College of Health Sciences 10 Under 10 Award winner went from patient to physical therapist 

March 31, 2026
URI alumna Alexandra Winnes holds her 10 Under 10 Award while standing next to Patrick Vivier, dean of the URI College of Health Sciences. (URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement photos)
URI alumna Alexandra Winnes holds her 10 Under 10 Award while standing next to Patrick Vivier, dean of the URI College of Health Sciences. (URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement photos)

Alumna Alexandra Winnes honored among ‘outstanding young professionals who embody the spirit and values of the University’

Alexandra Winnes ’19 ’21 always felt drawn to the health care field. After needing physical therapy following knee surgery when she was a junior in high school, Winnes knew she wanted to work with patients in a similar way.

“I knew physical therapy was the career for me and by studying at the University of Rhode Island, I could create a home away from home, with my family close enough for me to visit,” said Winnes, a native of Cranston, Rhode Island.

Winnes was this year’s recipient of URI’s 10 Under 10 Award for the College of Health Sciences. The awards recognize outstanding young professionals who embody the spirit and values of the University.

“I was very excited to win the award,” said Winnes, who is a physical therapist, board certified orthopedic specialist, and clinic director for Pappas OPT. “I loved my time at URI and I’m proud to be a representative of URI when I’m out in the community.”

Many of Winnes’ family members who attended the awards ceremony also alumni of URI, including, from left, Dan Macera ’11, DPT’14; Lauren Macera ’12, DPT’14; Joshua Macera ’24; on the far right, John Macera ’87, P’11, P’24. Christopher Winnes, third from the right, is an assistant coach of the URI men’s club hockey team.

Winnes and the other nine award recipients were honored at a ceremony in URI’s Soloviev Basketball Practice Facility on Feb. 14, and later that afternoon during halftime of the URI men’s basketball game at the Ryan Center.

As a student at URI, Winnes entered the Doctor of Physical Therapy program while still completing her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.

“It was challenging, but when the material you are learning is interesting and it directly applies to your career path, it makes studying a little easier,” said Winnes. “I would recommend this path to students who believe strongly in their ability to manage their time appropriately.”

Winnes also recommends gaining as much practical experience as possible.

“Do as many observation hours in as many different settings as you can,” advised Winnes. “There are many different forms of physical therapy outside of the standard settings and this might help you discover a passion you didn’t know existed.”