Meet Our Faculty

Associate Professor, Chair, Program Director
zookl@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-3036
Letha B. Zook,is a seasoned academic leader, physical therapist, and educator with over 40 years of experience in clinical and higher education. She currently serves as Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at 51福利社, which has campuses in Arizona and New Hampshire. Dr. Zook holds a doctorate in Applied Physiology from Columbia University and is a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist. She has held senior leadership roles at several universities, contributed nationally through APTA leadership and peer-reviewed publications, and is a frequent speaker on curriculum design and problem-based learning. A passionate mentor and community advocate, she directs a youth leadership camp and has served as a Court Appointed .

John (Jack) Bott, DPT
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
bottj@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 262-4660
Jack Bott PT, DPT, SCS, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at 51福利社鈥檚 College of Health & Natural Sciences. A Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University and has extensive clinical experience in sports rehabilitation and orthopedic care. Jack鈥檚 scholarly interests include advancing clinical reasoning, developing hybrid learning environments, and fostering the master adaptive learner in physical therapy education. Actively engaged in professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTA Sports Section, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, Jack remains at the forefront of clinical and educational best practices. Through conference presentations, collaborative projects, and ongoing professional development, he is committed to preparing future clinicians with the skills, adaptability, and leadership needed for success in modern practice.

Shaina E. Ettinger, Ph.D
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education, Clinical Education Content Coordinator
ettingers@franklinpierce.edu
(602) 451-4131
Dr. Shaina Ettinger is an assistant professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the Goodyear, AZ campus. She holds a Doctorate in Health Administration. She has a strong background in the acute care setting, including cardiovascular ICU, oncology, progressive care units, and outpatient observation units, and clinical education. She is the clinical coordinator for the Clinical Education track. She teaches in the Clinical Education and the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary track courses. Her areas of research interest include quality of life, hospital readmission, clinical reasoning, belongingness and inclusion, and oncology. She has presented nationally ad published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Elise Harris, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor, Musculoskeletal Content Coordinator
harrise@franklinpierce.edu
Dr. Elise Harris, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is an Assistant Professor and Musculoskeletal Content Coordinator in the Arizona Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. Dr. Harris teaches Kinesiology, Introduction to Therapeutic Exercise, and the full spectrum of Musculoskeletal coursework. Her scholarly interests include clinical outcomes from student-driven pro bono care, the efficacy of interventions for lumbar spine conditions, and optimization of dry needling parameters. She has presented nationally and published in peer-reviewed journals in these areas.

David Lorello, PT, DPT, BT-C
Associate Professor, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Content Coordinator
(623) 518-2386
lorellod@franklinpierce.edu
David Lorello is an associate professor at our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Goodyear, Arizona. Known for his leadership and expertise, Lorello is deeply involved in shaping future healthcare professionals, fostering a commitment to ethical and effective practice among his students.

Robert S. Phillips, DPT
Associate Professor, Neurologic Content Coordinator
(623) 518-2386
phillipsr@franklinpierce.edu
Dr. Robert S. Phillips is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Neurologic Content Coordinator. He specializes in neurologic physical therapy, with a focus on Parkinson's disease, concussion management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Phillips is an experienced educator, employing problem-based learning to guide students in critical thinking and clinical practice. An accomplished researcher and presenter, he is also actively involved in professional organizations. Outside work, he enjoys running, triathlons, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
ramoss@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Dr. Sergio Ramos is an Assistant Professor and a Director of Clinical Education in the hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at 51福利社. He brings a strong background in neurological rehabilitation, clinical education, and innovative teaching practices in hybrid learning environments. His academic interests include the use of artificial intelligence in physical therapy education, interprofessional collaboration, and increasing access to clinical reasoning experiences for diverse learners. Dr. Ramos is passionate about preparing students for evidence-based and patient-centered practice. Outside the classroom, he enjoys running, and engaging in community-based rehabilitation initiatives.

Scott Richardson, PT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Foundational Sciences Content Coordinator
richardsons@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Dr. Scott Richardson PT, PhD is an Associate Professor and Foundational Content Coordinator in the Arizona DPT program. He teaches Anatomy, Introduction to PT Exam, Health Promotion and Wellness, and specializes in assisting student transition to graduate school. Dr. Richardson has several publications focused on non-cognitive factors such as emotional intelligence and resilience/grit and potential relationships with DPT student academic success.

Associate Professor
wolffk@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Dr. Kristina Wolff is an assistant professor on the Goodyear, AZ campus. She is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist with extensive experience in outpatient orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. At 51福利社, she teaches pathology and musculoskeletal track courses. Dr. Wolff is passionate about clinical education, evidence-based practice, and global health outreach.

Associate Professor, Evidence-Based Practice Content Coordinator
xiar@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
RuiPing Xia is an associate professor and a core faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy, and an adjunct faculty in Master of Physician Assistant Studies in Goodyear Academic Center, AZ. She holds a PhD in neurophysiology and has completed a post-doctoral fellowship in neurologic rehabilitation. Her content areas of teaching and research have included evidence-based practice, motor control, neuroscience, neurologic rehabilitation in Parkinson鈥檚 disease, and the scholarship of teaching & learning. Dr. Xia has employed a wide variety of research designs in her projects. Her research has been disseminated and published in various peer-reviewed scientific journals.
