Deborah Silkwood-Sherer, DHS, PT, HPCS

  • Position: Associate Professor, Neurological Curriculum Coordinator
  • Department: School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, Graduate 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 course:
    PTH 746 Patient Care IV

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

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

- American Hippotherapy Association
- AHA Registered Therapist in Classic Hippotherapy
- North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NAHRA)
- 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
- Board of Trustees - Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Chair: Client Services Committee
- Member - North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
- Member - American Hippotherapy Association; Board of Directors; Research Chairperson

Publications

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. 

Silkwood-Sherer, D. he Value of Needs Assessment in Program Planning.  Performance: The Journal of Program Evaluation in Rehabilitation. The Center, Chicago, Illinois.  Spring/Summer 1990. Vol. 2, No. 1. 

Macauley BL, Silkwood-Sherer D. Hippotherapy research review. HIPPOTHERAPY 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. 

Chapman A, Silkwood-Sherer, D. (1997). Fundamentals of Neuroanatomy: An Introduction to the Structure and Function of the Nervous System. C&S Works.  Holt Michigan. 1993

 

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.