2017 Raymond L. Blakely Alumnus Award Recipient – Amanda Leonard

Amanda Leonard, PT, MPT, DScPT, NCS

Amanda Leonard with Drs. Rabel, Blakely, and Klima

Amanda “Mandy” Leonard, PT, MPT, DScPT, NCS is a 2003 graduate of the UMES Physical Therapy program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Maryland College Park in College Park, MD. 

Mandy is currently the Senior Therapist on the Stroke Unit at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute (UMROI), previously known as Kernan.  She also served as the Senior Therapist on the CVA Unit since 2008. She has 14 years of clinical experience treating patients with neurologic conditions. Amanda demonstrates excellence in all aspects of clinical performance.  

Leonard strives to keep abreast of the best evidence and practice. She obtained her NCS certification while being a full-time physical therapist at UMROI and was the second person to achieve this credential at the hospital. Just like Dr. Blakely, Mandy mirrors his same passion for biomechanical research. 

Mandy has become a master teacher and clinician. Her positive leadership extends beyond the stroke unit. She has done an outstanding job teaching, supervising as well as mentoring UMES DPT students. She travels twice a year to UMES to provide key lecture and laboratory components to the curriculum. Many of the students have even chose jobs in neurologic physical therapy partly due to her tutelage. When a student has difficulty, she readily volunteers to mentor them to improve overall confidence. Also, Leonard mentors her staff to provide the best possible care for patients with neurological conditions.

Her nominators stated: 

“She has a positive rapport with her interdisciplinary team members.”

“Mandy strives to render the best possible care for her patients.”

“Her positive leadership, commitment to the profession, and substantial dedication to evidence based practice puts her ahead of everyone else.”

The UMES Department of Physical Therapy is extremely proud of Mandy and her accomplishments!

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