Faculty & Staff

Dr. Martino received her Baccalaureate degree in Physical Therapy from Hunter College and went on to receive her Masters degree in Health Care Policy and Management with an emphasis on Education from Stony Brook University. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, in 2010. Dr. Martino currently teaches in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program in the areas of neuroscience and rehabilitation. Dr. Martino is also the Associate Director for the Post Professional Doctorate Program, where she is responsible for administrative duties as well as teaching Evidence Base Practice and Research Design courses.
Dr. Martino’s current research interests revolve around the multi system disorders that are associated with child obesity. Currently she is the principal investigator of a funded, translational study which is developing, validating and implementing a wireless activity sensor in the obese and normal weight pediatric population. A retrospective chart review exploring the relationships between weight status and sleep disordered breathing is underway. Finally, a study exploring the relationship between proper footwear, exercise and running is being formulated and has received funding from the Saucony Sneaker Company.
Dr. Martino co-directs the Fit Kids for Life program which is a nutritional and exercise program offered to children who are at risk for cardiovascular disease, including those with hypertension, elevated cholesterol and / or In or above the 85th % for Body Mass Index (overweight or obese). Multidisciplinary in nature, this twice weekly program is administered by a Pediatric Cardiologist and Physical Therapist, Registered Dietician, Dietary interns, and Behavioral Psychologists, and is offered to children between the ages of 8 and 17.