Physical Therapy Faculty
Core Faculty
Norman Ayotte, PT, MPT, DSc, Cert. MDT, Cert. TDN, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor
Dr. Norm Ayotte is an associate professor of Physical Therapy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Oregon University and his Master of Physical Therapy and Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy from the U.S. Army-Baylor University programs. He was fellowship trained in orthopedic manual physical therapy and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He was a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy for 20 years. He served in and retired from the U.S. Army. His primary teaching responsibilities are in anatomy, examination, and treatment of the spine, differential diagnosis, and service-learning components of the curriculum. His clinical research interests are in rock climbing and the training and application of manual therapy techniques to the body. He has a mini-farm south of Louisville, Kentucky, where he has horses, chickens, and ducks.
Sonja Bareiss, PT, MPT, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Sonja K. Bareiss is a professor of Physical Therapy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University and a Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Dr. Bareiss teaches courses in neuroscience, pharmacology, research methods, pain mechanisms and treatments, and human performance and health promotion. She also is director of the Let’s Dance Service-Learning Clinic and coordinator of the DPT Scholars program. Her scholarly work focuses on pain associated with central nervous system injury, neurodegenerative disease, and exercise-based interventions that promote neuroprotection and improve quality of life. Dr. Bareiss serves as an associate editor for the journal PAIN and has received the American Physical Therapy Association’s Jack Walker Award for co-authoring the best published article in Physical Therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, playing tennis, spending time with family, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.
Tony Brosky, PT, DHSc
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Professor and Dean of the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Tony Brosky serves as dean of the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences and he holds a faculty appointment in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. He was instrumental in launching our service-learning program. His clinical research interests are in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremity and in the development and impact of community engagement activities on students and faculty in the health professions.
Lisa Cecil, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor
Lisa Cecil graduated from Bellarmine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2011. She has spent time working in pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and pelvic health. Throughout her career, she has provided community education and engagement and served as a clinical instructor. Lisa started adjunct teaching at Bellarmine University in 2023. She subsequently started the Ph.D. in Healthcare Professions Education and is on track to graduate in Spring 2027. Her areas of scholarship and clinical practice interests include student success, pediatrics, and pelvic health. Lisa is the associate director of clinical education and her teaching involvement includes service-learning and community engagement and pediatrics.
Megan Danzl, PT, DPT, PhD
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Professor & Chair
Dr. Megan Danzl is professor and chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. She teaches Introduction to Acute Care, Service-Learning, Neurology, and Neurological Rehabilitation for the Adult Patient. She also serves on dissertation committees for Ph.D. in Health Professions Education students. She’s a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy and provides patient care in the acute care setting. Her scholarship interests include community-based neurologic rehabilitation and programs, the use of qualitative research methods in physical therapy, and patient and caregiver education. She serves in the Bellarmine University and Norton Healthcare Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency. She lives on the family homestead in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and enjoys farm life, family time, and traveling.
Patricia D. Gillette, BSPT, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita
Dr. Patty Gillette was a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy and a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her primary teaching responsibilities were in acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, human performance, health promotion, gerontology, and service-learning. Her research interests were in balance and falls prevention with aging adults and cardiovascular risk factors in persons with diabetes.
Dawn Hall-Bibb, PT, MPT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Dawn Hall-Bibb is an associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from the University of Illinois, a Master of Physical Therapy from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Illinois State University. With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Hall-Bibb teaches Musculoskeletal Examination, Biophysical Agents, Psychosocial Responses in Physical Therapy, Infection Control, and Acute Care. She also leads Active Steps for Diabetes, Bellarmine’s service-learning clinic focused on diabetes education and community outreach. Dr. Hall-Bibb mentors prospective and current students and promotes physical therapy careers to learners from K-12 through graduate education. She serves on Bellarmine’s Greek Life Task Force, Academic Policy Review Committee, and Academic Advising Advisory Council, and is faculty advisor for the Pre-PT Club and collegiate Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her research interests include diabetes education, student belonging, service-learning, teaching and learning, and perceptions of the physical therapy profession. Dr. Hall-Bibb’s contributions were recognized with the inaugural Dr. Patricia Carver Women in Leadership Award and a Bellarmine University “Bellie” Award for Service.
Julie Hartmann, PT, DSc
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Program Director, Geriatric Residency
Dr. Julie Hartmann is an associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University. She received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 1985, a Master of Education in Health Education from Penn State University in 1994, and a D.Sc. in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland in 2011. She has been a physical therapist for over 40 years with a primary focus in geriatrics for the past 25 years. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She also serves as the director of the Bellarmine University Geriatric Residency. Her current teaching responsibilities include PT516: Interconnectedness Between Biopsychosocial and Teaching and Learning; PT580: Geriatrics; PT645: Rehabilitation Techniques; and PT591/691/592/692: Service-Learning Clinic. She serves as faculty advisor for community partner projects and capstone projects. Her primary research focus is team teaching in DPT programs and the impact of oral health on overall health.
Callie Latham, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Dr. Callie E. Latham is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy with advanced training in pelvic health physical therapy and perinatal care. She teaches functional anatomy, orthopaedics, differential diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of the extremities and spine, and pelvic health courses within the DPT curriculum. Her clinical expertise informs her teaching, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and preparing students for contemporary physical therapy practice. Her scholarly interests include women's and pelvic health physical therapy for perinatal populations, inclusive excellence and belonging in physical therapy education, and student success in graduate education.
Dennis Lesch, PT, CEEAA
Professor Emeritus
Professor Dennis Lesch was a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy for 20 years and a certified exercise expert for aging adults. He established the Bellarmine University Geriatric Residency Program prior to his retirement. His clinical interests are in geriatric care with special expertise in prosthetics and amputee rehab. He continues to teach as adjunct faculty in areas of clinical interest and experience, lending a keen eye for the extremely obvious.
Elizabeth Levay, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Dr. Elizabeth Levay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgetown College in 2012, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017, and a Ph.D. in Health Professions Education in 2022, both from Bellarmine University. She is a board-certified pelvic and women’s health clinical specialist. Dr. Levay teaches across multiple content areas including research, pelvic health, musculoskeletal practice, psychosocial issues, and biophysical agents. Her research interests include pelvic health education and simulation, student and programmatic assessment methods, and understanding the impact of connective tissue disorders on complex pelvic presentations. In addition to her research, Dr. Levay led advocacy efforts at the local and state levels for individuals living with connective tissue disorders. She practices clinically, specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor and orthopedic conditions in individuals with hypermobility. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with the Academy of Pelvic Health, traveling, reading fantasy books, and spending time with her family and cats.
Paul Lonnemann, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Associate Professor
Dr. Paul Lonnemann, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, earned his Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Louisville and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. He currently serves as an associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bellarmine University and manages an active clinical practice. His teaching responsibilities include orthopedics, clinical anatomy, spine and extremity evaluation and treatment, leadership, management, and mentoring capstone activities. His scholarship focuses on optimal teaching practices and clinical case studies drawn from his active patient care caseload. Professionally, Dr. Lonnemann is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He remains deeply active in national and state leadership, having served as a past APTA Indiana president, House of Delegates member, Indiana PAC chair, state legislative committee member, and AAOMPT practice affairs member. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family managing their historic five-acre farm in Starlight, Indiana.
Nathan Nevin, PT, DPT, MTC, FAAOMPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Dr. Nate Nevin earned his Bachelor of Health Science and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Bellarmine University. He earned a certification in manual physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine. He is fellowship-trained in orthopedic manual physical therapy and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He is also a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. He has many years of experience treating patients in an orthopedic environment and currently works at the MVMT Institute, a private practice in southern Indiana. He is an assistant professor and the director of admissions for the DPT program. His primary teaching responsibilities are in clinical and functional anatomy and in the examination and treatment of the extremities and the spine. He received the Frances C. Ekstam Award from APTA Indiana in 2023. He enjoys running, biking, swimming, and is an avid sports fan.
Chantal Prewitt, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Chantal Prewitt earned her Ph.D. in Anatomy and Neurobiology from the University of Kentucky. She teaches Gross Anatomy, Neuroscience, and Differential Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Complex Problems. Her research interests include anatomical variations and their clinical implications, pelvic health education, and screening tests in the sport climbing population and their potential clinical applications.
Beth Quinn, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Associate Professor & Director of Clinical Education
Dr. Beth Quinn earned her physical therapy degrees from AT Still University and the University of Evansville. She serves as the director of clinical education which supports full-time clinical experiences and integrated service-learning clinic experiences. Her primary teaching responsibilities include clinical education and service-learning. Her professional and scholarship interests include clinical learning experiences, geriatrics, and acute care. Dr. Quinn is a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy and continues to provide care in the acute care setting.
Hayleigh Raiff, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
Dr. Hayleigh Raiff is a residency-trained board-certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. Her teaching involvement includes Introduction to Acute Care, Human Performance and Health Promotion, Pharmacology, Physical Therapy Management of the Patient with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease, and Service-Learning and Community Engagement. Her areas of scholarship and clinical practice interest include cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy in outpatient and home health settings, the role of physical therapy in reducing hospital readmissions, and respiratory muscle training interventions.
Elizabeth Ulanowski, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Associate Professor
Program Director, Neurologic Residency
Dr. Elizabeth Ulanowski is a residency-trained board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She directs the Bellarmine University & Norton Healthcare Neurologic Residency Program. Her primary teaching responsibilities are in Neurology, Neurological Rehabilitation for the Adult Patient, Pediatrics, and Service-Learning. Her clinical focus and scholarship interests are physical activity and rehabilitation for patients with movement disorders and community engagement.
Nancy Urbscheit, BSPT, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita
Dr. Nancy Urbscheit directs the Let’s Dance class for adults with Parkinson’s Disease as part of the service-learning courses. Her clinical focus is on care of the adult with brain damage. She plays the flute in three different musical groups in Louisville.
Mark R. Wiegand, PT, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Professor, Physical Therapy Department
Mark R. Wiegand, Ph.D., serves as vice president for academic affairs and provost at Bellarmine University, where he provides leadership for the university’s academic mission and strategic priorities. He also holds the rank of professor of Physical Therapy. Dr. Wiegand has served as provost since 2023 following extensive service in academic leadership at Bellarmine. His previous roles include associate provost, dean of the Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and chairperson of the Department of Physical Therapy. Prior to joining Bellarmine, he served on the faculty at the University of Louisville, where he taught anatomical sciences to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical students.
Jessica Willoughby, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jessica Willoughby earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Education. and Ph.D. from Auburn University. She is a NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and NASM corrective exercise specialist (CES). Prior to Bellarmine, Dr. Willoughby served on faculty at Berry College and Florida Southern College within the department of Exercise Science, specializing in biomechanics and sport injury instruction. Within the DPT program, her primary teaching contributions include biomechanics, anatomy, research, and service-learning. Dr. Willoughby's research and scholarship focus comprises youth and adolescent sport injury prevention and rehabilitation, as well as differences in female athlete morphology and pathology compared to male counterparts.
Christopher Wingard, MS, Ph.D., FCVS
Professor
Dr. Chris Wingard received his Ph.D. from Wayne State University and completed fellowship training at the University of Virginia. He is a fellow of the cardiovascular section of the American Physiological Society. Dr. Wingard has served as faculty member and course director for medical, human physiology, and pathophysiology courses across a variety of health professions programs. Within the DPT program, he teaches in the Human Performance and Health Promotion series, Physical Therapy Management of the Patient with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease, the Oncology Service-Learning Clinic, and pathophysiology courses. As the school’s coordinator of scholarship, his research interests focus on physiological and functional responses to environmental challenges, including diet, exercise, and air pollution, as well as the impact of exercise on functional outcomes in cancer populations.
Administrative Professionals
Piper Clark, BA, MSSW
Administrative Assistant
(502) 272-8356
pclark3@bellarmine.edu
Piper Clark provides administrative support for Bellarmine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with a primary focus on clinical education. Working most closely with the clinical education team, which includes Dr. Beth Quinn and Dr. Lisa Cecil, Piper helps secure clinical site affiliation agreements, works to coordinate students’ clinical learning experiences, including necessary clinical requirements, and helps to ensure a smooth transition for both students and clinical instructors. Piper holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hanover College and a Master of Science and Social Work from the University of Louisville.
Beth Cox, BA, MS-EXP
Administrative Assistant
(502) 272-7990
edichiara@bellarmine.edu
Beth Cox provides administrative support to Bellarmine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with a particular focus on admissions. She supports prospective and incoming students throughout the admission process and assists with the administrative needs of the program, helping ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for students from application through enrollment and throughout the entirety of the program. She is also continuing her education in the Health Professions Education Ph.D. program at Bellarmine University.
Chris Ekstrom
Administrative Assistant
(502) 272-7604
cekstrom@bellarmine.edu
Chris Ekstrom provides administrative support to the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her responsibilities include supporting adjunct faculty hiring, assisting faculty with administrative needs, and helping coordinate program operations. Through her work, Chris contributes to the effective day-to-day functioning of the school and DPT program and supports faculty and students throughout the academic year.