NAU DPT Aquatic Exercise Program
About Us
Sobre Nosotros
Our
Story
Nuestra Historia
As physical therapy students we focus primarily on more traditional physical therapy settings, such as orthopedics, neurology, and inpatient. We have been exposed to other specialties that PTs can work in, as well as alternative therapies. Aquatic therapy was mentioned multiple times in our courses, and as two Arizona natives, we wanted to learn more about the benefits of this alternative therapy. It was important to us that we not only read about this therapy, but also become involved and put it into practice! One of our instructors, Dr. Valerie Carter, had established a community aquatic exercise program for the community before COVID-19 struck. We knew that this was a program that needed to be revived and we brought it upon ourselves with Dr. Valerie Carter to bring it back. We were able to have our first successful revival in Fall 2022 and plan to keep it running for years to come.
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Como estudiantes de terapia física nos centramos en terapia física más tradicional, como ortopedia, neurología, o hospitalización. Nos vemos otras especialidades por terapistas, también terapias alternativas. La Terapia Acuática se ha mencionado varias veces en nuestras clases, y queremos aprender más sobre los beneficios de esta terapia alternativa. Era importante que no solo leemos sobre esta terapia, sino que estemos involucrados y practicándola! Una de nuestras profesoras, Dr. Valerie Carter, ha establecido un programa ejercicio comunidad antes de COVID-19 occure. Sabíamos que este programa necesita regresar y hacemos con Dr. Valerie Carter. Tuvimos nuestros primeros el retorno en Otoño 2022, y el plan es continuar por años.
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Hello / Hola
My name is Valerie Carter, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS
Mi nombre es Valerie Carter, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS
I am a Graduate of Northern Arizona University, a board certified Neurological and Geriatric Specialist and a Clinical Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff AZ. I graduated from NAU with my BS in Physical Therapy in 1989, a masters in 1996 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2002. Presently I instruct DPT students in neuroscience, pediatrics, neuro therapeutic and coordinate the neuro clinics at NAU in Flagstaff AZ. Research interests include application of neuroplasticity techniques for individuals with static and neurodegenerative brain pathologies. I have instructed rehabilitation therapists (PTs/OTs) both nationally and internationally regarding Neuro Anatomy, functional recovery for persons with hemiparesis and wellness for persons with Parkinson’s.
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Soy un graduado de Universidad del Norte Arizona, certificado un Neurológico y una especícola geriátrica, y una profesora del clínico en el departamento de terapia física al Universidad del Norte Arizona en Flagstaff, AZ. Graduado de NAU con mi especialización (BS) en terapia física en 1989, la maestría en 1996, y un doctorado en 2002. Ahora, enseño estudiantes de DPT en neurociencia, pediátricos, neuro terapéuticas, y coordino el clínico de neuro a NAU en Flagstaff, AZ. Mi interés de investigaciones incluye la aplicación de las techinas de neuroplasticidad por los individuos con patológicos de cerebro estática y neurodivergente. He ordenado terapistas de rehabilitación a los niveles de nacional e internacional sobre anatomía del neuro, la recuperación funcional por las personas con hemiparesia y el bienestar para las personas con Parkinson.
Hello / Hola
My name is Cindy Thomann, PT, DPT
Mi nombre es Cindy Thomann, PT, DPT
I am an NAU graduate with a BS in Psychology and an adaptive PE and dance minor. I received my PT degree in 1983, and stayed in the small town of Flagstaff to work a variety of PT jobs until I became full time at FMC. I got a lot of experience in acute care orthopedics, ICU, rehabilitation, home health, cardiac rehab, and wished for a pool at the hospital, as I would take my pool appropriate patients to the Flagstaff Athletic Club, City Aquaplex, or NAU pool to perform therapy. My wish came true for a pool at the hospital and then I became more immersed in the water world of physical therapy. I became Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute certified, did all my continuing education in the water, honing my skills in BadRaGaz, PNF, Hallowick, and Watsu techniques. I have done a bit of aquatic lectures and training locally for different PT groups, and of course making sure that the NAU DPT students know the basics of aquatic PT.
Hello / Hola
My name is Nate Engebrecht, SPT
Mi nombre es Nate Engebrecht, SPT
Hello! I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in May 2023 before coming to NAU. I am a lifelong swimmer and love what the water can offer for a wide variety of patient populations. I’m thrilled to be more involved in this program and seeing all that it can do in our community over the next few years.
¡Hola! Soy de Milwaukee, Wisconsin, y me gradué de la Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison en mayo de 2023 antes de venir a NAU. Soy nadador de toda la vida y me encanta lo que el agua puede ofrecer a una amplia variedad de pacientes. Me entusiasma participar más en este programa y ver todo lo que puede hacer por nuestra comunidad en los próximos años.
Hello / Hola
My name is David Hill, SPT
Mi nombre es David Hill, SPT
Hello! I grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona before moving to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona where I received my bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Medical Sciences in 2022. In the time between then and August of 2024, I fell in love with physical therapy as a profession, and look forward to all that physical therapy has in store for my future. I learned about aquatic therapy and everything it can do for patients in the first semester of PT school, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a part in this program moving forward. Hope to see you in the pool soon!
¡Hola! Crecí en Cave Creek, Arizona, antes de mudarme a Tucson para asistir a la Universidad de Arizona, donde obtuve mi licenciatura en Fisiología y Ciencias Médicas en 2022. Entre esa fecha y agosto de 2024, me enamoré de la fisioterapia como profesión y espero con ilusión todo lo que me depara el futuro. Aprendí sobre la terapia acuática y todo lo que puede hacer por los pacientes durante el primer semestre de la carrera, y estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de participar en este programa de ahora en adelante. ¡Espero verte pronto en la piscina!
Hello / Hola
My name is Meghan Kloos, SPT
Mi nombre es Meghan Kloos, SPT
Hello! My name is Meghan Kloos and I am a Student Physical Therapist at NAU! In 2024, I graduated with my bachelors degree in exercise physiology from NAU as well. I am from Prescott, Arizona and I was a competitive swimmer throughout high school. I have also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor and I am so excited to combine my love of the water with physical therapy! I hope to continue aquatic therapy wherever I end up!
¡Hola! Me llamo Meghan Kloos y soy estudiante de fisioterapia en la NAU. En 2024, también me gradué de la NAU con mi licenciatura en fisiología del ejercicio. Soy de Prescott, Arizona, y fui nadadora competitiva durante toda la preparatoria. También trabajé como salvavidas e instructora de natación, ¡Estoy muy emocionada de combinar mi pasión por el agua con la fisioterapia! ¡Espero seguir con la terapia acuática dondequiera que me encuentre!
