Meet the Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty and Staff
B.S. Biology, Tennessee State University
D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Indiana University
D.H.S.c, Doctor of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Credentialed Fellowship Graduate of the APTA Education Leadership Institute (ELI)
Areas of Expertise
Clinical problem solving, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and physical therapy examination.
B.S. Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Boulder
M.P.H. Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ph.D. Health Promotion and Wellness, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Areas of Expertise
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, public and population health, health promotion and wellness, psychological resilience, social determinants of health
Accomplishments and Published Articles
Linda Crane Memorial Lecture Award, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Education, and Pediatric Sections of APTA, 2016.
Dunleavy K, Mejia-Downs, A, Green Guerrero H, Wentzell E, Rucker-Bussie VM, Davenport TE, Magnusson D. Embedding Population Health in Physical Therapist Professional Education, Physical Therapy. 2021
Mejia-Downs, A. An Intervention Enhances Resilience in Entry-Level Physical Therapy Students: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2020.
Involvement
American Physical Therapy Association
Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness Council: Component Ambassador
Manuscript Reviewer: Pacific Journal of Health, Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
Abstract Reviewer: Annual American Public Health Association Conference Presentations
Pro Bono Patient Care, WSSU DPT Student Supervision and Spanish Translation, Community Care Clinic, Winston-Salem, NC
BA Psychology, Northern Illinois University
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University (AZ)
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
EdD, College of Saint Mary, August 2025
Areas of Expertise
Orthopedic
Involvement
American Physical Therapy Association Member and Orthopedic Section Member
National Strength and Conditioning Association
B.A. Kinesiology, Concordia University - St. Paul, MN
D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University, Arizona
Board Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
PhD, North Carolina State University, December 2024
Areas of Expertise
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy
Accomplishments and Published Articles
Bolden A, Shaw DK, Garvito E. Comparison of arterial blood pressures obtained following four different rest intervals
Garavito E, Varnado K, Shaw DK, Dichraff B, Glew D, Somyoo N. Comparison of resting pulse and heart rate values obtained on the same subjects over four time intervals: What are the clinical implications?
Varnado K, Shaw DK, Garavito E, Gadagkar S. Do four different pulse and heart rate methods employed simultaneously render the same results in subjects measured at rest?
Involvement
Member of Academy of Education (APTA)
Member of Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (APTA)
Member of American Physical Therapy Association
Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section
B.S. Physical Therapy, University at Buffalo
M.S. Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University
Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
Post Doctoral Fellowship, Neurological Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University
Areas of Expertise
Neurological Physical Therapy, Vestibular and Balance Deficits, Evidence-based Practice, Research
BS Kinesiological Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
BS Sports and Fitness Management, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, College of Saint Mary
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Areas of Expertise
Movement Science, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, Differential Diagnosis
Accomplishments and Published Articles
Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Research 2016
MediFit Bronze Star Award 2008
Involvement
Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Center
Special Olympics Arizona
B.S. The College of New Jersey
D.P.T Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University
Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
EdD, Vanderbilt University, Fall 2024
Areas of Expertise
Online learning, balance
Accomplishments and Published Articles
Selby-Silverstein L, Dial M., Anderson H, Wrisley D. CPG+ Team for Vestibular Hypofunction Guidline PTNow. Online Knowledge Translation Portal of the American Physical Therapy Association, December 2023.
Involvement
Education Committee Co-Chair, Nebraska Physical Therapy Association, vice president
American Physical Therapy Association, PT Moves Me Education Ambassador
Nebraska Stroke Task Force Rehab Committee
B.S. Exercise Science, Brigham Young University- Idaho
D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
B.S. Sports Medicine, Methodist College (University)
MPT Physical Therapy, East Carolina University
DPT Pediatric Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy
B.B.A. Kent State University
B.S. Physical Therapy, Nazareth College
M.S. Physical Therapy, Nazareth College
Ph.D. Health Practice Research, University of Rochester
D.P.T. MGH Institute of Health Professions
B.S. Professional Studies, Austin Peay State University