DScPT Faculty

Eric Chaconas PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT
Program Chair

Eric Chaconas is an orthopaedic physical therapist, researcher and educator.  He is the program director of the Bellin College Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy Program.  Dr. Chaconas has taught previous courses on the topics of differential diagnosis, research, exercise prescription and orthopaedic manual therapy. 

He completed the DPT from the University of St. Augustine (2005), Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (2008) and PhD from Nova Southeastern University (2015).

Dr. Chaconas currently serves the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) as chair of the research committee and has held prior positions as the FPTA speaker of the assembly, federal affairs liaison, government affairs committee chair and vice speaker of the assembly.  Eric was honored with the FPTA committee service award in 2011 and APTA emerging leader award in 2010.  Eric resides in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife Cindy and two children.

Jodi Young, PT, DPT, PhD
Research Director

Jodi Young is the Director of Research for the Bellin College DSc in Physical Therapy program. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. Jodi completed her PhD through the University of Newcastle in Australia where she researched physical therapy dosing in patients with lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. She has taught in entry-level DPT, residency and fellowship programs for over ten years, teaching in the areas of orthopedics, manual therapy, differential diagnosis and research.