Meet the Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty and Staff

BS Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Boulder 
MPH Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
PhD Health Promotion and Wellness, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions 

Areas of Expertise
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, public and population health, health promotion and wellness, psychological resilience, social determinants of health

Accomplishments and Published Articles
Linda Crane Memorial Lecture Award, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Education, and Pediatric Sections of APTA, 2016.
Dunleavy K, Mejia-Downs, A, Green Guerrero H, Wentzell E, Rucker-Bussie VM, Davenport TE, Magnusson D. Embedding Population Health in Physical Therapist Professional Education, Physical Therapy. 2021
Mejia-Downs, A. An Intervention Enhances Resilience in Entry-Level Physical Therapy Students: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2020.

Involvement
American Physical Therapy Association
Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness Council: Component Ambassador
Manuscript Reviewer: Pacific Journal of Health, Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
Abstract Reviewer: Annual American Public Health Association Conference Presentations
Pro Bono Patient Care, WSSU DPT Student Supervision and Spanish Translation, Community Care Clinic, Winston-Salem, NC

BA Kinesiology, Concordia University - St. Paul, MN
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University, Arizona 
Board Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
PhD North Carolina State University, December 2024

Areas of Expertise
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy

Accomplishments and Published Articles
Bolden A, Shaw DK, Garvito E. Comparison of arterial blood pressures obtained following four different rest intervals
Garavito E, Varnado K, Shaw DK, Dichraff B, Glew D, Somyoo N. Comparison of resting pulse and heart rate values obtained on the same subjects over four time intervals: What are the clinical implications?
Varnado K, Shaw DK, Garavito E, Gadagkar S. Do four different pulse and heart rate methods employed simultaneously render the same results in subjects measured at rest?

Involvement
Member of Academy of Education (APTA)
Member of Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (APTA)
Member of American Physical Therapy Association
Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section

BS Kinesiological Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
BS Sports and Fitness Management, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University
EdD Educational Leadership, College of Saint Mary
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Areas of Expertise
Movement Science, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, Differential Diagnosis

Accomplishments and Published Articles
Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Research 2016
MediFit Bronze Star Award 2008

Involvement
Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Center
Special Olympics Arizona

BBA Kent State University 
BS  Physical Therapy, Nazareth College
MS  Physical Therapy, Nazareth College  
PhD Health Practice Research, University of Rochester
DPT MGH Institute of Health Professions