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.<br/ >
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.

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.

Maghan Bretz, PT, MPT, NCS

Rehabilitation Coordinator, Physical Medicine at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville

3700 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN 47750
812-485-5696
maghan.bretz@ascension.org

Maghan Bretz graduated from UE in 2001 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree. In addition to her role as the director of the neurologic residency program, she serves as a mentor and clinician in the inpatient and outpatient settings, facilitating the translation of evidence from the research lab to neurologic patient care. She is particularly passionate about the implementation of high intensity gait training in the stroke, spinal cord and brain injury patient population. Maghan serves as the site coordinator of clinical education at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, teaches as an adjunct professor in the DPT program at UE, and is a credentialed clinical instructor through APTA. Maghan obtained her Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) board certification in 2016, one of the two current specialists in Southwestern Indiana. Additionally, she is a certified Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) BIG therapist, optimizing independent mobility and promoting wellness in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

In the past, Maghan has served on the board of directors for the Southwest District Indiana Physical Therapy Association. Currently, she serves as a committee member on the Locomotor Training Clinical Practice Guideline Knowledge Translation (KT) Task Force, charged with dissemination and implementation of current evidence on walking recovery in the chronic ambulatory stroke, brain injury, and motor incomplete spinal cord injury populations.

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.

Hannah LaMar, PT, DPT, NCS, ATC

(she/her/hers)

Clinical Assistant Professor
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

hl38@evansville.edu

Dr. Lamar teaches neurorehabilitation content at UE. She graduated from the University of Evansville's Athletic Training program in 2016 and the Doctoral Physical Therapy program in 2019. Following graduation, she completed St. Vincent Evansville & University of Evansville's Neurologic Residency Program and continues to serve as a clinical mentor within the residency program. Dr. Lamar became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2021 and continues to practice in inpatient rehabilitation at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. Her research interests include locomotor recovery after stroke and spinal cord injuries, as well as knowledge translation projects in the inpatient rehab setting.

Michael Muscarella, PT, DPT, LDE

Executive Director of Ambulatory Services for Baptist Health Paducah

Mike Muscarella is the executive director of ambulatory services for Baptist Health Paducah, and in his role he oversees rehabilitation services, respiratory care, palliative care, neurodiagnostics, the wound care center, and the sleep center. He has worked at Baptist Health since 1991 and is also responsible for the hospital’s community health needs assessment. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky (UK) and a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Old Dominion University. Mike has served as an adjunct faculty member for UK’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program for 13 years. He has also served as president of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association and the Rotary Club of Paducah. Currently, he is the advisory board chair for the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Murray State University and serves as the chair of the UK College Of Health Sciences Philanthropy Council. He is also a member of the advisory boards for Western Kentucky University’s Center for Gifted Studies, Gatton Math and Science Academy, and DPT program, UE’s DPT program, and Murray State’s Occupational Therapy program. Additionally, Mike advises Healthy Paducah, McCracken County’s community health coalition.

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

Director of Physical Therapy at Wendell Foster

Charity Pinkston has served as the Director of Physical Therapy at Wendell Foster in Owensboro, KY since 2003. 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 serves as the PT on the AT Monitoring Committee for the State of Kentucky’s First Steps Program. Charity Pinkston has strong interests in pediatrics as well as physical therapy for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan.

Jenny Schu, PT, MPT

Staff Physical Therapist and Clinical Mentor for Acute Care at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville

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

Owner and Partner of ProRehab

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. Bob has been an owner and partner of ProRehab since 2003.

Shelly Tyler, DPT, COMT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Physical Therapist, Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer, and Residency Program Director

sr85@evansville.edu

Shelly, a native of Owensboro, Kentucky, graduated from UE in 2010 with her Doctor in Physical Therapy. Following graduation, she completed her Certificate of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) through the Ola Grimsby Institute and became a board-certified Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) in 2013. In 2016, Shelly graduated from Regis University as Owensboro's first and only Fellow of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy.

Shelly is certified in Level 1 and 2 Functional Dry Needling, Functional Movement Systems, the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, and Y-balance Testing. Shelly is also Level 1 Certified for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation with the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and incorporates this training with a movements system to optimize movement for female athletes. She is a credentialed clinical instructor through the APTA and teaches as an adjunct professor at UE. Shelly is a founder and co-owner of Rehabilitation & Performance Institute and initiated the first class of Rehabilitation & Performance Institute, PSC and the UE's Orthopaedic Residency Program in 2018.

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.

Julie A. Wickham, PT, DPT

Lead Pediatric Physical Therapist for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (Culver Family Learning Center)

Dr. Wickham is the lead physical therapist with Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC). Dr. Wickham received her Doctor in Physical Therapy from Marymount University (2009), Master of Health Science in neurological physical therapy with an emphasis in pediatrics from the University of Indianapolis (1991), and Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Indiana University (1987). Dr. Wickham has worked in the area of pediatrics for over 30 years and currently serves students from 3 years to 22 years of age, focusing on the early childhood program. She is a member of the EVSC Early Childhood Special Education Arena Assessment Team. Dr. Wickham is engaged in her community and serves as a member of Southern Indiana Friends of AMBUCS, a non-profit organization which provides adapted tricycles to children with mobility impairments.

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