Heather Lundeen, DPT

Professor of Physical Therapy
Fellow in Catholic Studies

Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

About Me

I am a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Mary. I earned my DPT in 2005 from the University of North Dakota and my EdD in Educational Leadership in 2021 from the University of Mary. I began teaching at UMary in 2008. Through my teaching, I can share my passion for physical therapy, children of all abilities, and their families. I am married to my husband, Chris, and have three children: Conner, Olivia, and Chloe. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, exercising, reading, outdoor adventures, and being a parent spectator extraordinaire.

Why I’m At Mary

The university's abiltiy to continue to live its mission established by the Benedictine Sisters provides a foundational rooting for all of us as a community. I am honored to be a part of the community and do my part to serve the university, our students, and greater community.

Expertise

I am a board certified pediatric clinical specialist. I teach in the content areas of pediatric physical therapy, motor control, gait, prosthetic rehab, and advanced patient managment with an emphasis on clinical reasoning. My research efforts have focused on community engagement of individuals with participation restrictions, and entry-level pediatric physical therapy education.

Lundeen H. Factors Which Influence Physical Therapists’ Decision to Practice in Pediatrics. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2025;37(3):346-355. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000001205

Schreiber J, Rapport MJ, Anderson DA, Lundeen H, Moore J, Furze J. Revision of the Essential Core Competencies: Domains of Competence for Pediatric Physical Therapy Professional Education. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2024;36(4): 537-543. DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001133.

Birkmeier MC, Lundeen H, Furze JA, Moore JG, Dannemiller L, Anderson DK. Excellence in pediatric physical therapy education: Recommendations and action items. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2023;00:1-8. DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001001. PMID: 3685411.

Moore JG, Birkmeier MC, PT, DPT, Lundeen H, Dannemiller L, Anderson DK, Furze JA, (2021) "National Study of Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Design, Methods, and Results," Physical Therapy. pzab169, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab169

Kenyon, L.K., Dole, R.L., Gibbs, K.C., Lundeen, H., Barnhart, R.C., Farroni, L., Moore, J.G., Garcia, M., Wild, D. (2020) "Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis," Pediatric Physical Therapy. 32: 347-354. DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000731

Moerchen, V.A., Lundeen, H., Dole, R.L. (2020) "Educational Research Priorities for Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Consensus Study." Pediatric Physical Therapy. 32(1): 60-69. DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000666

Dockter, M., Lundeen, H., Parker, M. (2020) "An Interprofessional Geriatric Experiential Learning Experience: Its Impact on Physical and Occupational Therapist Students and Older Adult Participants," Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 34(1): 33-4. DOI: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000115

Schreiber, J., Moerchen, V., Rapport, M.J., Martin, K., Furze, J., Lundeen, H., Pelletier, E. (2015) "Experiential Learning with Children: An Essential Component of Professional Physical Therapy Education," Pediatric Physical Therapy. 27: 356-367.

Furze J., Birkmeier M., Lundeen H., Moore J. Utilizing a Competency Based Framework: Applying Domains of Competence in Pediatric PT Education. Educational Session, APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 13, 2026; Anaheim, CA.

Emmel L, Lundeen H, Sandvig J, Gjellstad M. To the Heights: Impact of Pediatric Interprofessional Experiential Learning on Students and Families. Educational Session, APTA Academy of Pediatrics Annual Conference; Colorado Springs CO; October 31-November 2

Furze J., Lundeen H., Schreiber J. Dianne Cherry Lectureship: Pediatric Education Summits – Striving Toward Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Education Session. APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 17, 2024; Boston, MA.

Birkmeier M, Anderson D, Moore J, Lundeen H, Dannemiller L, Furze J. Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Application of the Evidence. Education Session, APTA Combined Sections Meeting; San Diego, CA. February 24, 2023.

Lundeen H. Factors Which Influence Physical Therapists’ Decision to Practice in Pediatrics. Poster Presentation, APTA Academy of Pediatrics Annual Conference; Portland, OR. November 18-20, 2022.

Lundeen H, Krump E, Richter S, Spang T, Bass S, Bortke H, Chavez HD, Kraft E. Inclusive Sports in North Dakota Public High Schools: The Current Landscape including Benefits and Barriers. Poster Presentation, APTA Academy of Pediatrics Annual Conference; Portland, OR November 18-20, 2022.

Anderson, B., Emmel, L., Lundeen, H., Wolden, M. (2020) "Partner Up! Developing Pediatric Experiential Learning & Assessing Outcomes to Prepare Students for Clinical Practice," [Asynchronous Presentation]. APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Virtual Conference.

Boynewicz, K., Lundeen, H., O'Shea, R., et al. (2019) "Rapid-Fire Talk in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education," Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference (APPTAC), Disneyland, CA.

Lundeen, H. et al. (2018) "The Effect of a Community All Access Dance Class on Dance Skills and Participation in Children with Participation Restrictions," [Poster]. APPTAC, Chattanooga, TN.

Dannemiller, L., Lundeen, H., Anderson, D., Birkmeier, M.C., Furze, J., Moore, J. (2018) "Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education: Identification of Exemplar Programs, Study of Exemplar Case 1," [Poster]. Chattanooga, TN.

Birkmeier, M.C., Anderson, D., Dannemiller, L., Furze, J., Lundeen, H., Moore, J. (2018) "Exploring Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education through Collaboration and Utilization of a Mixed Methods Approach," Platform ELC, Jacksonville, FL.

Moerchen, V.A., Lundeen, H., Dole, R.L., et al. (2018) "Pediatric Physical Therapy Educational Research: Developing a Road Map," APTA Combined Sections Meeting "Dianne Cherry Forum, New Orleans, LA.

Lundeen, H., Moerchen, V. (2017) "What We Have Done and Where We Are Going: Education Summit II and the Journey toward Excellence in Pediatric Physical Therapy Education," APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists Annual Conference, Cincinnati, OH.

Emmel, L., Lundeen, H. (2017) "Limited Resources?... Never Fear Community Partners are Here. Unique Strategies to Deliver Entry-Level Pediatric Content," APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists Annual Conference, Cincinnati, OH.

Education

EdD: University of Mary, 2021
DPT: University of North Dakota, 2005
MPT: University of North Dakota, 1999

Feature Content

I have been actively involved in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), both the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists and the North Dakota Chapter. I have served on the North Dakota Board as recruitment chair, delegate/chief delegate, ethics, and finance committees.

Nationally, for the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists, I am currently on the board of directors. I have also served as the ND state representative, on the public relations committee and the governance review task force, as Communications Chair, Secretary, and chair of the Academic and Clinical Educator (ACE) SIG.

I was selected to be a member of Education Summit 1 and served on the planning committee for Education Summits 2 and 3. I have served as the advisor for the University of Mary PT Club, as a representative on the University Senate, and on the faculty council.

I am a board member of Designer Genes of ND and am a member of Corpus Christi Parish.