Faculty and Academic Interests

Patricia Smith, P.T., Ph.D., N.C.S. - Professor and Chair
Dr. Smith received her certificate in Physical Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Science in Health Science Instruction from Texas Woman's University, and her Ph.D. from Texas Women's University.  She is a board certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy. Dr. Smith's expertise is in evaluation and intervention for neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and stroke.

Alice Anderson, P.T., M.S., P.C.S. - Clinical Instructor
Ms. Anderson received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from The University of Central Arkansas and her M.S. in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University.  She is the Clinical Team Lead at Children's Medical Center of Dallas where she had practiced since 1985.  She is a member of the Pediatric Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment Association, and the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Patti Blau, P.T., Ph.D. - Associate Professor
Dr. Blau received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida and her M.Ed. from the University of Rochester in 1972. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Communication Services at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2002. Dr. Blau has been a practicing physical therapist for 40 years. Her clinical expertise is in evaluating and treating patients with vestibular disorders, and facial nerve disorders. Dr. Blau practices in the Center for Auditory, Vestibular & Facial Nerve Disorders in the Aston Ambulatory Care Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Beth Deschenes, P.T., M.S., O.C.S.- Assistant Professor
Ms. Deschenes received her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1996. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, she worked in healthcare marketing and health/fitness management. Ms. Deschenes also holds a Master of Science degree in Health/Fitness Management from The American University, which she received in 1984. Her clinical interests include orthopedic manual therapy, amputation, and wellness.

Julie DeVahl, P.T., M.S. - Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education
Ms. DeVahl received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1979. She earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1984. As the Director of Clinical Education, she coordinates the clinical education of physical therapy students for the Physical Therapy program.

Karen McCain, P.T., D.P.T., N.C.S. - Assistant Professor
Dr. McCain received her Bachelor's in Education from the University of North Texas, her Bachelor's in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University.  She has previously worked for Medical City Dallas hospital, North Central Medical Center, and Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation concentrating on patients with neurological disorders.  Her research interest is recovery of gait after stroke.

Edward Mulligan, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., S.C.S., A.T.C. - Assistant Professor
Dr. Mulligan received his B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston his M.S. in Physical Therapy Administration from Texas Woman's University in 1995, and his D.P.T. from Regis University in 2008. A board certified specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Mulligan's expertise is in orthopedic and sports therapy.

Leslie Nelson, M.P.T. - Faculty Associate
Ms. Nelson received her B.S. from Texas A&M University and her Master in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.  Currently practicing in the School of Health Professions Physical Therapy Clinic, she has previous practiced at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.  Her main interests are in orthopedics, neuromuscular disease, and manual therapy.

Ross Querry, P.T., Ph.D. - Associate Professor
Dr. Querry received his Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Science/ Integrative Physiology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 1999. Dr. Querry's interests include spinal cord injury and neurological control of blood pressure regulation during exercise.

Susan Simpkins, P.T., Ed.D. – Associate Professor
Dr. Simpkins received her Bachelor of Science degree and certificate in Physical Therapy from Boston University, a Master of Arts in Motor Learning and a Master of Education in Motor Learning Columbia University, and her Doctor of Education in Motor Learning from Columbia University.  Dr. Simpkins areas of expertise are in pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurology.

Scott Smith, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor
Dr. Smith received his B.S. in Biology from Southwestern University, his M.S. in Biomedical Science from the UNT Health Science Center, and his Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from the UNT Health Science Center.  He is a Fellow in Internal Medicine at The UT Southwestern Medical Center.  Dr. Smith is also an Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering and is the Director of Human Physiology education.  His interests include the cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, human physiology, and the physiological effects of exercise.

Jason Zafereo, M.P.T., FAAOMPT, O.C.S. - Assistant Professor and Clinic Director
Mr. Zafereo received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University and his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Mr. Zafereo received his fellowship training in orthopedic manual physical therapy from The Manual Therapy Institute.  A board certified specialist in orthopedics, Mr. Zafereo's clinical interests include orthopedic manual therapy with an emphasis in treatment of the neck and low back.

Staff

Bernadette Nagib
As the Department Administrator, Ms. Nagib supervises staff, monitors fiscal and physical resources, provides administrative training, oversees billing compliance, serves as the clinical business manager, and assists the Department Chair.

Billy Crawford
Mr. Crawford is the Education Coordinator for the Department of Physical Therapy. He is responsible for facilitating administrative processes for the students in the Physical Therapy program and the liaison for the clinical rotations that the students encounter for their academic career in the program. He is responsible for transcribing progress notes for patients of the Spinal Cord Injury Lab.

Edna Dorman
Ms. Dorman is the Senior Administrative Assistant in the Department of Physical Therapy. Her responsibilities include assisting faculty, students, and visitors, and answering the main phone lines for the Academic Offices. She also assists with account reconciliation, purchasing of supplies and equipment, management of administrative files, and travel services for the department.

Lisa Gagliano
Ms. Gagliano is the Billing Coordinator for the Physical Therapy Clinical Services. She is responsible for daily billing and charge entry, following up on claim reimbursements, and compiling various fiscal reports. Ms. Gagliano functions as a liaison between UT Southwestern Health Systems and departmental administration.