About Cheryl
Job title: Physical Therapist
Degrees: PT, MS ’93, PhD ’11
Career stage: Late-career
State of practice: Seattle, Washington
Current practice settings: Research – academic, Public health / nonprofit, School based physical therapy
Lived career experiences/transitions:
- Starting a family while maintaining a full-time practice
- Leaving a practice
- Returning to clinical practice
- Non-clinical careers
- International Experience
- Global Health
Graduation year from the UW School of Medicine: MS ’93, PhD ’11
Specialty/subspecialty: Pediatrics
Teaching roles: PT and PTA University Programs
Research or other professional interests: Community-based research aimed at reducing health disparities for children with disabilities.
Cheryl’s Bio:
Dr. Cheryl Kerfeld has over 30 years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist across clinical, administrative, teaching, and research roles. She currently works for Seattle Public Schools in Seattle, Washington. Her work centers on family-centered care, global health, and community-based research aimed at reducing health disparities for children with disabilities. Through interprofessional and service-learning partnerships, she focuses on improving physical activity, participation, and long-term healthy lifestyles for children and their families in home, school, and community settings. Dr. Kerfeld is committed to translating research findings into meaningful clinical practice and community programs