Faculty
Jefferson, John, PT, Ph.D., OCS, COMT
Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. John Jefferson is the inaugural chair of the UAMS DPT Program. He served as interim chair of the DPT program at the University of South Alabama, where he taught in the DPT program for 20 years prior to starting the program at UAMS. He received his BS in PT from the University of Toronto, MS in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo, and PhD in Orthopaedic & Sports Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Jefferson is an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (APTA), Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist (Canadian Physiotherapy Association), and Certified Weight Trainer (International Weightlifting Association). He has 27 years of clinical experience as a staff and senior PT/manager primarily in the outpatient setting. Dr. Jefferson’s teaching interests include Anatomy, Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Manual Therapy, and over 40 CEU courses related to orthopaedics. His research interests include neck & back pain, ergonomics, adverse neural tension, and educational instructional Design.
Garcia, Elizabeth, PT, D.P.T.
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Garcia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She teaches neuropathology and other courses throughout the neuro curriculum. As a clinician she has focused on neurorehabilitation and gait. She has treated vestibular patients in along the chronicity spectrum from the emergency room to out-patient settings. Her research focus is currently in new technologies for rehabilitation of individuals with neurologic injury.
Dr. Garcia received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Holland, Angel, PT, D.P.T., Ed.D., GCS
Associate Program Director, Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Associate Director of Interprofessional Education – UAMS NW Campus
Dr. Angel Holland is a native of Clarksville, AR and completed her undergraduate Biology degree from Oklahoma Christian University, followed by her Masters in Physical Therapy from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She later completed her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. She has been a physical therapist for over 18 years, where she has spent the majority of her career in the field of home health and served as the Director of Therapy for a home health agency in Northwest Arkansas. Dr. Holland has also served as a documentation auditor since 2009. She is an ABPTS Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatrics. In 2014, Dr. Holland was hired by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as the Director of Clinical Education, where she developed the curriculum for the clinical education program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Besides her role of Director of Clinical Education at UAMS, she is an assistant professor and teaches courses in Professional Issues, Documentation, Administration and Management, Teaching & Learning, and Clinical Reasoning. She serves as the Associate Director for Interprofessional Education for the Northwest Campus of UAMS. She serves on the Nominating Committee for the Clinical Education SIG for the Education Section of APTA. Her areas of research include learning styles of Generation Y students, professional learning communities, and faculty/leadership development. She enjoys presenting continuing education courses and faculty development workshops to enhance teaching strategies related to the learning styles of the Generation Y student. Aside from her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children.
Ross, Ruth, PT, D.P.T., OCS
Assistant Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Ruth Ross has over 14 years of clinical experience in treating outpatient orthopedic and balance disorders. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics, certified clinical instructor, and has served as a center coordinator for clinical education. She graduated from Pomona College in Claremont California with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis with a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. Her most recent clinical experience has been in pre and post-operative spine care and providing same-day therapy services for acute orthopedic or vestibular dysfunction. Ruth’s teaching interest is orthopedics with an emphasis on identifying movement dysfunction and communication strategies for effective exercise instruction.
Sexton, Laurel, PT, D.P.T., WCS
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Laurel has 19 years clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics with an emphasis in spine and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions as well as women and men’s pelvic health. Laurel is board certified in Women’s Health and has served as the Arkansas Regional Representative for the APTA Section on Women’s Health. She graduated from Des Moines University Medical Center with a master and clinical doctorate in physical therapy and from University of Tulsa with a bachelors in Athletic Training. Her clinical experience includes developing and opening a new clinic in Minnesota where she served as clinic manager and also developed a women’s health practice. Laurel is currently developing a women’s health specialty clinic within the UAMS outpatient therapy clinic onsite. Laurel’s teaching area of interest is orthopedics and women’s/men’s health. Her research interest is women’s health and education.
Vincenzo, Jennifer, PT, M.P.H., Ph.D., CHES, GCS
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Vincenzo is an Assistant Professor with the department of Physical Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she teaches geriatrics, neuro-rehab, integumentary, and health promotion. She has a bachelor of science in Physical Therapy (PT), Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on community health education, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in kinesiology with a focus on older adults. Dr. Vincenzo also has a master’s certificate in educational statistics and research methods, is a certified health education specialist (CHES), an APTA credentialed clinical instructor, and is a board certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy (GCS). She has 20 years of clinical experience across the lifespan but has focused most of her clinical work in neurology and older adults across the continuum of care, including wound care. Dr. Vincenzo is the Arkansas state advocate for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and a fellow of the Arkansas Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (UAMS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration. Her research interests include developing, evaluating, and implementing clinically feasible assessments and interventions to decrease fall risk and mobility decline among older adults.
For more information on research and publications, refer to this link:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jennifer_Vincenzo
Walter, Christopher, D.P.T., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Walter is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He teaches Intro to PT skills, motor control and learning, clinical reasoning courses and courses throughout the neuro curriculum. As a physical therapist, his expertise is in neurorehabilitation, specifically treating patients with stroke and brain injury. His current research aims to improve function and quality of life in individuals following neurological disorders by studying how individuals learn and re-learn motor skills and the role cognition plays in that effort.
Dr. Walter received his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Central Arkansas. Prior to returning to graduate school, he practiced several years as a physical therapist in the inpatient rehab and acute care settings. He received his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Utah.
Staff
Neikeita Mitchell
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Physical Therapy
Neikeita Mitchell is native of Clarksdale, MS. She holds a biology degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Phoenix. Neikeita is the newest staff member for the CHP Department of Physical Therapy. Neikeita brings to the team an extensive background in office administration and leadership. Neikeita is an active community volunteer. In her spare time Neikeita likes to travel, read, and paint her best Bob Ross inspired masterpieces. Neikeita’s life manta is “Live. Laugh. Love”
Dollie Resh
Executive Assistant I
Department of Physical Therapy
Dollie is the Executive Assistant for the Department of Physical Therapy. She has a Ph.D in life experience as a career office manager and administrator. She has completed training to utilize various computer programs and platforms. When she is not busy helping faculty, students, and keeping the department running – she teaches sewing, and volunteers at the yearly convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association Airventure.
Additional/Adjunct Faculty
Fields, Greg, M.A. – Adjunct Instructor
Bohl, Hannah, PT, D.P.T. – Adjunct Instructor
Fields, Greg, M.A. – Adjunct Instructor
Gallagher, Kaitlin M., Ph.D. – Adjunct Instructor
Gray, Michelle, Ph.D. – Adjunct Instructor
Jowers, Nathan, PT, M.S. – Adjunct Instructor
Koch, Mark C., O.T.D., OTR/L – Adjunct Instructor
Skinner, W. Patrick, PT, M.S. – Adjunct Instructor
Stone, Sean, PT, D.P.T. – Adjunct Instructor
Villa, Vito, B.S., OTR/L – Adjunct Instructor
Warmack, Thomas Scott, Pharm.D. – Associate Professor
Wilkerson, Shelia D., PT, M.S.
