Treating Neuropathy:

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, FAPTA, has been a PT since 1991, board-certified in neurologic PT in 1995, and a private practice owner since 2005. Dr. Studer has been an invited speaker covering 50 states, 10 countries, and 4 continents speaking on topics ranging from cognition and psychology in rehabilitation, aging, stroke, motor learning, motivation in rehabilitation, balance, dizziness, neuropathy, and Parkinson Disease. Dr. Studer is a co-founder and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness in Bend, OR. He is an adjunct professor at Oregon State University's DPT program, where he leads the coursework on motor control. Mike has adjunct duties at several other DPT programs and assists the USC-led national network of neurologic PT residencies (Neuroconsortium) as well. Mike is the co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness, a multidisciplinary Healthy Aging and Neurology rehabilitation clinic, also in Bend. In 2011, Mike was recognized as Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the APTA. He received the highest honor available in PT in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2020, joining a group of under 300 persons at the time for the history of the profession. Mike's honors additionally reflect his service for Vice Presidency of the Academy of Neurologic PT, the Mercedes Weiss award for service to the Oregon chapter of APTA. He holds a trademark in dual-task rehabilitation and has a patent pending on the same. Over his career, Mike has authored over 35 articles, 6 book chapters, and routinely has clinical research projects in affiliation with one of many universities. He is a consultant to Major League Baseball on the motor control of pitching and hitting. As a very fun and lighthearted note, Mike is the four time and current WR holder for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon, a mark that was set most recently in January 2022.

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS, is an orthopedic physical therapy specialist and massage therapist integrating traditional and alternative medicine with emphasis on manual therapy, precision exercise, wellness, Reiki, hypnosis, and mindfulness. She presented for NASA/Inomedic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt Med, Wake Med, and professional associations. She received her doctorate at UNE and served as faculty at Touro PT Programs and CUNY Queens Colleges in NY. She is a published author, Expert Consultant, Reiki Master Instructor, and hypnotherapist in private practice at Educise® in New Hampshire.

Dawn Heiderscheidt, MOT, OTR/L, ECHM, CDCS, is the owner and CEO of Aurora Independence — a company focused on home safety consulting and home modifications. While working in acute/subacute home-based rehabilitation settings, she consistently saw patients returning to her caseload due to falls and home safety concerns. This is what sparked her desire to serve people and help keep them safe at home. She holds her Executive Certification in Home Modifications, she is a Certified Aging in Place specialist and acts as Program Admin for Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE). Beyond this she partners with local non-profits, Habitat for Humanity and local universities to help guide the next generation of Occupational Therapists in Home Modifications. Before becoming an OT, she spent years as an educator in Philadelphia, PA. She continues to have a strong desire to educate and empower others through therapy sessions, speaking engagements, and instructing courses. She also partners with several start-ups, offering concierge services to Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Dawn has been a guest lecturer at Temple University and provides fall prevention workshops in her community. Dawn is passionate about helping people live in their homes successfully and participate in the activities they love. She continues to seek new knowledge and build connections for home safety, home modifications, and aging in place.