Martha Walker, PT, PhD

Associate Professor Emerita – Old Dominion University

Dr. Martha Walker completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma. She began practice in the acute care setting at the University Hospital, followed by practice at Hospital Cantonal in Geneva Switzerland for a year. After Returning to the States, she worked at McGuire Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, working a mix of acute care and rehabilitation. She continued part-time practice while earning a Master of Science (advanced practice) in Physical Therapy, emphasis area biomechanics from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Following this, Martha was hired as full-time faculty in Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University (ODU). She worked at ODU for 35 years, eventually completing her PhD in Health Related Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also practiced locally between semesters, first at area hospitals, and then at the on-campus out-patient clinic, Monarch Physical Therapy. Martha’s main teaching areas included kinesiology & biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and gait.

Gail Grisetti, MPT, EdD

Associate Professor Emerita – Old Dominion University.

Gail Grisetti was an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Old Dominion University. Throughout her career at ODU, she has taught in the area of prosthetics. Her experience in teaching prosthetics led to her involvement with the Walking Free program and with Physicians for Peace, an NGO, which provided education in rehabilitation in a variety of countries. 

Dr. Grisetti played a key role in the development of an undergraduate program in physical therapy at a Catholic University in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She also participated in the development of a curriculum for the education of an interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals in the treatment of children with Autism in Santiago, Dominican Republic. In collaboration with David Lawrence, she presented at international prosthetic conferences including France, Panama, Guatemala, Ecuador, the Philippines and India.  

Originally from New York City, Dr. Grisetti lived in Hampton, Virginia. She maintained a clinical practice in a variety of settings including acute and long term care and in home health. Dr. Grisetti received numerous awards from the University and from the community for her work internationally. She earned her MPT and her EdD in Health Education from Columbia University.

Bethany Russell, PT, DPT

Director of the Mission Gait Academy
Physical Therapist – Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center

 Bethany Russell PT, DPT graduated from Bridgewater College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and then Virginia Commonwealth University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017. Prior to physical therapy, she worked as a martial arts instructor for students of all ages, which began her passion for movement skill and confidence. During her physical therapy career she has treated individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings.

Bethany has a special interest in returning to walking and running after neurologic or orthopedic injury, as well as balance disorders. Her interest in gait began in PT school, where she worked as a research assistant in a lab studying walking adaptation and symmetry, ultimately assisting with a few articles published in peer-reviewed journals. She also enjoys mentoring students and new graduates.

Outside of work, Bethany enjoys spending time with her husband Holden, rock climbing, and being outside as much as possible with family and friends.

Tracy Rauk, PT, DPT

Instructor and Education Consultant – Mission Gait Foundation
Amputation Regional Coordinator – Veterans Administration, Denver, Colorado

Tracy acquired experience with the amputee population at Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center in Richmond, Virginia and while interning and practicing at the Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care Amputee Unit in San Diego. Since achieving her doctoral degree, Tracy has developed and managed two amputee and gait rehabilitation programs in Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado, guest lectured at national prosthetic and physical therapy conferences, and has been a leading clinician in the gait and amputee rehabilitation practice. Tracy now works as the Amputation Regional Coordinator at the Veterans Administration Regional Amputation Center in Denver, Colorado.

Mission Gait was fortunate to have Tracy join our team in 2016, serving as our Director of Curriculum Development. Tracy has been an integral member of our team assisting with the development and implementation of physical therapy student curriculum and our advanced education/gait certification for professionals. She regularly guest lectures on amputee and gait rehabilitation, and is one of our most sought-after Instructors for Mission Gait’s continuing education program.

As an avid runner and hiker, Tracy is passionate about the independence, health, and confidence that mobility provides us. Tracy lives and plays in Golden. Colorado with her hound dog, husband, and two boys, Henry and Luke.

David A. Lawrence, MSPT, AT-ret.

Founder, Chief Executive Officer – Mission Gait Foundation
Owner & Physical Therapist – Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center

David Lawrence is an internationally renowned rehabilitation professional and educator. In addition to treating patients, he delivers courses in the USA and abroad on knee, hip and foot pathologies, rehabilitation following limb amputation, and disabled sports and recreation. Lawrence serves as adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University and is a guest lecturer at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Miami and his Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

In 1991, immediately following school, Lawrence joined the staff of McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital in Richmond. The need for expertise in gait therapy and prosthetics made an impression, and he accepted a position as the Sports & Prosthetic Rehabilitation Specialist for Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital. His focus on providing individualized care led him to A.T. Home Care, where he created the Stepping Back to Life Project. Lawrence founded Lawrence Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. in 2000 to enhance the quality of care and education available for the treatment of patients with gait disabilities. And in 2006, Lawrence opened the first-of-its-kind Gait Center. The Center’s specially trained staff and unique approach enable individuals with even the most complex conditions to once again walk with confidence.

As a volunteer, Lawrence co-founded Walking Free, an international program acclaimed for helping amputees in developing nations. He also has provided his services as a trainer, working with elite athletes, including those with disabilities.

Tracy Rauk, PT, DPT

Instructor and Education Consultant – Mission Gait Foundation
Amputation Regional Coordinator – Veterans Administration, Denver, Colorado

Tracy Rauk, originally from North Idaho, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a decade of experience in gait mechanics and amputee rehabilitation. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from Pacific Lutheran University and her doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Tracy acquired experience with the amputee population at Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center in Richmond, Virginia and while interning and practicing at the Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care Amputee Unit in San Diego. Since achieving her doctoral degree, Tracy has developed and managed two amputee and gait rehabilitation programs in Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado, guest lectured at national prosthetic and physical therapy conferences, and has been a leading clinician in the gait and amputee rehabilitation practice. Tracy now works as the Amputation Regional Coordinator at the Veterans Administration Regional Amputation Center in Denver, Colorado.

Mission Gait was fortunate to have Tracy join our team in 2016, serving as our Director of Curriculum Development. Tracy has been an integral member of our team assisting with the development and implementation of physical therapy student curriculum and our advanced education/gait certification for professionals. She regularly guest lectures on amputee and gait rehabilitation, and is one of our most sought-after Instructors for Mission Gait’s continuing education program.

As an avid runner and hiker, Tracy is passionate about the independence, health, and confidence that mobility provides us. Tracy lives and plays in Golden. Colorado with her hound dog, husband, and two boys, Henry and Luke.

David A. Lawrence, MSPT, ATC ret.

Founder, Chief Executive Officer – Mission Gait Foundation
Owner & Physical Therapist – Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center

David Lawrence is an internationally renowned rehabilitation professional and educator. In addition to treating patients, he delivers courses in the USA and abroad on knee, hip and foot pathologies, rehabilitation following limb amputation, and disabled sports and recreation. Lawrence serves as adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University and is a guest lecturer at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Miami and his Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

In 1991, immediately following school, Lawrence joined the staff of McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital in Richmond. The need for expertise in gait therapy and prosthetics made an impression, and he accepted a position as the Sports & Prosthetic Rehabilitation Specialist for Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital. His focus on providing individualized care led him to A.T. Home Care, where he created the Stepping Back to Life Project. Lawrence founded Lawrence Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. in 2000 to enhance the quality of care and education available for the treatment of patients with gait disabilities. And in 2006, Lawrence opened the first-of-its-kind Gait Center. The Center’s specially trained staff and unique approach enable individuals with even the most complex conditions to once again walk with confidence.

As a volunteer, Lawrence co-founded Walking Free, an international program acclaimed for helping amputees in developing nations. He also has provided his services as a trainer, working with elite athletes, including those with disabilities.

Karen Royall PT, DPT

Adjunct Associate Professor – Old Dominion University

Dr. Karen Royall is a licensed physical therapist who has provided comprehensive physical therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents with neuro-developmental disabilities for 37 years. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Old Dominion University, School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is responsible for the pediatric curricular content and assists in instruction of theoretical aspects and practical skills related to the adult client with neurological dysfunction. Karen received her BS in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion in 1985 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including hospital based in-patient rehabilitation, long term care facilities, out-patient clinics and early intervention for infants in home-based settings. In addition to her dedication to pediatrics, Karen has also worked with adults with neurological dysfunction with diagnoses such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, tumor, and stroke. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of American and the American Academy of Brain Injury Specialists and has presented on topics in pediatric physical therapy internationally. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. She is active in volunteering, mentoring and serving as a clinical instructor to student physical therapists.

Kristen Klyczek, PT, PhD

Pediatric Physical Therapist – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor – Old Dominion University

Traci Morse PT, DPT, PCS

Clinical Supervisor and Physical Therapist – Aveanna Healthcare

Dr. Traci Morse has been working as a pediatric physical therapist for 30 years in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, in-patient rehabilitation, out-patient rehabilitation, school system and early intervention. She has served as a clinical instructor and provides support for the VCU Pediatric Residency program. She received a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 1992, completed the Interdisciplinary Leadership Education Program in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities, Virginia Commonwealth University 1997 and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She is board-certified in pediatric physical therapy since 2017. She is currently the clinical supervisor for a team of pediatric therapists at Aveanna Healthcare while continuing to provide direct physical therapy services. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Beth Jamali, PT, PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Interim Program Director for Physical Therapy, and Admissions Director – Old Dominion University

Beth Jamali, PT, PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Interim Program Director for Physical Therapy, and Admissions Director – Old Dominion University.

Dr. Beth Jamali serves as a clinical Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Old Dominion University. She is currently serving as the Interim Program Director for Physical Therapy and Admissions Director. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 1989, her Master of Science degree with a concentration in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 1997. In 2005, Dr. Jamali received her PhD in Urban Services – Urban Education Concentration with an emphasis in Higher Education from Old Dominion University. From 2000-2020, Dr. Jamali held a board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). She continues to practice physical therapy in the home health care environment. Dr. Jamali’s research interests include clinical outcomes with the neurologically and orthopedically involved populations. She currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA with her two daughters.

Leslie Prom, PT, DPT, NCS

Clinical Assistant Professor – Old Dominion University
Physical Therapist – ODU Monarch Physical Therapy Clinic

Dr. Leslie Prom serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Old Dominion University. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2004 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Prom received her board certification as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) in 2011. Her clinical experience is in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient neurology. She continues her clinical practice at ODU Monarch Physical Therapy Clinic working with patients mainly with diagnoses of SCI, CVA and TBI. Dr. Prom’s research interests include clinical interventions and outcomes in neurologic rehabilitation, especially with patients with SCI and CVA, as well as community-based programs for patients with neurologic diagnoses.

Valerie Arnsten, MPT

Adjunct Faculty, Old Dominion University
Physical Therapist – ODU Monarch PT Clinic

Kristin Liebl PT, DPT

Founder, Physical Therapist – Kristin Liebl Physical Therapy.

In addition to clinical work, Kristin has been adjunct faculty member both at Northwestern University in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Science and at The University of Illinois at Chicago. She has also served as a guest lecturer at Morton Community College. To contribute to knowledge and growth in therapy science and literature, Kristin continues to work with leading organizations and institutions including stroke and geriatric research through Northwestern University and Council for Jewish Elderly and currently with Mission Gait. As an American Physical Therapy Association board-certified clinical specialist in Neurology (NCS), Kristin focuses on helping people understand the connection between their nervous systems and their bodies, including post amputation, in order to maximize functional outcomes, motor skill acquisition and performance.

Seth Smith, CPO

Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist and Virginia Beach Clinical Director – Reach OPS

Away from work, Seth loves spending time with his wife and two kids. He may be swimming, running, or just chasing his kids around every weekend.

Paul Kline is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Dr. Kline earned a BS in Health & Exercise Science from Furman University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from East Carolina University, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Kline’s research focuses on the evaluation of atypical movement patterns in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions and the development of movement-based interventions to treat these atypical movements.

Annie Johnson, PT, DPT

Instructor and Education Consultant – Mission Gait Foundation
Physical Therapist – inpatient/outpatient travel PT

Annie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy working in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings as a travel physical therapist. Her passion for the human body and movement began while completing her studies at the University of Virginia where she received her BA in Biology and BSEd in Kinesiology. As a student, Annie volunteered in UVA’s Exercise and Sports Injury Laboratory focused upon ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. She continued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University for her doctorate, and her career in research at the Motor Control Laboratory examining chronic pain and movement.

In her first two years as a physical therapist, Annie worked in outpatient clinics in the Richmond, Virginia area treating patients with orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Currently as a travel PT, Annie is also alternating into inpatient settings as well, enjoying the breadth of variety in treating patients across the spectrum of care.

While in Richmond, Annie worked as a physical therapist for Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center, while also working for Mission Gait Foundation. Annie led Mission Gait’s neurologic initiative and assisted with the development of the Gait Certification Curriculum. Still part of our team, Annie is teaching the Level I – Virtual Gait Rehabilitation course alongside Tracy Rauk.

In her free time, Annie enjoys spending time hiking, biking, running outdoors, and exploring new places.

Hunter Bogert, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist – Lawrence Rehabilitation – The Gait Center

Hunter completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Lynchburg in 2023. He did his undergraduate coursework, receiving a B.S. in Allied Health at Cedarville University in 2018. Hunter worked extensively with the amputee student involvement group during his time at the University of Lynchburg and went on to do his final clinical rotation in Phoenix, Arizona working primarily with amputees of all levels. 

Hunter is a physical therapist at Lawrence Rehabilitation Specialists – The Gait Center, working with amputees, post-op, neurologic, and complex orthopedic conditions, and enjoys research that supports clinical care for limb loss, neurologic and orthopedic patient concerns. He has a growing interest in developing his manual therapy skills and has become FM1 certified through the IPA. 

Hunter enjoys an active lifestyle of working out, running, hiking, fishing, and playing sports ranging from pickleball to winter snow skiing. Combining his personal interests with the desire to help others, he has even worked as a certified personal trainer for the YMCA.