Meet the experts

Wendy K. Anemaet, PT, DPT, MSPT, PhD graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with Bachelor of Science degrees in biology, pre-med, and athletic training. The University of Southern California with a Masters in Physical Therapy, the University of South Florida with a PhD in Aging Studies, and Regis University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Dr. Anemaet is a Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Neurologic Clinical Specialist, and Certified Wound Specialist. She has a Geriatric Training Certificate and a Certificate of OASIS Specialist and serves on the editorial board of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. She has co-authored books on home health rehabilitation and published hundreds of articles in peer-reviewed and trade publications.

She has been a physical therapist since 1989 and has experience in home health, acute care, rehab, outpatient care, and skilled nursing. She has been a Professor at Hardin-Simmons University Department of Physical Therapy since 2021, where her teaching responsibilities include Integument, Geriatrics, Neuroscience, Applied Physiology, Cardiopulmonary Management, and Multiple Systems. She lectures nationally on geriatric strengthening, wound assessment and management, falls prevention, and competency testing for home health physical therapists on the drug regimen review and pharmacology.

Her current research interests include exercise, arthritis, and geriatrics. Dr. Anemaet is also actively involved in domestic and international missions and started the Canine Companions service dogs training at HSU. She is excited to be involved in the development of the equestrian center at Hardin-Simmons University, which will include hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, collegiate riding teams, and a curriculum directed towards certifications, minors, and majors.

Dennis G. O’Connell, Ph.D., DPT, PT, CSCS, FACSM, is a Professor and Shelton-Lacewell Endowed Chair at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) with primary teaching responsibilities in Applied Physiology, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, Oncology, Rheumatology, and Endocrinology. Dr. O’Connell has clinical experience in Acute Care, Outpatient Orthopedics, and Endocrinology. He has numerous published manuscripts and textbooks, and more than one hundred national and international podium and poster presentations. He has been a manuscript reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed publications, including Physical Therapy, and has been an Associate Editor of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has taught a number of courses at CSM or Annual Conference meetings on Exercise Testing, Cardiopulmonary and Vascular Evaluation, and the Physiology of Cerebral Blood Flow. Dr. O’Connell has served the TPTA Midwest District as Vice-Chair as well as the President of the Texas Physical Therapy Education and Research Foundation. He has served as a member of the APTA Movement Diagnosis Group and the APTA Exercise Physiology Task Force. 

Cathy Richards is a certified Exercise Physiologist, Functional Aging Specialist, and Dementia Care Practitioner with over two decades of experience in wellness and aging services. Her expertise includes creating multi-dimensional wellness programs for senior populations, strategic leadership in senior living communities, and supporting individuals and caregivers affected by dementia. Cathy is a speaker and author of the best-selling book BOOM: Six Steps to a Longer, Healthier Life, and has been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post and Fox5 News.