Biography

Laura Baehr is an educator, researcher and clinician who is committed to increasing movement access and equity for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions. She uses her interdisciplinary training as an artist and scientist to center evidence-based health promotion on the lived experience of the individual. Laura is a PhD candidate investigating the impact of a novel group tele-exercise program for individuals with spinal cord injury using community-engaged research strategies. She previously earned her doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from Temple University and dual bachelor of art and science (BA/BS) in dance and neuroscience from Muhlenberg College.

Her teaching philosophy is grounded by curiosity, connection and equity. She believes that student engagement is fostered through mutual respect and reciprocal learning. As an instructor in the doctor of physical therapy program, Laura encourages clinicians-in-training to integrate these same principles. She also has had the opportunity to instruct health professions undergraduates exploring what it means to elicit, understand and incorporate the patient story into practice. Her approach to education is implemented in the community as well as the classroom. For over 10 years she has taught regionally and nationally as an adapted movement instructor using various approaches including dance, pilates, yoga and general fitness. She has teaching appointments at the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports and as an inaugural OnDemand fitness instructor for Move United, a national adapted sports organization. She also serves as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Qualitative Research Special Interest Group Post-Professional Liaison and is a member of the Disability Justice and Anti-Ableism Catalyst Group. She has been invited to share her work in both academic and community settings including annual meetings of the APTA, American College of Sports Medicine, the National Dance Education Organization as well as Columbia University, Alvernia University, and Adaptive Sports Northwest.

Education

• PhD candidate (anticipated defense March 2023), Health and Rehabilitation Science, Drexel University
• DPT, Temple University
• BA/BS, Dance and Neuroscience, Muhlenberg College

Curriculum Vitae