Dr. Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, MPT, MHA, EdD, C/NDT

Biography

Dr. Cheryl Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, MPT, MHA, EdD, is a senior physical therapy educator and academic leader with over 40 years of combined experience in clinical practice, program administration, and health professions education. She is recognized for developing learner-centered, outcomes-driven curricula and for mentoring students and faculty to excel in evidence-based, compassionate patient care.

She has served as Program Chair and Associate Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Springfield College and as Program Director for the DPT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California, where she led strategic planning, accreditation processes, and program growth. In these roles, she has overseen curriculum design and revision, faculty hiring and development, and initiatives that support student success, interprofessional collaboration, and inclusive learning environments.

Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff’s areas of expertise include curriculum development, competency-based education, and accreditation, with a particular focus on aligning academic programs with professional standards and emerging best practices in physical therapy. She is published in the areas of women’s health, graduate student mental health, and physical therapy pedagogy, and her scholarly work reflects her commitment to linking educational innovation with real-world clinical outcomes.

A certified Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) therapist, she maintains a private clinical practice, bringing contemporary clinical experience directly into her teaching and leadership. Her ongoing patient care informs her approach to clinical education, helping students and colleagues connect foundational science, critical reasoning, and hands-on skills in meaningful ways.

Beyond her institutional roles, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff remains active in professional and community organizations and has held leadership positions within Sweet Adelines International. In this capacity, she supports leadership development, teamwork, and performance excellence in a global women’s choral organization, underscoring her belief in service, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

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