Phone: 865.338.5680 (office) | 865.343.7097 (cell)
Email: kellee.hanigan@LMUnet.edu
- 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.
Email: b.gunterstockman@LMUnet.edu
- Doctor of Education (EdD), University of St. Augusting of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nazareth University
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Nazareth University
- Secondary conditions in individuals living with amputation
- Effective role modeling in PT clinical education
- Leadership in PT Education
Dr. Gunterstockman currently serves as the Associate Program Director and Assistant Professor for the Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Previously, she worked for the Department of Defense as a Research Physical Therapist. The majority of her clinical work was in Service members and Veterans with lower limb trauma, including amputations and orthopedic complaints.
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 completed her EdD with a specialization in teaching and learning. Her dissertation focused on effective role modeling in physical therapy education from the perspectives of clinical instructors.
After growing up in New York and living in San Diego for nine years, she is busy exploring Knoxville and surrounding areas. She is an avid outdoors enthusiast. On the weekends, she enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and dogs.
Gunterstockman BM, Hendershot BD, Kakyoma J, Patterson C, Dearth CL, Farrokhi S. Duration, Cost, and Escalation of Care Events for Physical Therapy Management of Low Back Pain in Service Members with Limb Loss. Military Medicine. 2024: usae455. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usae455
Gunterstockman BM, Carmel J, Bechard L, Yoder A, Farrokhi S. Rearfoot strike run retraining for Achilles tendon pain: A two-patient case series. Military Medicine, 2024;189(5-6):e942-e947. doi:10.1093/milmed/usad436
Gunterstockman BM, Esposito ER, Yoder A, Smith C, & Farrokhi S. Weight changes in young service members after lower limb amputation: Insights from group-based trajectory modeling. Military Medicine. 2023;188(9-10):e2992-e2999. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usad062.
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. 2023; 47(2):181-188. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000191
Phone: 865.338.5678 (office)
Email: michael.spadafora@LMUnet.edu
- Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Andrews University
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- 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
- Influence of Taping on Chronic Ankle Instability
- Stress Fracture Prevention and Management in Runners
- Reliability and validity of commonly used but under investigated scan tests
- Regional Interdependence, particularly of the Lower Quarter
- Observation vs. objective measure reliability and validity
Dr. Spadafora serves as the Musculoskeletal Content Coordinator, Assistant Professor, and Chair of the Curriculum Committee in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at LMU-Knoxville. He completed his Bachelor of Science 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 later became certified in athletic training (1997). Additionally, 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 always worked as a clinician in outpatient orthopedic settings, and except for one year, in private practice. Beginning in 2008 and while continuing to practice clinically, he started teaching physical therapy, first as an adjunct and then transitioned to full time in 2010. He continued to practice and started his own turn-key and concierge cash-based clinic in July of 2017 that focused on less frequent and overall visits with patient empowerment and better outcomes. 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 and research focus involve prevention and returning to play for active individuals as well as addressing recalcitrant and persistent conditions of all patients that also need thorough and efficient biomechanical investigation and treatment with patient enablement. 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 (APTA in which he is also a member of the Education and Sports sections.
He lives in Farragut, a west Knoxville suburb, and has been married to his wife, Jen, since 2001. She is a physical therapist in pediatrics, and they have one daughter and two sons (2003, 2006, 2010). He enjoys solid movies and physically active games while balancing mountain and beach vacations amid supporting his kid’s various activities and interests. He also pursues do-it-yourself projects and is big on prevention and staying ahead of things, including what he eats and high intensity exercise including 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.
Poster presentation at Tennessee Academy of Sciences, October 2024; Harrogate, TN: A Novel Hip Finding and Earlier Indications of Hip Impingement in Adolescent Female Athletes.
Editor of accepted “Case Report: Fascioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)” for publication in Clinical Practice in Athletic Training. Contributors: Jeremy Houser, Howell Tapley, Rick McKibben, and Scott Carow
Email: laura.gagnon@LMUnet.edu
- 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 teenage 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.
Email: lawrence.ramiscal@LMUnet.edu
-Ph.D. in Applied Health Sciences, Rehabilitation concentration in Biomechanics and Motor Control, Augusta University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chatham University
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Santo Tomas
Dr. Ramiscal’s 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 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. 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.
Ramiscal L, Bolgla L, Cook C, Magel J, Parada S, Chong R (forthcoming). Is the yes/no classification accurate in screening scapular dyskinesis in asymptomatic individuals? - a novel validation study utilizing surface electromyography as a reference standard for identifying movement asymmetries. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. (Accepted, September 28, 2024)
Ramiscal LS, Bolgla LA, Cook CE, Magel JS, Parada SA, Chong R. Reliability of the scapular dyskinesis test yes-no classification in asymptomatic individuals between students and expert physical therapists. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2022;0. doi:10.5397/cise.2022.01109
Ramiscal L, Truelove Jr C, Heboyan V, De Leo G. Attitudes and Beliefs of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors in the United States Towards Interprofessional Education. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2022;20(1). doi:10.46743/1540-580X/2022.2144
Ramiscal L, Karas S, Henry E, Pettman E. Pain Prevalence in Upper Cervical Stability Testing in Healthy Individuals (Platform). In: 2019 Annual Conference - Redefining Musculoskeletal Health. American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists; 2019. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.24911.84647
Email: ian.rheault@LMUnet.edu
- Doctor of Education- Instructional Practices Concentration, Lincoln Memorial University (currently enrolled)
- 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
- Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) in Healthcare Education
- High-Fidelity Simulation and Experiential Learning in Physical and Occupational Therapy Doctoral Curricula
- Facilitating Student-Generated Case Reports
- Patient Expectations and Their Influence on Physical Therapy Outcomes
- Evaluation and Treatment of Respiratory Performance Variables in Outpatient Physical Therapy Practice
Dr. Rheault is an assistant professor and a core faculty member responsible for coordinating interprofessional practice and education (IPE) and experiential learning initiatives in collaboration with other programs within and outside Lincoln Memorial University. 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 orthopedic 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.
Professional membership includes the American Physical Therapy Association including Education section, Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, and Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium.
Wassinger, C. A., Bourassa, M., Rheault, I., Carroll, A. Waldecker, C. Weyant-Blevins, E., Sole, G., Wright, A.A., (2024) The role of patient treatment specific expectations on the outcomes of musculoskeletal physical therapy treatment: A scoping review. Musculoskeletal Care, e1854. DOI: 10.1002/msc.1854.
Schmidt E, Rheault I. Cultural humility among PT & OT doctoral students after intentional use of diverse cultural identifiers in coursewor (Poster). In: Poster Session.Am. J. Occup. Ther. 2024, 78(2) 1. DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.78S2-PO121.
Ramiscal L, Rheault I, Harper-Hanigan, K. Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of physical therapists by other healthcare professionals (Poster). Nexus Summit, National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education; September 13, 2022. (https://summit2022.nexusipe.org/sessions/knowledge-roles-and-responsibilities-between-physical-therapists-and-other-healthcare).
Gonzalez J, Cahalin L, Miller C, Rheault I, Wong M. Does diabetes cause a further decline in inspiratory muscle performance in those with spinal pain? [OPO83] (Poster). In: CSM 2020 Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Poster Presentation Abstracts OPO1-OPO240. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2020;50(1): CSM1–CSM29. DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2020.50.1.CSM.
Gonzalez, J, Mostoufi, B, Wong, M, Hartley, G, Rheault, I, Cahalin, L. Blood flow restriction: a theory report highlighting potential beneficial effects on type two diabetes mellitus (Poster). In: Poster Presentations. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2020;31(1): e12-e27. DOI: 10.1097/CPT.0000000000000135
Gaunard I, Agrawal V, Kyoung K, Raya M, Feigenbaum L, Bennett C, Holliday B,
O’Connell N, Pyc L, Rebbe E, Rheault I, Van Dyke P, Gailey R. Application of inertial measurement units for quantifying motion patterns during agility activities in athletes with lower-limb injuries [SPL24] (Platform). In: sports physical therapy section platform presentation abstracts SPL1–SPL67. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016;46(1): A39. DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2016.46.1.A29
Email: wanli.lei@LMUnet.edu
- 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 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.
Email: Elizabeth.Fonken@LMUnet.edu
- Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Colorado
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Whitworth University
- Doctor of Education (EdD), Lincoln Memorial University (in-progress)
- Vestibular rehabilitation, specifically post-COVID
- New graduate physical therapists' ability to start physical therapy business
- Student success for DPT students on academic probation
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 adjunct 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. 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 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 is a member of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Neurology and Education sections.
Dr. Fonken is an outdoor enthusiast and loves hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, and volleyball.
Email: Jeremy.Houser@LMUnet.edu
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Alabama State University
- PhD in Adult Education, Auburn University
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Auburn University
Coming Soon!
Email: ryan.hanigan@LMUnet.edu
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Montana
- Master of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Master of Business Administration, Indiana State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Creighton University
Enhancing student performance on clinical education experiences
Predicting student success in the clinical education curriculum
Dr. Hanigan currently serves as the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant 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, treating 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.
Email: Andrea.Attorri@LMUnet.edu
- ABPTRFE Certified Critical Care Fellow, Houston Methodist Hospital
- Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Elon University
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, Elon University
- Early mobility of critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients
- Post Intensive Care Syndrome across the healthcare continuum
- Enhancing cardiopulmonary and acute care educational practices for student success
Publications
Mondkar RS, Attorri AM, Bridges, CB, et al. Using Outcome Measures to Transition Ambulation From Physical Therapy to Nursing for Patients With Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Pilot Study. Journal of Acute Care Physical Therapy 15(2):p 55-63, April 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/JAT.0000000000000236
Dr. Attorri joins LMU DPT as a core faculty member and course coordinator for the cardiopulmonary content. Before moving to TN, Dr. Attorri spent over 12 years working in the acute and critical care settings in several large academic medical centers in NC and TX. She holds both Cardiovascular & Pulmonary and Geriatrics Specialty Board Certifications. Dr. Attorri graduated from Elon University's DPTE program in 2011 and completed the Houston Methodist Hospital's Critical Care Fellowship in 2019. She was selected to be a member of the FSBPT Standard Setting Committee for the 2024 NPTE and is an item writer for the ABPTS Cardiopulmonary Clinical Specialist exam. Dr. Attorri's research includes a study of ambulation of patients with mechanical circulatory devices that has been published in the Journal of Acute Care Physical Therapy. In her spare time, Dr. Attorri enjoys traveling, scuba diving, good food, cheering on Ohio State football and Houston Astros baseball, and being an aunt to niece Adelaide in Washington DC.
Email: benjamin.johnson@lmunet.edu
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Professions Education, Bellarmine University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Evansville
- Certified Lympedema Therapist, LANA
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Evansville
- Impact of Online learning on interprofessional education
- Advancement of Physical Therapy on cancer related sequelae
Publications
Johnson, Benjamin, “Interprofessional Simulation and the Development of Professional Identity Using Asynchronous Teaching Methods” (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 171. https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/171
Dr. Johnson is an assistant professor and a core faculty in LMU’s DPT program. Prior to transitioning to academia, Dr. Johnson has worked in a variety of areas including outpatient orthopedics, acute care and both inpatient and outpatient lymphedema/wound care. While working in acute care, he served several years as a clinical instructor for a level 2 trauma Center.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise science and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN. He completed his PhD in Health Professions Education from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. He is also a Certified Lymphedema Specialist (CLT) and is Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) certified.
Professional membership includes the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Oncology section member, the National Lymphedema Network.
Phone: 865.338.5722 (office)
Email: jeanne.ferguson@LMUnet.edu
-Master of Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
-Bachelor of Arts, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
-Certificate in Nonprofit Management, University of Tennessee , Knoxville Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning
JeanneLove Ferguson serves as the Admissions Recruiter and Outreach Coordinator. Prior to coming to LMU’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, she served as the Special Projects and Events Manager for the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and as an Instructor for the Amercian Red Cross in CPR, AED, Health and Safety.
She is a native Knoxvillian who spent over twenty years in the Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina, where she was a small business owner and a Secondary School Educator. As a seasoned educator she taught in public, private, rural, suburban, and urban settings for over a decade. She held Teaching Certifcates in South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas in Theatre Arts (K-12) and History (7-12). Prior to teaching, JeanneLove was a professional actor and singer working in regional Theatre.
She has served on multiple nonprofit boards and in a vareity of leadership positions (Lowcountry Lab Rescue, Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue of South Carolina, LABMed, The Pet Care Place: A Spay & Neuter Clinic). She currently serves as the Secretary for the Board of Directors and an instructor for the Oak Ridge Kennel Club, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She serves as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the American Kennel Club. She spends her spare time training and competing in a variety of dog performance sports with her Labradors and Border Collies.
Phone: 865.338.5746 (office)
Email: preston.sangster@LMUnet.edu
- Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Digital Marketing, Lincoln Memorial University
- Certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), N5 Japanese Language Proficiency, and Digital Marketing and Analytics
Mr. Sangster currently serves as the Assistant Director of 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 government. 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 initiatives 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 graduated from Lincoln Memorial University's Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Digital Marketing. He lives with his wife, who graduated from 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, knitting, and fine arts.
Phone: 865.338.5741 (office)
Email: alifiya.dhanani@LMUnet.edu
- Masters in Business Administration (Data Analytics)
- Masters in Computer Application
- Bachelor in Communication
- Bachelor in Special Needs Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
Alifiya Dhanani currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She migrated to the United States in 2019 after earning her Master’s in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s in Special Needs Education from Osmania University in India. Upon relocating, Mrs. Dhanani further pursued her education at King University in Knoxville, TN, specializing in Communications.
In addition to her professional achievements, Mrs. Dhanani is married and a proud mother of two children, balancing family life with her commitment to personal and professional growth. Adding to her work as a Program Coordinator, Mrs. Dhanani has recently completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Data Analytics from Louisiana State University Shreveport, enhancing her ability to apply data-driven solutions in her administrative role. Mrs. Dhanani is committed to continuous personal and professional development and takes pride in making meaningful contributions to the efficiency and success of the program.
Ms. Bass currently serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Previously, she served as an E911 Emergency Telecommunicator before starting her employment at Lincoln Memorial University in 2022. She attended Lincoln Memorial University and was a member of the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority. She currently resides in Cumberland Gap, TN with her three dogs and enjoys gardneing, baking, and loves to travel.
