Natalie Norman Michaels
Professor
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
EdD (Curriculum and Instruction) University of Central Florida; MS (Applied Psychology) Fairfield University; BS (Physical Therapy) Ithaca College, Aquatic Therapy & Rehabilitation Certification (ATRIC)
Location: McWhorter 400A
615-460-6791natalie.michaels@belmont.edu
Biography
Natalie Michaels, PT, EdD, GCS Emeritus is a Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy. Her professional experiences include older adult rehabilitation, prosthetics, pediatrics, pathophysiology, kinesiology, cognition, reflective critical thinking, and statistical analysis.
Dr. Michaels received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College, a master’s degree in applied psychology from Fairfield University, and a Doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Florida. She taught as an adjunct professor at Edison College in Fort Myers, Florida and as an adjunct at Trevecca Nazarene. In 2006, she began teaching at Tennessee State University in the Department of Physical Therapy where she served 6 years as an associate professor, followed by 2 years as a full tenured professor. While at TSU, Dr. Michaels earned the Professor of the year Award in 2007, the Faculty Research Award in 2008, the President’s Fellowship in 2010, and the Faculty Service-Learning Award in 2012.
Dr. Michaels is a certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) Emeritus with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She serves as a reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). She is also a Credentialed Clinical Instructor with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a Certified Aquatic Therapist with the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI), and she completed her Aquatic Clinical Competency from the APTA in 2015. She serves as co-editor for the Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy (JAPT), and as a reviewer for multiple journals. She has also been active in the community working with the Down Syndrome Extra Mile, and the development and implementation of aquatic exercise programs for Older Adults and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and music venues for fundraising.
Dr. Michaels has over 50 peer-reviewed publications on topics such as: fall prevention, weight loss, balance, aquatic exercise, well-being in the older adult population, social justice in education, language variation in multiple choice testing, and ethics.
Aquatic exercise
Diversity in education
Emotional intelligence
Critical thinking in healthcare
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Active with the Academy of Education, the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
American Psychological Association
Recipient of the Richard Ruoti Research Award for Excellence
The American Physical Therapy Association’s
Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 2021
Faculty Scholarship Award Finalist
Belmont University, 2018
Faculty Service Award
Tennessee State University, 2012
Fellow: President’s Fellowship Program
Tennessee State University, 2009-2010
Faculty Research Award
Tennessee State University, 2008
Teacher of the Year
TSU Department of Physical Therapy, 2007
Michaels, N.N., Espiritu, E.W., Baggett, E.E., Emerson, C., McLaughlin, K.V., Phillips, A.C., Reynolds, S.L. (2024). Retrospection: An Innovative Strategy to Assess the Benefits of an Aquatic Exercise Program on Well-Being during the Pandemic. Forum on Public Policy. 2024(1).https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/_files/ugd/553e83_a1774ba0f2804117bb89b5d6271f9050.pdf
Michaels, N.N., Bender-Slack, D., Eadens, D., Blash, A., Greene, A. (2024). Running from Race: An Attempt to Discuss Students’ First-Impressions of Professors in Higher Education. Forum on Public Policy. 2024(1). https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/_files/ugd/553e83_11c5b0453da6422d9ea7ca5228fb44bc.pdf
Michaels, N.N., Van Wingerden, A. (2024). Editorial. Physical therapist overload: Does working in an aquatic setting help put out the flames of PT burnout? Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 32(1): 1-2. doi: 10.1097/PXT.0000000000000037
Espiritu, E. W., Michaels, N.N., Eidson, E. D., Stegall, C., Vik, V., Volpi, C., & Samter, C. (2023). Assessing the effectiveness of the Well-Being though Occupational Participation (WBOP) intervention in promoting Filipino occupational therapy faculty members’ well-being: A pilot study. Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, 27(4), 67—77.
Van Wingerden, A, Michaels, N.N., Salem, Y. (2023). Effect of COVID-19 on aquatic physical therapy practice: What have we learned? The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 31(3): 61-67. doi: 10.1097/PXT.0000000000000032
Michaels, N.N. (2023). Crawling Out from Under: A Physical Therapist’s Celebration of the Power of Occupational Therapy. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 11(4), 1-6. doi: 10.15453/2168-6408.2153
Michaels, N.N., Darr, N., Alama, C., Kopplin, C. C., Jacobs, T., Taylor, A.R., Youngblood, M. (2023). The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Balance in Ambulatory Individuals With Down Syndrome: An Interventional Feasibility Study. The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 31(2): 41-49. doi: 10.1097/PXT.0000000000000027
Michaels, N. N., Bender-Slack, D., Goldwasser, M. (2022). Students’ first-impressions of faculty in a graduate health science program. Forum on Public Policy, 2022(1): 1-24. https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/_files/ugd/553e83_5800f8e027db44dab4b9bf5ccf19ae53.pdf
Espiritu, E. W., Michaels, N. N., Cleveland, P., Hamblen, A., McCutchin, A., Peters, S., Trella, E., Williams, E. (2022). Utilizing mindfulness intervention to foster emotional intelligence in occupational therapy doctoral students. Forum on Public Policy, 2022(1):1-15. https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/_files/ugd/553e83_88a79b12c8754880b6e20bbec206e4a3.pdf
Espiritu, E., Michaels, N.N., Schmidt, K., Gegen, M., King, H., Miller, C., Munro, H., and Uzzell-Baggett, K.. (2021) Comparing Self-Reported vs. Parent/Caregiver Reported Levels of Social Participation for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, October 2021: 1-15. doi:10.1177/17446295211037223
Michaels, N.N., Espiritu, E.W., Broecker, M., Gonyea, S., Hendricks, T., McClintock, K., Sanders, K., Stelbasky, D. (2021). Aquatic Exercise and Its Effect on Participation, Quality of Life, and Falls Self-efficacy in Older Adults: A Pilot Study. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 29(3): 78-84. doi: 10.1097/PXT.0000000000000004
Stevens, S.S. Michaels, N. N., Vanden Noven, M., Caputo, J., Johnson, S. (2021). The Step-Count Accuracy of Activity Monitors on Land and in the Water: Revisited, The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy 29(2):49-60. doi: 10.1097/PXT.0000000000000002
Can, T., Espitiru, EW, Michaels, N.N., Koch, A. et al. (2020) Effectiveness of Instructor-Led Discussion versus Simulation to Prepare Students for Fieldwork. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, Accepted for publication, September, 2020.
Espiritu, EW, Michaels, N.N., & Busby, S. (2020). Educational impact on therapists’ knowledge, beliefs, and actions: A pilot study. The International Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 18(1):1-24.
Michaels, N.N., Stewart, T., Barredo, R., Raynes, E., Edmondson, D., Kunnu, E. (2019). Use of a diagnostic tool to predict performance on high-stakes multiple choice tests: A case study. Forum on Public Policy, 2019(1):1-7. Available. https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/2019-no1
Stevens, S., Michaels, N.N. (2019). Physical activity and arthritis. Researches in Arthritis and Bone Study, 1(5): 1-2. RABS.000523.2019.
Michaels, N.N., Manville, C, Savant, S., Johnston, P., Murabito, S. (2019). The utilization of a workshop for reflective critical thinking with graduate students in pharmacy and health sciences: A pilot study. Journal of Modern Education Review, 9(1):1-12. DOI:10.15341/jmer(2155-7993)/01.09.2019/001 Available: http://www.academicstar.us/issuelist.asp?ArtID=365&issid=678
Michaels, N.N., Stevens, S., Vanden Noven, M., McConnell, R, Drescher Sherrow, K., Tweddle, M. (2019). The accuracy of activity monitors on land and in the water: A pilot study. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 27(1):19-36.
Michaels, N.N., Stevens, S. (2019). Aquatic exercise for patients with osteoarthritis. Researches in Arthritis & Bone Study,9(4):1-2. RABS.000518.2019.
Blash, A., Schneller, B., Hunt, J., Michaels, N., Thorndike, J. (2018). There’s got to be a better way: Introducing faculty to mid-course formative reviews as a constructive tool for growth and development. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning,10(9):1228-1236.
Dagnan, E., Michaels, N., DeKupier, B., Lazzaro, J., Morabbi, C., Zerwic, T., Bernard, A.M., Byland, A. (2018). Motivation and habit formation: An exploration of rock climbing and its implication for exercise participation. Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine, 2(4): RISM.000542.2018. DOI: 10.31031/RISM.2018.02.000542.
Michaels, N. (2017). An Electric Triumph. International Journal of Innovative Trends in Engineering, 56(36): 1-5.
Ferrigan, K. Hice, J. Leemkuil, K., Singer, S., Charles, C., Michaels, N.N, Jones, T. (2017). Aquatic exercise for weight reduction in middle aged adults: A pilot study. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 25(2): 16-21.
Michaels, N. N., Jones, T. Stevens, S., Raynes, E. Charles, D. (2017). Aquatic exercise in the community as a tool for the instruction of higher order thinking in a doctoral physical therapist program. Journal of Applied Global Research, 10 (24): 52-63.
Murabito, S. Michaels, N., Jones, T. (2017). The effect of exercise on the systolic and diastolic bood pressure in adolescents. Journal of Applied Global Research, 10 (24): 88-95.
Espiritu, E., Allen, A., Graham, J., Blades, P., Elder, M., Callicoat, M., Miner, K., Michaels, N. N. (2017). Changing attitudes and actions about action planning with education: A pilot study with an acute inpatient rehabilitation team. Journal of Applied Global Research, 10 (24): 1-17.
Michaels, N. (2017). The Efficacy of a Skill-Building Workshop for Reflective Critical Thinking with Graduate Students: Effect-Size Differences Based on Race. Journal of Interdisciplinary Education, 15(1):198-215.
Trent, D., Hays, N., Kmieciak, N., Mathew, D. Mellow, M., Michaels, N. (2016). Identifying Perceived Occupations in Adolescents with and without Down Syndrome, utilizing the Pediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS): A Pilot Study. Journal of Applied Global Research, 9(22): 8-22.
Michaels, N., Barrredo, R., Raynes, E., Edmondson, D., Kunnu, E. (2016). A Diagnostic Tool to Predict Performance on High-Stakes Multiple Choice Tests: An Attempt to Recognize Potential Discrepancies Due to Diversity Before the Test is Taken. Journal of Interdisciplinary Education,15(1):51-68.
Brolsma, N., Gilbert, H. , Marshall, R., McBrayer, K., McClain, S., Webreck, L., Michaels, N., Garvey, T. (2016). Down Syndrome and Parental Perceptions Related to Participation and Obesity: A Study Conducted in Middle Tennessee. The International Journal of Social Health Information Management, 9(17):110-124.
Michaels N, Jones T, Hughes E, Starks E, Rosedale, S (2015). Weight Change in High School Students During a Competitive Pedometer Study. Review of Higher Education and Self-Learning,8(27):27-33.
Stover A, Smith C, Maloney J, Mitchell C, Michaels N, Jones T, Raynes, E (2015). Aquatic Exercise for Pain Reduction in the Active Older Adult with Osteoarthritis. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 23 (2): 13-19.
Carlson, L., Greear A., Ellis B, Lamb A, Housel N, Jones T (2013). Aquatic Exercise for Fall Prevention in the Older Adult. International Journal of Social Health Information. 5, (12): 53-62.
Workman, T., Letson B, Player D, Miller Z and Housel, N (2012). The Efficacy of Exercise for Minor Curvature Associated with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Review of Evidence. International Journal of Social Health Information. 4, (10): 1-10.
Housel N, Barredo R, Edmondson E, Raynes R Kunnu E (2011). Social Justice for multiple choice examinations: Development of a diagnostic tool to detect student problems with language variation. The Journal of Interdisciplinary Education, 10(1), 92-107.
Housel N, Gandy J, Edmondson, D. (2010). Clinical Instructor Credentialing and Student Assessment of Clinical Instructor Effectiveness. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 24(6): 26-34.
Cochrane K, Eskew-Rogers L, Hickman J, Huston K, and Housel N. (2010). Phantom limb pain: Treatment approaches for pediatric physical therapy. Journal of Applied Global Research, 2 (4): 99-112.
Buchanan F, Haley L, Parsons C, Travis K, Housel N (2010). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Open versus closed chain kinematic exercise to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). International Journal of Social Health Information Management, 3(5): 39-50.
Raynes, E, Barredo, R, Kunnu, E, Housel, N, and O'Connell Jr., R. (2010). Should immunization be a public health mandate or an individual choice? International Journal of Social Health Information Management, 3(4). 44-49
Raynes, E., Barredo, R. Housel, N, Pitt, R., O’Connell, R., and Kunnu, E. (2009). The Ethical Issue of Scientific Research in Developing Countries: Focus on Informed Consent. International Journal of Health information Management, 2(2): 43-47.
Sexton, J., Dobner, B., Bergman, D., Housel, N., Pitt, R. (2009). Orthotics for Plantar fasciitis: Custom Molded or Prefabricated? The International Journal of Social Health Information Management. 2(1):11-19.
Housel N, Gandy J. (2008) The Effect of Clinical Instructor Credentialing on the Performance Outcomes of Physical Therapist Students. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 22(3): 43-51.
Housel N (2008). Listening and Caring: The First steps for Student-Centered Learning and Reflective Critical Thinking. Journal of Interdisciplinary Education. 8(1):107-128.
Null N, Smith K, Southers J, Housel N, Raynes E, Lehman D. (2008) Non-Weight Bearing Exercise to Reduce Bone Loss in Women with Osteoporosis: A Review of Recent Studies for Evidence-Based Practice. The International Journal of Social Health Information Management. 1(2):12-23.
Sexton, J., Dobner, B., Bergman, D., Housel, N., Pitt, R. (2008). Orthotics for Plantar fasciitis: Custom Molded or Prefabricated? The International Handbook of Academic Research and Teaching. 2008 Proceedings (4). Intellectbase International Consortium. Academic Conference, Nashville: Brandon Technology Consulting Incorporated.
Null, N., Smith, K., Southers, J., Housel, N., Raynes, E., and Lehman, D.(2008). Non-Weight Bearing Exercise to Reduce Bone Loss in Women with Osteoporosis: A Review of Recent Studies for Evidence-Based Practice. The International Handbook of Academic Research and Teaching. 2008 Proceedings (3) 92-100. Intellectbase International Consortium. Academic Conference, Nashville: Brandon Technology Consulting Incorporated
Raynes E, Housel N, Kunnu E., O’Connell, Jr. R. (2008). The Impact of Climate Change on Asthma Symptoms. The International Journal of Social Health Information Management.1(1), 52-60.
Raynes E, Housel N, Kunnu E., O’Connell, Jr. R. (2008). The Impact of Climate Change on Asthma Symptoms. The International Handbook of Academic Research and Teaching. 2008 Proceedings (2). Intellectbase International Consortium. Academic Conference, Nashville: Brandon Technology Consulting Incorporated. 237-242.
Housel, NRN. The Effect of Clinical Instructor Credentialing on the Clinical Performance Outcomes of Physical Therapist Students. (2002). Doctoral Dissertation: University of Central Florida. Available on Pro-Quest.
Jones L, Foshay (Housel) N. Diffusion of Responsibility in a Non-Emergency Situation. Journal of Social Psychology. Aug: 1985.
Blash, A., Michaels N.N. (2024). Running from race: An attempt to discuss students’ first impressions of professors in higher education. Belmont Faculty Scholarship Symposium. May 7th, 2024. Presentation in-absentia.
Michaels, N. with Espiritu, E., Cleveland, P., Hamblen, A., McCutchin, A., Peters, S. Trella, E., Williams, E. in absentia. Fostering Emotional Intelligence in First Year Occupational Therapy Doctorate Students. The International Round Table Symposium. Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, England, July 12, 2022.
Michaels, N., Bender-Slack, L., with Goldwasser, M. in absentia. Gender and Racial Equality: Student First-Impressions of Faculty. The International Round Table Symposium. Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, England, July 12, 2022.
Michaels, N., and Stevens, S..Maintaining Activity While in Captivity: Exercise During the COVID Pandemic. Poster Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association. Combined Sections Meeting. January, 2021.
Michaels, N., and Darr, N. The Effect of Aquatic Therapy on Balance in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Platform Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association. Combined Sections Meeting. January, 2021.
Michaels, N. Use of a Diagnostic Tool to Predict Performance on High-Stakes Multiple Choice tests: A case Study. The International Round Table Symposium. Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, England, July 19, 2019.
Michaels, N. Triple X (Exercise, Exchange, and Excel) with a Community Aquatic Exercise Program. The Tennessee Disability Mega Conference. Nashville, TN, May 23, 2019.
Raynes, E. A., Waller, L., Glymph, K., Jones, T., Michaels, N., Barredo, R., Heimdal, J., Johnson, O., Pounders, V., Bradley, W., & Hubbert, D. (2019). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the use of Energy Drinks among Division Athletes. Published in the Federation of American Society of Experimental Biology Journal 33(1) https://www.fasebj.org/doi/10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.839.1. Poster presentation in Experimental Biology 2019 Annual Convention in Orlando, FL April 9, 2019
Michaels, N., Manville, C., Salvant, S., Johnston, P., Murabito, S. An Interdisciplinary Workshop to Develop Reflective Critical Thinking with College Students. International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning: 2018 Conference. Tempe, AZ,
October 11, 2018.
Michaels, N. Triple X (Exercise, Exchange, and Excel) with a Community Aquatic Exercise Program. The Tennessee Disability Mega Conference. Nashville, TN, May 24, 2018.
Michaels, N. (2017). The Efficacy of a Skill-Building Workshop for Reflective Critical Thinking with Graduate Students: Effect-Size Differences Based on Race. North American Community: Uniting for Equity. 2017 Ottawa Conference. September, 20, 2017.
Michaels, N. Jones, T. , Stevens, S. Raynes, E., Chalres, D. Aquatic Exercise in the Community as a Tool for the Instruction of Higher-Order Thinking in a Doctoral Physical Therapist Program. Intellectbast International Consortium. May 26, 2017.
Murabito, S., Michaels, N., and Jones, T. The Effect of Exercise on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure. Intellectbast International Consortium. May 26, 2017.
Michaels, N. Triple X (Exercise, Exchange, and Excel) with a Community Aquatic Exercise Program. The Tennessee Disability Mega Conference. May, 25 2017.
The Belmont University College of Health Science Scholarship Award for a study involving the assessment of a reflective critical thinking workshop in 2020 for students in the Health Sciences and Pharmacy participating in a Meharry interdisciplinary event.
The 2018 HydroWorx Grant through the Aquatic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association for a study on the efficacy of activity monitors on land and in the water.
The Belmont University College of Health Science Scholarship Award for a study involving the development of an interdisciplinary reflective critical thinking workshop in 2017 for students in the Health Sciences and Pharmacy.