Join the Movement: Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT)

healing

in motion

Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty

School of Physical therapy Leadership Stephanie Albin, PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics Assistant Professor

Dr. Albin received her physical therapy master’s and doctorate degrees, in addition to her Ph.D. in rehabilitative science, from the University of Utah. She received her Fellowship in Manual Therapy from Regis University in 2007, and is certified as a clinical specialist in orthopaedics. She has over 14 years of clinical experience.

Her primary area of practice and research is management of patients with foot and ankle injuries. She has been invited to present at numerous national conferences on the management of patients with foot and ankle trauma and manual therapy treatments of the foot and ankle. She has published several peer-reviewed publications and is a reviewer for the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Foot and Ankle Guidelines. She has been awarded multiple Department of Defense grants for research involving both hindfoot and ankle fracture management and overuse injuries of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Albin is a member of the APTA. She is also a member of the Foot and Ankle Special Interest Group where she has served on the board for more than five years.

She enjoys skiing, climbing, running, biking, hiking and loves being outdoors.

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Wendy Anemaet, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

Board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist WOCN Certified Wound Specialist Geriatric Training Certificate Certificate of OASIS Specialist-Clinical Associate Professor

Dr. Wendy Anemaet has been a physical therapist for 28 years.

She studied biology, pre-med and athletic training at Mount Vernon University, received her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Southern California and her doctorate in aging studies from the University of South Florida. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University. She has experience in acute care, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, neonatal intensive care, spinal cord injury, brain injury, outpatient and home health.

She is an athletic trainer and geriatric clinical specialist, as well as a certified wound specialist. She also holds a Geriatric Training Certificate and a Certificate in OASIS Specialist. She was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award from the APTA in 2014. She is a member of the APTA, the Home Health and Health Policy and Administration Sections, the Academy of Geriatrics, the American Academy of Wound Management, the Gerontological Society of America and the Orthopaedic Research Society. Her primary research interest is the effect of exercise on osteoarthritis in both human populations and mice. She also focuses on other areas of geriatrics including posture, physical activity, falls and exercise with various older adult populations. She is involved with 4-H Club and is the coach of the Adams County Horse Bowl, Hippology and Horse Judging Teams.

She enjoys riding horses, playing basketball and scuba diving.

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Physical therapy leadership

Clifford L. Barnes, Ph.D.

Director of Health and Exercise Science Associate Professor

Clifford Barnes, Ph.D., joined the school in August 1995 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2001. Dr. Barnes is the director of the Health and Exercise Science program, an undergraduate program that began in 2013. Prior to coming to Regis, Dr. Barnes taught anatomy and neuroscience in various physical therapy, medical and dental programs. He received his Ph.D. in 1985 from the University of Iowa in anatomy with a cognate in neuroscience. In 2002, he was awarded teacher of the year at Regis University.

Dr. Barnes’ primary scholarly interests include understanding the capacity of the brain to reorganize as a result of disease or damage to the central nervous system (CNS). For the last 10 years he has been involved with developing exercise programs for individuals suffering with Parkinson’s disease. His efforts have looked at different interventions that might support neural plasticity in the CNS and help individuals with PD maintain functionality or improve balance and gait.

In the field of physical therapy, Dr. Barnes has presented on anatomy and neuroscience at the profession’s Combined Sections Meetings (CSM), as well as educational sessions at the Annual National Conference (NEXT). Dr. Barnes is a peer reviewer for various research institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission. He is a member of several professional organizations including the Society for Neuroscience and a partner of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Neurological Section of the APTA.

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Brian Baum, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Dr. Brian S. Baum joined the School of Physical Therapy and the Health and Exercise Science program in 2014. He received his doctorate in biomechanics from the University of Maryland, College Park and earned his Master of Science (Biomechanics) and Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) degrees from Louisiana State University.

He has eight years of prior work experience as a biomechanist for the Department of Defense’s Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Research program and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as manager for the Motion & Sports Performance Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Baum’s scholarly work focuses on the biomechanics of running and walking, with and without lower extremity amputation, and the biomechanics of yoga. In working with individuals with amputation, he aims to improve prosthetic designs and rehabilitation methods to reduce injury risks, increase prosthetic performance, optimize clinical care and improve quality of life. His yoga research aims to understand how postural alignment affects limb loading with long term goals to reduce injury risks during yoga practice through objective evidence and encourage evidence-based practice and teaching. He is a member of the International Society of Biomechanics, American Society of Biomechanics and Rocky Mountain American Society of Biomechanics. When not teaching or performing research, he loves international travel and eating his way around the world.

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Physical therapy leadership

Stacy M. Carmel, PT, DPT, Ed.D.-C Assistant Professor

Dr. Carmel has 21 years in physical therapy practice and seven years teaching in physical therapy higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1997 and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western University in California in 2010.

Dr. Carmel is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Education from the University of St. Augustine in Florida.

Dr. Carmel’s physical therapy practice experience includes out-patient orthopaedics, wound intervention, inpatient oncology and acute care practice. Dr. Carmel has a significant interest in physical therapy clinical education and physical therapist and physical therapist assistant intra-professional practice.

As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Colorado Education Special Interest Group, Dr. Carmel seeks to expand excellence in clinical education; and her scholarship interest focuses on professional collaboration during clinical education and clinical practice.

Dr. Carmel is an avid reader, and enjoys fishing and travel. She loves spending time with her husband, daughter and son.

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Erin Choice Erin Choice has eight years of experience in strength and conditioning practice and three years of experience teaching in health and exercise science higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and her Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, both from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University of Chicago. Erin is drawn to the vastness of health and exercise science field and all that is encompassed by it. She hopes to share her passion to improve and advance the field with her students, so that they may be the advocates that the world needs to improve health and performance. Â

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Physical therapy leadership

Mary Christenson, PT, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Dr. Mary Christenson has more than 30 years of physical therapy experience. She received her Doctorate in Health and Behavior Sciences in 2008 from the University of Colorado. Her current focus is on health and wellness, chronic disease management and cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction. Clinically, she consults with patients affected by post-polio syndrome.

Dr. Christenson’s scholarly interests include strategies to enhance physical activity in individuals with arthritis, particularly in underserved areas, using principles of community-based research. Her community-based research projects as well as chronic disease management strategies have been presented at meetings such as the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, the APTA Annual Conference and Exposition, APTA Combined Sections Meeting and the International CARE IV conference in France. She has been recognized by her peers for her excellence in service through the Bob Doctor Service Award given by the APTA Colorado Chapter. She works with physical therapists and students in Ethiopia and Nicaragua. She also enjoys working with animal rescue groups. She is a member of the APTA and the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals.

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Alice Davis, PT, DPT

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics Associate Professor

Alice M. Davis has 23 years of clinical experience and ten years of academic teaching at Regis University. She holds a master’s and doctorate in physical therapy. Alice is an associate professor and is on the Clinical Education and Post-Professional Teams. With an extensive background in leadership in action for the physical therapy profession, she contributed to the development of the leadership curriculum for Regis Doctor of Physical Therapy students. She has presented her research on leadership development at multiple national conferences. Her collaborative effort with Dr. Heidi Eigsti has led to their manuscript being accepted for publication in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education. Alice’s ongoing commitment to leadership development extends beyond the physical therapy profession—she has served as a coach for the Leadership Institute at Regis University. She frequently enjoys travel to Ethiopia with students as part of organized global health immersions.

She is a physical therapy founder of Regis Neighborhood Health, which is an innovative integrative health model aimed at supporting health, wellness and community connections in Northwest Denver.

She has a broad range of clinical experience with a primary focus in orthopaedics, health and wellness. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy and is certified in health coaching, Pilates rehabilitation and dry needling. She is a member of the APTA and is the recipient of the Outstanding Physical Therapist award and the Bob Doctor Service award for the Colorado chapter of the APTA. Dr. Davis’ secret sauce to happiness consists of family, faith, life-long learning and, of course, morning workouts before the sun rises.

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Physical therapy leadership

Heidi Eigsti PT, DPT, Ph.D.

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatrics Director of Graduate Studies and Assessment Associate Professor

In the year 2020, Dr. Eigsti celebrates 25 years of service at Regis University, while at the same time the School of Physical Therapy celebrates the 25th anniversary of the DPT program. She has been a practicing pediatric physical therapist for more than 30 years, is an APTA Board Certified Pediatric Specialist and has earned her Ph.D. in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. In 2014, she was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society as an honorary member, being recognized for leading DPT students in global immersions and her commitment to leadership and intercultural development. She has published and presented nationally on interprofessional models of service delivery in early intervention, leadership and intercultural development. Dr. Eigsti serves on the Institutional Review Board at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is a Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal reviewer and is academic liaison for the Colorado APTA Pediatric Special Interest Group. Her responsibilities within the school focus on student progression, program development and assessment. Dr. Eigsti has teaching responsibilities related to psychosocial issues of health care, pediatric physical therapy and leadership. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and mountain biking in the Colorado Rockies.

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Ira Gorman, PT, Ph.D., MSPH Assistant Dean Associate Professor

Ira Gorman is currently an assistant dean and associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Regis University. Prior to Regis he practiced at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital and then owned and practiced in an outpatient private physical therapist practice.

He received his physical therapy degree from SUNY Stony Brook and later his doctorate in health and behavioral sciences from the University of Colorado-Denver. He also holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Colorado Health Science Center, Department of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Gorman is a founder of Regis Neighborhood Health, which includes the School of Physical Therapy’s on-campus faculty practice.

Dr. Gorman is presently the president of the Section on Health Policy and Administration of the APTA and also serves on the Payment, Policy and Advocacy Committee for APTA. He serves on the APTA/ Colorado Chapter Government Affairs Committee.

He is a member of the Colorado Commission for Affordable Health Care, a three-year governor’s appointed legislative mandated commission charged to study the cost drivers of health care in Colorado and make recommendations to the legislature. In his free time, he continues to enjoy playing competitive ice hockey.

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Physical therapy leadership

Amy Stone Hammerich, PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, GCS, FAAOMPT Associate Professor

Dr. Hammerich is an associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Regis University and teaches in the entry-level DPT program, the Orthopaedic Residency program and the Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. She is currently the coordinator for the new Orthopaedic Residency program. She earned a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 2000 and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2003 from Regis University. She earned her Ph.D. at University of Colorado in Health and Behavioral Science in 2013 with a focus on lower back pain and aging. She received board certification from the American Physical Therapy Association as an orthopaedic clinical specialist in 2015, geriatric clinical specialist in 2017 and completed her Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy at Regis University in 2018. Dr. Hammerich spent two years in postgraduate studies in neuromuscular physiology at the University of Colorado with motor unit needle EMG research investigating muscle synergies and stabilization strategies in older adults. She has a B.S. in Business and worked in finance in Chicago before physical therapy school. In addition, she has spent over 20 years in fitness training with many certifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has served as the president, treasurer and director-atlarge of the APTA Colorado Chapter. Her primary research interests include the spine, hip/pelvis and aging joints. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing and cycling in Colorado.

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Larisa Hoffman, PT, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Dr. Larisa Hoffman has 11 years of experience as an assistant and associate professor at Regis University. She received her physical therapy degree and her doctorate at the University of Miami. She enjoys working with children and adults with neurological dysfunction.

Most of her clinical practice has been devoted to working with young children. During her doctoral work, she worked as a physical therapist in the neuromotor rehabilitation lab at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, where she worked with individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Her current research is investigating the impact of different orthoses on gait in children with cerebral palsy. She is a member of Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Neurological Physical Therapy. Dr. Hoffman enjoys spending time with her family biking, skiing, hiking and jeeping.

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Physical therapy leadership

Melissa Hofmann, PT, Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Melissa Hofmann is an assistant professor in the School of Physical Therapy. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in physical therapy from D’Youville College and her doctorate in research methods and statistics from the University of Denver. She has 19 years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist in multiple inpatient hospital-based settings including: trauma and neurological ICU, general acute and subacute care, and inpatient acute rehabilitation.

She continues to practice as a senior physical therapist at the University of Colorado Health. She is an active member of the APTA, specifically the Research, Education, Health Policy and Neurological Sections. Her primary research interests include trauma advocacy for practitioners and patients, LGBTQIA cultural competence in physical therapy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke rehabilitation. She has also engaged in multiple service endeavors including participation in the 9Health Fair sponsored by Regis University, Project Homeless Connect, health-related missions in Peru and Nicaragua, and was a volunteer trauma medical professional following the Haiti earthquake in 2010. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

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Suzanne Holm, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR

Occupational Therapy Academic Program Coordinator Assistant Professor

Suzanne Holm has over 25 years of experience as a practitioner and has been in academia for the past five years. Dr. Holm completed her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Creighton University in 2013. She received a Master of Arts from Texas Woman’s University in 1997 and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1991. Through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), she attained board certification in physical rehabilitation in 2006, recertifying in 2011 and 2016.

Her practice areas include inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. Her research has been published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. She is an author and co-editor of the text, Occupational Therapy in Acute Care. A life-time member of AOTA, she helped to develop AOTA’s Board and Specialty Certification process and is a member and reviewer for AOTA’s Fellowship Committee. In 2016, she received the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado’s Marjorie Ball Award of Merit for contributions to occupational therapy in Colorado. She and her husband enjoy adventures (and getting into trouble) with their German Shorthaired Pointer, Butters.

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Physical therapy leadership

Kristen L. Jagger, PT, MSPT, Ph.D. Professor

Kristen Jagger has been a physical therapist for 23 years, initially graduating with her MSPT from North Georgia College and State University. She has practiced in a variety of settings, eventually finding her passion in outpatient orthopaedics. Kristen’s fascination with how things work led her to pursue and complete a Ph.D. in biomechanics at the University of Florida, after which she entered PT academia full time. In 2011, she earned her board certification in orthopaedic physical therapy. Dr. Jagger’s research interests primarily involve dynamic balance assessment methods and musculoskeletal ultrasound utilization for the measurement of tissue thickness. In clinical practice, she is learning and applying the concepts of Stecco’s Fascial Manipulation® method. Dr. Jagger has been a member of the APTA since her first year as a student of physical therapy. Dr. Jagger believes in living life to its fullest, and is convinced that spending time in nature is key to being truly fulfilled.

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Andrew Littmann, PT, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Dr. Littmann worked for many years in clinical practice in the United States and New Zealand, specializing in neurological rehabilitation, with particular interest in stroke, spinal cord injury and vestibular disorders. He was credentialed as a board-certified clinical specialist in neurological physical therapy in 2001. He completed his doctorate in rehabilitation science from the University of Iowa in 2012. During that time, he received three promotion of doctoral studies awards through the Foundation for Physical Therapy.

He has numerous peer-reviewed publications in human cortical and spinal plasticity in response to motor learning and physical activity.

Dr. Littmann is currently a member of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and serves nationally as a member of the APTA’s Council on Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science and Technology, and also the APTA Vestibular Special Interest Group. In recent years, his interests have expanded to regenerative medicine and genomics in physical therapy, as well as leading global health immersion projects in Peru.

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Physical therapy leadership

Cameron MacDonald, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatrics Director of Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Assistant Professor

Dr. Cameron MacDonald, assistant professor in the Regis School of Physical Therapy, has practiced clinically for more than 25 years and served in academic teaching roles for 13 years. He originally trained in Australia, and earned his doctorate from Regis University with subsequent fellowship training in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT). He is board-certified in orthopaedics and geriatrics with research awards for scholarly publications in orthopaedics and geriatrics. He also has ongoing Ph.D. research focused in the historical roots of manual therapy. He has achieved clinical recognition at the university, state and national levels with service awards. He currently chairs the program directors special interest group of the American Academy of OMPT. He is the director of the Regis Fellowship in OMPT and the Residency in Orthopaedics. He represents the interests of the physical therapist profession as the president of the Colorado chapter of the APTA. His ongoing studies are focused on the foundational origins of manual therapy. He is blessed with an energetic family who keeps him on his toes, and has traveled to more than 30 countries and all 50 states.

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William McGehee, Jr. PT, Ph.D. William McGehee, Jr. PT, Ph.D., has been a physical therapist for 24 years. Bill served as Professor of Practice and Director of Physical Therapy Education for the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL from 2016-2019. Prior to this position, Dr. McGehee served as an assistant professor and director of clinical education at UF from 2013-2019. He was an assistant professor and director of clinical education at Bradley University in Peoria, IL from 1998-2013. He has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) and Florida Physical Therapy Association since 1993, having held the position of IPTA treasurer from 20022004 and Illinois Physical Therapy PAC chair from 2002-2006. He has served nine times as a chapter delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. Dr. McGehee was elected to the position of APTA Vice Speaker and member of the Board of Directors of APTA in 2010 and served until June 2013. He is a member of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy, HPA-The Catalyst, and the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary section of the APTA. He received his Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Administration at St. Louis University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with an option in athletic training from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Bradley University. He received his Master of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. McGehee maintained an active clinical practice in home health care and outpatient care for the last 13 years.

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Physical therapy leadership

Nancy Mulligan, PT, DPT

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics Director of Clinical Education Associate Professor

Dr. Nancy Mulligan brings 35 years of physical therapy experience to the school. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Technology and from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Physical Therapy.

She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in 2006. Her clinical specialty is in the area of orthopaedic manual therapy, and her other professional passions include clinical education, global health and LGBTQIA+ issues in physical therapy.

She has extensive training in Ignatian spirituality, was a Regis Ignatian Faculty Fellow and is a member of the Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. Her scholarly interests are centered on her extensive work in Peru with Catholic Medical Mission Board’s Community Based Rehabilitation program. She has traveled to Peru five times in the last four years with students, alumni and faculty serving in multiple programs. Dr. Mulligan is active in the Colorado chapter of the APTA as the co-chair of the Awards Committee. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and cycling throughout Colorado and beyond.

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Erika Nelson-Wong, PT, DPT, Ph.D. Professor

Dr. Erika Nelson-Wong has been a member of the Regis School of Physical Therapy faculty since 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from the Colorado School of Mines, a Master of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Regis University, and a doctorate in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo. She has been a licensed physical therapist since 1996 with clinical experience in outpatient orthopaedic private practice, industrial rehabilitation, ergonomics and home health care.

Her primary research interest is in early identification of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, specifically low back pain, with an emphasis on movement strategies with a goal of applying physical therapy approaches for prevention and early intervention. She is an active member of the APTA, American Society of Biomechanics, Canadian Society for Biomechanics and American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, stewardship of local climbing area and motorcycle officiating for USA Cycling.

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Denise O’Dell, PT, D.Sc.

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy Assistant Professor

Dr. Denise Renee O’Dell received her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland-Baltimore in 2009, and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Indianapolis. Since 1997 she has held clinical practice and supervisory roles in acute care, inpatient and subacute rehab, and outpatient clinics, most recently at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO. Denise has been a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy since 2004. She has been actively engaged in clinical education, receiving the Clinical Instructor of the Year award from the Colorado chapter of the APTA in 2015. She is currently elected as co-chair of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Online Education Committee. Research interests include the areas of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord rehabilitation. She is an avid college basketball fan (go Hoosiers) and enjoys the outdoors with her husband and young daughter.

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Mark Reinking, PT, Ph.D.

Board-certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy Certified Athletic Trainer Dean, Professor

Dr. Mark Reinking has 30 years of experience in physical therapy practice and education. He received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1988 and his doctorate from Saint Louis University in 2004. He is a licensed physical therapist, a certified athletic trainer and was certified in 1996 as a clinical specialist in sports physical therapy. His primary area of practice and research is athletic rehabilitation. He has more than 25 peer reviewed publications and has been invited to present at numerous national and international conferences on lower extremity overuse injuries. His 2017 systematic review on medial tibial stress syndrome risk factors received the T. David Sisk Award for best review paper in 2017 from Sports Health.

Dr. Reinking is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) National Athletic Trainers Association and board member for the Center for African American Health. He is the recipient of several teaching awards, including the 2012 APTA Baethke-Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching and the 2014 Lifetime Excellence in Education Award from the Sports Section of the APTA. In 2015, Dr. Reinking was elected as vice president of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, the organization which represents the physical therapist education programs in the United States. Dr. Reinking has been a guitarist for many years, playing in multiple bands. He is an avid cyclist, recreational runner, hiker and enjoys winter sports. He loves spending time with family, especially his new grandson!

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Physical therapy leadership

Amy J. Rich, PT, DPT

Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy Assistant Professor

Dr. Amy J. Rich joined the School of Physical Therapy at Regis University as affiliate faculty in 2009 and became ranked faculty in 2015. She has been practicing as a clinician primarily in the inpatient acute setting since 2000. She received her MPT from Medical College of Georgia in 1999 and her DPT from Regis University in 2008. She is a licensed physical therapist and became an APTA board-certified neurological specialist in 2013. Amy is currently Vice President of the Acute Care and Rehabilitation Special Interest Group, APTA Colorado Chapter. She is also an appointed item writer through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for the National Physical Therapy Board Examination. She serves her community through participation in Denver’s Annual Project Homeless Connect and volunteers at various 9Health Fairs and fun runs throughout the area.

Her areas of research interest include: safety and feasibility of early mobilization in the intensive care unit, interprofessional education designed to combat the opioid crisis, teaching in the simulation laboratory, and mentoring of physical therapists and students at the University of Colorado Hospital.

In her free time, Amy enjoys hiking, running and trying to keep up with her three children.

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Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Dr. Andrew Smith completed his undergraduate studies as well as DPT at the University of Washington. Dr. Smith has practiced clinically with a variety of patient populations, including geriatrics, orthopedics, musculoskeletal, neurological and spinal cord injury, and practices clinically at the Colorado RSVP Clinic at Craig Hospital. He has been involved with spinal cord injury research since 2010, with completion of his Ph.D. in neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2016.

He uses magnetic resonance imaging techniques to investigate the extent of spinal cord injury and its impact on motor and sensory function, and currently has over 25 peer reviewed publications.

His goal is to improve the assessment and clinical management of patients with SCI, and other forms of spinal trauma such as whiplash.

He has several notable research awards from the National Institutes of Health, Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, and the APTA, including a NIH R03 Early Career Investigator Award. Dr. Smith likes to spend time with his wife and three young children. He is also a self-professed Brazilian jiu-jitsu nerd.

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Shelene Thomas, DPT, Ed.D.

Board-certified Clincal Specialist in Geriatrics Assistant Professor

Shelene Thomas, PT, DPT, Ed.D., GCS is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Regis University whose main role is mentoring the clinical instructor and student through clinical education. She also assists in the foundational course, PT Exam and the problem-based application course series, Professional Issues.

As a PT who works in the home health section and has done so for nearly two decades, improving the connection between a variety of professionals is her passion. Her research and leadership interests are in collaborative education and practice which reflect her appointment as Interprofessional Coordinator at Rueckert Hartman College of Health Professions (RHCHP) at Regis and as communications representative within the National Interprofessional Education Consortium, NIPEC. Shelene will receive the honor of clinical fellow through the National Academies in Practice within the year, and became an APTA boardcertified specialist in geriatrics in May 2015. Dr. Thomas is a member of APTA, where she engages in the Home Health, Geriatrics and Education Sections. She assists the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) by being an on-site reviewer and continues to practice physical therapy with the Visiting Nurses Association of Denver. She enjoys volunteering locally at Longmont Humane Society with her two young boys, as well as providing service at the 9 Health Fair, Project Homeless Connect and raising service puppies for Canine Companions for Independence.

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DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM Mission Statement

The Regis University Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate is prepared to practice in primary care, communicate with a variety of audiences and contribute to the advancement of the profession. Our graduates are leaders prepared to collaborate in a dynamic health care environment. They are lifelong learners committed to community service and advocates for the public welfare. Our students and faculty continue to strive and reflect on the fundamental Jesuit question “how ought we to live� and contribute to their profession, their communities and the common good.

REGIS.EDU/DPT