About the Authors

Martha Freeman Somers, PT, DPT

Martha Freeman Somers retired in 2022 after 43 years as a physical therapist. For most of those years, she served as a faculty member in physical therapy programs, first at the Medical University of South Carolina and then at Duquesne University. Her main teaching responsibilities included neurorehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics, and basic skills. Martha’s scholarship included conference presentations and journal articles on various aspects of rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. Throughout her career, she also practiced in inpatient rehabilitation, primarily working with patients with spinal cord injuries.

Martha received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Earlham College, Master of Science in physical therapy from Duke University, and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University. She was a member of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals and the American Physical Therapy Association. For several years, she served as a volunteer for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

National awards and honors bestowed on Martha include the Clinical Award from the Therapy Leadership Council of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Excellence in Neurologic Education from the Neurology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, and induction into the Academy of Advanced Item Writers by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Martha also received the Clinician Educator Award from Chatham University, and Teacher of the Year from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Allied Health.

Martha was the sole author of the first three editions of Spinal Cord Injury: Functional Rehabilitation. She is honored to have Jade Bender-Burnett join her as coeditor for the fourth edition, and to have a talented group of colleagues assist in the revision.

Jade J. Bender-Burnett, PT, DPT, Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Jade Bender-Burnett is an assistant professor at Marymount University in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, in the School of Health Sciences and the College of Health and Education. She received her Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Evansville, her Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University, and is receiving an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University in May 2024.

Jade has practiced as a physical therapist for 17 years and has been in physical therapy education for 11 of those years. As a faculty member, her primary teaching responsibilities in the physical therapy curriculum include pathophysiology, neuroscience, neurological rehabilitation, leadership, professional development, and expert practice.

Jade is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and continues to maintain a private clinical practice, supporting individuals living with neurological conditions. She has clinical experience in working with individuals who have sustained neurological injuries in the following settings: acute care, acute rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and home health.

Jade is a career-long American Physical Therapy Association member and serves as a volunteer for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.