Faculty
Physical Therapy Faculty & Staff Celebrating the College of Health Professions’ 50th Anniversary
Jefferson, John, P.T., Ph.D, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Chair (Founding) & Professor
Background: Dr. Jefferson received his Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto, Masters of Science in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo, and Ph.D in Orthopaedic and Sports Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Certifications & Other Specialties: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (APTA), Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist (Canadian Physiotherapy Association), Certified Weight Trainer (International Weightlifting Association)
Teaching Interests: Anatomy, Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Manual Therapy
Research Interests: Neck & back pain, Ergonomics, Adverse Neural Tension, Admissions and Student Success & Educational Instructional Design
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics and Manual Therapy
Service Interests: Facilitating student service learning opportunities, Pro bono therapy, Therapy animals, Theatre.
Holland, Angel, P.T, D.P.T., Ed.D., Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Associate Program Director, Director of Clinical Education & Associate Professor
Associate Director of Interprofessional Education – UAMS NW Campus
Background: Dr. Holland completed her undergraduate Biology degree from Oklahoma Christian University, followed by her Masters in Physical Therapy from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. She completed her Ed.D at the University of Arkansas.
Certifications & Other Specialties: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, Certified in Documentation Auditing, Certified Interprofessional Education Facilitator
Teaching Interests: Clinical Education, Professionalism, Clinical Reasoning
Research Interests: Student wellness, Student success, Student-led Interprofessional Clinic, Teaching and Learning for Generation Y.
Clinical Interests: Home health, Geriatrics, Student-led Interprofessional Clinic
Service Interests: Student wellness, Student success, Student-led Interprofessional Clinic, Teaching and Learning for Generation Y.
Marconi, Nadia, P.T., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Background: Dr. Marconi received her Bachelor of Physical Therapy from Methodist University in Brazil and Ph.D. in Motor Control and Biomechanics from Campinas State University in Brazil.
Teaching Interests: Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation, Motor Control, Functional Anatomy, Clinical Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Research principles, and Evidence-based practice.
Research Interests: Movement and gait analysis, including kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography (EMG) data in adults with neurological disorders aiming to test the efficacy of physical therapy intervention for this population.
Clinical Interests: Neurorehabilitation, Geriatrics, exercise for adults with neurological disorders.
Service Interests: Service learning opportunities for DPT students, Physical Therapy care for underserved populations.
Ross, Ruth, P.T. D.P.T, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor & Assistant Director of Clinical Education
Background: Dr. Ross received her Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience from Pomona College in Claremont California and Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Certifications & Other Specialties: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA Certified Clinical Instructor
Teaching Interests: Orthopaedics, Movement Dysfunction, Clinical Education
Research Interests: Identifying and developing appropriate communication strategies for effective exercise instruction.
Clinical Interests: Orthopaedics, Movement Dysfunction, Student-Led Interprofessional Clinic
Service Interests: Student success and Remediation
Sexton, Laurel, P.T., D.P.T, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Background: Dr. Sexton received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tulsa and her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University.
Certifications & Other Specialties: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy.
Teaching Interests: Orthopedics and Women’s, Men’s and Children’s Pelvic Health
Research Interests: Student success, Remediation, and Education
Clinical Interests: Women’s, men’s and children’s pelvic health and orthopedics
Service Interests: Student retention, Liaison to student success center, CHP scholarship Committee
Vaughn, Heather, P.T., D.P.T.
Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Adjunct Faculty
Background: Dr. Vaughn received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Tulsa.
Certifications & Other Specialties: APTA Certified Clinical Instructor, 500-hour Certified Yoga Teacher, PWR! Parkinsons Rehab Certified, Blood Flow Restriction Rehab Certified, STAR Oncology Rehab Certified
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, Multi-Joint Trauma Rehab, Scoliosis Management, Chronic Pain Conditions, Falls Prevention
Service Interests: Clinical Education, Student Success and Remediation, Yoga as Therapy, Mental Health Advocacy, Environmental Impact Awareness
Vincenzo, Jennifer, P.T., M.P.H., Ph.D, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Associate Professor & Chair of Admissions
KL2 Mentored Research Career Development Scholar
Background: Dr. Vincenzo received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Masters of Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University, and Graduate Certificate in Educational Statistics and Research Methods and PhD in Kinesiology/Exercise Science from University of Arkansas
Certifications & Other Specialties: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, APTA Certified Clinical Instructor, Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, KL2 Mentored Research Career Development Scholar, 2016 Fellow of the Arkansas Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program through the Health Resources and Services Administration, Certified Wound Specialist
Teaching Interests: Geriatrics, Neurorehabilitation, Wound management, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Research Interests: Geriatrics, Falls Prevention, Implementation Science, Clinical-community connections to promote physical therapists to engage older adults in community programs during and after an episode of care
Clinical Interests: Geriatrics, Neurorehabilitation, Wound Management
Service Interests: Chair of Balance and Falls Special Interest Group and State Advocate of APTA-Geriatrics, Member of Task Force for APTA-Geriatrics/National Council on Aging, Board member of Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging in Arkansas, Member of the National Council on Falls Risk Awareness and Prevention
For more information on research and publications, refer to this link:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jennifer_Vincenzo
Walter, Christopher, P.T, D.P.T, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Background: Dr. Walter received his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He received his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Utah.
Certifications & Other Specialties: APTA board certified clinical instructor, Certified Brian Injury Specialist, 2018 Fellow of the Arkansas Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program through the Health Resources and Services Administration,
Teaching Interests: Motor control/learning, Neurology & Neurological Rehabilitation, Clinical Reasoning
Research Interests: One of Dr. Walter’s lines of research aims to improve function and quality of life in older adults and individuals following neurological disorders by studying how individuals learn and re-learn motor skills. He is also exploring disparities in physical activity and functional outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Clinical Interests: Stroke, Brain Injury, Complex Neurological Conditions
Service Interests: Student success, Curriculum Development
Staff
Helen “Beth” Wilkins-Benham
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Physical Therapy
Beth has more than 20 years of technical and organizational skills, which she uses to support teammates, faculty, students, and co-workers. She loves what she does and cannot imagine doing anything else. When not taking care of folks, Beth can be found at home with her husband, two dogs, and various cats where she is probably knitting, gardening, or reading. She enjoys swapping stories of “pet antics” and listening to music of every genre and every age. She loves her amazing family and friends—what she loves most about them is the diversity and acceptance of each and every one.
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
Bohl, Hannah, PT, D.P.T. – Adjunct Instructor
Cathcart, Christopher, PT, D.P.T. – Adjunct Instructor
Ferguson, Alishia, Ph.D. – Adjunct Instructor
Gergerich, Erika, Ph.D. – Adjunct Instructor
Jowers, Nathan, PT, M.S. – Adjunct Instructor
Skinner, W. Patrick, PT, M.S. – Adjunct Instructor
Stone, Sean, PT, D.P.T. – Adjunct Instructor
Warmack, Thomas Scott, Pharm.D. – Associate Professor
