Dara Chan, Sc.D., CRC, is leading research on multiple grants focused on improving community participation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a NIDILRR Switzer Research Fellow, she used Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to understand meaningful participation and service use of autistic adults and is now building on these methods in a multi-PI NIMH R21 examining community participation, social connections, and suicide risk in older autistic and non-autistic adults. Chan is also co-leading the UNC Higher Education, Employment, and Living Success (HEELS) 2 Transition program, an interdisciplinary collaborative funded by Oak Foundation which provides year-round, on-campus programming for individuals with IDD focused on developing critical skills for the transition to adulthood. In partnership with FPG, Chan is Co-PI on a related NIDILRR development project, “HEELS 2 Participation,” converting existing in-person HEELS programming into e-learning modules to increase accessibility and dissemination.

As a student service specialist within the Department of Health Science at UNC, I play a pivotal role in supporting both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, Master of Clinical Laboratory Science, Human Movement Science, and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. My responsibilities include guiding students through the complexities of admissions, ensuring a smooth registration process, and facilitating their graduation pathways. I assist with each student’s unique needs, addressing inquiries and concerns while actively working to enhance their academic experience.

I am the student services representative for the Division of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, handling admissions, registration, and graduation approvals. Additionally, I handle financial aid for all eight divisions in the Department Of Health Sciences.

My primary areas of interest include supporting children and families with hearing loss and developmental disabilities and healthcare access. I serve as a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities) faculty member and provide clinical services at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities on two multidisciplinary teams; the School Age Team and the Hearing and Development Clinic.

Since joining the faculty at UNC in 2018 I’ve lead an interprofessional health professions service learning trip to eastern North Carolina working with community partners to address health disparities and rural healthcare access. Additionally, I serve of the UNC Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice(IPEP) Advisory Board.

My profession service includes work with CAPCSD, AAA and the NC-EDHI Advisory Committee.

My work consists of managing clinical contracts and affiliation agreements the Department of Health Sciences and numerous facilities nationwide have established. I primarily focus on agreements for Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Amy provides essential administrative support to the Department of Health Sciences, playing a key role in communications, student services, and event coordination. She supports all Divisions and the Department with a wide range of marketing and communications efforts, including managing social media, creating promotional materials (flyers, banners, and more), updating the website, and capturing department stories through photos and news features.

In addition to her communications work, Amy supports accreditation across all divisions and offers vital support for student services. She also helps plan and execute department events..

As clinical faculty, I have the privilege of wearing many hats including clinician, mentor, teacher, and researcher. I bring a deep passion for clinical care, specializing in orthopedic manual physical therapy having completed an advanced Fellowship at the Northwestern University. My goal is to meet my patients where they are and empower them to take an active role in their recovery, ensuring that they not only achieve their immediate goals but also maintain long-term health.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am committed to fostering the development of clinical reasoning in my students. I aim to equip future clinicians with the critical thinking tools necessary to assess complex cases, make informed decisions, utilize evidence-based practice, and approach challenges with humility and confidence. Through a combination of mentoring, treating, and teaching, I strive to inspire the next generation of physical therapists to think critically, provide compassionate care, and contribute to the continued advancement of our profession.