree in game design. He discovered, however, that working with computers was not something he enjoyed. But the guitar was, so he dropped out of school to play and sing in a ska punk band touring the U.S. and Canada. After six years, he realized, “that was not going to be a longtime sustainable career” and back to CCM he went.
At the time he was working as an orderly at Newton Medical Center and became friendly with a couple of occupational therapists. Their work intrigued him but when he found CCM had an exercise science program and he met Dr. Paul his interest shifted to physical therapy. Having returned to CCM at age 25, he had no intention of pursuing a career path that would have him studying for years to earn a doctorate. Then, Dr. Paul encouraged him to do just that.
“It’s a long road to pursue a doctorate but Dr. Paul inspired me to do it,” says Danilowski. “He gave me the confidence I needed to continue my education. He was responsible for propelling me into a profession that’s a really good match for me.”
What he likes most about physical therapy is that it allows him “to show people how to push themselves to get better outcomes,” says Danilowski. “I’m making a difference by encouraging others to take responsibility for their lives and health. I get to inspire them to find out what they are capable of.”
That is also what he learned at CCM, says Danilowski – what he is capable of accomplishing.
“The education I got at CCM was stellar,” he says. “CCM was the steppingstone I needed to get on the right track with my life. Without CCM, I would not have gotten the start I needed to find and pursue a career I’m really passionate about."