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Dr. Santasier received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Delaware in 1982, a Masters Degree in Allied Health Administration from Hunter College in 1992, and a PhD in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2004.

With greater than 20 years as a clinician, Dr. Santasier balances her clinical skills with her role as an academician within both the musculoskeletal and research sequences of the Entry-Level Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program at Stony Brook. Presently Dr. Santasier co-teaches Orthopedic I and II, Research Methods for Physical Therapists: Design and Statistics, Evidence Based Practice, and Case Studies I and III. Known for her work in qualitative research and diversity affairs, Dr. Santasier has published on the topic of reflective practice as a model for facilitating critical thinking and professional behaviors within an integrative case studies classroom experience. As the Director of Faculty Development and Curricular Outcomes, Dr. Santasier combines her skills as a qualitative researcher with her training in pedagogy to provide evidence of quality assurance and curricular enhancement, thereby documenting the program’s continued commitment to excellence. Most recently (2006), Dr. Santasier was awarded a grant from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to analyze the factors that contribute to PT student failure. Additionally, she was the recipient of the 2004 Stanford Award for the most influential article in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education and was the 2003 recipient of the Education Section’s Adopt a Doc Scholarship. Dr. Santasier has been a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist since 1993.