DPT Faculty
Core Faculty
Robert W. Nithman, PT, PhD, DPT, GCS
Program Dean/Director & Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: bnithman@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Nithman joined WCU in 2021. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania where he graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a Master of Physical Therapy from Duquesne University. He then returned for his post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (t-DPT) from Chatham University. From there, he went on to achieve Board Certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) in 2006 (recertified in 2016), as well as own and operate a rehab staffing company and a Medicare-certified home health agency. Dr. Nithman began full-time teaching in 2009 which led him to pursuing additional professional development and ultimately earning his PhD from Nova Southeastern University.
Drawing from his experiences in business start-up, interprofessional practice management, consulting, formal post-professional education, and 25+ years of experience across the healthcare continuum, Dr. Nithman’s teaching focus is in outcomes management, interprofessional education & practice management, healthcare policy, law, and ethics, reimbursement systems including value-based healthcare, geriatric rehabilitation, health & wellness of older adults including fall screening and prevention. Dr. Nithman’s expertise in Prospective Payment System (PPS) and in-home assessment and reimbursement procedures are exemplified by his Certification as an Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Specialist (COS-C) in 2005-2021.
Dr Nithman has consulted for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Harvard Medical School in addition to numerous private healthcare businesses. Dr Nithman has over 40 peer reviewed scholarly products with most recent works focusing on a Clinical Practice Guidance Statement and a Delphi consensus-based document for the physical therapist’s management of patient / clients with low bone mass, the acceptance/feasibility/reliability/validity of remote fall risk screening, value-based health care, the CDC’s STEADI algorithm, and telerehabilitation. Dr. Nithman has presented to national and international audiences on telerehabilitation, fall screening & prevention, interprofessional rehabilitation and prognostic tools, risk and strategic planning with business entity selection, high-fidelity simulation, technology in home healthcare, case management in prospective payment systems, predictive validity of admissions interviews, as well as critical thinking and debate-style learning.
Dr. Nithman is very engaged professionally. Notably, he is the current Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Geriatrics Specialty Council which oversees the Geriatrics Specialty Exam (GCS). He has served the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) as an item writer, coordinator, and was ultimately appointed to the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) Development Committee. Dr Nithman is a former elected and founding Board member of American Council of Academic Physical Therapy’s (ACAPT) National Inter-Professional Education Consortium (NIPEC), and has recently been appointed by ACAPT to the newly formed Advocacy Committee where he represents DPT programs from CA and HI. Dr. Nithman is a member of the APTA’s Academies of Education, Geriatrics, and Health Policy & Administration along with a number of special interest groups.
Education
Ph.D. Nova Southeastern University, 2018
t-DPT Chatham University, 2005
MPT Duquesne University, 1997
B.S. Duquesne University, 1996
Fred Farris, PhD
Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: (323) 300-5155
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: frFarris@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Dr. Farris earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Purdue University and completed a post doctorate training program at the University of Rochester. Dr. Farris teaches in pharmaceutical science arena and serves on a variety of academic committees. Dr. Farris served as the Department Chair of Pharmacy Practice at Manchester College School of Pharmacy, the Department Chair of Pharmacy Practice and Administration at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy and as the Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Mercer University School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. He has nearly forty years of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences teaching experience and twenty-five years of administrative faculty experience. He has overseen numerous graduate students and authored a large number of scientific papers.
Education
Ph.D. Purdue University
Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: (323) 300-5155
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: CaBrown@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Dr. Brown (she/her) is an Assistant Professor with the West Coast University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Biology from the University of California Davis in 2008, while enjoying four years of competing with the Women’s Rugby team. She went on to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine – San Marcos, graduating in 2012. Dr. Brown first joined West Coast University as an adjunct faculty member in 2020, teaching in neuromuscular, pediatric, and cardiopulmonary courses. She joined West Coast University’s core faculty team after 9 years of clinical practice in outpatient pediatrics. She is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor and has served as Site Coordinator of Clinical Education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator in her clinical practice.
Dr. Brown is a board certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist and has worked with patients in early intervention, school-based, and medical models. She has experience in multi-disciplinary developmental group programs, as well as adaptive and therapeutic summer camp programming. She serves on the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy mentorship programming subcommittee and works as a mentor for several organizations. Her passions for increasing support for underrepresented minorities in the PT field, along with seeing a need for mentorship and support for Black students and clinicians is what led her to her role Chairperson of the Southern California chapter of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists (NABPT). She has a passion for creating inclusive environments where students, faculty, and our community can thrive together.
Education
DPT, University of St. Augustine San Marcos, 2012
BS -Exercise Biology, UC Davis, 2008
Najmeh Hoseini, PT, MSPT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Phone: (323) 454-5059
Email: nhoseini@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Dr. Najmeh Hosseini joined West Coast University as an assistant professor in Summer of 2019. She Grew up in Iran and received her bachelor of science (2003) and master of science (2006) degree in Physical Therapy from Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. She moved to the United States in 2009 and attended Indiana University for her doctoral degree. She completed her Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a major in human performance and a minor in neuroscience in 2015 in Bloomington, Indiana and worked as a core faculty at Midwestern University from 2015-2019.
She is a member of American Physical Therapy Association and has practiced physical therapy in Iran, Indiana State, and Arizona State since 2006.
Her research is focused on sensorimotor neurophysiology and neuroplasticity. Since 2011, Dr. Hoseini has published several peer-review articles in PLOS ONE, and Neuroscience letters and has presented her research at Society for Neuroscience, APTA NEXT, NanoFlorida, Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT), and Brain Stimulation (Canada).
Education
PhD in Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, 2015
MSPT, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 2006
BS, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 2003
Michael Connors, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: micconnors@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Dr. Connors is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, joining in March 2024. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stockton College. He received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Rutgers University in 2003 and a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2008. Dr. Connors completed his PhD at Texas Woman’s University in 2017. His research included the effects of spinal manipulation on rotator cuff muscle activation in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Dr. Connors has 21 years of clinical practice, working with mostly orthopedic clients in the outpatient setting. He also has extensive experience working with amateur and professional performing artists. He is also board certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Dr. Connors also has extensive experience in presenting at both national and international conferences. He holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor (Honorary) at Red Cross University in Xian, China in the Department of Orthopedics.
Education
Ph.D. Texas Woman’s University 2017
t-DPT Temple University, 2008
B.S. Stockton College, 2001
Joan Rae “JR” Hermosura, PT, PhD, DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
In 2020, Dr. Hermosura completed her didactic work to achieve PhD candidacy for Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University earning her PhD in 2024. Her research explores a neurological component relating to the persistence of chronic low back pain utilizing neurological clinical tests and imaging. Dr. Hermosura has dedicated much of her physical therapy to career learning and growing with the profession while working primarily in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. Combining her love for sports and physical therapy, she enjoys training youth athletes, primarily softball. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, seeks adventure outdoors including snowboarding, rock-climbing, and camping, and she loves a good DIY home project.
Ryan Lovell, PT, DPT, NCS, ATP
Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of Clinical Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Dr. Lovell is an Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of Clinical Education in West Coast University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. As distinguished Physical Therapist from Pasadena, CA, his academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiology from the University of Arizona. He further pursued his education by earning a clinical Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT) at Azusa Pacific University. He is board certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) and is certified in Assistive Technology (ATP), reflecting his commitment to excellence in specialized fields. He is currently enrolled in the Rehabilitation and Movement Science Ph.D. program at Azusa Pacific University, where he is actively advancing his expertise in the field.
As a dedicated researcher and practitioner, Dr. Lovell has contributed to groundbreaking studies at the Pathokinesiology Laboratory at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Specializing in clinical quantitative biomechanical studies, he integrates fine wire and surface EMG, motion capture, and force plate analysis, showcasing proficiency in cutting-edge technologies.
A published researcher, Dr. Lovell has significantly contributed to the field by studying the efficacy of the Sensoria Smart Socks system for gait rehabilitation. His commitment to advancing knowledge is also evident through abstract presentations on the clinical use of exoskeletons and neuroprostheses for gait training.
With a passion for integrating technology into rehabilitation practices and a proven track record in clinical coordination, research, and patient-focused care, Dr. Ryan Lovell continues to be a driving force in the advancement of physical therapy and neurological rehabilitation.
Dr. Jennyfer Oh, PT, DPT, NCS
Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of Clinical Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Dr. Oh is an Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of Clinical Education in West Coast University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from the University of California, San Diego in 2013 and graduated as part of the inaugural DPT class at West Coast University in 2017 with an Academic Achievement Award. Dr. Oh completed a neurologic residency program at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare and is an APTA Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist. Her clinical practice is well established in inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings treating adults with a variety of neurologic conditions throughout the continuum of care. Prior to joining WCU full-time, Dr. Oh was an adjunct instructor at several physical therapy programs in Southern California.
Dr. Oh has been volunteering with the PR Committee for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy since she was a student physical therapist and locally with the adaptive sports community. She is also an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and a Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery certified instructor. Outside of physical therapy, she enjoys Latin dancing, cooking, hiking, and travelling.
Adjunct Faculty
Ann DeGrey, PT, DPT, SCS, EMR
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: ADegrey@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Ann DeGrey is a California Licensed Physical Therapist with APTA Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS), holding a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine. Currently serving as the Clinic Director of Moti Physiotherapy in Highland Park, Dr. DeGrey boasts over a decade of experience in the field. She has been deeply involved as a DPT Clinical Instructor since 2015, mentoring students from over 6 different Universities. With extensive expertise in working with weightlifting and CrossFit athletes, she travels as a part of the Medical Team for Team USA Weightlifting and has serve as the Medical Director for the North American Open Series. Beyond the clinic, she actively volunteers as medical staff for various local sports organizations including private soccer clubs, the US Developmental Futbol Academy, AVP Beach Volleyball, USA Skateboarding, and the International Weightlifting Federation. Dr. DeGrey also has been teaching her own Continuing Education course for the past 3 years, on Emergency Medical Response Management and Basic Life Support for medical clinicians. On her spare time, she is an avid ceramicist and garden enthusiast.
Robert Dulay, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: RDulay@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Dulay joined West Coast University in the summer of 2018. He graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2013, and subsequently pursued further education and mentorship by completing Kaiser Permanente’s Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency in 2015, and Kaiser Permanente’s Orthopaedic Fellowship and Sports Rehabilitation Program in 2017. He currently practices at Kaiser Permanente’s North Hollywood Medical Offices, where he is also a member of the clinical faculty for the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency.
Dr. Dulay is an Orthopaedic and Sports Clinical Specialist certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He enjoys spending time with his wife who is a pediatric physical therapist, and his son. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering for the Zags.
Eva Simons, PT, DPT, PCS
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: ESimons@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Simons received a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Sy Syms School of Business in 2006. After working in the business sector for several years, Dr. Simons refocused her career and obtained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2017. With a passion for pediatrics and specializing in Early Intervention, Dr. Simons is a board certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy. She is an active member of the APTA Pediatric Section’s Abstract Review Committee. In her free time Dr. Simons can be found hiking, baking, playing pickleball or traveling.
Genevieve Neely, PT, DPT, NCS
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: GNeely@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Neely graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton in 2012 and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2016. Dr. Neely is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with outpatient clinical experience in treating Neurologic, Vestibular, and Facial paralysis diagnoses. She is a member of the APTA serving as the Committee Chair for the Historical Archives Committee for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Mariam P. Butler DPT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: mabutler@westcoastuniversity.edu
Mariam Pashtoonwar Butler received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2006. She completed the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency in 2007 and the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Orthopedic Fellowship and Sports Rehabilitation Program in 2008.
Dr. Butler earned her Orthopedic Certified Specialty (OCS) in 2008 (recertified in 2018), her Sports Certified Specialty (SCS) in 2010, and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists in 2015. She became a Schroth Certified Therapist through the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School in 2016, and has been educating clinicians and treating patients with Scoliosis since. Dr. Butler currently works as a clinician, and mentors in the Kaiser Permanente Ortho PT Residency Program at the South Bay Medical Center. Dr. Butler joined West Coast University as adjunct faculty in 2018.
Helen Setyan, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Contact Information
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: #516, Center for Graduate Studies
Email: HSetyan@westcoastuniversity.edu
Dr. Helen Setyan is a board-certified physical therapist at UCLA Health, a Mindfulness Facilitator trained through UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center (MARC) and a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism in 2006 and received her Physical Therapy Doctorate degree from Mount St. Mary’s College (MSMC) in 2010. Dr. Setyan provides regular rehabilitation-based wellness support and education for professional organizations and community health events. Her lifestyle medicine advocacy and professional expertise on pain, functional limitations, injury prevention and wellness are embedded within the foundational principles of holistic living and care.
Staff
Gayana Arutyunyan, PhD, PMP®
Program Manager, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Contact Information
Phone: 323-300-5155
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: GArutyunyan@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Gayana has started her journey with West Coast University in 2022. She completed her Ph.D. in Economics with a minor in International Business Management in 2013 at Rostov State University of Economics. Served as a Student Services Advisor 2009-2014, Head of Workforce Development 2014-2015, Associate Dean 2015-2017 and Professor 2014-2017 at Academy of National Economics and Public Administration, located in Russian Federation. Gayana managed international educational projects, including double diploma, short-term and long-term student exchange projects since 2009. Given international projects were in collaboration with Royal Roads University (Victoria BC, Canada), Higher School of Public Administration (Szczecin, Poland), Academy of Languages (Heidelberg, Germany), Corvinus University (Budapest, Hungary), Montreux Business School (Montreux, Switzerland), etc. In 2018-2022 Gayana served as a Student Services and Compliance Administrator at IT Training company – New Horizons Career Development Solutions. Gayana has also served as a School Certifying Official for the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2020, she became a Certified Project Management Professional and currently is a PMI Community member. Her expertise lies in educational project management, compliance, student services, institutional strategic planning and management, office administration, scheduling, audit, educational programs development and implementation, process improvements.
Ismet Akter, M.S. Ed.
Administrative Assistant II, Clinical Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Contact Information
Phone: 323-300-5155 | 323-454-5025
Office: Center for Graduate Studies
Email: DPTClinEd@westcoastuniversity.edu | IAkter@westcoastuniversity.edu
Biography
Ismet holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University Northridge and has completed her M.S. in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton in 2024. With a background in student affairs, Ismet has focused her efforts on supporting TRIO programs, specializing in providing essential services for first-generation, low-income students to promote retention. She also has experience with coordinating and leading programming activities for diversity centers, specifically for the Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American student population. Her skill set encompasses curriculum development, program coordination, data entry, and utilizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to inform her practices.
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