Advisory Board

Leann Badger, PT, DPT

Director of Rehab for Perry County Memorial Hospital

Leann is the Director of Rehab at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Tell City, IN where she manages physical, occupational, and speech therapies in the outpatient, inpatient, and swing bed settings. Leann graduated from Indiana University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009 and bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2006. Her certifications including ASTYM and level 1 Functional Dry Needling. She is currently pursuing an MDT certification. Leann enjoys treating patients from pediatric to adults and is always looking for new learning opportunities to better serve patients and the community.

Sean Bagbey, MHA, PTA, ATC, CIRS

COO and Vice President for Rehabilitation & Performance Institute

A native of Evansville, Sean graduated from UE in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training and exercise science, as well as an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistance. Following graduation, he earned a master’s degree in health service administration from the University of Southern Indiana. He is also a certified industrial rehabilitation specialist.

Sean is certified in the functional movement systems, the selective functional movement assessment level I and II, Y-balance testing, case management, home modification design, and industrial rehabilitation. He holds advanced proficiency in musculoskeletal and geriatrics, and he was one of the first PTAs to complete the Orthopaedics Advance Proficiency Pathway from APTA. He remains active with APTA on a state and national level.

Erin Burns, MS, CCC-SLP

Co-owner - COO
Harvest Health & Rehab

Erin earned a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana State University in 2011. Since then, she has gained extensive experience across skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and outpatient settings. Her clinical expertise spans treatment of adults and geriatrics recovering from stroke, injury, surgery, and other neurological impairments, as well as pediatric care for articulation, language, fluency, dyslexia, feeding/swallowing, and cognitive delays. In 2016, Erin co-founded her first outpatient therapy clinic, which has since grown into three multidisciplinary clinics providing speech, physical, and occupational therapy services to individuals of all ages. Through her leadership, Erin has been dedicated to improving access to high-quality therapy services—particularly in rural communities—while fostering a collaborative environment for patients, families, and providers. Outside of her professional life, Erin is devoted to her husband, Tyler, and their two children, Isaac and Nora. She has a passion for food—especially sweets, strong coffee, and a well-curated charcuterie board—and enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and traveling with her family.

C. J. Barnard, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Physical Therapist and Manager for Progressive Health

C. J. is a graduate of UE, holding Bachelor of Science degrees in sports medicine and physical therapy as well as a Master in Physical Therapy. He then completed his post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy in orthopaedic physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2007. C. J. is a physical therapist and manager for Progressive Health with a clinical emphasis in orthopaedic and sports injuries. He treats patients of all levels, including elementary and high school, college, and professional athletes. He is a board-certified sports clinical specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a certified strength & conditioning specialist by the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and a credentialed clinical instructor by APTA. C. J. is also certified in trigger point dry needling. C. J. is a member of APTA, the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, and the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

Tammy Barton, PT, CMTPT

Supervisor, Owensboro Health MultiCare Physical Therapy
Madisonville, KY

Tammy is currently the Supervisor of Owensboro Health MultiCare Physical Therapy in Madisonville, Kentucky. She has been the supervisor of this clinic since 2006. She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy in 1992 from the University of Louisville. She is a Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist through Myopain Seminars and specializes in women’s health, industrial rehabilitation, and orthopedic rehabilitation. She serves as a clinical instructor for several PT/PTA programs and is the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education for Owensboro Health Medical Group at MultiCare Physical Therapy. In addition to serving on the University of Evansville DPT Advisory Board, she is an Advisory Board member for the Madisonville Community College Physical Therapy Assistant Program.

Maghan Bretz, PT, MPT

Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
Neurologic PT Residency Program Director and Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinical Mentor

PT Solutions at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville
maghan.bretz@ptsolutions.com

Maghan Bretz is a 2001 University of Evansville graduate with her Master of Physical Therapy. She is employed by PT Solutions, providing services at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. She currently serves as a treating clinician in both inpatient and outpatient, directs and mentors within the St. Vincent Evansville Neurologic Residency Program for physical therapists, consults with The Institute for Knowledge Translation Advanced Practice Curriculum, and teaches within the Doctoral Physical Therapy Program at the University of Evansville. She achieved board certification in neurologic physical therapy in 2016. Her primary caseload in outpatient rehabilitation includes stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease and vestibular dysfunction. Maghan has presented at the local, state and national level on several topics related to best practice in neurological rehabilitation.

Ryan Daywalt, MPT

Physical Therapist & PT Team Lead for Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital

Ryan is a physical therapist that has been with Encompass Health for 11 years. He is currently located at the Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Ryan received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy from UE. Ryan works primarily with orthopaedic, trauma, and spinal cord-injured patients. Before joining Encompass Health, Ryan worked in the acute care setting, treating patients who had undergone total joint replacement. Ryan is an instructor and content developer for continuing education courses focusing on spinal cord injuries and hip fractures. He lives with his wife and two children in Newburgh, Indiana.

Sherri Falconer, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

Dr. Falconer has been a physical therapist with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation since 2007. She received a Doctor in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2007. She earned both a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2001) and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (1999) from Saint Louis University. In addition to working for EVSC, Dr. Falconer also works in outpatient orthopaedics as a PRN physical therapist at Progressive Health. She is the CCCE and a clinical instructor at EVSC, and she works with children from 3 years to 22 years of age. Dr. Falconer is the President of Southern Indiana Friends of AMBUCS.

Brett Hirt, MPT, ATC

Director of Therapy Operations for Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital

Brett Hirt is the director of therapy operations for Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He leads a dynamic team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists that equip patients to return home and to their communities. Brett believes therapy changes destinies and restores life and hope. He has specific passions for neurological and orthopaedic patients, administration, and leadership. Brett is a 1996 graduate of UE, where he earned a Master of Science in physical therapy. He is also a licensed athletic trainer in the local high school setting. Brett has served as a national educator and trainer, regional director of therapy, and national therapy leadership board of directors member for Encompass Health.

Brian Kelly, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, COMT

Regional Director, ProRehab

Brian Kelly is a regional director with ProRehab in Evansville, Indiana. He studied physical therapy and athletic training at the University of Evansville and graduated with his Master of Physical Therapy in 1996. After working in Evansville for two and a half years at Tri-State Orthopedic Surgeons, he became the Rehab Coordinator at Wake Forest University in 1999 where he rehabbed all sports and did athletic training with the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams. In 2001, he returned to Evansville to work at ProRehab where he has continued to work as a regional director and continues to treat all types of orthopedic and sports patients. In 2004, he was certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a Sports Physical Therapist. He became a Maitland Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist in 2009 and then went back to get his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Kentucky. His passion is to treat soccer athletes, and he is the team physical therapist for the University of Evansville men’s and women’s soccer teams.

Kendall Kerker, PT, DPT, WCC

Director of Rehabilitation at West River Health Campus

Kendall is the Director of Rehabilitation at West River Health Campus, where she has worked for over nine years. Born and raised in Northern Colorado, she was recruited to play softball at the University of Evansville, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2013 and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2016.

In addition to her professional role, Kendall is the varsity head softball coach at Mater Dei High School and is completing her PhD in Health Professions Education at the University of Evansville.

Kendall has been married to her husband, Doug Kerker, for six years, and together they have a 3.5-year-old son, Carter Jay.

Kevin Lannan, PT, DPT, OCS

Founder and CEO of The MVMT Institute

Kevin is the CEO of The MVMT Institute, an outpatient physical therapy and performance practice in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Kevin received his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Evansville and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Arcadia University. Kevin is a board-certified specialist in orthopedics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He has also provided performance training for many high school, college, and professional athletes. He resides in Southern Indiana with his wife and 3 children.

Rachael McCullough, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center

Rachael received both her undergraduate in Exercise Science (2021) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (2023) at the University of Evansville. While a student at the University of Evansville, she was awarded the Mary McMillian Scholarship, participated in Indiana AHEC Scholars program, was a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion APTA Committee of Indiana, and co-lead the ACErcise organization. After graduation, she worked alongside one of her professors to publish a case report on Functional Neurologic Disorders and presented at the APTA Fall 2023 Conference. Rachael currently works as a clinician at Easterseals Rehabilitation Center where she sees a diverse population of older children, adults, and geriatric clients. She specializes in neurologic rehab, chronic pain, and aquatic therapy. She is currently in pursuit of becoming a board-certified neurologic specialist and is looking further into manual therapy and dry needling certifications. In the spring of 2024, Rachael started and now regularly leads a Parkinson’s Exercise group at SWIRCA called Total Parkinson’s. This year, Rachael became a clinical instructor and has enjoyed getting to share her knowledge and passion for the field of physical therapy. She values treating her clients in a whole-body approach and working with other health care disciplines for a well-rounded level of care.

Joey Pettyjohn, PT, DPT, OCS

Regional Director at ProRehab

Joey is a regional director for ProRehab in Evansville, Indiana. Joey graduated from the University of Evansville in 2001 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree. In 2010, he completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky. In 2013, Joey finished the Executive Program in Private Practice Management through Evidence in Motion. Joey is a member of the Orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association and has been a board-certified specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy since 2009. He specializes in the treatment of orthopedic related injuries with a special interest in manual therapy and the spine.

Craig Phifer, PT, MHA

President/CEO Rehabilitation & Performance Institute

Craig is the President/CEO of Rehabilitation & Performance Institute (RPI), an outpatient physical therapy practice with offices in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. He is a 2007 graduate of the UE Physical Therapy program and a 2010 graduate of the University of Southern Indiana Master of Health Administration program. Craig serves as a faculty member in the RPI-UE Orthopedic Residency program. He is the Assistant Managing Editor of Impact – the magazine of the Private Practice Section of the APTA. Craig also serves as a Private Practice Section Key Contact for legislators in the southern Indiana area. In addition, Craig helps mentor and coach private practice physical therapists through the Private Practice Rebellion.

Charity Pinkston, PT, DPT, ATP

Physical Therapist at Caretenders Home Health

Charity Pinkston currently serves as a physical therapist for Caretenders Home Health in Owensboro, KY. Charity is a native of Louisville Kentucky and completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Midway College in 1999. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Kentucky in 2002. Charity Pinkston obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2011 at the University of Kentucky. Charity is also credentialed as an Assistive Technology Professional and has strong interests in seating and positioning as well as physical therapy for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan.

Jennifer Schu, PT, MPT

Acute Care Clinical Mentor

PT Solutions at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville
jennifer.schu@ptsolutions.com

Jenny Schu graduated from UE in May 2004 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree. She is one of the two acute care mentors for the Ascension St. Vincent-Evansville Neurologic Residency Program. Since 2004, she has been a clinician in the acute care setting at Ascension St. Vincent-Evansville. She enjoys working in all areas of acute care, but her passion and primary focus has been serving as the primary physical therapist for the trauma population in St. Vincent-Evansville's level II trauma certified facility. Much of her continued education over the years has been focused on providing evidenced-based care to patients with acute traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Jenny is an advanced credentialed clinical instructor through APTA and is committed to providing the best possible acute care experience to the many students she has had to opportunity to instruct.

Jenny serves on a hospital-wide committee focused on improving patient experiences and assists with departmental performance improvement studies focusing on improving the quality of care and optimizing patient outcomes. Jenny is currently serving as treasurer for the Southwest district of the Indiana American Physical Therapy Association.

J.D. Stock, PT, DPT, OCS

Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services

J.D. Stock graduated from UE in 1996 with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. In 2010, he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky. Currently, he serves as the manager of rehabilitation at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, where he helps oversee all therapy services offered. J.D. obtained his Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist board certification in 2008 and was a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from 2009 through 2017. In the past, J.D. has served on the board of the Southwest District Indiana Physical Therapy Association.

Bob Tank, PT, DPT, OCS, MA, ATC

Bob obtained a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in Vermont before enrolling in the physical therapy graduate program at the University of Iowa. He completed a sports residency at Case Western Reserve University while also pursuing a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Kent State University. This led to his credentialing as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) before moving to Evansville in 1982. There, he opened a sports rehabilitation clinic and became an adjunct faculty member for the physical therapy program at UE. Bob finished his academic training at Marymount University, where he earned his Doctor in Physical Therapy.

With a strong interest in foot and ankle injuries, Bob has presented on the subject of foot biomechanics at more than 30 national conferences for physicians, therapists, and trainers, including all three of the Olympic Training Centers. He spent 10 years as a consultant for the Dr. Scholls brand, and he was a lead investigator for the Dynastep product line. Bob was also a foot orthotic provider to the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins.

Bob is a recent recipient of the Indiana State Physical Therapy Service Award, Indiana State Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year, and the Inaugural Friend of the UE Physical Therapy Program.

Daniel Underwood, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Director of Rehab Services for Gibson General Hospital

Daniel Underwood received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Evansville (2006), and he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky (2011). Underwood is a board-certified specialist in sports physical therapy and strength and conditioning through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is the director of rehab services at Gibson General Hospital STAR*ONE Rehab, and he has also served as an advisory committee member for the Vincennes University Physical Therapy Assistant program.

Ryan Wood, PT, DPT, MHA, OCS

Co-Owner of Forefront Therapy and Co-Founder of the Nonprofit: Forefront Community Therapy

Dr. Ryan Wood, PT, DPT, MHA, OCS is Co-Owner of Forefront Therapy and Co-Founder of the Nonprofit: Forefront Community Therapy. He operates as CEO for both organizations and is proud to work with such an amazing team. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Saint Louis University. Ryan attended the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at the University of Chicago Medicine and is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He received his Master of Health Administration (MHA) at the University of Southern Indiana. He participates in research, provides lectures, presents at state/national/international conferences, and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed medical literature. He is a strong advocate for his profession, serving in multiple roles for the American Physical Therapy Association Indiana Chapter, currently as a Delegate for the state.

Academic Programs Physical Therapy

Academic Programs
Physical Therapy