Eileen Ricci, PT, D.P.T., M.S., PCS

Dr. Ricci joined the PT faculty in 2009 after many years of successful pediatric clinical practice in a variety of settings, including early intervention, school based PT, community homes and private practice. She received a BS in Physical Education from Springfield College, a MS degree in Physical Therapy from Boston College, and a DPT degree from Drexel University. Since 2007, she has been a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. She is an active member of the university, with special interest in interprofessional education, especially pediatric interprofessional education. Since 2010, she has collaborated with WCHP faculty members from OT, social work and nursing to provide an interprofessional pediatric experience for students to work with children in a Transdisciplinary Toddler Playgroup, which has been the subject of several poster and platform presentations nationally and internationally.

Dr. Ricci was also one of the first physical therapists in the United States to be certified in the Prechtl General Movement Assessment of Infants (GMA), holding both basic and advanced certifications. The GMA is an evidence based, highly validated assessment which identifies cerebral palsy in infants as early as four months of age. She hosts a basic GMA course on the campus of WCHP each June for pediatric residents and practicing clinicians and is currently involved in research to facilitate clinical application of the GMA in the US.

Dr. Ricci is the director of the Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, administered through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and funded by Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). The Maine LEND program trains healthcare and education providers and people with developmental disabilties and their family members in leadership to promote best evidence-based practice, advocacy, and research to improve the lives of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilties. She is also director of the developing Maine LEND Pediatric PT Residency Progam, which is undergoing the process of accreditation.