• Director of Clinical Education
  • Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
  • Fellow in Catholic Studies
Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

About Me

I grew up in a small, rural community in Stearns County, Minnesota. I was influenced by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Benedict's Monastery throughout my childhood years, most especially through attending a Catholic grade school. As a physical therapist, I have worked primarily in the areas of pediatrics and acute care physical therapy. From very early on in my career, I desired to work with students as a clinical instructor. My desire for additional mentorship resulted in a call to the University of Mary. My husband, Nick, and I, along with our six children enjoy traveling, cooking, and time spent around the table.

Why I’m At Mary

While working as a physical therapist, a growing restlessness was stirring in my heart regarding a desire for integration of my professional and personal lives. The movement of the Holy Spirit and a desire to serve Jesus led to me answer the call to serve the mission of the Unversity of Mary.

Expertise

I teach and work clinically in the area of pediatric physical therapy as an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Pediatric Certified Specialist. Additionally, I serve the students and department in the role of Director of Clinical Education.

Emmel L. (2023) "Straighten Up!  Enhancing Application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis." APTA-North Dakota Annual Conference. 

Emmel L & Haj T. (2023) "Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Readiness to Serve as a Clinical Instructor." APTA-North Dakota Annual Conference. 

Emmel L (2022) "Educating Healthcare Professionals in Catholic Social Teaching:  Life and Dignity of the Human Person:  Roundtable Discussion." Platform Presentation at American Colleges and Benedictine Universities Pedagogy Conference. 

Emmel, L. (2020) "Benefits of a Pediatric Torticollis Clinic Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE): An Avenue for Achieving the Essential Competencies and an Opportunity for Knowledge Brokering," Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference.  

Anderson, B., Emmel, L., Lundeen, H., Wolden, B. (2020) "Partner Up! Developing and Assessing Experiential Learning Opportunities to Enhance Clinical Practice in Pediatrics," Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference. 

Birkmeier, M., Emmel, L., Kendall, E., Nesbit, C. (2020) "The Clinical Instructor Toolkit: Supporting Clinical Teaching across the Academies," Platform Presentation.  Educational Leadership Conference.  

Birkmeier, M., Emmel, L., Kendall, E., Nesbit, C., Mueller, M. (2019) "Pediatric Clinical Instructor Toolkit: What Every CI can Use to Build a Foundation of Teaching and Learning for Clinical Education," Platform Presentation.  Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference.  Anaheim, CA. 

Emmel, L., Johnson, K., Kautsky, J., Kim, C. Ruscheinsky. (2019) "The Effects of a Prenatal Tummy Time Course on Positioning on Parental Knowledge and Experience," [Poster]. Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference.  Anaheim, CA. 

Birkmeier, Marisa PT, DPT, PCS; Emmel, Lauren A. PT, DPT, PCS; Manning, Rhonda A. PT, DPT, PCS; Nesbit, Kathryn C. PT, DPT, DSc, PCS. Innovation in Pediatric Clinical Education: The Development of a Clinical Instructor Toolkit. Journal of Physical Therapy Education: July 19, 2022 - Volume - Issue - 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000245 doi: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000245

Education

DPT: University of Saint Catherine, 2009
BS (Exercise Science): University of Saint Catherine, 2007

Feature Content

A commentary on the dignity of the human person at Prime Matters.  

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