Dr. Coates is the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Seton Hill University, where she coordinates the five clinical education experiences along with teaching in the Professional Responsibilities and Geriatrics coursework. She is a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Dr. Coates earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duquesne University and a graduate certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh. Training and mentoring the next generation of Physical Therapists is Dr. Coates’ passion, which led her to her current position. Dr. Coates' educational philosophy stresses the importance of teaching ethical treatment of each patient, with dignity and respect, and attention to the "whole person's" individual differences. Her research interests include DPT student professional behavior during clinical education, human anatomic variation, and reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Prior to joining the Seton Hill faculty, Dr. Coates worked in an outpatient Physical Therapy clinic as a full-time clinician and facility director, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Coates' clinical interests include conservative management of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff repair rehabilitation, maintaining older adult independence, and supporting an active lifestyle for all age groups.

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
• B.S. Biology, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

Awards

• Duquesne University: National Collegiate Medical Professions Award, National Scholars Honor Society, Student Health Advisory Committee, Duquesne University Physical Therapy Association
• University of Pittsburgh: Aging Institute Scholarship for the Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program
• Saint Vincent College: Dean’s List, Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association National Honor Roll, Awarded Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges, Collegiate All-American Scholar Award, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Alpha Phi Omega, Vice President of Service, Life Science Club, Secretary, Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Team

Organizations

• APTA House of Delegates, PA Southwest District, Alternate
• American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic, Education, and Geriatric Academies
• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA), Geriatric Special Interest Group
• PPTA Advocacy Day Participant

Presentations

• Drevyn, E, Biltz, N, Coates, J, Tillery, M, Lewis S. Clinical Instructor Perspectives of Successful and Unsuccessful Strategies Addressing Student Professional Behavior Issues ACAPT Educational Leadership Conference, Poster Presentation October 13, 2023 [More Information]

Certifications

• APTA Board Certified Geriatric Specialist
• Licensed Physical Therapist, Pennsylvania
• Direct Access Certification, Pennsylvania
• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation
• Kinesio Taping: Fundamentals and Advanced (KT1, KT2)
• Graston Technique Provider
• Basic and Advanced APTA Certified Clinical Instructor

Achievements

• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Delegate (Alternate): 2020 - 2022
• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Director: 2016-2018
• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Education Committee Co-Chair: 2013-2015