Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty DPT Faculty Image Tony Varela, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPTProfessor and Program DirectorContact via emailMission: Serve with purpose, understanding, and principled decision-making to elevate the integrity of the DPT Program and empower faculty. I strive to cohesively support and strategically protect the alignment between our strengths, values, and aspirations. In doing so, we will collectively transform students to lead in a dynamic healthcare landscape.History: Twenty-five years of clinical and academic experience is the foundation of Dr. Tony Varela's leadership style, which is grounded in adaptability, cohesiveness, connectedness, innovation, and service. Dr. Varela earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Master of Health Science, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Human Behavior. Dr. Varela also holds multiple certifications including Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist (OCS), Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBTC). Lymphedema Management Specialist (ACOLS), Cancer Certified Specialist (CCS), and Hybrid Teaching Certified.Research interests: The mediating role of pain self-efficacy in chronic painUtilization of meditation / mindfulness in chronic conditions & painOperationalizing patient empowerment.One fun fact: Dr. Tony Varela completed the World ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s Toughest Mudder. Image Tiffany Duran, PT, DPTAssistant Professor and Director of Clinical EducationContact via emailMission: To support and guide DPT students in achieving clinical excellence by providing meaningful, diverse and evidence-based clinical education experiences that promote lifelong learning, professionalism, and patient-centered care. History: Dr. Tiffany Duran graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2006. She graduated from A. T. Still University in 2011 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is currently enrolled in an Ed.D. program at A. T. Still University with the anticipation of graduation in December 2027. She has practiced in a variety of settings including home health, skilled nursing, and outpatient orthopedics and sports. She is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and previously was the SCCE in the clinic. She has certifications in Blood Flow Restriction and Running Gait Analysis. Dr. Duran ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s serves on the PTA Reaffirmation Panel for CAPTE and is a Sports Medicine Volunteer for Team USA and volunteer for Special Olympics in Michigan.Dr. Duran is a member of the APTA, Ohio Physical Therapy Association, and Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. She is also a member of the Orthopedics, Sports, and Academy of Education sections. She continues to practice physical therapy per diem in the outpatient orthopedic setting in Northwest Ohio. Dr. Duran, her husband, three children, and two golden retrievers reside in Southeast Michigan. Research interests:Clinical EducationThe female athlete across the lifespanOne fun fact: Dr. Duran is an avid football fan. You will find her sitting at the Big House on any given Saturday in the fall cheering on her Michigan Wolverines as she has season tickets for football. Image Matt Daugherty, DPT, OTR/L, DBA, OCS, FAAOMPTAssociate Professor and Coordinator of CurriculumContact via emailMission: To develop and steward a DPT curriculum that cultivates clinical reasoning, primary care readiness, and professional identity through evidence-based, learner-centered experiences that prepare graduates for autonomous practice across the lifespan.History: Dr. Matthew Daugherty is an associate professor currently serving as the Coordinator of Curriculum at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s DPT program. He received his Manual Therapy Certification 2009 and completed his AAOMPT fellowship in 2010, specializing in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. In 2012, he became an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist and in 2021 he became dry-needling certified. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Florida Physical Therapy Association, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, the AAOMPT, and the ABPTS Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE). He has served as a Florida State Delegate for the APTA, the Northern District Chair of the FPTA, and is part of the APTA ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s Grassroots Advocacy Network.Dr. Daugherty has presented his scholarship at both AAOMPT and AOTA national conferences, the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, and FPTA conferences. He has published in both physical therapy and business realms and is also the author of numerous book chapters and a musculoskeletal rehabilitation textbook. He completed his Doctor of Business Administration in 2018.Dr. Daugherty lives in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs.Research interests:DPT Program Teaching StrategiesPhysical Therapist Business PracticesOrthopaedic PathologyOne fun fact: Dr. Daugherty has raced motorcycles, dirt bikes and mountain bikes and even won an amateur national championship and ridden from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in 44 hours. Image Stephanie McGowan, PT, DScPT, OCSAssociate Professor and Coordinator of Student AffairsContact via emailMission: I am dedicated to challenging and supporting students as they grow beyond their perceived limits, developing the self-efficacy, resilience, and adaptability required of future clinicians.Grounded in high expectations and empathy, I believe anything worth doing is worth fully investing in, and I provide unwavering support in an environment where students are empowered to go all in on their development. I seek to transform students into compassionate, self-aware clinicians prepared to lead, serve, and thrive in a dynamic healthcare environment.History: Dr. Stephanie McGowan is an Associate Professor currently serving as the Coordinator of Student Affairs at the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ DPT Program. Dr. McGowan is a Board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and educator with over 20 years of experience in orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. She earned her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland and has held extensive faculty and leadership roles across multiple healthcare professional disciplines, including programs such medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s assistant, and nurse anesthesia.Dr. McGowan ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s teaching spans anatomy, biomechanics, orthopedics, prosthetics, and sports rehabilitation. Known for her excellence in teaching and mentorship, Dr. McGowan is passionate about developing clinicians who are highly skilled, resilient, and self-aware. Research interests:Return to sport rehabilitation and protocol developmentRunning related injuries of the runner or running athlete3d motion capture utilization for gait and movement analysisCadaveric exploration of tissue and joint structureOne fun fact: I was hired as a consultant for the show Army Wives (one of Lifetime network ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s biggest hits!) to provide guidance on the design and authenticity of injury and rehabilitation scenes and coach actors (both patients and the PT) on how to perform and portray physical therapy care realistically. Image Melisa Smith, PT, DPT, EdDAssociate Professor and Coordinator of AdmissionsContact via emailMission: To lead a fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions process that expands access to physical therapy education and cultivates a strong community of future clinicians. I am committed to supporting students throughout their journey into the profession while fostering compassionate, patient-centered care that strengthens the communities we serve.History: Dr. Melisa Smith is a physical therapist, educator, and academic leader currently serving as Coordinator of Admissions for the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ DPT Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University, her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Utica College, and her Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She also holds a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Physical Therapy from Texas Woman ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s University.Dr. Smith brings more than 30 years of clinical experience across the continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, acute care, neurological rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. Since 2014, she has served in faculty and academic leadership roles across Georgia, Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania contributing to admissions processes, curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student success initiatives.Dr. Smith has presented her research at state and national conferences and remains active in professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the Georgia American Physical Therapy Association.Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Smith is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about creating student-centered learning environments that foster professional growth, critical thinking, and compassionate, patient-centered care. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, live music, and spending time with her family and dogs.Research Interests:Shared decision-making in physical therapy practice and educationHolistic admissions practices in hybrid education2:1 collaborative clinical education model in physical therapy educationAndragogy and best practices in hybrid physical therapy educationOptimal joint positioning for strength testingOne Fun Fact: Dr. Smith is an avid concertgoer and has attended more than 50 Dave Matthews Band concerts. She enjoys live music year-round, especially artists such as Noah Kahan, Mumford & Sons, and Gregory Alan Isakov. Image Stacy KerrAdministrative Program ManagerContact via emailMission: To support efficient operations, strong communication, and a positive environment that helps students, staff, and the DPT program succeed. I strive to lead with integrity, organization, and commitment to continuous improvement. History: Stacy Kerr graduated from Yorktowne Business Institute in 2003 with a dual Associate's degree in business management and computer applications. She graduated from ºìÌÒÊÓƵ in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Stacy has an extensive background in management, administration, and administrative support roles throughout her career. Stacy resides in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania with her husband, four children, two goldendoodles and cockapoo. One fun fact: Stacy is an avid lover of all plant life. She currently has over 100 individual plants inside her house. Doctor of Physical Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy Connect Request Information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Core Functions and Technical Standards Policy Doctor of Physical Therapy Application and Admissions Process Doctor of Physical Therapy Tuition and Financial Aid Doctor of Physical Therapy Course Requirements Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty Request Info on the DPT Program Contactdptadmissions@wilson.edu814-283-6204
