Biography

Laura Baehr is a clinician-scientist and educator who is committed to improving movement access and equity for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions. She uses her interdisciplinary training as a scientist and artist to center evidence-based health promotion on the lived experience of the individual. She completed her PhD in health and rehabilitation science at Drexel University, her doctor of physical therapy from Temple University, and dual bachelor of art and science in dance and neuroscience from Muhlenberg College.

Laura is a co-investigator on a non-randomized clinical trial funded by both the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and the Pennsylvania Department of Health investigating the impact of a novel group tele-exercise program for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury on psychosocial factors and physical activity behavior. She specializes in community-engaged research strategies and mixed methodology. Her teaching philosophy is grounded by curiosity, connection and equity. She believes that student engagement is fostered through mutual respect and reciprocal learning. Laura encourages clinicians-in-training and undergraduates to integrate these same principles. 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 informed by mind-body practices including dance, pilates and yoga. 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 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 American Spinal Injury Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Dance Education Organization as well as Columbia University, Alvernia University, and Adaptive Sports Northwest.

Education

• PhD, Health and Rehabilitation Science, Drexel University
• DPT, Temple University
• BA/BS, Dance and Neuroscience, Muhlenberg College

Curriculum Vitae