Professional Bio

Educational Preparation:

Ph.D., Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado, 2008

M.S., Exercise and Sports Science, Colorado State University, 1996

B.S., Physical Therapy, University of Colorado, 1983

B.A. Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, 1978

Professional Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Education, Geriatric Sections
  • Colorado Chapter, APTA
  • Ethics Committee Co-Chair, Colorado Chapter, APTA, 2010-present
  • Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP)
  • Chair-Program Subcommittee, ARHP, 2007

Clinical Expertise & Certifications

Clinical Expertise/Certification:

Rheumatology, chronic diseases, wellness and health, clinical education, issues of diversity, global health

Research & Scholarship

Research Interests:

Rheumatology and access to care in rural communities

Community-based Participatory Research

Health disparities

Wellness and health promotion for older adults

Recent Publications:

Christenson, M. (2008). Arthritis in rural communities: correlates of physical activity (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database. (UMI No. 3338663)

Recent Presentations:

Christenson, M. & Iversen, M. (November 8, 2011) Risk factor stratification/guidelines for exercise testing and prescription: General considerations for individuals with arthritis and cardiovascular dysfunction, Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Christenson, M., Iversen, M. (2011). Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Arthritis and Other Comorbidities: What are the Considerations? ACR/ARHP National Scientific Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Tschoepe, B., Christenson, M., & Gorman, I. (2011). Old is New: Embracing the Role of the Physical Therapist with Older Adults. APTA Annual Conference: PT 2011, National Harbor, MD.

Christenson, M. (2011) Osteoarthritis and Physical Activity: Building a Process for Community Partnering. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Christenson, M., Haverley, D., James, T., Jones, J., Kemp, K., Robertozzi, C., & Smith, R. (2011) Analysis of Clinical Practice: Total Knee Arthroplasty. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana..

Christenson, M., Iversen, M. (2010). Physical Activity and Osteoarthritis: Learning with the Community. ACR/ARHP National Scientific Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Christenson, M. (2010). Arthritis in Rural Communities: Correlates of Physical Activity. CARE VI, Non-pharmacological care for people with arthritis. Nancy, France..

Mulligan, N., Davis, A., & Christenson, M. (2010). Clinical Education Scholar Program: Creating Innovative Partnerships Between Academic Physical Therapy Programs and Clinical Faculty. Platform presentation presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, California.

Christenson, M., Gorman, I., Scherer, S., Smith, M., Tschoepe, B.(2007). Physical Therapy and the Community: Applications in Primary Prevention and Community Health. PT 2007, APTA Annual Conference, Denver, CO.

Awards & Recognition

2011: Christenson, M., Allan, E., Clark, L., Daly, M., Ellis, G., McCleary, J., Steverns, K., Yeager, G., Sponsored Projects Academic Research Council (SPARC), student award, Regis University.

2011: Christenson, M. Translating Community and Evidence-based Support for Aquatic Therapy into a Model for Developing Aquatic Programs in Rural Colorado: Communities Connect, Sponsored Projects Academic Research Council (SPARC), Regis University.

2010: Christenson, M., Bemis, B., Clifford, N., Kelly, M., Klesh, K., Lahaszow, K., Neff, J., Wooderson, R., Sponsored Projects Academic Research Council (SPARC), Regis University.