Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science

Professional Background
Dr. Gagnon has practiced as a physical therapist in early intervention and school-based programs since 2001. She consults with early intervention physical therapists and other early intervention service providers throughout Kansas on transdisciplinary teaming and “coaching” in early intervention. Dr. Gagnon is also currently a staff physical therapist for services in the Silver City Health Clinic.

Dr. Gagnon teaches pediatric physical therapy and professional interactions in the DPT program. She also serves as the Kansas State Representative for the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics, is the Chairperson of the Kansas Physical Therapy Association Pediatric Special Interest Group and the Region II Representative for the APTA Section on Pediatrics Early Intervention Special Interest Group.

Academic Background
Dr. Gagnon began her academic career at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., where she earned her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physical Therapy degrees. In 2009, Dr. Gagnon earned her PhD in Rehabilitation Science from KU Medical Center. She continues her work at KU Medical Center as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Research Focus:
Dr. Gagnon's current research focuses on early identification of movement dysfunction in preterm infants. The goal of this research is to improve early identification of infants at-risk for developmental delay or disability, and to examine long-term outcomes and trends in early intervention follow-up for babies born preterm.Her work is being conducted in collaboration with the Neonatal Services Department at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan.