On November 18, the College of Health and Human Services will host the 2021 Health and Human Services Hero Awards to recognize individuals who are making a bold difference right here in the Central Valley. We will highlight the ten honorees in our Heroes Blog Series.
Name: Chris Di Redo
Occupation: Physical Therapist, Park Avenue Physical Therapy
Nominated by: The Department of Physical Therapy
As a physical therapist, Chris Di Redo is committed to improving the quality of life for his patients, who range in age from as young as two weeks up to 105. Since 2006, he has been bringing his unique touch to Merced, California, as the owner of Park Avenue Physical Therapy. He says providing this type of care to the community is one of his greatest joys in life.
“Providing excellence as a physical therapist motivates me because of the difference that I make with people and my community,” Di Redo said. “Being able to provide professional reasoning and education that comforts individuals (or loved ones) is invaluable and continues to motivate me in the field that I love.”
In addition to his time, Di Redo also provides the gift of service to his community, providing pro bono or low cost health care services to those who would otherwise not receive care. He stands by the belief that each individual possesses tremendous value and potential, and is deserving of the most basic human rights – love, dignity and respect.
Since graduating from Fresno State with his master’s degree in physical therapy in 2004, Di Redo has remained dedicated to helping current Doctor of Physical Therapy students receive much-needed clinical experience, and has offered his practice as a clinical site for the past 12 years. The benefits of this are two-fold: students are able to gain extensive hands-on learning, while also providing care back to the Central Valley region.
A certified clinical instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association, Di Redo strives to help students realize the importance of human connection and communication in the clinical setting. As a mentor, he fosters creativity, expression, leadership and growth within the students he oversees.
“Offering a smile and encouragement to students is what I love,” Di Redo said. “It is extremely important that I do my part to see the profession grow, and to demonstrate that the Central Valley is also a great place to stay and become an awesome physical therapist.”
Aside from his physical therapy work, Di Redo is also a durable medical equipment consultant and has served the medically vulnerable population in Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties over the last eight years.
The 2021 Health and Human Services Hero Awards, which celebrates heroes from each of the seven departments, as well as centers and institutes within our college, will be held virtually this year. For more information on the event, contact Beth Wilkinson at bwilkinson@csufresno.edu.
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 