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Faculty and Staff

Faculty

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Kellee Harper-Hanigan, PT, DPT, PHD, CHSE, WCC

Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
PROGRAM DIRECTOR and ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY

Phone: 865.338.5680 (office) | 865.343.7097 (cell)
Email: kellee.hanigan@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

  •   SELECT PUBLICATIONS

    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.

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Timothy Yost, PT, DPT, CERT. MDT

ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR and ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY

Phone: 423.869.6025 (office) 
Email: timothy.yost@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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. 

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Michael Spadafora, PT, DScPT, CMPT

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSICAL THERAPY

Phone: 865.338.5678 (office)
Email: michael.spadafora@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

  •   SELECT PUBLICATIONS

    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

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Laura Gagnon, PT, PhD, DPT, IMT-C

Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY

Email: laura.gagnon@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

  •   SELECT PUBLICATIONS

    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.

 

 

Kwaku Kankam, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of NEUROLOGICAL PHYSICAL THERAPY

Phone: 865.338.5766 (office)
Email:
kwaku.kankam@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

lawrenceramiscal

 

Lawrence Ramiscal, PT, DPT, PhD

Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR of  PHYSICAL THERAPY and DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

Email: lawrence.ramiscal@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS
    Coming soon...
  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

 

Ian Rheault, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of  PHYSICAL THERAPY  and IPE COORDINATOR

Email: ian.rheault@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    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

  •   BACKGROUND

    Dr. Rheault is 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 residency 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 behavioral 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, Tennessee Physical Therapy Association member, Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium.

 

Wanli Lei, DSc, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of  PHYSICAL THERAPY  and ANATOMY INSTRUCTOR

Email: wanli.lei@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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




  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - 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

  •   BACKGROUND

    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 the USA and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico to explore molecular mechanisms of leukemia. Dr. Lei returned to study pathogens after 4 years as a junior faculty at the 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 made the decision to return 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.

    Dr. Lei participated in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of New Mexico and graduated in 2015 with a DPT degree. He worked mainly in an outpatient clinical setting, however, also worked in hospital acute care, a skilled nursing facility, and inpatient rehab. His prior experiences in research and academia provided Dr. Lei a unique perspective on the physical therapy profession. 

    Dr. Lei earned his board certification in geriatrics (GCS) and orthopedics (OCS) in 2020. He is excited to share his knowledge and experience with future physical therapists. He is responsible for courses in anatomy, neurobiology, pathology, and differential diagnosis and believes these foundational courses are integral to all healthcare professions, not only physical therapy.

 

Brittney Gunterstockman, PT, DPT

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL EDUCATION and ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of  PHYSICAL THERAPY 

Email: b.gunterstockman@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - 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


  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - Secondary conditions in individuals living with amputation

    - Clinical instructors as an effective role model

    - Factors that influence DPT student success in clinical education

  •   BACKGROUND

    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.

  •   SELECT PUBLICATIONS

    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.

 

Elizabeth Fonken, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY

Email: Elizabeth.Fonken@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

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

    - Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Colorado

    - Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Whitworth University

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    - Vestibular rehabilitation, specifically post-COVID

    - New graduate physical therapists' ability to start physical therapy business.

    - Terminology around assessments and grades and its contribution to burnout in DPT students.

  •   BACKGROUND
    Dr. Fonken serves as an assistant professor and core faculty member in the neurologic content of the curriculum. Prior to moving to Knoxville, she previously served as associate faculty for three years, and briefly as an instructor at the University of Colorado Doctor of Physical Therapy Program assisting in foundational courses, integrated practice (complex patient management course, neuromuscular, and medical conditions courses.
     
    She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the Whitworth University in Spokane, WA and her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. She became board certified in neurologic physical therapy in 2021 through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
     
    Clinically, she worked in a variety of settings prior to transitioning to academia including acute care, acute rehabilitation, out-patient orthopedics, and out-patient neurology. In acute care, she frequently treated in the surgical and medical intensive care unites and the emergency department, including spending the first nine months of the pandemic treating exclusively with COVID in the ICU. She became a clinical instructor in 2017 and regularly took students in clinic. In addition to these practice settings, she also founded and ran her own cash-based, out-patient mobile physical therapy business. She continues to work clinically, and her current practice setting is out-patient neurology.
     
    In addition to her board certification, she has additionally continuing education certifications in the following areas: Dry Needling levels I & II through Evidence in Motion, LSVT BIG Certification for Parkinson's treatment through LSVT global, Certified Clinical Instructor Program Level I through the American Physical Therapy Association, and Vestibular and Concussion Rehabilitation Certifications through the American Institute of Balance. She has been a member of the Tennessee Chapter and the Neurology and Education sections.
     
    Dr. Fonken is an outdoor enthusiast and loves hiking, camping, backpacking, and is hoping to pick up rock climbing as a new sport. She also enjoys volleyball, basketball, spikeball, and soccer.

 

 

Jeremy Houser, PT, PhD

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS COORDINATOR & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY

Email: Jeremy.Houser@LMUnet.edu

 

  •   EDUCATION

    Coming soon!

  •   RESEARCH INTERESTS

    Coming Soon!

     

  •   BACKGROUND
    Coming Soon...

Staff

 

Matt Bruining, MBA

ADMISSIONS RECRUITER and OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Phone:  865.338.5769 (office)
Email: matthew.bruining@LMUnet.edu

 

 

 

  •   EDUCATION

    - Master of Business Administration, Lincoln Memorial University

    - Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, Saint Peter's University

  •   BACKGROUND

    Mr. Bruining currently serves as the Admissions Recruiter and Outreach Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University. Mr. Bruining has been with Lincoln Memorial University since 2017, serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Men's Basketball Team from 2017-2019. He received his Master of Business Administration degree at LMU, and continued his career working as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor and later transitioned as the Admissions Recruiter for the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine program.

    Prior to his journey at Lincoln Memorial University, Mr. Bruining was a four-year men's basketball manager and received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, NJ. He currently resides in Knoxville, TN, after living in New Jersey majority of his time. Mr. Bruining loves basketball and sports overall, loves to travel, and has a huge interest in stock market investing.

 

 

 

Preston Sangster, BA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Admissions and Clinical Education

Phone:  865.338.5746 (office)
Email: preston.sangster@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    - Certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), N5 Japanese Language Proficiency, and Digital Marketing.

  •   BACKGROUND

    Mr. Sangster currently serves as the Administrative Assistant for Admissions and Clinical Education for the Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Previously, he served as an Assistant Language Teacher for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, a program through the Japanese governement. In this capacity, he lived and worked in rural Kumamoto prefecture for five years. During this time, he also volunteered for the local chamber of commerce providing translation services and consulting with local business on intiatives to increase international tourism in the area.

    Prior to his time in Japan, Mr. Sangster was an elementary school music teacher in Loudon County, TN. He received the honor of Loudon County New Teacher of the Year in 2014.

    Mr. Sangster is currently enrolled in Lincoln Memorial University's Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Digital Marketing. He lives with his wife, who is a student at the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, and his pre-school age son. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, weightlifting, cooking, reading speculative fiction, watching UT Football, and hands-on projects such as gardening, pottery, and fine arts.

Alifiya Dhanani, BS

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Phone: 865.338.5741 (office)
Email: alifiya.dhanani@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - Master's in Computer Application

    - Bachelor in Communication

    - Bachelor in Special Needs Education

    - Bachelor of Science in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

  •   BACKGROUND

    Alifiya Dhanani serves as the Program Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Mrs. Dhanani migrated to the United States in 2019 after graduating from an Indian unversity with a Master's in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Special Needs. During her time, she continued her education at King University in Knoxville, TN, with a focus on Communications. Mrs. Dhanani continues to learn new skillsets for personal growth while making an impact in the administrative duties and responsibilites of the program. She is married and has two children.

 

Ryan Hanigan, MSPT, MBA

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of CLINICAL EDUCATION and ADJUNCT FACULTY

Email: ryan.hanigan@LMUnet.edu

  •   EDUCATION

    - Master of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    - Master of Business Administration, Indiana State University

    - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Creighton University

  •   BACKGROUND

    Mr. Hanigan currently serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Adjunct Professor for the Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Previously, he was a practicing clinician for over 20 years in primarily outpatient orhopedic clinics, treatign a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. He has served as a Clinical Instructor for several Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs across the country, which has developed his passion for clinical education in his current role. He plans to conduct research regarding student's clinical education experiences to improce their overall learning. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Montana.