Donna L. Skelly

  • Associate Professor
    Physical Therapy Program

Donna L. Skelly, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and Masters in orthopaedic physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, and a PhD in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She has taught anatomy, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal examination and treatment in the entry-level physical therapy program for over 25 years. She has 40 years of clinical experience in orthopaedic physical therapy continuing practice in a limited capacity in addition to teaching. She is a member of the APTA, the Orthopaedic and Education Academies, AAOMPT and the American Association for Anatomy. Research interests include anatomic findings, application of clinical practice guidelines, orthopaedic physical therapy management and ergonomics.

She is engaged in community service with A Hand Up Erie, a local non-profit organizations which collects donated furniture and household items, and delivers them to individuals and families in need in the area.  Children who are excited to have a bed, or elderly who say "this feels like a home now" after receiving their delivery make this service worthwhile!

Her hobbies include reading, gardening, biking, kayaking, skiing and racquetball/pickleball.  She shares her love of physical activity with the DPT students, teaching anyone who is interested to learn  how to play racquetball, and organizing bike rides on local trails, and competitions on stationary bikes at the rec center.

  
  • GDPT 811  Applied Anatomy                                 
  • GDPT 818  Foundations in Human Movement 
  • GDPT 819  Foundations in Human Movement Lab 
  • GDPT 847  Clinical Synthesis I 
  • GDPT 822 Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of  the Extremities 
  • GDPT 824 Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of  the Extremities Lab 
  • GDPT 825 Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of  the Spine 
  • GDPT 827 Examination, Evaluation, & Intervention for Musculoskeletal Movement Dysfunction of  the Spine Lab 
  • GDPT 861/871/881 EBP Research Guidance 
  • GDPT 891 Advanced Management of the Spine 
     

 

  • Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 2016; Ph.D in Physical Therapy;
  • University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; 2001; M.S., Physical Therapy (orthopedic emphasis).
  • University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA ; 1984; B.S., Physical Therapy

Gannon University, Erie, PA, January 2001- present.

Physical Therapist, Part-time, Niagra Therapy, Erie, PA  2016 to present

Physical Therapist, Part-time, Advanced Rehabilitation, Erie, PA, 2002 – Present 

Physical Therapist, Part-time, Galleher Physical Therapy, Erie, PA, 1999 to 2017

Physical Therapist, Part-time, Cambridge Springs Correctional Facility, Cambridge Springs, PA, (8 years). 

Physical Therapist, Part-time, Keystone Rehabilitation Systems, Erie, PA, (3 years). 

Instructor, Gannon University, Erie, PA, Physical Therapy Department, (3 years).

Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Gannon University, Erie, PA, Physical Therapy Department, (4 years). 

Physical Therapist/Clinical Coordinator of Education, CTI Physical Therapy, Erie, PA,  (11.5 years).

Staff Physical Therapist (part–time), Health America/Penn Group Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA, (2.5 years).

Staff Physical Therapist, Jefferson Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, (2.5 years).

American Physical Therapy Association (Member, 1983-present)
       Orthopedic Section (Member 1994-present)
       Education Section (Member 2009- present)
       House Delegate - 1992, 1993, 1999, 2003, and 2004

Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (Member, 1983-present)                                                                                                                                           Legislative Ambassador, 1989-present                                                                                                                                                                                   Private Practice Special Interest Group                                                                                                                                                                                   Board of Directors, 1991-1994 

Northwest District of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (Member, 1987 – present)                                                                                                 District Nominating Committee Chair 2024- present
       Legislative Committee Chair, 2002-Present
       Vice-chair, 1997-2000
       District Chair, 1991-1994
       Chair, PR Committee, 1987-1991
 
American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, (Member, 2004-present)

Academy of Physical Therapy Education (Member, 2016 - present)

      Chair Anatomy Educators Special Interest Group (2017 - 2020)

 


 

Publications

Skelly DL, Konieczko EM, Ulrich J. Rice bodies in a shoulder bursa: a cadaveric and histologic case report. J Man Manip Ther. 2022;30.DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2138153.

Skelly D, Assessment of Computer Workstations for Compliance with Ergonomic Guidelines: A Field Study. Work.2021;69:1019-1026.

Skelly DL, Cavalier AN, Lennon JO, Torab PA, Zehring NG. Clinical Application of the Neck Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. Orthop Phys Ther Pract. 2020;32 (4):202-207.

 

Presentations and Posters

Skelly DL, Konieczko EM, Ulrich J. Rice bodies in a shoulder bursa: a cadaveric and histologic case report. UPMC Hamot Virtual Research Day. Poster Presentation (live), Erie, Pennsylvania. 4/14/2023

Skelly D, Konieczko E, Ulrich J.
Poster. Rice bodies in a shoulder bursa: a cadaveric and histologic case report. American Association for Anatomy, Anatomy Connected 2023, Washington, DC.  3/25/2023

Skelly D, Nof L, Ladeira C, Cheng SM.
Poster. A Comparison of Forward Head Posture in Preferred and Standardized Positions in Individuals with Sub-clinical Neck Pain, Combined Sections Meeting, Washington DC.  1/24/2019

Skelly D, Galleher C.
Poster. Video Simulations "Make it Real" in DPT Education
Pennsylvanian Physical Therapy Association State Conference, Valley Forge, PA.  10/19-21/2018

Skelly D
Presentation. DPT Hybrid Elective Development
CETL Community Expo for Teaching and Learning, Gannon University
1/6, 2/15 and 2/16, 2017

Skelly D
Dissertation Defense.  Neck Symptoms, Disability, Posture and Muscle Function in Computer Users, and the Effect of Education versus Education and Deep Cervical Flexor Exercise.  Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida.
Dissertation Committee: Nof L, Ladeira C, Cheng MS.  2/29/2016

Rapp B, Skelly DL, Basescu R, Verne T
Poster. Student and Faculty Response to Availability of Standing Desks in College Classrooms. Pennsylvanian Physical Therapy Association State Conference.  11/1/2014

Skelly D
Presentation. Keeping Math Simple: Focusing on the Concepts
Kinesiolgoy Workshop for Instructors, Marquette University. 5/21-23/2012

Skelly D
Presentation. Use of Math in Biomechanics
Mechanical Properties Lab Activities
Kinesiology Workshop for Instructors, Marquette University.  5/23-25/2011

Skelly DL, Bitticker S, Konieczko E.
Poster. Total Knee Arthroplasty and Arthrofibrosis: An Inside View, PPTA Annual Conference, 10/30/2010

Camilleri T, McBride J, McClure A, Santomaggio L, Skelly D.
Poster. Physical Therapist Treatment Choices and Classification of Acute Low Back Pain Patients: A Descriptive Survey, PPTA Annual Conference,
11/1/2008

My research interests are in the area of office ergonomics and the management of neck symptoms in computer users (dissertation topic) and sit/stand workstations and their potential for use in the college classroom.  I am also interested in research related to the anatomical findings, clinical practice guideline use,  and outcomes of orthopaedic physical therapy care.   

Donna L. Skelly

+1 8148717505
Office: M 151

Contact Donna Skelly