PT, MPT, MHA, EdD, Springfield College, United States
Cheryl Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, EdD, MPT, MHA, C/NDT, is an esteemed educator, physical therapist, and program director at Springfield College. With a rich background in education, leadership, and clinical practice, she has significantly contributed to advancing physical therapy education and research. Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff holds a Doctorate in Education from Walden University and has earned multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Health Administration and a Master of Physical Therapy. Her expertise includes teaching in both academic and clinical settings, curriculum development, and the integration of interdisciplinary education. With an ongoing commitment to the field, she continues to enhance both her knowledge and practice.
Profile
Scopus
Education 📚🎓
Dr. Cheryl Peters-Brinkerhoff’s educational journey is marked by a series of prestigious degrees and fellowships. She earned a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Walden University in 2014, a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) from Webster University, and an advanced MS in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University. Further solidifying her leadership credentials, she completed the APTA Leadership Fellowship and a Fellowship in Educational Leadership from Springfield College. Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff’s diverse educational background fuels her passion for blending academic teaching with hands-on clinical practice.
Experience 🏥👩🏫
Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff’s career spans academic leadership, clinical practice, and contributions to the physical therapy field. Currently serving as Program Chair for the DPT Program at Springfield College, she has extensive experience as a faculty member and program director at multiple institutions, including the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Her leadership in various committees and her active participation as a CAPTE Site Reviewer have shaped curriculum development and accreditation processes. Additionally, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff runs a private practice, Gentle Hands Physical Therapy, where she applies her expertise in neurodevelopmental treatment.
Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️
Throughout her career, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to education and physical therapy. Among her prestigious accolades are the Marie Winfrey Award (2017) and induction into the Hall of Fame (2013). She was also named Sweet Adeline of the Year in 2002 for her leadership in the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines. These awards highlight her dedication to both her profession and community, as well as her ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of physical therapists and educators.
Research Focus 🔬📊
Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff’s research interests are centered around interprofessional education (IPE) frameworks, knowledge translation, and the impact of mental health on graduate students. Her work examines gaps in student outcomes and how interdisciplinary education can enhance learning. She has published extensively on topics such as stress, anxiety, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff continues to engage in both qualitative and quantitative research to improve educational practices and clinical outcomes for future healthcare professionals.
Publication Top Notes 📑🔬
- Khowailed, I., Volland, L., Moustafa, I., Peters-Brinkerhoff, C., Alsubiheen, A.M., Lee, H. Doppler Ultrasound Assessment of Blood Flow Indices in Childbearing Age Women Across the Menstrual Cycle. Medicina, February 2025
- Krishnan Muthaiah VP, Balakrishnan B, Muthukumarasamy K, Lefebvre C, Peters-Brinkerhoff C, Ganesan M, Sleepless Minds: Investigating Functional Sleep Problems and Mental Health in Future Healthcare Professionals, Brain Disorders, Oct 2024
- Peters-Brinkerhoff, C. Interprofessional Education Outcome Framework. Poster presentation Educational Leadership Conference, Oct 14, 2023
- Peters-Brinkerhoff, C., James, D., Singh, B., Heick, J., Kume, J., Coley, E., MacLeod, T. Academic Leadership Tools in Higher Education: the Unique Perspective of the Leader of a Clinical Program, The Program Chair, July 2023
- Khowailed IA, Volland L, Peters-Brinkerhoff C, Lee H. 17β-Estradiol Induced Effects on Peripheral Vascular Function in Premenopausal Women Using Doppler Ultrasound, European Journal of Applied Physiology, May 2023
- Bindu Balakrishnan, Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah, Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff & Mohan Ganesan (2022) Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Professional Graduate Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, DOI: 10.1080/20590776.2022.2114341
- Peters-Brinkerhoff, C. (2016). Perspectives on Teaching the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model to Physical Therapy Students, Journal of Allied Health, 45(4). 237-243