The Best Educators in the Business

Dr. Giles is the founder and President of Scorebuilders. He has authored numerous best selling review books and has presented on licensure preparation throughout the United States and internationally for nearly three decades. Dr. Giles has taught over 500 review courses and assisted over 25,000 PT and PTA students to pass the National Physical Therapy Examinations. He received his Masters in Physical Therapy from Springfield College and his Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons College. Dr. Giles received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Giles served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of New England for 15 years. He has disseminated research related to the licensing examination at the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association's Annual Conference and Exposition, and the American Association of Higher Education's Conference on Assessment Quality. He is the former Chair of the New England Consortium of Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education and a former Credentialed Trainer for the APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program. He served on the APTA Committee charged with revising the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT CPI).

Mrs. Giles received her Masters in Physical Therapy and Bachelors in Health Science from Springfield College. She is the owner and Vice President of Scorebuilders, a company offering licensing examination resources for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Mrs. Giles has served as a contributor to numerous best selling review books including PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide and PTAEXAM: The Complete Study Guide. Mrs. Giles has been a physical therapist for 31 years and has focused her clinical practice on patients with neuromuscular disorders. She is Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) Certified and has experience as an administrator, student clinical coordinator, and a team clinical leader in a rehabilitation hospital.

Dr. Reva Rauk is the Director of Clinical Education at the University of Utah, Department of Physical Therapy. She received her PhD degree from University of Minnesota in 2006 and has been a board certified neurologic clinical specialist since 1993. Dr. Rauk has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and has served in several aspects of student clinical education including CI, ACCE, CCCE and DCE roles. She is a Trainer for both the Basic and Advanced APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Programs, and serves as Train-the-Trainer program faculty for both courses.

Dr. Unverzagt is a Clinical Associate Professor for the Baylor University DPT program. He also serves as the Academic Coordinator for the Baylor Scott & White – Baylor University Orthopaedic Residency. Dr. Unverzagt received his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Puget Sound, DPT degree from Slippery Rock University of PA, and his Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan. He completed a sports residency in the state of Washington and is an ABPTS board certified Orthopaedic and Sports Clinical Specialist. Dr. Unverzagt also completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic and Manual Therapy from the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions. He serves as a site reviewer for the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education and as a consultant for Scorebuilders. His research interests revolve around the management of ACL tears.

Dr. Laurie Kontney received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, her Master of Science degree in physical therapy with an emphasis in education at the Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School (now Rosalind Franklin University) and her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with an emphasis in ethics from Simmons College in Boston. Laurie is a Trainer for the APTA’s Level 1 and 2 Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program (CCIP) and is a former member and chair of the Physical Therapy Examining Board in Wisconsin. Laurie has presented continuing education courses across the country in the areas of ethics and jurisprudence, clinical decision making, facilitating clinical education, mentoring and professional behavior development and assessment.

Dr. Heath is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Prior to joining the faculty at WMU, Amy was an associate professor of practice and program director/ chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Simmons University (Boston, MA). She was also formerly an assistant professor and director of clinical education at Temple University (Philadelphia, PA). Dr. Heath received her BS in Health Studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Simmons College. She was certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (2007-17) and is an APTA Education Leadership Institute Fellow. Amy has worked with pediatric and adult patients in various orthopaedic settings and values the patient/PT relationship as integral to individualized care. Dr. Heath is the author of several peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts in the areas of education and admissions of DPT students, and evaluating DPT program quality. More specifically, her interests are in self-directed/ self-regulated learning, self-efficacy, learning strategies, and holistic admission procedures. While not yet practicing clinically since joining the WMU faculty, Dr. Heath’s areas of clinical interests includes orthopedic conditions in adult and pediatric populations.

Dr. Varnado is an Associate Professor and the Program Director in the Department of Physical Therapy at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Indiana University. Dr. Varnado completed orthopedic residency and manual orthopedic physical therapy fellowship training at Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles, CA. She is also a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Dr. Varnado is currently a fellow-in-training with the APTA Education Leadership Institute. Her areas of teaching include clinical problem solving, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and physical therapy examination. Dr. Varnado earned her Doctorate in Health Sciences degree with Education concentration from A.T. Still University. Her areas of research include physical therapy faculty job satisfaction and upper quarter musculoskeletal assessment.

Dr. Corcoran received her Masters in Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. As a staff therapist and APTA credentialed clinical instructor, Gretchen has ten years of experience in several inpatient settings including subacute rehabilitation, extended care, and acute care. Through her clinical experience at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Gretchen worked with multiple patient populations including patients on the neurology, trauma, cardiac and pulmonary surgery, cardiac medicine, vascular and intensive care units. Gretchen has also worked in the Chicago Public School System as a city-wide, school-based physical therapist working with a wide range of students from early childhood instructional programs to high school students. Currently, Gretchen is a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to teaching, she continues to work in the acute care and subacute settings at Presence Health Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois and NorthShore University Health System Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois.

Dr Ennis is Senior Academic Program Director for the Florida DPT programs at the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Prior to this role, she was faculty at Bellarmine University in Louisville KY for 20 years, serving as DCE for 7 of those years and Program Chair for 5. Her content expertise includes pediatrics, neurology, aquatics, professional and legal issues, assistive technology, and educational technology. She also co-owns a private practice focusing on pediatrics, assistive technology and aquatics, is active in APTA at both chapter and national levels, and engages in policy issues such as payment, Medicaid, and licensure.

Dr. Nelson Marquez has served as the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Research at Webber International University since 2015. In his role, he is responsible for collecting and monitoring institutional data, and using the data to effect improvements, strategic planning, and ensuring institutional and programmatic accreditation compliance. Prior to joining Webber, he was a Program Director and Professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida. He received his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to becoming the Director of the PTA program at Polk State in 2003, he served as the program's Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education and also served as the college's Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program since the OTA program's inception in 1998. In addition to his program director responsibilities, he taught content related to the management of neuromuscular pathology and basic foundational sciences (Anatomy and Kinesiology). Dr. Marquez has presented numerous workshops and research at the national and international levels on topics related to clinical education, neurology, and professionalism in the allied health field. He is trained in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and is a Credentialed Trainer for the APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program.

Dr. Fox is an Associate Director of Clinical Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML). She received her Bachelors of Arts in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and her Masters of Physical Therapy and transitional DPT from UML. She has worked in PT for the last 18 years in a variety of settings including occupational health, sports physical therapy, outpatient orthopedics, and home care. In addition to her duties related to clinical education at UML, Dr. Fox teaches the PT interventions and Musculoskeletal labs as well as several courses in the undergraduate exercise physiology program. Previously, she was a member of the faculty at Hesser College's Physical Therapist Assistant program for 8 years. During her tenure at Hesser, Dr. Fox taught in a wide variety of courses and served for a one year period as the interim program director. Dr. Fox is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She is a member of the APTA's Education and Orthopedic Sections as well as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Sonya Irons, PT, DPT, CCS is a board-certified cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. She is currently a capstone advisor for Rehab Essentials (Columbia Falls, MT) and holds adjunct faculty appointments at Creighton University (Omaha, Nebraska) and Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, Iowa). Dr. Irons worked at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (Lincoln, Nebraska) as a clinical director, inpatient physical therapist, and research physical therapist. She led the Student Therapy Program for 10 years, working with hundreds of students and collaborating with faculty from across the country. Dr. Irons has authored more than 20 manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations in the field of physical therapy. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University, Master of Physical Therapy degree from Mayo School of Health Sciences, and transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University. Dr. Irons has experience in writing exam questions as an item writer for the Specialization Academy of Content Experts.

Dr. Fjosne is a full time outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapist where he is the Lead Physical Therapist at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Minneapolis, MN. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance at the University of Montana, Master of Physical Therapy at Mayo School of Health Sciences, and Doctor of Physical Therapy at Marymount University. He has worked in the capacity of lead physical therapist as well as clinic manager during his career. Chris is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) and works regularly with PT students as an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Chris lives in Maple Grove with his wife, Mindy, and children, Jonah and Lena. They enjoy staying active and exploring the outdoors.

Mr. Douglas received his Masters in Physical Therapy and Bachelors in Health Science from Springfield College. He has 18 years of outpatient orthopedic experience with an emphasis on sports medicine. Mr. Douglas has experience as an administrator in several outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinics. Mr. Douglas currently is employed as the Director of Riverview Physical Therapy in Yarmouth, Maine.

Mr. Redmond attended Penn State University before transferring to the University of New England where he received his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy in 2001. He presently is a Market Manager for Saco Bay Physical Therapy, where he has worked since 2001, managing a group of five clinics in the Lakes Region area of Maine. Clinically he is a generalist and is trained or certified in a variety of skills including the Norwegian Approach to the evaluation and treatment of the spine, LSVT BIG, ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Post-Offer Employment Testing, Social Security Disability Assessments, and Ergonomic Evaluations for work sites and vehicles. He is an American Physical Therapy Association Certified Clinical Instructor and has had the opportunity to work with more than 50 graduate students during their clinical education experiences. When not working, Gabriel enjoys time with his wife Maddie and their three kids Stella, Molly, and Rowan.

Dr. Tanner is a Professor at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. She has worked in the field of physical therapy since 1993, serving the first seven years as a physical therapist assistant. She received her Masters in Physical Therapy (2001) from the Medical College of Georgia and her Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University (2010). Dr. Tanner served as a program director of a physical therapist assistant program for 13-years before moving into the role of Dean for the College of Health Professions at Darton State College, and then Albany State University. She has now returned to teaching full-time as a Professor in the College of Health Professions. She is an active member of the APTA for which she served 8-years as a District Director for the Georgia-APTA Chapter. She is a CAPTE Credentialed Clinical Instructor, has served as a CAPTE accreditation site-visitor, and also as an item-writer for the Federation of the State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Sarah Brinson is an Associate Professor for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and Dean of the Darton College of Health Professions at Albany State University in Albany, GA. She received her Associates of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Darton College in 1997 and has worked in various areas of Physical Therapy including acute, outpatient, pediatrics and wound care over the past 20 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2007 and her Master’s degree in Adult and Career Education in 2009, both from Valdosta State University followed by her Doctorate degree in Higher Education from Columbus State University in 2017. In addition to her duties related to education, she teaches content related to patient care skills, amputations, wound care, cardiopulmonary, and physical therapy ethics. Dr. Brinson is a member of the Georgia Coalition of Physical Therapy Educators. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, as well as an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor.

Ms. Brown is an occupational therapist and physical therapist assistant specializing in lymphedema therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation. She is currently the Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and Professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Myrtle Beach, SC. She received her Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from The College of West Virginia, Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Charleston, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from West Virginia University. Ms. Brown has been involved in physical therapist assistant education for 20 years, serving as an instructor, director of clinical education and program director. She is a an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, and a past member of the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.

Amy graduated from Salt Lake Community College in 1998 as a PTA. For the past 13 years, she has been employed in the University of Utah’s Balance and Mobility Clinic. Amy has served as a clinical instructor for 20 years and is currently a trainer for the APTA’s Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Amy has a faculty appointment in the University of Utah Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Her current assigned courses include Teaching and Learning in Physical Therapy and Health Behavior Change. Amy also lectures on Complete Decongestive Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant Utilization and Regulation in Professional Practice. Amy is the faculty mentor for the interdisciplinary student run wellness board. This board provides fitness classes for individuals in the community with neurological conditions. Amy has been active in the Utah Chapter of the APTA and has served as PTA Representative, Membership Chair, and Bylaw Chair. She is active at the national level serving on the APTA’s PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways Taskforce and Credentialed Clinical Instructor work group.

Michelle Bulanda, PT, DPT, DSc, PCS is Clinical Professor in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Dr. Bulanda received her entry level Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University in 1989 and a transition Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2006. Dr. Bulanda’s clinical work has been in pediatric rehabilitation and Early Intervention since 1991. Dr. Bulanda received her DSc in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in 2014. From 1998-2016, Dr. Bulanda was a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at UIC with primary teaching, service, and research in pediatric physical therapy with an emphasis on early intervention. Dr. Bulanda has received funding to train occupational and physical therapy students to work with young children with delays/disabilities and their families through the US Department of Education.

Dr. Flach received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. As a Board Certified Neurologic Specialist and APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, she gained experience as a staff physical therapist in acute care, extended care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation serving many patient populations. During her time at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, she worked with specialty populations that had neurologic conditions, vestibular disorders, pulmonary conditions, and individuals following amputation. Dr. Alicia Flach is a Clinical Associate Professor within the Physical Therapy Program at the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Kinsey has over 20 years of outpatient orthopedic experience with an emphasis on sports medicine. She is currently working as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Avon, Ohio. She is recognized as one of their Clinical Specialists in Sports and Orthopedics and lectures locally and nationally for the Cleveland Clinic on various topics including Functional Rehabilitation, Muscle Energy Techniques, and Shoulder Rehabilitation. Kelly was Cleveland Clinic's Health Science Educator of the Year in 2014 for her commitment to student education. She is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and established an Internal Continuing Education Committee for Sports Health. Kelly received a BS in Athletic Training and a BS in Exercise Science from Miami University. Later, she received her MS in Physical Therapy from The Krannert Graduate School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Burns is a Professor & Program Director at South College hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Orlando, FL. He has been in DPT education for over 15 years and an instructor for Scorebuilders for over 10 years. Dr. Burns received his physical therapy education from the University of Colorado in 2005 (MS and DPT) and completed his PhD from the University of Newcastle (Australia) in 2022. In 2009, he achieved clinical board specialization in Orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) though the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and completed his fellowship training in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) at Regis University (Denver, CO). He is a licensed physical therapist in Pennsylvania and maintains an active clinical practice treating individuals with musculoskeletal and pain disorders. His primary research interests include the relationship between the lumbar spine and hip in individuals with low back pain, use of artificial intelligence in PT, and best practices to facilitate student learning in DPT education.

Dr. Frey has over 30 years of experience treating neurological, geriatric, and orthopedic patients in a wide variety of clinical settings. She received her BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware, her Certificate on Aging from Johns Hopkins University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University. Dr. Frey has served as Clinical Coordinator and Faculty at the community college level teaching courses in orthopedics, neurology, pathology, professional issues, and fundamentals of clinical practice. In 2018 she was awarded the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award which recognizes outstanding faculty in higher education nationwide. She has presented in local and state conferences on innovative teaching strategies and Web-Based Information Literacy. Dr. Frey is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, a member of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education, an active member of the APTA of Maryland, and an Instructor for the CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant program at Anne Arundel Community College.

Dr. Lee is the Chair and a Clinical Associate Professor within the Department of Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University in New York. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Stony Brook University and his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Lee is dual board-certified in geriatrics (GCS) and orthopedics (OCS), as well as a Maitland-Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT). Dr. Lee has extensive experience working with individuals with limb loss, orthopedics, and geriatric conditions. Dr. Lee has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on the rehabilitation of adults with limb loss including the International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics World Congress and the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting. He is also published in Prosthetics & Orthotics International, Disability & Rehabilitation, and the Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics. Dr. Lee is an experienced item-writer, previously serving as a Coordinator of Content Experts for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Mr. Dandy received his Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Education and his Certificate in Physical Therapy from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He received a Masters of Science degree and Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University. Mr. Dandy has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings from Clinician to Rehab Director as well as serving as an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor. For over 10 years, he has worked for Penn State University as an adjunct instructor and guest lecturer in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Mont Alto where he is currently a full time instructor and the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education. In addition to completing numerous continuing education courses and remaining active clinically, Mr. Dandy has been very active in providing community education with a primary focus on Fall Prevention Education and Interventions.

Dr. Shawn Paquette received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2012) and Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science (2009) from the University of New England. He also became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2009. In 2023, Shawn became Board-Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Shawn is employed in an outpatient orthopedic setting treating general orthopedic and sports medicine patients. He has special clinical interests in non-operative and post-operative rehabilitation of the shoulder as well as rehabilitation after total joint replacement. Shawn has worked on a large number of Scorebuilders' development projects including review books, Online Advantage, Flash Cards, and apps.

Dr. Dehan is an Associate Professor and Director of the Stefani Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and Masters in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri and her transitional DPT from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Dr. Dehan is APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Her areas of teaching include concepts in physical therapy, acute care patient management, and professionalism. Dr. Dehan earned her PhD in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Her areas of research include NPTE success predictor factors and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Dr. Neiffer is a professor at Pueblo Community College in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. She received her Bachelors of Science in Health and Human Development from Montana State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University. Following graduate school, Dr. Neiffer completed an orthopedic residency with the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and received her OCS. She went on to apply her orthopedic skills working as a Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Dr. Neiffer has a passion for education and is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. She currently teaches second year PTA students in orthopedics and psychosocial issues in healthcare and first year students in clinical kinesiology. She is a member of APTA’s Academy of Education and Academy of Orthopaedic Physical therapy. Her current scholarly pursuits are focused on incorporating active learning techniques in the classroom and blended learning models.

Dr. Brown is the Associate Dean of Academics for the School of Physical Therapy at Arkansas Colleges of Health Science. She received her Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Dr. Brown is credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Advanced Clinical Instructor and a trainer for the Clinical Instructor Credentialing Program. She is also a certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist and is a graduate of the APTA’s Education Leadership Institute Fellowship. Her areas of teaching include human anatomy, components of the musculoskeletal sequence, and interprofessional education. Dr. Brown earned her PhD in Health Professions Education from Simmons College. Her areas of research include instructional methods and assessment practices in human anatomy and predictors of success in clinical education and the DPT curriculum.

Dr. Garavito received his doctor of physical therapy degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. He is an Assistant Professor for the College of Saint Mary's Blended Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Omaha, NE, and holds a clinical specialty certification in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. Prior to joining the College of Saint Mary, Dr. Garavito was employed by Duke University Medical Center where he worked in an acute care setting emphasizing the care of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary impairments. Dr. Garavito currently holds an adjunct faculty appointment with Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota teaching biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, and motor behavior in Concordia University's Master's in Science program. Additionally, he assists with labs, lectures and simulations at Duke University and Winston Salem State University's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Dr. Garavito's research interests include blended learning and social determinants of health with emphasis on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

Ms. Daniel received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University in 1984 and her post-professional Masters in Physical Therapy (Orthopedic Manual Therapy) from the University of St. Augustine in 1998. She has over 25 years of clinical experience that includes acute care, orthopedic outpatient, occupational health & prevention, pain management, clinical research, home care, as well as practicing in the NHS in Glasgow, Scotland. Holly is the former lead instructor for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Carrington College in Mesa, AZ (2010-2017) and taught kinesiology, management of orthopedic conditions, patient care skills, data collection, physical agents, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, orthotics/prosthetics, and ethics & jurisprudence. Additionally, she received recognition for “Teaching Excellence” and served as a mentor in the Master Instruction program. Holly has been a member of the APTA since 1982 and has served as an item writer for FSBPT. She currently resides in Scottsdale, AZ and is an independent contractor as an instructor, consultant, and tutor. She has a passion for helping physical therapy students and graduates cross the finish line of passing the NPTE-PT/NPTE-PTA and is a contributor to many of Scorebuilders study tools including Basecamp, 365 Apps, What’s New, and the PT/PTA Exam Study Guides.

Dr. Ortega is an athletic trainer and orthopaedic clinical specialist practicing for over 25 years in a variety of clinical settings. She received her MS in exercise physiology and education from West Virginia University, a MS in physical therapy from Texas Women’s University, a doctorate in outcomes assessment and education from University of Texas in Austin and most recently a certificate in public health from UT Health-Houston. She has presented courses for health care professionals internationally in the areas of orthopaedics, sports medicine, and emergency care. Nationally and within a DPT curriculum, as program director and tenured faculty member for 16 years, she has taught courses in therapeutic exercise, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, research design, professional issues, pharmacology, anatomy, and differential diagnosis.

Kathleen received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Simmons College in 1993. She began her PT practice in neurological rehabilitation and carried her neurological focus into orthopedics. She worked in the private practice and hospital setting prior to opening her own cash-based practice. Kathleen earned Matheson Work Capacity Evaluator certification and later became an instructor in the certification program. She completed a one-year fellowship with the Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, and obtained ABPTS Board Certification in Orthopedics, and Sports, in 2011 and 2016 respectively. She is trained in dry needling and the Level 1 Rigo Schroth-Based Method for treatment of scoliosis. Kathleen’s PT practice is focused on movement assessment to address the root cause of symptoms through manual and neuromuscular training techniques.

Dr. Erin DiCapo is currently a faculty member and Program Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. Dr. DiCapo received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science in 2006 and Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008, both from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She began her career working in Day Rehabilitation and Inpatient Rehab settings, specializing in treating patients with neurological conditions. She has also worked in Skilled Nursing and Home Health settings. Dr. DiCapo is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She transitioned into academia in various capacities in 2012, and has been a full-time faculty member at Malcolm X College since 2016.

Dr. Michael O'Hara is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University. He received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Providence College and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University. Dr. O'Hara is a residency-trained clinician from the University of Chicago Medical Center and is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist. His primary teaching responsibilities at Temple University include foundational courses in human anatomy and biomechanics, the musculoskeletal management course series, and vestibular rehabilitation. In addition to entry-level DPT instruction, Dr. O'Hara is a faculty member in the Temple University Orthopaedic Residency Program. He received the College of Public Health Excellence in Teaching Award in 2020 from Temple University. He has presented platform, laboratory-based, and poster presentations on a variety of orthopaedic and manual therapy topics at local, regional, and national levels. Dr. O’Hara maintains per-diem clinical practice at Good Shepherd Penn Partnersâ€Penn Therapy and Fitness at University City in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Farris has been a physical therapy educator for over 20 years and has strived for educational excellence as a faculty member and academic administrator. He received his bachelors and master’s degrees from California State University Fresno, PhD from The Ohio State University, and physical therapy degree from Arkansas State University. Dr. Farris’ areas of teaching have included cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, physiology, modalities, research, and leadership. He completed the APTA’s Education Leadership Institute Fellowship and has served on the board of directors for the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy where he helped develop the first National PT Student Honor Society. His current scholarship efforts are aimed at cardiopulmonary fitness throughout the lifespan and topics related to the education of health care professionals.

Dr. Hall is currently a Center Manager for an outpatient multidisciplinary center in Portland, ME for Saco Bay Physical Therapy working with individuals with neurologic impairments. He received his DPT from Virginia Commonwealth University and became board certified in neurologic physical therapy while working in inpatient acute rehab with individuals affected by strokes, brain injuries, and cancers of the nervous system. Dr. Hall also serves as a clinical lab instructor for the University of New England in their adult neurologic rehab course as well as teaching the vestibular content.

Dr. Rohde is a physical therapist and Academic Program Director at Franklin Pierce University. A former orthopedic and female athlete specialist, Meghan teaches in the orthopedic curriculum at Franklin Pierce University when she is not consumed with administrative tasks of steering a program in the right direction. She earned her PhD in Human and Sports Performance from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2020, a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 2006, and a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2010. She has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and has lectured both nationally and internationally. She has been a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist since 2012. Meghan is also a CrossFit Level 1 instructor and USA Weightlifting coach. In addition to contributions to physical therapist education, Meghan helps students across the country navigate the challenges and changes in making the shift from undergraduate to graduate education through her business It Depends DPT. Her passion is working with students to overcome their own inner narrative barriers and find success in DPT school. She is currently in her second year of a three-year Somatic Experiencing Practitioner training and an RYT-200h yoga instructor. Meghan lives in rural New Hampshire with her husband and 5 year-old son.

Jason Ciccotelli is a current PT faculty member at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, teaching courses throughout the curriculum including anatomy, pathophysiology, functional training, statistics, wound care, and clinical education. He received his DPT from the University of Utah in 2010 and practiced in hospital and home health settings, becoming a certified wound specialist in 2014. Jason received his PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from UNLV in 2023. His research interests focus on pain modulation, especially within the amputee population, as well as cadaveric and anatomical education. He is a current member of the APTA and the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. He has presented at numerous conferences highlighting research findings and novel pedagogical approaches to anatomy education.

Dr. Heather MacKrell is a physical therapist with over 25 years of experience. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Colorado, Boulder and her Master's Degree and PhD in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman's University in Houston, TX. Her doctoral research focused on student evaluation through use of the CPI, PT MACS & PTA MACS for clinical education which has led to further studies of test construction and analysis of theory examinations. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings with her specialty being neuro rehab. Dr. MacKrell moved to Huntsville, AL and was hired to start the PTA program at Calhoun Community College in 2009 and has been the Program Director ever since. She is a member of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education and became a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach in 2022. Her coursework experience includes anatomy and kinesiology, neurology and neuro rehabilitation, pathology, modalities, documentation and ethics in healthcare.

Michael Seils currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at Daemen University for 3 years. His areas of expertise and certifications include APTA Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS), Advanced Competency in Home Health, and the National Stroke Association Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS). He earned his Bachelor of Health Science and clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nazareth College in 2011 and 2013 respectively. In total, he has over 7 years of home health care experience as a staff therapist, preceptor, and supervisor. He was named HCR Home Care’s Therapist of the Year in 2015. At Rochester Regional Home Care, he was named Supervisor of the Year in 2018 and Leader of the Year in 2019. Michael obtained his Ed.D. in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College in 2021 and his MBA from Daemen University in May 2024. He has presented research and/or taught courses at local and national conferences including Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) , Educational Leadership Conference (ELC), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, NYPTA Special Student Interest Group (SSIG), Network in Aging of Western New York Meeting, and the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Rehab Symposium. His research and clinical interests are focused on leadership, interprofessional collaboration, geriatrics, home health care, and technology enhanced learning.