Dr. Coates is the Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Seton Hill University, where she coordinates the five clinical education experiences along with teaching in the Professional Responsibilities and Geriatrics coursework. She is a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Dr. Coates earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duquesne University and a graduate certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh. Training and mentoring the next generation of Physical Therapists is Dr. Coates’ passion, which led her to her current position. Dr. Coates' educational philosophy stresses the importance of teaching ethical treatment of each patient, with dignity and respect, and attention to the "whole person's" individual differences. Her research interests include DPT student professional behavior during clinical education, conservative management of knee osteoarthritis, and reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Prior to joining the Seton Hill faculty, Dr. Coates worked in an outpatient Physical Therapy clinic as a full-time clinician and facility director, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Coates' clinical interests include conservative management of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff repair rehabilitation, maintaining older adult independence, and supporting an active lifestyle for all age groups. Dr. Coates continues her clinical work at a pro bono clinic, Sheep Inc., supervises a wellness program with Disabilities Options Network, and as a volunteer Physical Therapist on annual international medical mission trips to Santiago, Dominican Republic and Chimbote, Peru. 

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

• B.S. Biology, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

Awards

• University of Pittsburgh: Aging Institute Scholarship for the Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program

Organizations

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Orthopedic, Education, and Geriatric Academies
• APTA Pennsylvania Chapter Member, Geriatric Special Interest Group
• APTA Pennsylvania Advocacy Day Participant
• American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT): National Consortium of Clinical Educators (NCCE) Member, Academic Faculty Special Interest Group, Clinical Education Special Interest Group
  
  

Presentations

• Drevyn, E, Biltz, N, Coates, J, Tillery, M, Lewis S. Clinical Instructor Perspectives of Successful and Unsuccessful Strategies Addressing Student Professional Behavior Issues ACAPT Educational Leadership Conference, Poster Presentation October 13, 2023

• Joyce, J, Chichy, J, Coates, J. Impact of a 6-week evidence-based neurologic wellness program on fall frequency, risk, functional endurance, and quality of life (QOL) in a retired religious community. APTA PA Move Conference, Poster Presentation. November 2, 2024

Certifications

• APTA Board Certified Geriatric Specialist

• Licensed Physical Therapist, Pennsylvania

• Direct Access Certification, Pennsylvania

• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation

• Kinesio Taping: Fundamentals and Advanced (KT1, KT2)

• Graston Technique Provider

• Basic and Advanced APTA Certified Clinical Instructor

Achievements

• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Delegate (Alternate): 2020 - 2022

• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Director: 2016-2018

• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, Southwest District Education Committee Co-Chair: 2013-2015