Physical Therapy

Faculty & Staff

JEANNETTE ANDERSON, PT, MHS, MTC
Clinical Instructor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
Education:
BS Physical Therapy    Georgia State University
MHS  Orthopedic Physical Therapy University of Indianapolis
DHS  in process     University of Indianapolis

Jeannette Anderson is certified in Manual Therapy and is completing her Doctor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Indianapolis.  In addition to her 20 years of clinical experience in outpatient and acute-care settings and academic experience at Western Carolina University, Ms. Anderson most recently served as a clinic director for Physiotherapy Associates.

JOSEPH M. DONNELLY, PT, DHS, OCS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Education:
BS  Physical Therapy   Daemen College
MS  Orthopedic Physical Therapy University of Pittsburgh
DHS  Orthopedic Physical Therapy University of Indianapolis

Dr. Donnelly is a certified orthopedic specialist. He has studied extensively both in the United States and abroad. In addition to his teaching at GSU, Dr. Donnelly has also taught at Daemen College and University of Pittsburgh. He is active in the APTA and is Chief Delegate of Georgia to the APTA House of Delegates.

PHILLIP FABRIZIO, PT, DPT, MS, CEAS
Clinical Instructor
Education:
 BS  Exercise Science   University of Pittsburgh
 MS  Exercise Physiology   University of Pittsburgh
 MPT  Physical Therapy   Duquesne University  
 DPT Physical Therapy   Marymount University

Dr. Fabrizio is a certified ergonomics assessment.   Prior to joining the GSU faculty, Dr. Fabrizio was a Clinical Instructor at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA, directed the anatomy lab and worked in outpatient and acute-care clinical settings.  He research involves descriptive anatomical studies and aging effects on skeletal muscle.  

ALYSSA LAFORME FISS, PT, PhD, PCS
Assistant Professor
Education:
 BS Physical Therapy   The Ohio State University
 MPT Physical Therapy   The Ohio State University
 PhD Rehabilitation Science University of Kentucky

Dr. LaForme Fiss has practiced in early intervention pediatric outpatient and long term acute care settings.  Her doctoral research focused on service delivery models and use of playgroups in pediatric physical therapy.  She holds Board Certified Specialization in pediatric physical therapy from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.  Dr. LaForma Fiss continues to practice in early intervention.

DEBORAH MICHAEL, PT, DPT, CPed
Clinical Assistant Professor
Education:
BS  Biology/Neuroscience Duke University  
MS  Physical Therapy  Washington University Program
DPT  Physical Therapy  Washington University Program 

Dr. Michael has practiced in acute care, wound care, outpatient, and nursing home settings.  She has held positions at both staff and supervisory levels.  She is also a certified pedorthist.  Dr. Michael’s capstone project for her Post-Professional DPT degree focused on integrating the physical stress theory in the treatment of foot and ankle.  Dr. Michael is interested in community wellness initiatives for adults with type II diabetes.

LESLIE TAYLOR, PT, PhD
Associate Professor, Division Head
Education:
BS  Physical Therapy Georgia State University
MS  Counseling  Georgia State University
PhD  Sociology  Georgia State University
 Gerontology Graduate Certification

Dr. Taylor’s research focuses on physical function and older adults, specifically on developing and evaluating physical activity interventions to maximize the independence, quality of life, and quality of care of those who are frail and chronically ill.  Her teaching interests include rheumatology, geriatrics/gerontology, psychosocial aspects of disease and disability, and evidence-based research.

DEON LEE THOMPSON, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Education:
BS  Physical Education   Wake Forest University
MA  Exercise Physiology   Wake Forest University
PhD  Exercise Physiology   University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Thompson is an Exercise Physiologist and has practiced in the field of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in the clinical setting for six years. She holds certification through the American College of Sports Medicine as Rehabilitative Program Director. She is a Fellow in the American Academy for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

NIAMH TUNNEY, PT, DPT
Clinical Assistant Professor
Education:
DipPhysio  Physiotherapy   Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
MS   Allied Health Professions  Georgia State University
DPT   Physical Therapy                       Massachusetts General Hospital          Institute for Health Professions                                                                                                                                           

Dr. Tunney has 16 years clinical practice with a concentration in adult neurological rehabilitation. She has held positions at both staff and supervisory levels. Dr. Tunney’s research addresses motor learning and the older adult.

TAI WANG, PhD
Associate Professor
Education:
BS   Exercise Science Wuhan Institute of Physical Education,  China
MS   Exercise Science Wuhan Institute of Physical Education,  China
MA   Biomechanics   Ball State University
PhD   Rehabilitation Biomechanics University of Illinois

Dr. Wang’s research focus is on three dimensional kinematical and kinetic analysis of gait, balance, and muscle strength for the elderly, neuromuscular function, and three dimensional kinematical patterns in wheelchair locomotion and rehabilitation as well as the use of tai chi as a rehabilitative intervention.  Dr. Wang has expertise in computer modeling and simulation of human movement.

GORDON WARREN, PhD
Professor
Education:
BS  Nuclear Engineering  Georgia Institute of Technology
MS  Biomedical Engineering/  Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Radiological Sciences
PhD  Exercise Physiology   University of Georgia
  Post-doctoral studies Muscle Physiology

Dr. Warren joined the GSU faculty in 1998. After completing his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia in 1989, he has worked as a research scientist in the field of muscle physiology. His research interests include exercise- and work-induced muscle injury and the functional relationship between muscle and bone.

Emeriti Professors

Marylou Barnes, PT, EdD, FAPTA
Chair, 1981-1990

Carolyn Crutchfield, PT, EdD, FAPTA
Professor

Pat Yarbrough, PT, PhD
Program Founder, Chair, 1970-1981

Part Time Faculty

Lynne Fries, PT, DPT, MPA
Russ Foley, PT MPT
Scott Freedman, PT, MPT, SCS
Varsha Kanvinde, PT, CCS
Tim McMahon, PT, MPT, OCS
Katharine Midgett, PT, MPT
Stephanie Puffer, PT, DPT
Aimee Reiss, PT, MPT
Jason Reiss, PT, MPT
Ellen Perlow, PT
Barney Poole, PT, Med, ATC
Marlysa Sullivan, PT, MPT
Brian Yee, PT, MPT

Adjunct Clinical Faculty

Pam Buttram, PT, DPT
Michael Shacklock, PT,
Herb Silver, PT, MBA, ECS, OCS
Dave Simons, MD