The primary training consists of three components that include didactic/psychomotor modules, clinical mentoring and supervision and directed independent learning activities. Success in the program is measured by both written and practical exams, as well as grading of other activities that are requirements within the program. Upon completion of the program, it is expected that the resident sits for the ABPTRFE Pediatric Clinical Specialist Board Certification examination within one year.
The didactic/psychomotor modules are completed through various mediums, including onsite and online, through distance learning. Dates and times are determined by the GSDUPR program director and faculty. Some content may require that weekend hours are scheduled for specialized training components or to make-up hours in the event of unexpected circumstances; residents will be provided with prior notice whenever possible.
More information about the program's self-evaluation is available upon request from the GSDUPR program director.
The mission of the residency program is to develop clinical specialists who are experts in Pediatric Physical Therapy who enhance the lives of children and families, promote compassion and inspire hope for communities through cultural competence, child and family advocacy, social responsibility and evidence-based practice. The program will develop residents through mentored experience and technology-infused education who contribute to the profession through leadership, teaching, consultative activities and lifelong learning.
Heather Brossman, PT, DPT, MS, DHSc, serves as an associate clinical professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (PTRS), where she holds dual leadership roles as director of Clinical Education and director of the Good Shepherd/Drexel University Pediatric Residency program. Brossman earned her Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) at Drexel University, her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Temple University and her master’s degree in health and Sport Science at Wake Forest University. Clinically, she specializes in the care of individuals with medically complex conditions, with particular emphasis on pediatrics and lifespan cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. She brings a wealth of clinical experience across adult and pediatric acute care, school-based practice, early intervention, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics. She worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Bucks County Intermediate Unit and GRIT Physical Therapy and participates clinically in school-based practice.
Erika Carter, PT, DPT, PCS, is the program director of the Good Shepherd and Drexel University Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency Program and a full-time employee of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network at the inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospital. In addition, she holds an adjunct professor position at Moravian University and has guest lectured for multiple area DPT programs. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Lebanon Valley College in 2013 and has been a practicing clinician in pediatrics for 13 years with experience in outpatient, early intervention and inpatient rehabilitation. She achieved her Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) designation in 2016. Her clinical interests include management of patients with complex respiratory diagnoses, spinal cord injury and conditions of prematurity.
Lisa Chiarello, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is an emeritus professor and past Director of the DHSc Programs at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Her research agenda includes the areas of pediatric community-based service delivery, determinants of outcomes, family-centered care, engagement of families and children in rehabilitation and participation of children with physical disabilities in home, school and the community. Chiarello has been a staunch advocate for family-centered care and collaborative practices. She has conducted federally funded multi-site research (MOVE & PLAY, PT COUNTS, and On Track) and is a co-investigator for the Engagement in Pediatric Rehabilitation Study. Chiarello has had several leadership roles in the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy and is invested in the translation of research knowledge to practice.
Noel Goodstadt, PT, DPT, CSCS, has been a physical therapist for over 25 years, earning his MPT from MCP-Hahnemann University and transitional DPT from Temple University. In 2002, he earned his Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Certification. He has been a faculty member at the University of Delaware for seven years prior to joining Drexel University, where he is clinical professor. At both Universities, Goodstadt has had a leadership role in residency education and clinical care. He is founder and director of Drexel University’s first residency in Physical Therapy, starting the Drexel University Orthopaedic Residency in 2013 and graduating 100% of all residents who have all gone on to pass the Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist examination during their first attempt. In 2019, he helped develop and earn accreditation for the Good Shepherd Drexel University Pediatric Residency as the director of the Didactic Curriculum. Goodstadt was a board member of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) and was the ABPTRFE representative to the Education Leadership Partnership from 2018-2022. He has presented at the national and international levels on the care of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
Currently, he teaches in the musculoskeletal components of the professional DPT curricula, both residency programs, is the director of the anatomy lab and treats patients part-time at the Drexel Recreation Center. His research interest has moved into product development and return to sport testing for patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction to moving into anatomy pedagogy.
Diana A. Harrison, PT, DPT, DHSc, PCS, is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. Harrison received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University, her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University and her Doctor of Health Science from the University of Indianapolis. She is an APTA Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) and an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Harrison has more than 15 years of clinical experience as a pediatric physical therapist. She has worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children’s Hospital in the inpatient rehabilitation, day hospital rehabilitation, acute care and seating and adaptive equipment clinic settings. Her scholarly interests include leadership and physical therapy, non-cognitive traits in health professions students, interprofessional education and simulation-based education.
Megan Schaefer, PT, DPT, PCS, is the program director and clinical professor for the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. She is board certified in pediatric physical therapy and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degree in bioengineering prior to receiving her master’s degree in physical therapy from MCP Hahnemann University and her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University. Schaefer has more than 20 years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist in a variety of pediatric settings including acute care, outpatient, inpatient rehab, schools and early intervention. She is the former director of Quality and Clinical Practice for Therapy and Audiology Services at Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Schaefer has a passion for mentorship and developing excellence in clinical education having assisted in the development of integrated clinical education experiences in pediatrics with the University of Delaware and establishing institutional specific guidelines for full-time clinical education experiences at Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Schaefer is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) including the Academies of Acute Care Therapy, Education and Pediatric Physical Therapy. Schaefer serves as the APTA Population Health Champion for the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Schaefer teaches a variety of content within the DPT Curriculum including clinical reasoning, health administration and pediatrics.