Physical Therapy Home
Wendy Rheault, PT, Ph.D., Professor Wendy.Rheault@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Rheault is the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the College of Health Professions and a member of the physical therapy faculty. She received her BS in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in Canada and subsequently was awarded both the MA and PhD from the University of Chicago in Measurement and Evaluation. She is extensively published and maintains a leadership role in Research and Statistics in the College of Health Professions. She co-coordinates research and statistics in the Department of Physical Therapy and actively advises students on their research. She concentrated her clinical practice in the area of orthopedics and most recently has been a participant in continuing education at both local and national meetings. Dr Rheault is Associate Editor for the Journal of Physical Therapy Education. With extensive teaching experience, Dr Rheault focuses on innovative critical thinking methods in her classroom.
Judy Stoecker, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor Judy.Stoecker@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Stoecker is both the Vice Dean of the College of Health Professions and a member of the physical therapy faculty. She received her Certificate in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University, her MS in Health Science Education, and subsequently received her PhD in Higher Education Policy. Her clinical focus has been in the area of neurological dysfunction and she continues to teach in that area as well as Evidence-Based Practice. She has attended numerous continuing education courses and has been a regular participant at State and National Association meetings. She has published a number of articles and advises post professional students in the publication process. She is a recognized leader in education as the past Editor for the Journal of Physical Therapy Education (JOPTE). Her awards include the 2003 Lawrence Medoff Award for outstanding contribution to the University.
Roberta Henderson, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department Chairperson Roberta.Henderson@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Henderson completed both a Bachelor of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Adult Education and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Her Ph.D. is from the University of Chicago where she studied measurement, evaluation and statistical analysis with a focus on Rasch Analysis. Her dissertation search was on the measurement of low back pain and suffering, however, her research interests are varied and include rating scale development and analysis, and clinical research in rehabilitation. She has presented frequently at national and international conferences. She is Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and co-directs the research and statistics curriculum in the Department of Physical Therapy at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. In addition she is Director of the Clinical Research Tract for the Biomedical Sciences program. Dr. Henderson practiced physical therapy in a variety of clinical settings in Canada and the United States. She is an experienced educator of health care professionals, and has developed curriculum and taught a wide array of clinical and research courses. She is the 2007 recipient of the Rosalind Franklin University Lawrence R. Medoff Award for outstanding contributions to Research, Teaching and Clinical Care.
Jeffrey Damaschke, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, Assistant Professor Jeffrey.Damaschke@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Damaschke received his BS in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Medical Branch. He subsequently completed his MS in Physical Therapy with an emphasis in orthopedics at Finch University of Health Sciences and his DPT from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Damaschke’s clinical practice has been performing primary musculoskeletal care and clinical electrophysiology within the United States Navy and he served for two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. He has presented at Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) conferences, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) national meetings, and APTA Combined Sections. In addition, he has given a variety of invited presentations and continuing education programs in the areas of musculoskeletal kinesiology and functional anatomy, health promotion and wellness, primary musculoskeletal care, diagnostic imaging for rehabilitation specialists, and differential diagnosis. Dr. Damaschke is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He currently serves on the APTA Awards Committee, is Vice-President of the IPTA, an Illinois delegate to the APTA House of Delegates, and an active member of the APTA.
Donna Frownfelter, PT, DPT, MA, CCS, RRT, FCCP, Assistant Professor Donna.Frownfelter@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Frownfelter received her certificate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and her certificate in Respiratory Care from the University of Chicago. Additionally, she has an MS in Organizational Development from Loyola University of Chicago and her DPT from RFUMS. Dr. Frownfelter is recognized internationally as a teacher, clinician, author, and consultant in the area of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy and is an APTA Board Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist. Her most recent book that she co-edited, entitled Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy; Evidence and Practice is the primary text used in many Physical and Respiratory Therapy Programs. She has received many teaching awards. She has served two terms as the President of the Cardiopulmonary Section of the APTA. She is a Board Member of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago and also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Emphysema/COPD Association in addition to serving on their Medical Advisory and Patient Education Committees. She was elected a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, the only physical therapist to be granted that distinction.
Heather Henderson, PT, DPT, NCS, Assistant Professor Heather.Henderson@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Henderson received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences and her transitional DPT from RFUMS. She has practiced physical therapy in acute, in-patient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings all with clinical focus on the treatment of patient with neurologic dysfunction. She is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association. She has presented at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s annual Spinal Cord Injury and Advanced Rehabilitation for the Patient with a Lower Extremity Amputee continuing education courses. She is active in the neurology section of the APTA currently serving as a Nominating Committee member for the Spinal Cord Injury Special Interest Group. She also serves as an Assembly Representative for the IPTA Eastern District.
Diana Hunter, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor Diana.Hunter@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Hunter received her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman's University, a Master of Science in Health Professions with an emphasis in allied health education from Texas State University and a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, brain injury rehabilitation, and vestibular rehabilitation. She has taught in physical therapy higher education since 1985 and has also taught a variety of continuing education courses for rehabilitation professionals. Dr. Hunter was distinguished with an outstanding teaching award from the College of Health Professions at Texas State University in 2003 - 2004. Her teaching areas include education, clinical education, and neuroscience.
Matthew Nuciforo, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, Assistant Professor Matthew.Nuciforo@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Nuciforo received his Masters in Physical Therapy from Marquette University. He subsequently completed a transitional DPT from the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Nuciforo joined the faculty in 2006 with a teaching emphasis in orthopedics. He also continues his clinical practice in an outpatient orthopedic setting. He has attended numerous continuing education courses centered on the treatment of patients with orthopedic dysfunction. Dr. Nuciforo is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a credentialed clinical instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association, as well as a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and presented at national American Physical Therapy Association meetings. Dr. Nuciforo is currently pursuing fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.
Mary Rahlin, PT, DHS, PCS, Assistant Professor Mary.Rahlin@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Rahlin received her BA degree in Physical Education and a Physical Therapist Certificate from the State Central Institute of Physical Culture in Moscow, Russia. After her immigration to the United States, she received a BS degree in physical therapy and subsequently an advanced MS degree in physical therapy, both from FUHS/CMS. Her post-professional Doctor of Health Science degree is from the University of Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Rahlin is a Board Certified Pediatric Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Pediatrics and Education Section. She has attended numerous continuing education conferences and has presented posters at State and National APTA meetings. Dr. Rahlin has practiced pediatric physical therapy in a variety of settings. Currently, she maintains a private pediatric home health practice in Early Intervention. Dr. Rahlin has several publications in the area of pediatric physical therapy.
Filomena Rauschert PT, DPT, Instructor and Director of Clinical Education Filomena.Rauschert@rosalindfranklin.edu
Karen Stevens, PT, DPT, OCS, Assistant Professor Karen.Stevens@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Stevens received her BS in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. She subsequently completed an MS in Physical Therapy, with emphasis in the area of orthopedics at Northwestern University. Her graduate studies focused on issues related to the foot and ankle, and shoulder girdle. She has published in the American Journal of Podiatric Association and presented at national American Physical Therapy Association meetings. Dr. Stevens is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association. Her clinical practice has been primarily in orthopedics, and she continues to practice in an outpatient orthopedic setting. Dr. Stevens has attended numerous continuing education courses and national meetings. She has received four teaching awards during her extensive academic career.
Susan Tappert, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor Susan.Tappert@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr Tappert is Chairperson of the Interprofessional Healthcare Studies Department in additional to serving as faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy. She received her Certificate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and subsequently pursued advanced study receiving an MS in Physical Therapy from FUHS/CMS and her DPT in 2004 from RFUMS. Dr. Tappert joined the faculty in 1989. She has extensive clinical practice background in several physical therapy settings where she experienced the roles of clinical supervisor, clinical instructor and department director. She has focused her academic development on critical thinking instructional methods, dementia, lymphedema treatment and hand rehabilitation. Dr. Tappert has been an invited speaker regarding dementia and complications for Physical Therapy at national conventions and local health care facilities. Currently, she coordinates the practicum committee for the department.
Rosanne Thomas, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor Rosanne.Thomas@rosalindfranklin.edu
Dr. Thomas received her BS in Physical Therapy and subsequently completed an MS in Neurological Physical Therapy from Finch University. She received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from The Chicago Medical School with her dissertation research in the area of neurogenesis. She was recently appointed the Associate Dean of Clinical Research in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies. Her current teaching emphasis is on the integration of basic science with clinical practice. She has practiced physical therapy in acute, rehabilitation and home environments and now focuses her part-time practice in the area of neurological dysfunction. She has given numerous invited presentations in both the neuroscience and the physical therapy arenas and has a publication record in both fields as well. She is an active member of the Illinois Chapter of the APTA and the neurology section. Currently, she serves on the Illinois Stroke Task Force.