About
I’m Kendra Gagnon, a pediatric physical therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor. I received my physical therapy degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and my PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Kansas Medical Center. I have practiced physical therapy in early intervention (birth-3) and public school settings in North Carolina, Kansas, and Missouri. I believe parents are a child’s first (and best) teacher, and that physical therapy is most meaningful and effective for children and families when it is carried out in natural environments and embedded into daily routines. Although I love physical therapy practice, I’ve found academia to be a perfect setting for me to continue to grow, change, evolve, and discover new ways to make my mark on the world. Along the way, I’ve discovered I’m happiest when I am able to share with students my passion for providing physical therapy for children and families. I am a self-proclaimed social media “junkie”, and am using technology and social media in the classroom to engage students and prepare them for using these technologies in the professional world. I grew up in small-town Missouri and I’ve ended up right back where I started – living small-town life with my husband (and high-school sweetheart) and our three young boys. I enjoy traveling, reading, talking, and thinking in my spare time AND I get to do all those things for a living. Lucky, lucky me. You can contact me at kendragagnon@gmail.com or find me on Twitter @KendraPedPT.
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8 responses to “About”
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Kendra Gagnon, PT, PhD
Found your dissertation, nice! – http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1949552001&sid=2&Fmt=2&clientId=18952&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Thanks! Still trying to get the darned thing published. Under review as we speak. Fingers crossed…
I wish you would post more often!
Thank you for your article on walkers and on late walkers. While awaiting for the physical therapy to start after it has been determined by the pediatrician that the child needs physical therapy, are there things for a parent to start working with the 18 month? My grand baby was born with chord around her causing her head to be larger than normal, so the belly time was almost none. She never crawl on her fours but crawls fast sitting scooting. We can make her stand by holding her and by making her hold to something but cannot induce her to take steps because she is afraid. What can a parent do to help her walking?
Very helpful posts- I will link to you from my own blog if you don’t mind. I’m a pediatrician in Indianapolis and I think this information will be very helpful to my patients….and you’re a good writer 🙂 goodscienceparenting.com if you want to check it out. Thanks for your work!
Your blog is awesome! As an almost graduating PT (in December) it’s inspiring to read about all the things you do and still have a good sized family. I’m currently in a pediatric rotation right now and hope to continue to practice in pediatrics. Any advice for someone entering the PT field as a professional and recently engaged woman would appreciated!
Thanks for the kind comments, Kelsey. So excited for you as you near graduation and your engagement! I know your life as a student is nearing the end, but I am part of a new initiative called “PropelHer.” You can find information – including some readings, a blog, and information on how to start a group – at propelherpt.com. I would also recommend keeping an eye out for “Women in PT” sessions at conferences – there were a couple at CSM last February and I know there are proposals for the upcoming National Student Conclave and CSM. Also, if you’re not active on Twitter, I’d recommend giving it a try. It is a great tool for networking and there are LOTS of really inspiring and successful women PTs there. I tweet at @KendraPedPT. Connect with me there and I’ll link you up with some great follows. Good luck!
Hey Kendra,
My plan is to open a therapy center out of my home, for my 7yo daughter, her therapists and those same therapists who need space for other clients.
Any opinion on opening this type of “space renting” therapy business.
I’m enjoying your blog and thanks for the advice.