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Dolores Brough Bertoti is a 1975 graduate of Temple University with a BS in Physical Therapy, later earning an advanced Masters in Physical Therapy from the same university in 1984. She earned certification as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist in 1993 from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, subsequently serving the board as an appointed member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE), Pediatric Specialty Council as an item writer from 1997 to 1999. Dolores has been a physical therapist for 28 years, authoring eighteen publications in the areas of applied neurorehabilitation, pediatric clinical practice, electrotherapy, and clinical research. Her publications include case reports, clinical research, review articles, a home study course, text chapters, and now, a text and companion workbook. Her most recent publications include: Bertoti, D. B. (2002). Clinical practice: Pediatric physical therapy. In R. Scott, Foundations of physical therapy. New York: McGraw-Hill; Bertoti, D. B. (2002). Electrical stimulation: A reflection on current clinical practices. Research and Engineering Society of North America. Assistive Technology, 12, 21–32; Bertoti, D. B. (2000). Cerebral palsy: Lifespan management. Orthopaedic Section Home Study Course, Orthopaedic Interventions for the Pediatric Patient. American Physical Therapy Association; Stanger, M., & Bertoti D. B. (Eds.). (1997). An Overview of Electrical Stimulation for the Pediatric Population. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 9 (special issue); and Bertoti, D. B. et al. (1997). Percutaneous intramuscular electrical stimulation as an intervention choice for children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 9, 123–127. Active in clinical inquiry and scholarly writing, Dolores has been recognized as recipient of the following awards: American Physical Therapy Association Jack Walker Award for Excellence in Clinical Research (1989), Nominee American Physical Therapy Association Pediatric Research Award (1991), and the American Business Club National Therapist of the Year (1990).
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Her clinical practice is hallmarked by several noteworthy, pioneering accomplishments. In 1977, Dolores founded the first early intervention program of the Easter Seal Society of Berks County, emphasizing her commitment to education for parents of children with challenges. She then participated in a statewide training program through Albright College, training therapists and teachers throughout Pennsylvania in intervention approaches for children with physical impairments. She was in private practice from 1985 to 2002, involved in several modes of clinical practice and consultation. Between 1986 and 1991, Dolores served as Therapy Coordinator at Sebastian Riding Associates, a nonprofit center for therapeutic horseback riding. Through her efforts, many therapists were trained in making horseback riding safe and therapeutically sound for children and adults with disabilities, and she was able to conduct and publish the first scientific research study on the effects of riding on postural control. Between 1993 and 1996, Dolores served as a research associate on a team at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia investigating the efficacy of percutaneous intramuscular electrical stimulation as an intervention option for children with cerebral palsy, again publishing and presenting the findings. Presently, Dolores is a research mentor with the Thomas Jefferson University Occupational Therapy Program Project, Therapy in Natural Environments, as well as a peer mentor with the American Physical Therapy Association.
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A respected and engaging lecturer, Dolores has been an invited speaker presenting continuing education workshops regionally, nationally, and internationally, totaling more than twenty-five presentations. Her presentation topics cover a wide range, including clinical practice in neurorehabilitation, electrotherapy, and pediatrics, with a focus on the application of motor control theory on evaluation and intervention. She most recently is presenting on topics pertaining to enhancement of student success and the importance of scholarly writing as an integral component of professional development. She routinely presents poster presentations at state, regional, and national conferences.
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Dolores joined the faculty of Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1992, where she has served as department chair of the OT, PTA, and AT programs, program director of the PTA program, and interim program director of the OT program. She taught in the Physical Therapist Assistant program between 1992 and 2001, and served as adjunct instructor at Arcadia University in Pediatric Physical Therapy between 1991 and 2000. At Alvernia, she is currently an associate professor in the areas of Movement Science, Kinesiology, Neuroscience, and Electrotherapy for the Occupational Therapy and Athletic Training programs, and has been instrumental in the development of the programs. In addition, Dolores is Dean of Academic Advancement. Faculty Development and Student Success initiatives at the college are organized under her leadership. Known for her talent and energy in the classroom, Alvernia College awarded her the Annual St. Bernardine Award for Teaching Excellence in 1995.