Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Team
Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Team
Meet Our Faculty
Program Director, Didactic Faculty, Mentor- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services-Neuro Center
- Educational Background:
- Master of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri – May 2007
- Bachelor of Health Science, University of Missouri – May 2007
- Certifications:
- Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) – American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (2019)
- PWR! Moves Certified Therapist (2021–2027)
- Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) – Association of American Medical Colleges (2021)
- Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation – APTA (2010)
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (2013)
- Professional Highlights:
- Staff Physical Therapist, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center (2014–present)
- Consultant and Presenter, Knowledge Translation Project on Utilizing the HINTS+ Examination as Part of GRACE 3 Guidelines Implementation, Emergency Department, MU Health Care, Columbia, MO (2025)
- Clinical Excellence Coordinator, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center, Columbia, MO (2023–present)
- Team Member, Knowledge Translation Concussion Project, Mizzou Therapy Services, Columbia, MO (2020)
- Team Member, Concussion Initiative, Mizzou Therapy Services, Columbia, MO (2015–present)
- Physical Therapist Consultant, Dizzy Clinic, MU Health Care’s ENT Hearing and Balance Center, Columbia, MO (2015–present)
- Recent Scholarly Contributions:
- Bliss RA, Holland L, Fields C, Stock K. Use of Knowledge Translation Action Framework to Improve Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Outcomes in Concussion Management. J Sport Rehabil. 2024;34(3):335–345. Published Sep 25, 2024. doi:10.1123/jsr.2024-0078
- Bliss, R. & Holland, L. PT residents’ lived experiences with infusion of intentional master adaptive learner framework: a qualitative study. Poster Presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Boston, MA. February 2024
- Bliss, R. & Holland, L. Intentional use of the master adaptive learner framework to advance neurologic practice in residency education. Education Session, ANPT Annual Conference. Minneapolis, MN. September 2023
- Bliss, R., Engel, J., Campbell, A., & Holland, L. Physical therapy students’ perception of high-intensity training administered to individuals with neurological disorders. Poster Presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio, TX. February 2022
- Program Coordinator, Didactic Faculty, Mentor, Research Advisor
- Educational Background
- Doctor of Health Science, University of Indianapolis – May 2019
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University – December 2014
- Master of Physical Therapy, Ithaca College – September 2001
- Bachelor of Science, Ithaca College – May 2000
- Certifications
- Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties – 2016 - Impact Trained Physical Therapist
- Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation, APTA – 2010
- Certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) – 2007
- Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy
- Professional Highlights
- Clinical Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science & Athletic Training Program
University of Kansas Medical Center – 2024–Present - Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions
University of Missouri – 2019–2023 - Active researcher in concussion and educational research
- Chair, Educational Research Committee – American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT)
- Committee Member, APTA Concussion Clinical Practice Guideline Revision Group
- Clinical Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science & Athletic Training Program
- Recent Scholarly Contributions
- Bliss, R.A., Holland, L., Fields, C., & Stock, K. (2024). Use of Knowledge Translation Action Framework to Improve Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Outcomes in Concussion Management. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2024-0078
- Galgon, A., & Bliss, R. (2024). Experienced Clinical Decision Making in Physical Therapist Management of Concussion: A Qualitative Study. Physical Therapy, 105(5). doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae027
- Reaves, T., Bliss, R., Chole, D., & Bridges, J. (2023). Team Approach to Delayed Pediatric Vestibular Diagnosis: A Case Study. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 35(3). doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001022
- Thomas, J., Weiss, S., Bliss, R., & Guess, T. (2023). Serial Subtraction Alters Lateral Step-down Tibiofemoral Kinematics in Healthy Adults. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(4):286–291. doi: 10.1055/a-1982-9978
- Bliss, R., Jernigan, S., & Morris, S. (2024). Intentional Use of Needs Assessment to Design a Faculty Development Program Aimed to Infuse the Excellence Framework in DPT Education. Poster Presentation, APTA Educational Leadership Conference, Oakland, CA – October 2024
- Bliss, R., & Carr, W.D. (2024). Raising the Bar in Concussion Management: Neuroplasticity Principles to Guide Intervention Using the Concussion Clinical Profile Screening Tool. Educational Session, National Athletic Training Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA – June 2024
- Bliss, R. (2024). Challenging Athletes Through Functional Rehab: Can We Decrease Re-Injury Risk by Adding Dual Task? Educational Session, Missouri Athletic Training Association State Conference, Columbia, MO – June 2024
- Mentor, Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center
- Educational Background
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri – May 2012
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (Pre-Professional Physical Therapy), Minor in Psychology, University of Missouri – May 2010
- Certifications
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) – American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (2017–2027)
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (2015)
- PWR! Moves Certified Therapist (2021–2023)
- Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) – Association of American Medical Colleges (2021)
- Professional Highlights
- Staff Physical Therapist, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center, Columbia, MO (2020–present)
- Spinal Cord Injury EDGE Update Work Group Member, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (2022–present)
- Adjunct Faculty – Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (2022–2023)
- Adjunct Faculty – Lab Assistant, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (2021–2023)
- Clinical Excellence Lead, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center (2021–2023)
- Recent Scholarly Contributions
- Engel J, Okruch K, Reaves T, Bliss R. Serial Casting in an Adult with Non-spasticity Related Ankle Joint Contractures: A Case Study. Poster Presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting. Boston, MA. February 2024
- Engel J, Okruch K, Reaves T, Bliss R. Serial Casting in an Adult with Non-spasticity Related Ankle Joint Contractures: A Case Study. Poster Presentation, APTA Missouri Spring Conference. St. Louis, MO. April 2023
- Bliss R, Holland L, Campbell A, Engel J. Physical Therapy Student Perception of High Intensity Training Administered to Individuals with Neurological Disorders. Poster Presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio, TX. February 2022
Mentor, Didactic Faculty- Practice Location:
- Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center
- Educational Background
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri – May 2017
- Certifications
- LSVT BIG Certified Therapist (October 2023–present)
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (December 2021–present)
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (March 2019)
- Professional Highlights
- Team Member and Group Development Team Leader, Parkinson’s Disease Program Development, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center, Columbia, MO (2025–present)
- Staff Physical Therapist, Mizzou Therapy Services – Neuro Center, Columbia, MO (2023–present)
- Team Member, Spinal Cord Injury Pathways Project, MU Health Care System, Columbia, MO (2023)
- Brain Injury Team Lead, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, Columbia, MO (2020–2022)
- Staff Physical Therapist – Spinal Cord Injury & Brain Injury Teams, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, Columbia, MO (2017–2023)
- Clinical Specialist I, Career Clinical Ladder, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, Columbia, MO
Mentor- Practice Location:
- University Hospital – Neurosciences Service Line and Acute Care Surgery Service Line
- Educational Background
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri – May 2011
- Master of Social Work, Boston University – May 1997
- Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication, Michigan State University – May 1995
- Certifications
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor (January 2013–present)
- Professional Highlights
- Staff Physical Therapist, University Hospital – Neurology (stroke emphasis), Neurosciences Service Line; Trauma Therapist, Acute Care Surgery Service Line, Columbia, MO (2023–present)
- Staff Physical Therapist, University Hospital – Neurology (stroke emphasis), Neurosciences Service Line, Columbia, MO (2018–2023)
- Center Coordinator for Clinical Education, Therapy Services, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO (2019–present)
- Clinical Instructor of the Year, student-nominated award, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri (2022)
- Excellence in Mentoring Alumni Award, faculty-nominated award, College of Health Sciences, University of Missouri (2022)
- Team Member, tPA Early Mobilization Protocol Revision Project, University Hospital, Columbia, MO (2019–2022)
- Team Member, Neurosciences Optimal Recovery Model (NORM) Initiative – aimed at increasing therapy frequency and intensity for stroke patients in acute care, University Hospital, Columbia, MO (2018–present)
- Recent Scholarly Contributions
- Bhagavan S, Ishfaq M, Pulimamidi S, Sweeney M, Yelam A, Lybeck-Brown E, et al. “Early Mobilization Protocol Can Be Initiated in the Intensive Care Unit in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Receiving Intravenous Alteplase.” Neurology, Volume 98, Number 18 Supplement, May 3, 2022. DOI Link
- Holland L, Bliss B, Midyett J, Lybeck-Brown E. Vestibular 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Surviving Dizzy Patients. 11 Contact Hours. Columbia, MO. 2021
- Martin D, Stephens K, Mathes R, Lybeck-Brown E. Following Interprofessional Acute Care Education. Poster Presentation, APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Denver, CO. 2020
- Mentor
- Practice Location:
- University Hospital-Neuroscience Service Line
- Educational Background:
- Master of Physical Therapy, May 2004, University of Missouri
- Bachelors of Exercise Science, May 2001, Truman State University
- Certifications:
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor: January 2013 to present
- Professional Highlights:
- Neurosciences Optimal Recovery Model Initiative (NORM) April 2019-Present
- Didactic Faculty, Research Advisor
- Practice Location:
- University of Missouri – School of Health Professions
Department of Physical Therapy
- University of Missouri – School of Health Professions
- Educational Background
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pediatric Science, December 2017
Dissertation: Family-Professional Partnership Dynamics, Transition to Preschool, and Physical Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions - Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), December 2010
Des Moines University - Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy, May 1996
University of Missouri
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pediatric Science, December 2017
- Certifications
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2012 - Credentialed Clinical Instructor, American Physical Therapy Association, 2011
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS)
- Academic Employment and Positions Held
- Assistant Director, Mizzou Motion Analysis Center
University of Missouri (2018–Present) - Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
School of Health Professions, University of Missouri (2017–Present)
- Assistant Director, Mizzou Motion Analysis Center
- Recent Scholarly Activity
- Hall JB, Chole D, Wieberg L. Commentary on “Using telehealth to Conduct Family-Centered, Movement Intervention Research in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2022. (Accepted)
- Hall JB, Guess TM. The effect of an ankle foot orthosis on tibiofemoral motion during step-up and step-down in healthy adults. Prosthetics and Orthotics International. 2021. doi:10.1097/PXR.0000000000000073
- Hall JB. A qualitative exploration of the continuation of a journal club experience by DPT graduates in their first year of practice. Journal of Allied Health. 2021; 50(4):99E–105E(7)
- Hall JB, Woods ML, Luechtefeld JT. Adoption of Telehealth by Pediatric Physical Therapists during COVID-19—A Survey Study. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2021; 33(4):237–244. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000817
- Hall JB, Schauffler R, Guess TM. Differences in the Kinematic Outputs of the Oxford and Rizzoli Foot Models during a Step-down Task. Poster Presentation. World Congress of Biomechanics, Taipei, Taiwan, July 2022. (Accepted)
- Hall JB, Schauffler R, Guess TM. Comparison of Kinematic Outputs of the Oxford and Rizzoli Foot Models during Drop Vertical Jump. Poster Presentation. World Congress of Biomechanics, Taipei, Taiwan, July 2022. (Accepted)
- Hall JB, Luechtefeld JT, Woods ML. Lessons Learned from Pediatric Telehealth During COVID-19—Where Do We Go From Here? Educational Session. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Feb 2022. (Accepted)
- Hall JB, Nitkin R, Jackson L, McGee R, Capin J, Pinto D. Research Funding Symposium Part 2: Early Career Opportunities, Techniques, and Success. Educational Session. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Feb 2022. (Accepted)
- Stevens E, Tiffany N, Burris E, Hall JB. The Evidence Differentiating Balance during Gait in Cerebral Palsy across the Lifespan—A Scoping Review. Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Feb 2022. (Accepted)
- Hall JB, Schauffler R, Guess TM. Comparison of Kinematic Outputs of the Oxford and Rizzoli Foot Models during Drop Vertical Jump. Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Feb 2022. (Accepted)
- Sayers SP, Guess TM, Hall JB, Gibson K, Adams J, Olive M, Nelson P, Kern J. High-speed Power Training Improves Single-step Recovery from a Forward Fall in Older Adults. Poster Presentation. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting (Virtual), June 2021.
- Cook J, Lawler J, Hall JB, Campbell AS. “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know”: Student Perspectives of an Interprofessional Care Conference Experience. Poster Presentation. APTA Combined Sections Meeting (Virtual), Feb 2021.
- Cook J, Lawler J, Hall JB, Campbell AS. Interdisciplinary Student Collaboration in a Pro Bono Clinic: The Impact of Interprofessional Care Conferences, a Planned Prospective Study. Platform Presentation. Virtual Pro Bono Network Conference, Nov 2020.
- Research Advisor & Didactic Faculty
Practice Location:- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
- Educational Background
- Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Science
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH — May 2022 - Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT — May 2015 - Master of Education in Counseling (Sport Psychology Specialization)
Boston University, Boston, MA — September 2007 - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance Concentration)
Boston University, Boston, MA — May 2002
- Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Science
- Certifications
- Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties — 2018 - Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
National Academy of Sports Medicine — 2009 - Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
National Academy of Sports Medicine — 2008
- Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
- Academic & Clinical Appointments
- Assistant Research Professor
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
December 2022 – Present - Physical Therapist / Lead Clinical Evaluator
Division of Neuromuscular Disorders
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
December 2018 – December 2022
- Assistant Research Professor
- Current Scholarly Work
- Jaworek A, Jira K, Cinkay G, Zhao S, Kelly K, Arnold WD, Elsheikh B. Investigating Motor Unit Firing Rate in Individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Receiving Risdiplam: An Exploratory Analysis. Poster Presentation, Cure SMA Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA. June 2025.
- Isfort M, Jaworek A, Jira K, Cinkay G, Tellez M, Allen M, Zhao S, Kelly K, Arnold WD, Elsheikh B. Investigating Neuromuscular Junction Defects in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Following Central and Peripheral SMN Restoration. Poster Presentation, MDA Annual Conference, Dallas, TX. March 2025.
- Vorkink D, Currence M, Sasidharan S, Ketabforoush A, Davis A, Pasnoor M, Arnold WD, Kelly KM. Effects of Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults with Myasthenia Gravis: A Preliminary Analysis. University of Missouri Health Science Research Day, Columbia, MO. November 2024.
- Pierce J, Kelly KM. Physical Therapy Management of Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies. University of Missouri Health Science Research Day, Columbia, MO. November 2024.
- Pierce J, Kelly KM. Physical Therapy Management of Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An ICF-Guided Approach to Assessment in Clinical Practice. University of Missouri Health Science Research Day, Columbia, MO. November 2024.
- Erganian C, Dorsey G, Ketabforoush A, Clark L, Kelly KM, Clark B, Arnold WD. Understanding Muscular and Neural Predictors of Functional Performance in Older Adults. University of Missouri Health Science Research Day, Columbia, MO. November 2024.
- Dorsey G, Erganian C, Ketabforoush A, Clark L, Kelly KM, Clark B, Arnold WD. Intrinsic Muscle Factors and Strength in Older Adults. Poster Presentation, University of Missouri Health Science Research Day, Columbia, MO. November 2024.
- Pasnoor M, Currence M, Sasidharan S, Ketabforoush A, Davis A, Arnold WD, Kelly KM. Safety and Tolerability of Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise in Adults with Myasthenia Gravis: A Preliminary Analysis. Platform Presentation, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Scientific Meeting at AANEM, Savannah, GA. October 2024.
- Jira K, Jaworek A, Allen M, Zhao S, Kelly K, Arnold WD, Elsheikh B. The Association Between Gait Speed and Falls in Ambulatory Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Retrospective Pilot Study. Frontiers in Neurology. 2024;15:1491466.
- Gronnebaek TS, Haahr-Lillevang H, Skov M, Kelly K, Kerr NR, Viteri JA, Jaworek A, Bartlett A, Bold J, Hutchison J, Quiroz J, Tankisi H, Pedersen TH, Andersen H, Arnold WD. Neuromuscular Transmission Deficits in Patients with CMT and ClC-1 Inhibition in CMT Animal Models. Annals of Clinical & Translational Neurology. December 2024.
- Kelly KM, Mizell J, Bigdeli L, Paul S, Tellez MA, Bartlett A, Heintzman S, Reynolds JE, Sterling GB, Rajneesh KF, Kolb SJ, Elsheikh B, Arnold WD. Differential Impact on Motor Unit Characteristics Across Disease Severities in Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Annals of Clinical & Translational Neurology. 2023;10:2208–2222.
- Sadjadi R, Kelly K, Glanzman AM, Montes J, Linsenmayer M, Tellez M, Bartlett A, Heintzman S, Kolb SJ, Arnold WD, Elsheikh B. Psychometric Evaluation of the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS) in Adult Patients Using Rasch Analysis. Muscle & Nerve. 2023;67(3):239–243.
- Didactic Faculty
- Practice Location:
- University of Missouri – College of Health Sciences
Department of Physical Therapy
- University of Missouri – College of Health Sciences
- Educational Background
- Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency, August 2016
Geriatric Residency Program, Division of Physical Therapy
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN - Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), June 2015
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, May 2012
School of Health Sciences and Education, Truman State University – Kirksville, MO
- Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency, August 2016
- Certifications
- Credentialed Clinical Instructor – Level I, American Physical Therapy Association, 2019
- Credentialed Clinical Instructor – Level II, American Physical Therapy Association, 2022
- LSVT BIG® Certified, Initial Certification: 2018; Renewed in 2020 and 2022
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2017 - Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), 2016
- Academic Appointments
- Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy
University of Missouri – School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO (2022–Present) - Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
University of Missouri – School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO (2022–Present) - Lecturer, Acute and Chronic Medical and Surgical Conditions
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri – School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO (2019–2020)
- Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy
- Recent Scholarly Activity
- Prost, E., Abbott, C., Duncan, B., Fandrey, K., Willis, B. (2023, February). A Clinical Service Learning Experience is Associated with Decreased Perceptions of Ageism Among Physical Therapy Students.
Poster Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA.
- Prost, E., Abbott, C., Duncan, B., Fandrey, K., Willis, B. (2023, February). A Clinical Service Learning Experience is Associated with Decreased Perceptions of Ageism Among Physical Therapy Students.
- Mentor
- Practice Location:
- Capital Region Medical Center
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor's of Physical Therapy, May 1998, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Certifications:
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor
- Professional Highlights:
- Clinical Instructor
- 2010-2019 – Center Coordinator for Clinical Education
- Mentor
- Practice Location:
- Capital Region Medical Center
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor's of Physical Therapy, May 2000, Maryville University
- Certifications:
- APTA Certified Clinical Instructor
- Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist 2021-2023
- Professional Highlights:
- Clinical Instructor
- 2019-2022 – Supervisor of Inpatient Physical Therapy, Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City, MO