Kristen Johnson

Kristen Johnson is a Professor of Physical Therapy and serves as the Director of Curriculum for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), within the Graduate College of Health Sciences. She also holds the administrative role of Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Innovation. Based remotely in San Diego, California, Dr. Johnson continues to play a vital leadership role in shaping the academic and clinical curriculum of the HPU DPT program.

Education:

• B.S. in Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University
• M.S. in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University
• Ed.D. in Healthcare Education, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Dr. Johnson's research and clinical interests are centered on neurologic physical therapy, with a strong focus on vestibular rehabilitation, stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and concussion management across diverse clinical settings including acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, and private practice. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and has contributed significantly to evidence-based practice through publications and clinical summaries for the American Physical Therapy Association. Her work spans geriatric psychiatry and society journals, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach.

Her recent scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on neurorehabilitation, curriculum innovation in health professions education, and the translation of research into clinical practice. Themes across her publications include evidence-based guidelines, educational leadership, online learning in physical therapy, and the development of clinical competencies in neurologic care.

Professional Leadership and Service:

• Co-Chair for Online Education, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT)
• Former Chair and Co-Chair for Regional Education, ANPT
• Reviewer for Continuing Education, Texas and California Physical Therapy Associations
• Presenter at national and international conferences

Dr. Johnson has held prior faculty positions as an Associate Professor in the DPT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, California. She has been instrumental in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and accreditation processes. While no specific grants are listed, her leadership roles suggest involvement in educational innovation projects and professional development initiatives. She has authored multiple book chapters and clinical summaries, contributing to the advancement of physical therapy practice.

Though no specific lab or research team is named in the text, her work is closely aligned with the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and evidence-based practice initiatives within the American Physical Therapy Association. Her remote role at HPU indicates a digitally integrated approach to curriculum delivery and innovation.