Clarke University

Jennifer Mai

Degrees Held

BS, Bradley University
MS, University of Indianapolis
DPT, Clarke University

Jennifer's Teaching Philosophy:
My goals for students are to take an active role in the learning process, to foster an eagerness for learning and to create a successful learning environment.  In order to achieve these goals, I believe that students must practice using their skills in class as well as in the clinic.  By having lab based courses, students are able to interact with one another and learn in a “hands on” manner to reinforce ideas presented in lecture. This type of teaching environment allows me to observe students “hands on” skills safely in the confines of a classroom. 

Jennifer's Professional Involvement:
I work at Finley Hospital in the inpatient and acute rehabilitation areas.  I specialize in Neurological Physical Therapy and am a Neurological Certified Specialist (NCS).  I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Iowa Physical Therapy Association and a member of the Neurology, Geriatrics, Education and Acute Care Sections of the APTA.  I also review textbooks and am currently finishing my dissertation for my Ph.D.

Why Jennifer Chose Clarke:
At Clarke you are a person instead of a number.  As a faculty member, I had the opportunity to be active on campus in addition to teaching courses that are in the areas that I love.

How Jennifer Impacts Students:
I have had new graduates send me messages thanking me for challenging them in the classroom.  They have told me that it was hard work and they didn't necessarily like it at the time, but easily transitioned to working with neurological patients and knew far more than they thought they did. 

Hearing that former students are receiving superior reviews from their employers in their first year is also very rewarding.

Why students should choose Clarke:
Clarke provides individualized attention to students and professors know the students by name. Our community at Clarke feels like a family away from home. In addition, nursing students are challenged to work with patients in the community throughout the curriculum to apply their newly acquired skills while being supervised by faculty.  Working with actual patients challenges critical thinking and problem solving skills which are essential to physical therapists.  Students also have the opportunity to interact with local clinicians to foster critical thinking and problem solving skills throughout the didactic portion of the curriculum.

Jennifer's Extracurricular Activities and Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have coached my son's soccer team and also enjoy reading.

What Jennifer enjoys about Clarke's campus:
My favorite part of campus is the stained glass displayed from before the fire.  It shows the strength of our campus.  I also love the community and family feel of campus.  So many people say hi to you as you walk through the hall.