Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science

Professional Background
Dr. Gagnon has practiced as a physical therapist in early intervention and school-based programs since 2001. She serves as a consultant for clinicians providing pediatric physical therapy services in natural environments, and presents continuing education workshops and seminars on pediatric topics. She teaches courses in pediatric physical therapy, control of human movement, and professional interactions in the DPT program and advanced topics in pediatric practice in the post-professional DPT program.

Dr. Gagnon currently serves the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics as a member of the Education Committee and the secretary of the Early Intervention Special Interest Group. She is the Chairperson of the Kansas Physical Therapy Association (KPTA) Standards and Practice Committee and the President of the KPTA Pediatric Special Interest Group.

Academic Background
Dr. Gagnon began her academic career at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., where she earned her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physical Therapy degrees. In 2009, Dr. Gagnon earned her PhD in Rehabilitation Science from KU Medical Center. She continues her work at KU Medical Center as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Research Focus:
Dr. Gagnon's clinical research focuses on early identification of movement dysfunction in preterm infants. Her research interests also include innovations in teaching, including use of Web 2.0 technologies to increase student engagement and collaboration in and out of the classroom.