• Position: Associate Professor, Neurological Curriculum Coordinator
• Department: School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy
• Campus Address: 1202 Health Professions Building
• Phone: 989-774-1337
• Email: silkw1d@cmich.edu
• Courses:

PTH 621 Clinical Pediatrics
PTH 735 Exam & Diagnosis III
PTH 745 Patient Care III
PTH 766 PT Seminar IV
PTH 792N Introduction to Hippotherapy

Assist in the following courses:
PTH 746 Patient Care IV
PTH 850 Evidence Based Practice​

• Area(s) of Expertise: Hippotherapy, Multiple Sclerosis, Pediatrics 

Degrees and Universities

Bachelor of Health Sciences (PT) - University of Kentucky
Master of Science - DePaul University
Doctorate in Health Sciences - Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis

Honors and Recognitions

- Board Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist American Hippotherapy Association
- Volunteer Hall of Fame - Programs & Services - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Barbara Glasow - Therapist of the Year - American Hippotherapy Association

Professional Organizations

- Member - American Physical Therapy Association
- Member - Michigan Physical Therapy Association
- Member - Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Member - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International
- Member - American Hippotherapy Association; Board of Directors​

Publications

Silkwood-Sherer DJ, Killian CB, Long TM, Martin KS. Hippotherapy: An intervention to habilitate balance deficits in children with movement disorders: a clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(5) accepted.

Silkwood-Sherer D. Hippotherapy as an Intervention to Improve Postural Control of Children with Movement Disorder. Develop Med Child Neurol. 2009; 51(supplement 5):18-19.

McGibbon NH, Brenda W, Duncan BR, Silkwood-Sherer D. Immediate and long-term effects of hippotherapy on symmetry of adductor muscle activity and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.  Archives Phys Med Rehabil. 2009; 90:966-974.

Silkwood-Sherer D. "Het effect van hippotherapy op je evenwicht" MSinfo, Publication of MS-Anders, Netherlands. December 2008. Translated article written to discuss published research on effects of Hippotherapy on Balance of Persons with MS.

Silkwood-Sherer D.  A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Research. HIPPOTHERAPY. American Hippotherapy Association Magazine. Summer 2008.

Silkwood-Sherer D, Warmbier H. Effects of hippotherapy on balance of persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy. 2007; 31:77-84.  

Macauley BL, Silkwood-Sherer D. Hippotherapy research review. American Hippotherapy Association Magazine. Spring, 2004. 

Silkwood-Sherer D. 25 incorrect ways to put on a halter…and other life lessons learned as a NARHA parent. NARHA’s Strides 2004;10:30-32. 

Silkwood-Sherer D. The difference lies in the perspective. NARHA’s Strides. 2003;9: 14-16.  

Research Areas

Effects of hippotherapy intervention on various neurological diagnoses;
Efficacy of clinical interventions on functional outcomes in pediatric and adult neurological cases;
Motor learning and motor control on movement disorders.