Misericordia University Students Provide Therapy Services During Interdisciplinary Service Trip to Belize

Misericordia University Students Provide Therapy Services During Interdisciplinary Service Trip to Belize

DALLAS, Pa. — Students and faculty from Misericordia University’s speech-language pathology program recently participated in an interdisciplinary service-learning trip to Belize, where they provided therapy services and educational training to underserved communities.

Two Misericordia faculty members and nine students joined faculty and students from Alvernia University and the University of Pittsburgh for the weeklong experience. In total, 15 faculty members and 37 students from speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy collaborated to deliver care and education across Belize City, San Ignacio, and Orange Walk. 

During five days of service, the group partnered with nine community organizations, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and pop-up community clinics. Misericordia’s speech-language pathology team conducted 10 educational sessions for teachers, families, and healthcare professionals and provided 162 individual speech therapy sessions while serving 72 additional individuals in group settings. Altogether, the interdisciplinary team worked with more than 300 clients during the trip.

“Our time in Belize was a whirlwind of education, collaboration, and compassion,” said Misericordia student Sara Lombardi. “Everything I learned from the people of Belize and the other rehabilitation disciplines we teamed up with will inform my clinical insight for the rest of my career.”

Students said the experience highlighted both the need for accessible rehabilitation services and the strength of local communities.

“The people of Belize showed me what resilience really looks like,” said student Kara Thourot. “Watching families travel hours to wait patiently for care and then greet us with such overwhelming gratitude reminded me that access is never something to take for granted.”

In addition to service work, students participated in cultural experiences designed to deepen their understanding of Belize’s history and environment. Activities included visiting the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, cave tubing through Mayan cave systems, touring a wildlife sanctuary, hiking through native habitats, and attending a lecture on Belizean culture and history.

Faculty leaders said the trip reinforces Misericordia University’s commitment to service, global learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration while preparing students to become compassionate healthcare professionals.