Gwendolyn Larsen

Gwendolyn Larsen serves as an Instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions while coordinating the Marjorie K. Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion and leading education initiatives for Tedy's Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery. Her roles encompass teaching neurologic curriculum, providing pro bono community care, and developing stroke prevention programs through partnerships with local organizations.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Science in Health Professions Education, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
• Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Simmons University, Boston, MA
• Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Simmons University, Boston, MA

With over 20 years of clinical experience in neurologic rehabilitation, Dr. Larsen's research centers on physical activity and community participation for individuals with chronic neurological conditions. Her current doctoral studies at MGH IHP focus on advancing health professions education while maintaining active clinical practice in stroke and traumatic brain injury recovery. She emphasizes evidence-based approaches to enable patients' return to meaningful daily activities across the lifespan.

Her recent scholarly presentations demonstrate concentrated expertise in neurorehabilitation interventions, particularly for upper extremity function, gait training, and outcome measurement in brain injury populations. These works reflect evolving trends toward community-integrated rehabilitation models and patient-centered outcome assessment in physical therapy practice.

Professional recognition includes:

• Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2014)

Dr. Larsen actively mentors students through Tedy's Team community outreach programs and serves as Education Lead for the Neurologic Special Interest Group of the APTA of Massachusetts. Her work bridges academic instruction with real-world community impact through structured student engagement in public health initiatives.

She directs operations at the Marjorie K. Ionta PT Center for Clinical Education and Health Promotion while co-leading Tedy's Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery, which recently celebrated its second anniversary with initiatives highlighted in institutional media.