Sophia Grossnickle

3100 N. Concourse Drive, Mount Pleasant, MI

(989) 444-9621 • [email protected]

Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy May 2024
Central Michigan University
Doctoral Plan B Project: “Impact of Clinical Education on Perceptions and Attitudes of Third
Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Towards Interprofessional Collaboration in
Healthcare”
Advisors: Karen Grossnickle, Caroline Gwaltney, and Kristin VanderArk
To be completed by May 2024

Bachelor of Science May 2021

Movement Science
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Clinical Education Experience

Mary Free Bed at Covenant January 2024-April 2024
Saginaw, Michigan
• Evaluated and treated patients in inpatient rehabilitation setting to optimize safety and
independence with functional mobility tasks prior to discharge to their next level of care.
• Communicated and collaborated in multidisciplinary rounds and interdisciplinary team
conferences to ensure optimal patient care during episode of care.
• Developed and implemented plan of care for patients with diagnoses including acute and chronic
CVA, traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic spinal cord injury, post total joint replacement and/or
fracture, and many more medically complex patients transitioning from long term acute care
hospitals to lower levels of care.

VA Ann Arbor September 2023-December 2023

Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Evaluated and treated patients across the continuum of care including inpatient acute, subacute,
and outpatient developing a plan of care based on patient presentation and goals.
• Developed and implemented a plan of care for diagnoses including total joint arthroplasties,
spinal fusions, amputees, acute CHF and/or COPD exacerbations, Parkinson’s Disease, acute
CVA, and generalized weakness.
• Developed and shared recommendations for durable medical equipment and discharge location,
communicating them with patients and other healthcare providers.
• Adapting daily schedules, communication, education, and plan of care to optimize patient care
and ensure completion of daily tasks and expectations in a timely manner.
• Facilitated a weekly group exercise program for individuals with neurologic movement disorders
and performed a quality assurance project to evaluate individual and program outcomes.

Hands for Health December 2022-January 2023

Department of Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University
• Co-treated as a student physical therapist in the pro bono, student run physical therapy clinic at
Central Michigan University with 2 classmates and a faculty member overseeing care.

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 • Evaluated and treated a neurological patient over the course of multiple treatment sessions to
work towards the goals collaboratively generated by the student physical therapists and the
patient.
• Assisted with the initiation of obtaining proper referral for the patient to undergo the process of
obtaining a new orthotic that would allow for improvement of gait.
• Executed the process of discharging patient as they underwent medical treatment requiring
reduced physical activity as they recovered, coordinating a home exercise program that fits within
the limitations of the impending medical procedure.

Dynamic Physical Therapy May 2022-June 2022

Cadillac, Michigan
• Evaluated, treated, and re-evaluated patients in a rural outpatient ambulatory clinic as a student
physical therapist; diagnoses included low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pathologies, total joint
replacements, vestibular and balance disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
• Developed and implemented plan of care for patients, communicating this plan with the referring
provider and support staff, such as Physical Therapy Assistants, through documentation and
verbal communication.
• Assisted in scheduling patients for follow-up visits to ensure optimal care, while also taking into
consideration biopsychosocial life factors that may impact their episode of care.

Teaching and Mentorship

Move! for Health January 2022-August 2023
Central Michigan University
• Engaged and guided local community members with balance and neurologic disorders in a
community-based exercise program hosted by the Central Michigan University Doctor of
Physical Therapy program.
• Guarded and monitored vitals as indicated based on community member’s medical history and
diagnoses to ensure safety and proper response to exercise.
• Supported the board members with set-up and clean-up of the spaces utilized to host the program
and transportation of equipment.

Dance Instructor September 2022-May 2023

Newman School of Dance
• Developed and executed classroom lesson plans based on the studio curriculum for ballet and
musical theatre/jazz while tailoring to the abilities of 9–11-year-old recreational dancers.
• Choreographed and taught recital routines in a timely manner to ensure students were confident
and performance ready.
• Maintained open communication with the studio director, communicating the dancers’
progression in their dance education and seeking additional support as classroom dynamics
changed throughout the year.

Research Experience
Graduate Student Researcher 2023-Present
Department of Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University
• Completed literature review with co-student researcher to identify paucity of evidence,
developing a research question to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of third year Doctor of
Physical Therapy Students towards collaboration and communication.
• Developed and implemented local IRB approved research protocol to investigate identified
research question utilizing mixed methods.

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 • Carried out a mixed-methods design study with data collected at three points in time; analyzed
qualitative (interview data) and quantitative data (survey results requiring statistical analysis).
• Study results will be disseminated in a manuscript-quality research product and presented at the
2024 Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Colloquium in May 2024.
• Anticipate presentation of findings at the APTA Michigan Fall Conference and plan to submit to
national professional conference for presentation; plan to submit for publication.

Sponsored Programs Post Award Student Assistant May 2021-August 2023

Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University
• Organized and digitally filed information pertaining to active research grants in a timely manner.
• Maintained open line of communication with sponsored projects post award manager and
coordinator regarding progress through assigned projects and provided them with additional
assistance as requested.
• Conducted monthly checks to ensure compliance items pertaining to active research grants were
within compliance, provided grant closeout suggestions, and communicated the findings to the
sponsored projects post award coordinator.
• Utilize SAP software to assist the sponsored projects post award manager and coordinator with
grant re-budgeting, monitoring faculty and staff separations, and graduate student stipend
disbursement.

Graduate Student Researcher-Exploration August 2022-March 2023

Department of Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University
• Organized and completed a literature review of the effects of static and dynamic stretching on
jump height in various athletes, with a primary focus on adolescent dancers.
• Developed a research protocol and submitted for IRB approval, receiving edits from the IRB
board prior to receiving approval, with research advisor selecting to place pause on project due to
personal time constraints before approval could be confirmed.

Research Participant 2017-2019

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Acted as a participant in multiple research projects lead by various academic disciplines,
including psychology and exercise science, to gain an appreciation for the entire research process
including the participant’s experience.

Grants
APTA MI Institute for Education and Research, Large Grant Award, $750 August 2023-May 2024

Honors and Awards

The Bernard F. and Melissa Anne Bailey Family Fund Health Care Scholarship, 2021-2023
MyMichigan Health
Michigan Competitive Scholarship, MI Student Aid 2019-2021
University of Michigan Grant, University of Michigan 2019-2021
Aramark Scholarship, Scholarship America 2017-2021
Martin Family Scholarship, Mount Pleasant Community Foundation 2017

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Presentations
“Dynamic Body Weight Support and Rehabilitation,” Department of Physical Therapy, College
of Health Professions, Central Michigan University. Saginaw, MI, March 2024.

“Treating Veterans and Military Related Exposures,” Department of Physical Therapy, College of
Health Professions, Central Michigan University. Southfield, MI, December 2023.

“Physical Therapy and Sleep,” VA Ann Arbor, Physical Therapy Department. Ann Arbor, MI,
December 2023.

Continuing Education
HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support Provider Certification, Veterans Health Administration,
November 7, 2023.

Human Trafficking Certification, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health

Professions, Central Michigan University, June 6, 2023.

HIPPA Certification, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Central

Michigan University, June 6, 2023.

Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Antonio, Texas,
February 2-5, 2022.

Professional Memberships
American Physical Therapy Association September 2021-Present
American Physical Therapy Association-Michigan October 2021-Present
Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy October 2022-Present
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy October 2022-Present
APTA Academy of Research Academy October 2022-Present
APTA Geriatrics Academy October 2022-Present
APTA Michigan Student Special Interest Group September 2021-Present
APTA Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Academy March 2024-Present
Central Michigan University Physical Therapy Student Organization September 2021-Present

Professional and Community Service

Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation Walk-Lansing 2022-Present
Lansing, Michigan
• Supported the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation through fundraising donations to support
individuals across the state of Michigan impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.
• Walked in the annual walk in Lansing, spreading awareness to Parkinson’s Disease and the
population it impacts in the state of Michigan, specifically the Mount Pleasant community
members who frequently partner with the Central Michigan University Physical Therapy
Department.
• Participated in demonstrating for a group warm-up tailored to individuals with Parkinson’s
Disease.

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Walk MS Frankenmuth 2022-Present
Frankenmuth, Michigan
• Supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through fundraising donations to support
individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis across the country.
• Walked in the annual walk in Frankenmuth to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis and to
support two Mount Pleasant community members and Central Michigan University Department
of Physical Therapy community partners who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Student Admissions Days 2021-2023

Central Michigan University
• Assisted in set-up and tear down for several student admission days throughout the academic
year.
• Lead department tours to showcase Central Michigan University’s Department of Physical
Therapy to incoming and prospective students, communicating program structure, expectations,
and resources available to enrolled students.
• Facilitated current student panel, answering prospective student questions regarding program
expectations and structure, transitioning to graduate level education, and promoting participation
in national and state level professional organizations as a student.

PTSO Secretary August 2022-August 2023

Central Michigan University
• Served as Central Michigan University’s Physical Therapy Student Organization’s Secretary
during second year of didactic education, communicating executive board and general meeting
minutes to students and faculty, upcoming events, and ensuring membership requirements are
fulfilled.
• Performed technology set-up to ensure meeting presentation was available to in-person and
virtual meeting attendees and maintaining efficient general meetings.
• Acted as PTSO and CMU Doctor of Physical Therapy liaison to CMU’s College of Health
Profession’s graduate advisor, communicating via e-mail with prospective students for the
program as well as CMU freshman interested in Health Professions.

Conquer Cerebral Palsy 5K Chairperson January 2022-July 2023

Central Michigan University
• Acted as a chairperson for two years on the board for a student organized 5k and series of
fundraisers to benefit the Michigan United Cerebral Palsy organization.
• Communicated with local businesses to obtain support and donations for the 5k race, as well as
promote the race through advertisements at these businesses.
• Assisted with the coordination of race day set up and tear down, as well as providing support
throughout the race to participants.

Additional Learning Experiences

Physical Therapy Research and Practice-Ireland January 2023-March 2023
Central Michigan University
• Attended preparation courses to gain an appreciation for Irish culture and history, the Irish
healthcare system, and introduction to hippotherapy.
• Participated in hippotherapy introduction lab in the United States prior to traveling to Ireland,
where knowledge was utilized when collaborating with pediatric Occupational Therapists and
Speech Language Pathologists in Ireland.

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 • Fostered understanding of the physical therapy profession and its role in the Irish healthcare
system through exposure to private and public physical therapy clinics as well as through cased
based learning with Irish physiotherapy and occupational therapy students.

Performing Arts Rehabilitation Elective November 2022

Central Michigan University
• Obtained a general understanding of common injuries obtained by dancers, musicians, gymnasts,
cheerleaders, ice dancers/figure skaters, and hockey players.
• Gained an appreciation for observational pearls and screening tools to identify performing artists
who are at an increased risk of injury as well as those who experience chronic injury and
developed an appreciation of possible intervention sand management strategies for acute and
chronic injuries.
• Increased appreciation for multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitating performing artists
including referral and resource networking.

Stroke IPE Event/Large Virtual Event Fall 2022-Spring 2023

Central Michigan University
• Collaborated with multiple health professional disciplines to work through standardized patient
simulation and cased based discussions.
• Gained an appreciation for various healthcare professionals, identifying possible referral sources
as well as identifying the roles each professional may perform in an interdisciplinary team.

Art and Anatomy During the Italian Renaissance January 2020-April 2020
University of Michigan
• Attended an understanding of the Italian culture and history to allow for cultural immersion for
faculty-led study abroad program that was initially scheduled to travel to Italy in Summer 2020,
however, was cancelled due to the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
• Developed an understanding of the historical influence Italian artists from the Renaissance period
had on current understanding of human anatomy and the current education structure of anatomy.
• Gained an increased appreciation for anatomically correct art, anatomical atlases, and the
preservation of historical records.

References
Linda Hall, Regional Clinical Coordinator
Department of Physical Therapy
Central Michigan University
(248) 217-7124
[email protected]

Jessica Sullivan, Assistant Professor

Department of Physical Therapy
Central Michigan University
(989) 774-1447
[email protected]

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Darian Willet, Physical Therapist
Mary Free Bed at Covenant- Saginaw
(989) 372-5257
[email protected]

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