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.
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.
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.
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 Katie Chapman, SPT
Mi nombre es Katie Chapman, SPT
Hello! I am from Lowell, Oregon and graduated from Western Oregon University in 2025 before joining the PT program here at NAU! I have always loved the outdoors and movement which is what led me to Flagstaff. I am so excited to be part of this program and learn more about what the pool can offer people!
¡Hola! Soy de Lowell, Oregón, y me gradué de la Universidad Western Oregon en 2025 antes de unirme al programa de fisioterapia aquí en NAU. Siempre me ha encantado la naturaleza y el ejercicio, lo que me trajo a Flagstaff. ¡Estoy muy emocionada de formar parte de este programa y aprender más sobre los beneficios que la terapia acuática puede ofrecer a las personas!
Hello / Hola
My name is Nicole Huff, SPT
Mi nombre es Nicole Huff, SPT
I am from Landenberg, PA and graduated with my B.S. in Exercise Science from NAU in May 2023. I fell in love with the mountains of Flagstaff and couldn’t dream of a better place to stay as I pursue my DPT. As a lifelong endurance athlete, I've come to value the joy and freedom found in movement. I’m excited to be part of this program as we strive to make movement opportunities attainable for members of our community.
Soy de Landenberg, Pensilvania, y me gradué con una licenciatura en Ciencias del Ejercicio de la Universidad del Norte de Arizona (NAU) en mayo de 2023. Me enamoré de las montañas de Flagstaff y no podría imaginar un lugar mejor para vivir mientras realizo mis estudios de doctorado en fisioterapia. Como deportista de resistencia de toda la vida, he aprendido a valorar la alegría y la libertad que se encuentran en el movimiento. Me entusiasma formar parte de este programa y contribuir a que las oportunidades de movimiento sean accesibles para todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad.
Hello / Hola
My name is Connor Spanos, SPT
Mi nombre es Connor Spanos, SPT
I am from Seward, Alaska, and graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in December of 2024, before starting the physical therapy program here at NAU. I swam competitively from when I was 8 years old, until I finished my senior year of college, so I am more than comfortable spending time in the water! I’m very excited to continue this great program, and continue to benefit the Flagstaff community while I am here!
Soy de Seward, Alaska, y me gradué de la Universidad Estatal de Saginaw Valley en diciembre de 2024, antes de comenzar el programa de fisioterapia aquí en NAU. Practiqué natación de forma competitiva desde los 8 años hasta que terminé mi último año de universidad, ¡así que me siento muy a gusto en el agua! Estoy muy emocionada de continuar con este excelente programa y de seguir contribuyendo a la comunidad de Flagstaff durante mi estancia aquí.
