top of page

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION


Georgia State University
Master of Physical Therapy, June 2007
Graduate Research Assistantship 2006-7, co-author Feasibility of Using the Sony PlayStation 2 Gaming Platform for an Individual Poststroke: A Case Report

University of California at Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, June 1994

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE


The Shepherd Center
Physical Therapist, Neuro Rehab, June 2007 – Present (current PRN status)
Physical Therapist in outpatient neurological rehabilitation with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis focus

  • Eula C. and Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute, 2012-2023

  • Post-Acute SCI Program, 2007-2012

  • Clinical Supervisor, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network, 2010-2012

  • Consultant for Can Do MS

 
Served as Clinical Instructor for PT students in final internships: 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019

Developed ongoing wellness classes for community programming and outreach:

  • Yoga for Chronic Pain, 2017-present, Shepherd Pain Institute

  • Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis, 2015-present, Eula C. and Andrew C. MS Institute


Outstanding Achievement Award, Virginia C. Crawford Annual Research Day, 2017: Impact of massage therapy on fatigue, pain and spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study

Presented in-services and provided ongoing staff mentorship on Integrating Yogic Philosophy into Healthcare

Trained healthcare professionals in body weight supported locomotor training techniques for NeuroRecovery Network Regional Training

Atlanta Speech and Wellness
PRN Physical Therapist, Private Practice with Neuro Rehab Focus, May 2024 – Present Physical Therapist in outpatient private practice setting treating patients with variable diagnoses including acquired brain injury, vestibular impairment, and complex pain syndromes

Emory Brain Health Center
PRN Physical Therapist, Neuro Rehab, July 2024 – Present Physical Therapist in outpatient neurological rehabilitation with Parkinson’s focus

Peachtree Hills Place
PRN Physical Therapist, Skilled Nursing Facility, June 2024 – January 2025
Physical Therapist in skilled nursing and assisted living environments treating patients with variable diagnoses including dementia and neurological impairment
 
Elm Wood Center
Physical Therapist, SNF, January 2024 - April 2024
Physical Therapist in skilled nursing and long-term care environments treating patients with variable diagnoses including dementia and neurological impairment
 
Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist, OP Orthopedic Clinic, May 2023 – August 2023
Physical Therapist in outpatient orthopedic setting treating patients with variable diagnoses including vestibular impairment, musculoskeletal injury, spinal disorders, and status post joint arthroplasty
 
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING


Proficient in the following EMR systems: Epic, NetHealth, Simple Practice

Trained in providing telehealth PT services

Continuing education coursework and clinical experience with the following:

  • Locomotor training using body weight supported manual treadmill and Zero-G overground systems

  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

  • Visceral mobilization

  • Pilates

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

  • Dry Needling

 
Nirvana School of Classical Yoga:  200 Hour Teacher Training, 2014; additional training in adapted yoga techniques: 

  • Center for Integrative Yoga Studies, Therapeutic Yoga for Pain, 2017

  • Love Your Brain, Yoga Teacher Training for TBI, 2016

  • MindBody Solutions, Opening Yoga Levels I and II, 2015

 
Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers:  MS Clinical Specialist, 2013

  • Physical Therapy Association of Georgia:  Certified Clinical Instructor, 2010

  • Atlanta School of Massage:  Certification in Massage Therapy, 1997

 
 
TEACHING EXPERIENCE


Emory University 
August 2019 - Present 
Instructor: Mindfulness and Yoga for the Physical Therapist 
Lecturer with practicum coursework for doctoral students of Physical Therapy 

Georgia State University 
April 2007 – March 2023 
Instructor in Therapeutic Massage in Clinical Practice, and Clinical Considerations for the MS Population
Lecturer with practicum coursework for doctoral students of Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Recognition Award: 2022 
 
Neuro-Recovery Network, The Shepherd Center 
May 2008 – May 2011 
Instructor: NRN Regional Training in Locomotor Training 
Lecturer with practicum coursework for physical therapists in locomotor training techniques using body weight supported treadmill 

Georgia Medical Institute 
Jan 2000 – August 2005
Instructor of Massage Therapy
Instructor of the Year, 2000-2001
 
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS


Backus D, Bender A, Manella C, Sweatman M. New Massage Research: Staying Current so You Can Better Help Your Clients: Impact of Massage Therapy on Spasticity in People with Multiple Sclerosis, 2018 AMTA Annual Conference, Washington, DC
 
Bender A, Sullivan M, Bethel K, Tudor L. Yoga: A Practice with Special Relevance for Neurological Rehabilitation, 2017 ACRM Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA
 
Backus D, Manella C, Bender A, Sweatman M. Impact of massage therapy on fatigue, pain and spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study, International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education and Practice, Dec 2016; 9(4):4-13
 
Manella C, Bender A, Backus D, Sweatman M, Ruger L. Potential for massage therapy to manage fatigue, pain and spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 2016 CMSC Annual Conference, National Harbor, MD
 
Backus D, Ruger L, Bender A, Manella C, Long M, Sweatman M. Massage therapy to reduce pain and improve health and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 2016 International Massage Therapy Research Conference, Seattle, WA
 
Flynn S, Bender A, Palma P. Feasibility of using the Sony PlayStation 2 gaming platform for an individual poststroke: a case report, Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy, Dec 2007, 31(4):180-9
 
Flynn S, Bender A, Palma P. Low-tech virtual reality improves function in individuals with central nervous system injury. 2007 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Boston, MA
 
NON-SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, INTERVIEWS

​

  • Movement and Climate Change Podcast: Interoception: https://open.spotify.com/show/1o7f7l18dH8gsxorF35qqzsi=6cc4921ae8d54777

  • Adapt and Adjust: Exercise Can Help You Regain Strength and Function, MS Focus Magazine, 2019

  • Using Breathing and Yoga to Blow Through Brain Fog, MSFocusRadio.org, 2019

  • The Mind-Body Connection and Exercise and MS, MS Cruise for a Cause, MS Foundation, 2018

  • CNN : Yoga and Disabilities, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jIKFf0k-Sw, 2015

  • Bender A. Sure Footed – Stepping Forward with Body-Weight Supported Locomotor Training, Advance for Physical Therapists and PT Assistants, 2008, 19:22-3 and 113

bottom of page