Faculty and Staff

- PhD in Epidemiology, minor in Human Performance - Biomechanics, Indiana University – Bloomington

- Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Wound Care Certified, National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy

- Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Society of Simulation in Healthcare

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California

- Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Dartmouth College

- Risk Factors for Running-Related Overuse Injuries including Biomechanics and Non-Running Physical Activity

- High Fidelity Simulation in Healthcare Education to Improve Patient Care

• Impact of Interprofessional Education on Physical Therapy Students

Dr. Harper-Hanigan serves as the Program Director for the developing Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU-Knoxville. Previously, she was a member of the founding core faculty in another developing DPT program which successfully gained accreditation in 2018.  

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Physiological Psychology from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire and, after taking some time off, earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. After practicing in outpatient orthopedics for 3 years in El Segundo, CA, she then completed a Post-Doctoral Research Assistantship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the area of qualitative research methods and community-based participatory research focusing on improving racial health disparities in birth outcomes for African American women in Omaha, NE.  She completed her PhD in Epidemiology from Indiana University-Bloomington with an emphasis on Biomechanics and Physical Activity Epidemiology with a dissertation entitled “The Relationship Between Non-Running Physical Activity and the Development of Running-Related Overuse Injuries." She is passionate about applying the rigor of traditional epidemiological methods related to both study design and statistical analysis to secondary data sets and physical therapy research in general. She was recently appointed as an Associate Editor for Statistics for Rehabilitation Oncology Journal published by the APTA.

In addition to practicing in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehabilitation for 3 years, she has spent the past 8 years in an acute/intensive care setting as well as in inpatient wound care at a Level I Trauma Center. She is a Board-certified Geriatrics Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association as well as Wound Care Certified the American Board of Wound Management. She also is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Additionally, she has volunteered as a National Physical Therapy Examination Item Writer through the Federation for State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Dr. Hanigan has several peer-reviewed publications and has presented on topics including community-based participatory research, the application of epidemiological methodology in the investigation of running-related overuse injuries, how to handle missing data in small sample sizes, and the impact of acute care simulation experiences on the clinical performance of physical therapy students.

Professional memberships include the American Physical Therapy Association, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, and National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy. She is also a Fellow in the APTA's year-long Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership.

Harper-Hanigan, K., Gruber, A. (2022). "The Missing Link in Running Injury: NON-running Physical Activity." Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Currently in print.

Ramiscal, L., Rheault, I., Harper-Hanigan, K. (2022) "Knowledge of the Roles and Responsibilities Between Physical Therapists and Other Healthcare Professions." Nexus Summit 2022. Virtual Poster Presentation.

Harper-Hanigan, K. (2019). "Comment to: “Effect of monosodium L-glutamate (umami substance) on cognitive function in people with dementia." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 73(6): 966-966.

Harper-Hanigan, K, Ross, G, Sims, T, Trotter, KJ, Turman, Jr., JE. (2017) Women’s Perspectives of Needs Surrounding Adverse Birth Outcomes - A Qualitative Assessment of the Neighborhood Impact of Adverse Birth Outcome. Matern Child Health J. Dec; 21:2219-2228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-017-2343-7

Burnfield, J, Buster, T, Goldman, A, Corbridge, L, Harper-Hanigan, K (2016) Partial body weight support treadmill training speed influences paretic and non-paretic leg muscle activation, stride characteristics, and ratings of perceived exertion during acute stroke rehabilitation. Human Movement Science. Jan; 47:16-28.

Kulig, K, Harper-Hanigan, K, Souza, RB, Powers, CM (2010) Measurement of Femoral Torsion by Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Concurrent Validity. Phys Ther. Nov;90(11):1641-8.

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, A.T. Still University

- Certified in McKenzie Manual Therapy

- Masters of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky

- Bachelors of Health Science, University of Kentucky

- Use of standardized patients and patient simulation to prepare physical therapy students for clinical rotations

- Use of interactive technology to improve balance in athletic and geriatric populations

- Neuroplasticity and its effect on chronic pain levels

Dr. Yost currently serves as the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor for the developing Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.  Previously, he practiced for 20 years in a variety of settings, including acute care at the University of Kentucky.  The greatest majority of his clinical work occurred in outpatient / orthopedics at PT Pros in Kentucky. 

Prior to moving into academics at LMU, Dr. Yost served as an adjunct faculty at the University of Kentucky Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the Center of Excellence in Rural Health.  Dr. Yost has served as Secretary of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association and assisted in the implementation of continued competency for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants during that time.  During his time with PT Pros, Dr. Yost provided instruction in the PT Pros Mentoring Program for new graduates including instruction of basic McKenzie treatment concepts and techniques prior to new graduates attendance of McKenzie courses.  Dr. Yost also instructed new graduates in Osteopathic manual treatment techniques as he was instructed by Dr. Edward Stiles.

Dr. Yost is currently enrolled in LMU's EdD program with a concentration in higher education.  Dr. Yost is also working toward completion of the Orthopedic Certified Specialist exam.

Professional membership includes the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Orthopedic section member, APTA Education section member, and Tennessee Physical Therapy Association member. 

- Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Andrews University

- Certified in Manual Physical Therapy, North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy

- Residency in Manual Physical Therapy, The Ola Grimsby Institute

- Master of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University

- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

- Adolescent Injury Prevention and Management and especially Gender Differences

- Stress Fracture Prevention and Management in Runners

- Physical Therapy Management with Less Frequent and Overall Visits

- Interregional Dependence, particularly of the Lower Quarter

- Clinical Reasoning of Persistent and Recalcitrant Conditions

Dr. Spadafora serves as a Musculoskeletal Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU-Knoxville. His Bachelor of Science was completed in Kinesiology from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville (1994) where he was also a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the football team (1994-96) and became certified in athletic training (1997). His Master’s in Physical Therapy (PT) was completed at Shenandoah University, just outside of Washington, DC (2000). After graduating from PT school, he earned his specialist certification in Orthopedics (2004) and then completed a yearlong manual therapy residency through the Ola Grimsby Institute (2005). He’s always worked as a clinician in outpatient orthopedic settings, and except for one year, in private practice.  Beginning in 2008, he started teaching in the South College Physical Therapy Assistant program, first as an adjunct and then transitioned to full time in 2010 to the present with a goal of bringing more manual therapy, medical exercise prescription, and clinical reasoning into that part of the profession. Additional motivations in teaching include helping students re-frame material and to put information into terms, stories, and experiences that shorten learning curves for greater understanding, familiarity, application, and fun. He also enjoys helping students develop a skill and passion for learning. He continued to practice in the clinic while teaching and started his own turn-key and concierge cash-based clinic in July of 2017. During the fall of the same year he earned a certification in manual physical therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. His clinical focus and research agenda are on prevention and returning to play for competitive and recreational athletes as well as addressing recalcitrant and persistent conditions of all patients that also need thorough and effective biomechanical investigation and treatment with patient empowerment. Lastly, he completed a terminal Doctoral degree in the Science of Physical Therapy from Andrews University (2020).  Professional memberships include the Tennessee and American Physical Therapy Associations.

He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife of more than 20 years, who is a physical therapist in pediatrics, and their three adolescent children. As a family, he enjoys solid movie nights and physically active games as well as getting away to the mountains for hiking, biking, and camping in between supporting his kid’s various and numerous activities. He also likes do-it-yourself projects, especially those involving woodworking, and is big on prevention and staying ahead of things, including with what he eats and high intensity exercise of running, weight training, and swimming. A good nonfiction book as it relates to incredible individuals, the human body, truth, and family are always around as well.

Spadafora M, Coolman V, Oakley E, and Pettman E.  Hip Maltracking Prevalence in Adolescent Female Athletes and the Association with Low Back and Lower Extremity Symptoms. Submitted for publication in 2021

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

- PhD in Biomechanics/Sports Medicine, University of Tennessee-Knoxville 

- Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Master of Physical Therapy, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NYC

- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Florida State University

- Certified in Integrative Manual Therapy, IMT Center

- Impact of IMT/indirect manual therapy techniques on the central and autonomic nervous system

- Pilates applications in rehabilitation

- Biomenchanics of baseball pitching and hitting related to injuries and performance

- Pelvic girdle mechanics/core stability

Dr. Gagnon serves as an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at LMU-Knoxville.  Her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance was completed at Florida State University preceding her professional dance career as a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company touring nationally and internationally.  She was a member of the Martha Graham faculty teaching in NYC and as a master teacher on tour.  After dancing professionally for 10 years she began her physical therapy education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in NYC.  Dr Gagnon’s primary research interest at Columbia was the description of sacroiliac joint movement and clinical assessment of pelvic girdle mechanics.  She developed and patented the ‘Pelvic Meter’ that measures innominate position in two planes as part of her master’s Thesis ‘Reliability of the Pelvic Meter in Measuring Pelvic Alignment’.  Dr Gagnon received her PhD in Biomechanics/Sports Medicine at the University of Tennessee Knoxville where her research focused on Pilates in rehabilitation.  She conducted a clinical study comparing Pilates and traditional core stability exercises on pain and functional outcomes for patients with low back pain.  She also obtained a Stott Pilates mat certification and taught Pilates.  She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Dr. Gagnon’s clinical work has been primarily in outpatient orthopedics in clinics in Atlanta, GA and Knoxville/Maryville, TN covering 26 years.  She opened her own clinic in Maryville 2006, A Moving Experience, Inc.,  with the goal to provide one-on-one care, reduce patient visits and improve care through direct and non-direct manual therapy techniques and promotion of improved compliance in home exercise programs.  She completed a three-year program and became certified in Integrative Manual Therapy including Jones Strain Counterstrain techniques.  She continues to operate her clinic in the Maryville area.  After noticing interesting clinical changes in patients over years of applying IMT with traditional manual therapy techniques she began conducting research at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville investigating the impact of Integrative Manual Therapy on the central and autonomic nervous system.

Dr. Gagnon’s teaching background includes teaching, choreographing and setting works by Martha Graham as part of the dance faculty at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.  She also taught in the exercise science department at UT as an adjunct professor in coursework covering applied anatomy, biomechanics and orthopedic rehabilitation. She enjoyed teaching for Cross Country/Vyne Education CEUs in biomechanics and manual therapy.

Dr. Gagnon lives in Maryville, TN with her husband and pre-teen boy/girl twins, 5 cats and 4 dogs.  She enjoys supporting her kids in multiple sports, dance and music.  They enjoy homeschooling, triathlons, outdoor activities, fishing and volunteering at the animal shelter.

Gagnon, L. H. (2017). Assessment of Flexibility and Low-Back Function. In E. T. Howley & D. L. Thompson (Eds.), Fitness Professional’s Handbook (pp 195-214). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Gagnon, L. H. (2017). Exercise Prescription for Flexibility and Low-Back Function. In E. T. Howley & D. L. Thompson (Eds.), Fitness Professional’s Handbook (pp 291-312). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Dissertation research presented in “Effects of Pilates-Based Exercises on Pain and Disability in Individuals With Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain:  A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.  JOSPT Feb. 2011 vol 41, no.2

Liemohn WP, Baumgartner TA, Gagnon LH.  Measuring Core Stability.  J Strength Cond Res.  2005 Aug;19(3):583-6. 

Dissertation “Efficacy of Pilates Exercises as Therapeutic Intervention in the Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain”.  University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 2005.             

Contributing author:  Exercise Prescription and the Back. Wendell P Liemohn.  McGraw-Hill/Appleton & Lange; December 7, 2000. 

Masters Thesis “Reliability of the Pelvic Meter in Measuring Pelvic Alignment”. Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, NYC. 1995.

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Emory University

- Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, University of Toledo

- Rehabilitation strategies in specific neurologic populations

- Social Determinants of health and healthcare systems

- Interprofessional education and its effect on professional relationships and PT referral outcomes

- Use of patient simulation in classroom education and its effects on student’s clinical success

Dr. Kankam currently serves as a core faculty member involved in curriculum development and overseeing the neurorehabilitation section coursework with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU-Knoxville. He was previously an adjunct professor with the DPT program at the University of St. Augustine-Austin since 2017 while concurrently working clinically in the acute care setting with the St. David’s Healthcare system.  

He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in Atlanta, GA in 2011 after completing his Bachelors of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Toledo in 2008.

He began his career in inpatient rehabilitation at Carolinas Rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC in 2011. In 2014, with the goal of experiencing the different healthcare settings and an opportunity to explore the country, he spent a year being a traveling contract-assignment therapist eventually settling in Texas.

He is a Board Certified Neurologic Physical Therapist by the ABPTS and has a Certification in Clinical Instruction by the Texas Consortium for PT Clinical Education. He has now fully transitioned into academia from his previous part-time clinical role however working hands-on with patients will always be his passion.

He is new to the Knoxville area, after living in Austin, Texas for the past 6 years. He is an avid runner and has participated in several half marathons and triathlons. Exploring craft beer and new musical artists are some of his favorite hobbies and he is looking forward to discovering what Knoxville has offer.

- PhD in Applied Health Sciences, Rehabilitation track, Augusta University

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chatham University

- Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines)

- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)

- Editor-in-Chief, Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

- Founding and Board Member, Philippine Association of Orthopedic  Manual Physical Therapists

Dr. Ramiscal is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and the Director of Research and Faculty Development of LMU's DPT Program. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, in 1997, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2010, and his Ph.D. in Applied Health Sciences at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, in 2021 with distinction. He has been a Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist since 2007 and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists since 2009. He has twenty-five years of outpatient orthopedic clinical experience, with over a decade as a successful private practice owner before moving to academia. His research interests include explaining orthopedic movement impairments using motor control theories versus biomechanical, the effectiveness of manual therapy interventions in managing various orthopedic conditions, and the reliability and validity of orthopedic tests. Dr. Ramiscal is a board, founding member, and past vice president of the Philippine Association of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists - a recent Member Organization of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Asian Journal of Physical Therapy - an open-access journal dedicated to the Asian region and aspiring authors across the globe.

- Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

- Bachelor of Science in Preventative and Rehabilitative Programs - Minor in Exercise Science, Central Michigan University

Student Perception of Cultural Identifiers in Physical and Occupational Therapy Doctoral Curricula

Patient Expectations and Their Influence on Physical Therapy Outcomes

Novel Methods for Implementation of IPE training in Physical Therapy Doctoral Curriculum

Evaluation and Treatment of Respiratory Performance Variables in Outpatient Physical Therapy Practice

Facilitating Student Case Reports

Dr. Rheault serves as an assistant professor and a core faculty member responsible for coordinating interprofessional practice and education (IPE) initiatives in collaboration with other programs within and outside the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Previously, he served in the role of assistant professor for an undergraduate rehabilitative health sciences program and has served in a core faculty role with an orthopaedic physical therapy residency program while treating patients clinically in a multi-disciplinary chronic pain management clinic.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Preventative and Rehabilitative Health Sciences with a minor in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.  He completed an orthopaedic physical therapy program at the University of Miami and is a Board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association.

In addition to his academic role, he continues to practice in a multi-disciplinary primary care setting, working alongside physicians, pharmacists, and behavior health specialists in caring for patients from rural, Appalachian communities. Dr. Rheault is also enrolled in LMU's EdD program with a concentration in higher education. 

Professional membership includes the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Orthopedic section member with involvement in the Pain Special Interest Group, APTA Education section member, and Tennessee Physical Therapy Association member.

- Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of New Mexico

- Doctor of Science on Molecular Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Jilin Agricultural University, China

- Prevention and control of stress fractures in geriatric population

- Anatomic variations as predisposed factors for clinical pathologies
- Mechanisms of dry needling in pain management
- Telehealth to supervise rehabilitation of patients with chronic disabling disorders- Signs/symptoms in long COVID19 patients and management

Dr. Lei currently serves as a core faculty member involved in curriculum development and overseeing the foundational courses of anatomy and neurobiology with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU-Knoxville. 

Dr. Lei was born in a remote countryside village in China. He has loved animals since as long as he can remember. He majored in Animal sciences in college and became addicted to scientific research. He continued his education and earned a master’s degree in veterinary Virology and Immunology, performed research on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRSV), with thesis focusing on detecting and typing the different HFRSV strains. He changed his research direction as a D.Sc. Candidate to modify cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) genome as a vector to express pathogen proteins as vaccines.

After achieving his D.Sc. in molecular genetics, Dr. Lei came to USA and worked as a postdoctoral fellow in University of New Mexico to explore molecular mechanisms of leukemia. Dr. Lei returned to study pathogens after 4 years as a junior faculty in Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. There, his time was largely devoted to the molecular pathogenesis of avian flu virus and SARS-CoV for 6 years. Dr. Lei decided back to UNM as a visiting assistant professor to work on leaky mechanism during diarrhea; however, all research was far from his goal of helping people more directly and he decided to change his profession again.

Dr. Lei participated in Doctor of Physical Therapy program in University of New Mexico and graduated in 2015 with a DPT degree. He worked mainly in the outpatient clinic, but to see the full picture of physical therapy profession, he worked half time in-hospital acute care for 1 year, and PRN in SNF and inpatient rehab for 1 year. The unique research and academic background provided Dr. Lei capabilities to dissect the physical therapy profession microscopically and macroscopically.

Dr. Lei earned his board certification in geriatrics (GCS) and orthopedics (OCS) in 2020. He chose Lincoln Memorial University to share his knowledge with more future therapists. He had been believing anatomy, neurobiology, pathology, and differential diagnosis forming the base of all healthcare professions, not only physical therapy. When you understand “WHYs”, you know “HOWs”.

- Doctor of Education (EdD), University of St. Augusting of Health Sciences - in progress

- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nazareth College of Rochester

- Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Nazareth College of Rochester

- Secondary conditions in individuals living with amputation

- Clinical instructors as an effective role model

- Factors that influence DPT student success in clinical education

Dr. Gunterstockman currently serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor for the Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Previously, she worked at the Department of Defense as a Research Physical Therapist. The majority of her clinical work occurred in Service members and Veterans with lower limb trauma, including amputations, as well as orthopedic complaints. To date, her research focus has mirrored her clinical practice.

Prior to moving into academics at LMU, Dr. Gunterstockman served as adjunct faculty and Assistant Director of Clinical Education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at San Diego State University. She has experience teaching prosthetics and orthotics, as well as evidence-based practice.

Dr. Gunterstockman is currently enrolled an EdD program with a specialization in teaching and learning. She plans to conduct research on how the relationship between DPT students and clinical instructors influenced the clinical education experience.

She is new to the Knoxville area, after living in San Diego for nine years. She is an avid outdoors enthusiast. On the weekends, she enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and dogs.

Gunterstockman BM, Knight AD, Mahon, CE, et al. Relationship between phantom limb pain, function, and psychosocial health in individuals with lower limb loss. Prosthet Orthot Int, In Press.

Mazzone B, Yoder A, Condon R, Farrokhi S. Clinical application of foot strike run retraining for military service members with chronic knee pain. BMJ Mil Health. 2022;168(4):303-307. doi:10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001789.

Mazzone B, Farrokhi S, Hendershot BD, McCabe CT, Watrous JR. Prevalence of low back pain and relationship to mental health symptoms and quality of life after a deployment-related lower limb amputation. Spine. 2020;45(19):1368-1375. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000003525.

Farrokhi S, Mazzone B, Moore JL, Shannon K, Eskridge S. Physical therapy practice patterns for military service members with lower limb loss. Mil Med. 2019;184(11-12):e907-e913. doi:10.1093/milmed/usz107.