Meet Our Faculty

 

 

Salome Brooks, PT, EdD, MBA, MS,
Program Director, Associate Professor

(603) 647-3500
Brookss@franklinpierce.edu

Salome Brooks, Ph.D., is the Program Director and an Associate Professor of our Physical Therapy department. She is a dedicated educator bringing extensive experience and leadership in physical therapy education. Dr. Brooks' academic and professional focus supports the advancement of healthcare education, emphasizing practical, patient-centered approaches that prepare students for dynamic roles in the physical therapy field.

Olga L.M. McSorley, PT, DPT
Director of Clinical Education, Asst Professor

(603) 647-3553
mcsorleyo@franklinpierce.edu

Dr. Olga L. M. McSorley serves as the Director of Clinical Education and an Assistant Professor at Franklin Pierce University's College of Health & Natural Sciences. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University. Currently, she is pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning at Rivier University. Dr. McSorley's research interests focus on clinical education, professional development, and aquatic physical therapy. She is an active member of several professional organizations, such as the American Physical Therapy Association and the New England Consortium of Clinical Educators, where she serves as Treasurer. Dr. McSorley has contributed to her field through numerous conference presentations, including topics like aquatic therapy for patients with lower-limb amputation and innovative teaching methods in physical therapy education.

 

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

bonds@franklinpierce.edu
(603) 647-3555

Stefanie Bond is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University. She is licensed physical therapist and a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatrics, which means I focus on helping older adults stay healthy and active. She teaches how to care for patients and improve movement and function. She enjoys helping students build their skills and confidence so they can become caring and knowledgeable physical therapists. Her goal is to support student success while promoting better health and quality of life for the people they will serve.

 

 

Ross Childs, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor

(603) 647-3552
childsro@franklinpierce.edu

Ross Childs is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Franklin Pierce University. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, he plays a pivotal role in preparing future healthcare professionals. His affiliation with Franklin Pierce underscores his dedication to advancing the field of physical therapy through education, research, and mentorship.

  Theresa O'Neil, PT, MS, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor

(603) 647-3500
oneilt@franklinpierce.edu  
 

Theresa O’Neil is an Assistant Professor in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in New Hampshire and a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist who also serves as a clinical resource specialist in vestibular and post-concussion rehabilitation for Beth Israel Lahey Health in Woburn, Massachusetts. Her work integrates advanced clinical practice with educational research focused on learning theory, cognitive science, and Master Adaptive Learning, examining how instructional design and learner variability influence student engagement and performance in physical therapy education. She is dedicated to evidence-based teaching strategies that promote metacognition, self-regulated learning, and adaptive expertise while fostering inclusive, learner-centered environments. Dr. O’Neil presents at national and regional conferences, contributes to interdisciplinary research in neurologic and orthopaedic rehabilitation, and supports certification standards as an item writer for the APTA Orthopaedic Specialist exam. A residency-trained orthopaedic manual therapist and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, she combines expertise in anatomy, clinical care, and pedagogy to advance the development of skilled, evidence-informed physical therapists.

 

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

College of Health & Natural Sciences

palanok@franklinpierce.edu
(603) 647-3554

Kathryn Palano is a physical therapist and educator who focuses on helping people with neurologic conditions improve their movement and quality of life. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and later completed a Master of Public Health at Indiana University Bloomington. Palano has worked in both hospital and community settings, including at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and with rehabilitation programs in Maine, where she specializes in neurologic and prosthetic rehabilitation. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy and also teaches as a lab instructor in doctoral physical therapy programs. In addition to her clinical and teaching work, she serves as a leader in the Maine chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, where she supports education, collaboration, and advocacy for physical therapists.

 

 

Jeannie Perry
Program Coordinator

perryj@franklinpierce.edu 
(603) 647-3550

Jeannie Perry is the Program Coordinator of the New Hampshire DPT program. She works primarily with the Clinical Education Department assisting with student placements, compliance, calendars, mailings, and maintaining contracts.  She is responsible for coordinating the clinicals in our database, as well as any other administrative duties pertaining to the student clinicals.  In addition, Jeannie works at a administrative capacity, supervising the Work Study students and schedules, maintaining the lab supplies, and Adjunct Faculty/Lab Assistant pay forms. 

 

 Saniya Waghmare, PT, MPT, PhD, Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor

waghmares@franklinpierce.edu
(603) 647-3557

Dr. Waghmare is an Assistant Professor in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. She earned her degrees in physical therapy and rehabilitation science, including a PhD. She teaches courses such as cardiopulmonary care, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and research, and enjoys helping students understand how the body works and how to use evidence in their practice. Her research focuses on exercise, cardiovascular health, and how the heart and brain are connected, especially in people recovering from conditions like stroke. She is  passionate about promoting healthy living and helping students become skilled and thoughtful physical therapists.

 

Justin Walker PT, DPT, OCS
Assistant Professor

 

 

Justin Walker, is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University. He earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics.  He teaches courses such as kinesiology, foundations of physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, and pain neuroscience. He enjoys helping students understand how the body moves and heals, and is passionate about preparing them to become skilled and confident physical therapists.

 

Tara White, DPT
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

(603) 647-3561
twhite@franklinpierce.edu

Tara White, is the Director of Clinical Education and an Assistant Professor at Franklin Pierce University. With a robust background in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Tara oversees clinical education for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, ensuring students gain practical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

 

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