Kara L. Kobal
181 Baumgardner Road, Salix, PA 15952
814.244.2532
Education
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PADoctor of Physical Therapy
Advanced Courses: Analyzing Neurological Signs and Symptoms for Clinical Decision Making and Pediatric Physical Therapy / 2005
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
Bachelor of Science Health Science
Major: Athletic Training
Minor: Adapted Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation / 2001
Teaching Experience
Director, Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program· Develop curriculum for program, including teaching modules and assessments.
· Provide majority of didactic information associated with the residency program.
· Coordinate resident and external partners for clinical experience. / Summer 2013 – present
Assistant Professor: Saint Francis University
· Full-time Faculty Member 2010-2011; Adjunct Faculty Member 2009-2010 and 2011 to present
· Graduate Level Lecture/ lab courses taught include: Patient Client Management 3: Neurology 1, Patient Client Management 5: Neurology 2, Spasticity Management in the Neurological Population, Aquatic Physical Therapy, Pediatric Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Management of Select Populations.
· Instruct in the role of Lab Assistant in the following course: Patient Client Management 1: Cardiopulmonary.
· Serve as a faculty mentor and advisor.
· Location: Loretto, PA / Fall 2009 - present
Adjunct Instructor: Saint Francis University
· Instructed graduate level physical therapy students as part of a team in the two semester course series titled “Patient Client Management: Neurology.” This course consisted of both lab and lecture.
· Served as a lab assistant for the graduate course entitled “Physical Therapy Modalities.”
· Developed, managed, and served as the primary instructor in a special topics in physical therapy course entitled “Spasticity Management in the Neurological Population.”
· Location: Loretto, PA / Fall 2008-Summer 2009
Clinical Instructor
· Served as the primary clinical instructor to two physical therapy students.
· Provided daily teaching opportunities, weekly written summaries and completed midterm and final evaluations.
· Location: Camco Physical and Occupational Therapy, LLC. / Fall 2007-Spring 2008
Professional Presentations
Guest Speaker – “Pediatrics 101: A Guide to Treating Children in a Non-Pediatric Setting.”· Spoke at Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association West Central District Meeting to PTs, PTAs, and SPTs regarding PT treatment of children.
· Location: Vantage Physical Therapy, Johnston, PA / 10.8.2011
Lecturer – “School Based Physical Therapy”
· Lectured to college students enrolled in the special education curriculum regarding the role of the physical therapist in the school setting.
· Location: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA / Once per year since 2007
Lecturer- “Physical Therapy as a Career”
· Provided a presentation about choosing physical therapy as a career to high school students enrolled in a health care careers class.
· Location: United High School / 10.4.2007
Lecturer – “Serial casting and Lower Extremity Bracing: The Basics”
· Presented an in-service to staff members regarding serial casting using the Cusick Method and lower extremity bracing specifically focusing n clinical decision making for choosing ankle foot orthoses.
· Location: Camco Physical and Occupational Therapy, LLC. / 12.3.2006
Lecturer – “Serial Casting in the Trauma Patient Population”
· Reviewed with staff members the components of clinical data analysis and the development of a research plan that was established for use in the pediatric trauma population.
· Location: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh / 4.11.2005
Lecturer- “Proper Body Mechanics During Lifting and Gait Training in Acute Care”
· Provided ongoing quarterly in-services to nursing staff regarding proper body mechanics during patient contact and proper use of assistive devices as well as proper guarding techniques for patients using an assistive device.
· Location: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh / Fall 2004
Lecturer- Project RED
· Presented information in ongoing monthly programs regarding physical therapy as part of the trauma team in an acute care hospital as part of a rehabilitation program to high school students in violation of driving laws. (Reality Education for Drivers)
· Location: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh / Fall 2004
Lecturer- “PT Intervention in an Acute Care Setting for a 13-year-old Male with Severe Abdominal Trauma”
· Led Physical Therapy Clinical Rounds consisting of providing staff and students with a presentation, review and discussion of a case study regarding a pediatric patient.
· Location: University of Pittsburgh / 11.12.2004
Lecturer- “Why Johnny Can’t Catch: Implementing the Developmental Model.”
· Lectured to conference attendees regarding physical function and motor skill development as they relate to the developmental model.
· Location: World Congress and Exposition on Disabilities 2000; Atlanta, GA / 11.11.2000
Clinical Work Experience
The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness; Loretto, PAStaff Physical Therapist and Director of Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
Duties: Provide physical therapy to pediatrics as well as coordinate residency program. / June 2011 - present
Therapy Source, Inc.; Plymouth Meeting , PA
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center; Johnstown, PA
Independent Contractor Physical Therapist
Duties: Provide physical therapy services in outpatient and home –based settings. / April 2010-present
Indiana Regional Medical Center; Indiana, PA
Staff Physical Therapist
Duties: Provided physical therapy across multiple settings including: outpatient pediatrics (primary), outpatient adults, acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. / July 2008 – November 2009
Camco Physical and Occupational Therapy, LLC.; Johnstown, PA
Staff Physical Therapist
Duties: Provided physical therapy across multiple settings including: school-based (primary), home health, acute care, and outpatient pediatrics. / May 2005 – July 2008
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
Student Physical Therapist
Duties: Provided inpatient and outpatient physical therapy services under the supervision of a Clinical Instructor to pediatric patients during a year-long clinical affiliation. Served as the physical therapy representative to the trauma team. / May 2004- May 2005
Faculty Mentored Published Research
“The Relationship Between In-School Physical Activity and Standardized Test Scores in Elementary School Students.”· Type: Research Report (Poster Presentation)
· Student Authors: Brawley KA, Fisher MM, Penatzer AL, Persun M, Simonds SR, Smith LM, Telford EL
· Faculty Mentors: Malek MK, Kobal KL
· Presented: APTA Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference
· Publication: Winter 2009 Pediatric Physical Therapy / 1.11.2010 – 1.12.2010
Faculty Mentored Non-Published Research
“Western Pennsylvania Pediatricians’ Confidence In Knowledge Versus Assessed Knowledge regarding Motor Development”· Type: Research Report and Poster Presentation
· Student Authors: Bucci R, Espy C, Kemock D, Kossler R, Walsh J
· Faculty mentor: Kobal KL / Fall-Spring 2010-2011
“The Benefits of Ai Chi.”
· Type: (Poster Presentation)
· Student Authors: Brawley KA, Caton BJ, Mackey HE, Simmons, KM
· Faculty Mentor: Kobal KL / Summer 2009
“Water Versus Land Exercise”
· Type: (Poster Presentation)
· Student Authors: Dishong AM, Persun MB, Silko BA, Strunk LA
· Faculty Mentor: Kobal KL / Summer 2009
“The Effects of Serial Casting on Spasticity in the Brain Injured Adult.”
· Type: (Poster Presentation)
· Student Authors: Caton BJ, Gmiter DR, McMurray LM, Papini JR, Scarola SG, Telford EL
· Faculty Mentor: Kobal KL / Spring 2009
“The Effects of Compression Garments in Controlling Spasticity in Children.”
· Type: (Poster Presentation)
· Student Authors: Brawley KA, Dishong AM, Fisher MM, Johns CA, Weaver RF
· Faculty Mentor: Kobal KL / Spring 2009
Continuing Education
Functional Biomechanics of the Lower Quarter: Implications for Movement Dysfunction and Musculoskeletal InjuryProvider: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
Instructor: Christopher Powers, PhD, PT, FACSM, FAPTA
Location: Lancaster, PA / 10.27.12-
10.28.12
Variability in Childhood Development
Provider: APTA Learning Center
Instructor(s): Multiple PTJ authors
Location: self-paced online course / 6.27.12
New Paradigms in Pediatric Equinus Deformity Management
Provider: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
Instructor: Beverly Cusick, PT, MS, COF
Location: Valley Forge, PA / 10.15.11-
10.16.11
Current Concepts in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/ Concussion Examination and Management in the Emerging Brain.
Provider: DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness
Instructors: James Kelly, MA, MD, FAAN; Robin Harvan, EdD; Kay Malek, PT, PhD; David Andrews, Esq; Michael Raymond, PhD
Location: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA / 5.13.2011
Adapting Aquatic Therapy Interventions for Severe and Profound Clients.
Assessment with the Aquatic Independence Measure (AIM)
Aqautic Modalities for Spasticity/ Contractures
Aquatic balance and Gait Training
BackHab
Provider: Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute
Instructors: multiple
Location: Hyatt Fair Lakes; Fairfax, VA / 2.10.2011-
2.13.2011
Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Autism.
Provider: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
Instructors: Ellen van Hooyfdonk, OTR; Kerry Walsh, PT, MS; Patricia West-Low, PT, DPT, MA
Location: Holiday Inn East; Harrisburg, PA / 10.23.2010-10.24.2010
One Step Ahead: An Integrated Approach to Lower Limb Prosthetics and Amputee Rehabilitation
Provider: Advanced Rehabilitation Therapy Incorporated
Instructor: Robert Gailey, PhD, PT
Location: Healthsouth Reading Rehabilitation Hospital; Reading, PA / 11.6.2009-
11.8.2009
Standardized Tests and Measures in Pediatrics: Selection, Interpretation, and Application to Decision Making and Evaluation of Outcomes
Provider: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
Instructors: Robin Dole, PT, EdD, PCS; Robert Palisano, PT, ScD; Joe Schreiber, PT, PhD, PCS
Location: Seven Springs; Champion, PA ( Annual Conference) / 10.24.2009-10.25.2009
Rural Teleheatlh and Advanced Technologies Conference (Focusing on Chronic Care and Traumatic Brain Injury)
Provider: CERMUSA (Center of Excellence for Remote and Medically Underserved Areas)
Instructors: Michael Hindmarsh, MA; Michael Collins, PhD; Jay Shore, MD, MPH; Col. Michael Jaffee, MD, MC, FS, USAF; Michael Ravotti, DHSc, PA-C; Stuart Hoffman, PhD
Location: Saint Francis University; Loretto, PA / 9.4.2009
Pediatric Gait Course: Multiple Intervention Strategies
Provider: Motivations, CEU
Instructor: Patricia (Trish) Martin, PT
Location: Detroit Children’s Hospital; Detroit, MI / 9.10.2008-9.11.2008
Management Strategies for Motor Impairments in Children with Neuromuscular Conditions- 14th Annual Conference
Provider: Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation and Research Institute at the University of Virginia and UVA Motion Analysis and Performance Laboratory
Instructor: Multiple Presenters
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia / 12.5.2008-12.6.2008
If You Can’t Breathe, Nothing Else Matters
Provider: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
Instructor: Donna Frownfelter, DPT
Location: Pittsburgh, PA ( Annual Conference) / 10.27.2007-10.28.2007
NDT Facilitation Techniques: A Lab Course
Provider: Care Resources, Inc.
Instructor: Lois Bly, PT
Location: Baltimore, MD / 10.18.2007-10.19.2007
APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program
Provider: American Physical Therapy Association and Saint Francis University
Instructor: Kris Legters, PT
Location: Saint Francis University; Loretto, PA / 3.10.2007-3.11.2007
Functional Foot Mechanics; Evaluation and Intervention Beyond the Rearfoot
Provider: Cross Country Education
Instructor: Andrew Nelson, PT
Location: / 10.19.2006
Dynamic Bracing Workshop for Pediatric Practitioners
Provider: The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children and Cascade DAFO.
Instructors: Multiple Presenters (Cascade, The DAFO people)
Location: Western PA School for Blind Children; Pittsburgh, PA / 10.13.2006-10.14.2006
Understanding the Mechanisms of Weakness and Promoting Strength and Fitness in Children with Cerebral Palsy.
Provider: University of Pittsburgh Pitt-Marquette Challenge Lecture Series
Instructors: Diane Damiano, PT; Samuel Lee, PT; Ann Tokay, DPT
Location: University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA / 2.25.2006
Right Brain/ Left Brain Evaluation and Intervention for School Aged Children
Provider: Allegheny College of Maryland at Cumberland
Instructor: Jeff Hopkins, OTR/L
Location: Allegheny College of Maryland; Cumberland, MD / 1.16.2006
Management of Spasticity Associated with Cerebral Palsy Using Neurotoxins
Provider: Cambria-Somerset Council for Education of Health Professionals, Inc.
Location: Online Seminar and Teleconference / 12.7.2005
Professional Memberships and Certifications
American Board of Physical Therapist Specialists Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certified / Since 2012Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute Certified / Since 2011
APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor / Since 2007
Pennsylvania State Licensed Physical Therapist / Since 2005
American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics Member / Since 2005
American Heart Association Health Care Provider
American Physical Therapy Association/ Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Member / Since 2001
AAHPHERD Assistant Adapted Aquatics Instructor / Since 2000
NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer / Since 2001
Professional Service Activities
Saint Francis University Autism Task Force Member / Fall 2012 - presentPennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Mentorship Task Force Member / Fall 2013 - present
Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Web-site Task Force Member / Fall 2010-Spring 2011
Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association State Membership Co-Chairperson / Fall 2010-present
Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association West Central District Membership Committee Chairperson / Fall 2008-present
Community Service Activities
Autism Task Force Holiday Event Volunteer· Sensitive Santa Activities Room Coordinator
· Egg-stra Special Easter Egg Hunt Activities Room Coordinator / 2012- present
Neurologic Wellness Clinic (Pro Bono Clinic) / 2010 - present
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Member
· Sunday School teacher / 2010 - present
Grace Lutheran Church Active Member
· Sunday School Teacher
· Altar Guild Servant
· Offering Counter
· Vacation Bible School Leader / 2005- 2010