Heather Brossman, PT, DPT, MS, DHSc, serves as an assistant 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.
Her teaching philosophy is grounded in mentorship and coaching, guiding learners as they cultivate their professional identities and pursue areas of interest within the discipline of physical therapy. In the classroom, she emphasizes active, experiential learning experiences that encourage engagement, collaboration and a sense of belonging.
Her research interests focus on interprofessional collaboration in the management of medical complexity. She has published on partnerships among educators, families and related service providers within school-based practice. Her service commitments reflect a dedication to advocacy and inclusion, particularly through expanding opportunities for individuals who are differently abled. She remains actively engaged with Special Olympics and other community-based programs that promote access to sport and recreation for all.
Academic Distinctions
Heather Brossman, PT, DPT, MS, DHSc, is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University, where she serves as director of Clinical Education and director of the Good Shepherd/Drexel University Pediatric Residency program. Her clinical expertise centers on pediatrics and lifespan cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, with practice spanning acute care, early intervention, rehabilitation, orthopedics and school-based settings. Her scholarly and service efforts focus on interprofessional collaboration, advocacy and inclusion, particularly in expanding opportunities for individuals who are differently abled.
Professional Society
• Philadelphia Consortia of Clinical Educators
• National Interprofessional Education Consortium (NIPEC)
• Clinic Director Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (SOPA)
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section, APTA
• Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, APTA
• Educational Section, APTA
• Sports Physical Therapy Section, APTA
• Section on Health Policy and Administration, APTA
Selected Publications
Brossman H., Chiarello L., Palisano R., Wynarczuk K.,(2023). A Collaborative Approach to Support Participation in Physical Recreation for Preschool Students with Multiple Disabilities: A Case Series. Disabilities 3(4):591-607. https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3040038
Sukal-Moulton, T., Walrath, J., Brossman, H., Moerchen, V., Schreiber, J. Tovin, M. (2025). ePortfolios: A Tool to Demonstrate Ongoing Development of Competency in Pediatric Physical Therapy. submitted to Pediatric Physical Therapy. Pediatr Phys Ther 37(3):366-370. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001206. Epub 2025 May 8. PMID: 40333030.
Brossman, H (2021) Cardiac Disorders Chapter 18, Pulmonary and Respiratory Disorders Chapter 19, In Tecklin’s Pediatric Physical Therapy 6th edition. Elena Spearing, Eric Pelletier, Marc Drnack (Ed.). Philadelphia PA, Walters Kluwer.
Brossman, H (2008). Cardiac Disorders. In Tecklin, Stephen Jan (Ed.) Pediatric Physical Therapy (pp. 589-614). Philadelphia PA, Walters Kluwer.
Brossman, H., Schrepfer, C (2004). Chapter 19: Case Study: Cystic Fibrosis. In Susan Effgen (Ed.). Meeting the Physical Therapy Needs of Children (pp.504-515). Phila, F.A. Davis Co.