Dean's Message - SHRP

Page 2 SHRPnews
Department Highlight:
Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences
The faculty of the Department of Rehabilitation and
Movement Sciences are committed to teaching, scholarship
and professional leadership and consequently provide
a rich environment for the academic growth of the
students. We have striven to develop four academic programs
that educate students to effectively function within
current and future health care environments. There are
two professional entry-level programs: the Doctor of
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program sponsored as a
joint degree with Rutgers‘ University located on the Stratford
campus and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
degree program located on the Newark campus. In addition,
the department features a transitional DPT program
designed for practicing clinicians who already possess a
bachelor‘s or master‘s degree in Physical Therapy and
participates in the SHRP Doctor of Philosophy in Health
Sciences (PhD) by providing a Movement Science tract on
the Newark campus. Both entry-level DPT Programs are
fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in
Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). During the past
year, each Program completed self-studies and on-site
visitations by CAPTE representatives. Each program was
re-accredited for 10 years.
Alma Merians, PT, PhD is the Chairperson of the Department.
The Program Directors include: Marie Koval Nardone
(DPT South), Nancy Kirsch (DPT North), Sandra
Kaplan (Transitional DPT – North). Judy Deutsch coordinates
the Movement Sciences tract of the PhD Program.
Department full-time faculty include Board Certified
Clinical Specialists in the following areas: Orthopedics
(2), Neurology (2), Cardiovascular (1), Pediatrics (1) and
Geriatrics (1). Full-time academic department faculty include:
Ellen Anderson, Evan Cohen, Judy Deutsch,
Robert Dekerlegand, Susan Edmond, Patricia Fay, Barbara
Gladson, Phyllis Guarrera-Bowlby, Karen Huhn,
Sandra Kaplan, David Kietrys, Nancy Kirsch, Dennise
Krencicki, Kathy Mairella, Alma Merians, Stephanie
Muth, Mary Jane Myslinski, Marie Koval Nardone, Susan
Paparella-Pitzel, Adrienne Simonds, and Eugene Tunik.
Newark Faculty
Standing L-R: Kathleen Mairella, DPT,
Phyllis Guarera-Bowlby, MEd, Judith
Deutsch, PhD, Patricia Fay, DPT, Nancy
Kirsch, PhD, Mary Jane Myslinski, EdD,
Ellen Anderson, MA, Barbara Gladson,
PhD.
Seated L-R: Susan Edmond, DSc,
Sandra Kaplan, PhD, Alma Merians,
PhD, Sue Pitzel, DPT.
Not in picture: Eugene Tunik, PhD;
Karen Huhn, MS.
In addition to its academic programs, the Department has
maintained a faculty practice since 1997 that serves five
school districts in the northern New Jersey area. The mission
of the Newark Therapy Services is to provide the
highest quality physical and occupational therapy services
to school-aged children with special needs. Our 41
clinicians have clinical faculty appointments. Christine
Cronin, Laura Phillips, and Julie Guzman administer the
faculty practice.
DUAL ANNIVERSARIES. This year marks a special
time in the history of the Department. It is the 30th Anniversary
of the Newark Program having its start in the old
nurses residence, the Fairmont Building and the 20 th Anniversary
of the Stratford Program, its humble beginnings
in a small row home off the Rutgers-Camden Campus.
From the very beginning both programs were driven
by our commitment to excellence, our concern for our students
and faculty and our involvement with our respective
communities.
SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES:
Over the past year, faculty members have published 25
articles in peer-reviewed journals. 2 book chapters, 1
book, 3 home study courses, 3 educational monographs, 1
on-line educational program, and 1 software package. Dr.
Nancy Kirsch served as guest editor of Topics in Geriatrics
and writes a monthly column, Ethics in Practice for
the magazine PT in Motion.
Stratford faculty:
Standing L-R: Marie Nardone, EdD,
Adrienne Simonds, Stephanie Muth,
Dennise Krencicki, DPT.
Seated L-R: Evan Cohen, MA, David
Kietrys, MS, Robert Dekerlegand,
MS.