Physical Therapy Faculty and Staff

Michelle Criss PT, DPT, GCS

mcriss1@chatham.edu
Instructor

Hometown : Springfield, VA
Joined Chatham : 2012

Academic Areas of Interest

Geriatric Physical Therapy, frail older individuals with multiple co-morbidities, balance and falls, wound care

Personal Areas of Interest

Dance, photography, cooking, hiking, travel, arts and crafts, and, most importantly, spending time with my family and showing my kids all the great things life has to offer!

Biography

Dr. Criss has been practicing in the area of geriatric physical therapy for over 17 years. The setting in which she has the most expertise is skilled nursing, but she has also practiced in inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, adult day programming, and home health. She joined the core faculty in 2012 after serving as lecturer and adjunct since 2007. Her physical therapy training occurred at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University and she received her transitional DPT from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. Missy received her specialization in Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2001 and re-certified in 2011.

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), 2010
• MS, Physical Therapy, Medical Collge of Virginia (Richmond, VA), 1995
• BA, Biology and Psychology, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA), 1992

Certifications

• Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor, American Physical Therapy Association

Awards

• Clinician-Educator Award, Chatham University Physical Therapy Program, 2011
• Geriatric Special Interest Group Award of Excellence, Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, 2009
• President's Award, Section on Geriatrics, American Physical Therapy Association, 2009

Organizations

• Member, American Physical Therapy Association: Section on Geriatrics, Neurology Section, Section on Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Care

Achievements

• Director and creator, Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program, Centers for Rehab Services, Pittsburgh, PA
• Delegate, American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates, 2009-2012
• Item Writer, Geriatric Specialization Academy of Content Experts, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2010-present
• Nominating Committee, Section on Geriatrics, American Physical Therapy Association, 2011-2014
• Chair, Regional Course Committee, Section on Geriatrics, American Physical Therapy Association, 2002-2009