School of Physical Therapy Faculty and Staff

Curt Kindel, PT, PhD, OCS

Professor and Chair

Dr. Curt Kindel joined the School of Physical Therapy faculty in August 2018 after holding an academic appointment for 11 years at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. His previous teaching experience included courses in functional anatomy, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and musculoskeletal patient management. Dr. Kindel is also a graduate of Saint Francis University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Science (1999) and entry-level Master of Physical Therapy degree (2001). He was certified as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2007 and re-certified in 2017. In 2015, Dr. Kindel earned his PhD in Biomechanics from Penn State University. His research focuses on investigations of joint and muscle mechanics and their influence on rehabilitation; Dr. Kindel has multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations related to these topics. He is married to Dr. Heather Kindel, who is also a member of the AU’s SoPT faculty. They live in Easley, SC with their two daughters.

Jessica Jacobs, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education

Dr. Jacobs was hired in January 2017 to develop the clinical education component of the new DPT program. Dr. Jacobs is a 2009 graduate from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and was the first to complete MUSC’s post-professional residency program in neurology. Dr. Jacobs is a board-certified specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy (NCS) and an APTA-certified clinical instructor. In addition, she holds certifications in specialized rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain injury, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. In 2022, Dr. Jacobs earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from Clemson University. Her research interests include faculty development and the influence of thinking and personality styles on the clinical performance of PT students. Dr. Jacobs’ home is in Greenville, SC.

Zachary Knox PT, DPT, NCS

Assistant Professor

Dr. Knox joined the faculty at Anderson University’s School of Physical Therapy in August, 2022. Dr. Knox is a graduate of Anderson University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (2016) and then went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University (2019). He was certified as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) in 2022 and holds certifications in specialized rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain injury, concussion, vestibular impairments, and Parkinson’s disease. His clinical experience is primarily in both inpatient and outpatient neurologic settings. His scholarly interests include management of central vestibular disorders, outcomes for adults with developmental disabilities, and cortical excitability. He recently moved the Anderson, SC with his wife and they welcomed their first child in July of 2022. The new family of 3 enjoy having people over for game nights and are also avid theater lovers.

Heather Kindel, PT, PhD

Assistant Professor and Curriculum Coordinator

Dr. Heather Kindel joined the School of Physical Therapy faculty in August of 2018 after serving as a faculty member and assistant DCE at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science in 1999 and her master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2001, both from Saint Francis. More recently (2018), Dr. Kindel completed her PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University. Her clinical expertise is in women’s health, and she enjoys researching stress management and mindfulness. Dr. Kindel is a certified True Colors® facilitator and a certified Koru Mindfulness® teacher and enjoys helping people communicate more effectively with one another. She has been involved in physical therapy education for the past 20 years. She makes her home in Easley, SC along with her husband, Dr. Curt Kindel and daughters, Jessa and Maura.

Cindy Watson, PT, DPT, OCS

Assistant Professor and Community Outreach Coordinator

Dr. Watson joined the School of Physical Therapy faculty in August 2018 following 22 years of clinical experience in orthopedic physical therapy in a variety of settings including level I trauma centers, hospital-based outpatient centers, and private practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Slippery Rock University (1985), a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Duke University (1988), and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Drexel University (2006). Dr. Watson is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy practice. Her scholarly interests primarily relate to bone health and physical therapy screening with quantitative ultrasound, questionnaires and balance tests to prevent fractures. Dr. Watson is also coordinating the Senior Partners In Clinical Education (SPICE) program and is studying the impact of that program on preparing Doctor of Physical Therapy students for successful clinical practice. She has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, taught continuing education for physical therapists, spoken at national professional meetings, and received grant funding for her clinical research. She makes her home in Greenville, SC along with her daughters Katie and Amy.

Matthew J. de Ruig, PT, DPT, DHSc, CMTPT

Assistant Professor

Dr. de Ruig graduated with his doctorate in physical therapy from Duke University in 2005. Over the next 14 years, he predominately worked in outpatient clinical settings with a practice focus on orthopedics, industrial rehabilitation, and treating myofascial pain conditions. Later in 2015, he became certified in myofascial trigger point therapy. Dr. de Ruig joined the School of Physical Therapy as a full-time faculty member in May of 2019, along with the very first class of AU DPT students. Dr. de Ruig brings his experience as a multi-site clinical manager and his passion for manual therapy techniques to bear while teaching students how to manage musculoskeletal dysfunctions as well as PT business management concepts. His research interests include the use of diagnostic ultrasound, quantitative ultrasound, and myofascial trigger point interventions. More recently, Dr. de Ruig completed his doctorate degree (2021) in health sciences from Nova Southeastern University. Finally, Dr. de Ruig enjoys living close to the mountains in Travelers Rest, SC with his wife, two young sons, and their dog Kiska.

Ana Lotshaw, PT, PhD, CCS

Assistant Professor

Dr. Lotshaw joined the School of Physical Therapy faculty in March 2020 following almost 30 years of clinical practice in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy in a variety of settings including acute and critical care, pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiothoracic transplantation at Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White Healthcare, Dallas Texas where she was most recently an advanced clinical specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University (1990), a Master of Science (2002) and PhD (2007) in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Lotshaw is a board certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy (1998, recertified 2008, 2016). Her scholarly interests include outcomes in pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation and staff development. She has published peer-reviewed journals, taught continuing education for physical therapists, presented at national and international professional meetings and served on national committees for physical therapy interests. She is an avid gardener, enjoys photography and resides in Greenville, SC with her rescued Shelties, Bentley and Bradley.

Matt Stump, PT, ScD, FAAOMPT, CSCS

Assistant Professor

Dr. Stump joined the faculty at Anderson University’s School of Physical Therapy in 2021. Prior to that he spent nearly 20 years in an outpatient orthopedic setting and 10 years owning and operating an ergonomic consulting company. Dr. Stump holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Abilene Christian University (1997), a master’s degree in Physical Therapy (2001) from Hardin-Simmons University, and an ScD in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University (2010). Moreover, he completed a Fellowship in manual orthopedic physical therapy through the International Academy of Medicine (2013). His research interests involve strengthening across the lifespan, blood flow restriction training, and ergonomics. He recently relocated from California to South Carolina and lives in Easley with his wife and three children, Noah, Garrett, and Reagan. They are looking forward to exploring the upstate and the east coast in general.

Renee Haulbrook

Administrative Assistant for Clinical Education and SPICE Program

Renee joined the School of Physical Therapy staff in March 2022.

She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1993 earning her BA in History and in 2000, graduated from Converse College with a BA in Education. She taught Social Studies in both middle and high school for several years. She served as the full time Children’s pastor at Easley Church of God before accepting her job with Anderson University.

Renee is currently lives in Liberty, SC, with her husband Tim and children Elijah and Abby. She loves spending time at the fields watching Abby play softball for the Liberty Red Devils and listening to Elijah as he performs in Easley High choral concerts. Tim and Renee are currently serving as pastors to Startex Church of God located in Spartanburg County.

Bethany Early PT, DPT, PCS

Assistant Professor

Dr. Early joined the faculty at Anderson University’s School of Physical Therapy in March, 2022. Prior to this, she was treating the pediatric population primarily in the community and some clinic-based settings.  Dr. Early holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Ohio University (2003) and a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University (2006).  Dr. Early is also a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (2017).  She moved here in 2018 from Arizona with her husband and three children, Reegan, Harper and Nixon.  She is also an avid runner in the community and enjoys spending time outdoors or being active with her family.

Amanda Garrett

Administrative Assistant

Amanda came to the School of Physical Therapy in October 2022. Her professional background includes 10 years of administrative support and 2 years of leadership within the healthcare setting. She recently began her undergraduate degree at Liberty University and will continue her education at Anderson University in 2023. Amanda lives in Piedmont with her husband, Dan, and is a mother to one daughter, Lorelai Grace. She and her family attend NewSpring in Powdersville, where Amanda serves in children’s ministry. Her passions include studying the Bible, developmental psychology, and championing the Christ-centered family. If you run into her outside of the office, you will likely catch her telling someone about the Enneagram or singing and dancing with her daughter!