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VITA: Susan Kasser

ADDRESS

Professional Physical Education
Department of Education
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405
802/656-7742 (wk)
802/899-4397 (hm)
e-mail: skasser@zoo.uvm.edu

EDUCATION

1997 Doctor of Philosophy Human Performance
Dissertation: Constraints on Functional Competence in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.
Major: Movement Studies in Disability
Minor: Motor Control and Learning
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon

1984 Master of Science Special Physical Education
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin

1982                     Bachelor of Science Physical Education (K-12)
                         Minor: Psychology
   University of New Hampshire
   Durham, New Hampshire

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1997 - present Assistant Professor:
Professional Physical Education, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

* Courses include Adapted Physical Activity, Motor Learning & Control, Elementary Physical Education, Research Seminar.

1999 - present Director:
Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program, University of Vermont,
Burlington, Vermont

* Develop and supervise implementation of individualized exercise programs for adults with multiple sclerosis. Supervise undergraduate interns completing practicum experiences.

* Conduct Facilitator Training Workshops for state-wide programs.

1998    Supervisor:
   Adapted Aquatics Program, St. Michaelís College,
   Winooski, Vermont.

* Provided supervision and assistance to undergraduate students and volunteers who develop and implement individualized aquatic programming for children and adults with disabilities.

1996 - 1997 Consultant:
Lebanon Community School District, Lebanon, Oregon.

* Provide consultation to elementary and secondary classroom and physical education teachers regarding the development, implementation, and modification of physical fitness and activity programming for children with special needs.

1994 - 1996 Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program Coordinator:
   Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Oregon State University.

   * Performed administrative tasks including scheduling of facilities,         recruiting and training interns, and collaborating with community         professionals and physicians.

   * Developed and supervised implementation of individualized         exercise programs for adults with multiple sclerosis. Supervised         undergraduate interns completing practicum experiences.

   * Conducted empirical investigations focusing upon progressive         resistance exercise, postural control retraining, and psychological         consequences of exercise in adults with multiple sclerosis.

1993 - 1997 Research Assistant:
   Motor Behavior Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport     Science, Oregon State University.

* Trained in computerized posturography to assess and train postural control using visual biofeedback provided by the Pro Balance Master from NeuroCom International.

* Proficient in conducting evaluation of muscle strength using the Kin-Com 500H Isokinetic Dynamometer.

1993 - 1996 Graduate Teaching Assistant:
Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Oregon State University.

* Lecturer EXSS 444/544 - Adapted Physical Activity:
Lectured in undergraduate/graduate course detailing various disabling conditions and implementation of adapted physical education services for individuals with disabilities.

* Instructor PAC 100 - Adapted Physical Activity:
Designed and implemented individualized exercise programs for undergraduate students with disabilities or injuries.

* Staff - Special Physical and Motor Fitness Clinic:
Assisted undergraduate and graduate students in the development and implementation of weekly physical activity sessions for children with disabilities.

1991 - 1993 Adult Adapted Aquatic Activity Program:
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

* Developed, promoted, and supervised aquatic therapeutic exercise programs for adults with physical disabilities using trained college interns.

1990 - 1993 Adapted Sports Program:
Metcalf Laboratory School, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

* Developed coaches manual, trained athletes, and scheduled interscholastic and regional sports events for students with physical disabilities.

1984 - 1993 Adapted Physical Education Instructor: Metcalf Laboratory School, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

* Planned, organized, and implemented individualized activities, sport skills, and aquatics for preschool through junior high students with visual, hearing, or physical impairments.

* Supervised and evaluated undergraduate and graduate college students completing practicum experience within the adapted physical education program.

AWARDS and HONORS

Outstanding Educator Award- Professional, Vermont Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 2001.

Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award Assistant Professor, University of Vermont, 2000.

Graduate Student Award, Adapted Physical Activity Council, AAHPERD National Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996.

RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1996 1997 Consultant: Lebanon School District, Lebanon, Oregon

1991 - 1993 Consultant: Prairie View Center on Deafness, Normal, Illinois.

1989 Bradford Outdoor Leadership Program: Bradford Woods Outdoor Education Center, Indiana University, Martinsville, Indiana.

1983 - 1984 Program Assistant: Chileda Habilitation Institute,
La Crosse, Wisconsin.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

AAHPERD American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

IFAPA International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity

NCPERID National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities

NAFAPA North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity

VAHPERD Vermont Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

SERVICE

College

1999 - present Department Representative: Executive Committee, College of Education and Social Services, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

1998 - present Program Representative: Student Affairs Committee, College of Education and Social Services, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

University

2000 2001 College Representative: Admissions Committee, Faculty Senate, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

State

2001 present Co-Chair - Clinical Advisory Committee
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Vermont Division,
Burlington, Vermont.

1999 - 2000 Vice President - Health: Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

1998 - 1999 Vice President Elect - Health: Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

1997 - 2001 Board Member: Clinical Advisory Committee,
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Vermont Chapter,
Burlington, Vermont.

1995 - 1996 Chair - Special Populations: Oregon Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

1994 - 1995 Chair Elect - Special Populations: Oregon Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

1988 - 1993 Committee Member: Heart of Illinois Special Olympics, Bloomington, Illinois.

Profession

2001 Guest Reviewer: The Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps.

2000 Scientific Committee Member: North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium: Research in Adapted Physical Activity Life-Span Empowerment for the New Millennium.

1999 2001 Committee Member: Planning and Revenue Generation Committee, American Association for Active Lifestyle and Fitness

1998 - 2001 Secretary: North American Federation for Adapted Physical Activity.

1998 - 1999 Guest Reviewer: Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. Human Kinetics Publishers.

PUBLICATIONS

Books

Kasser, S.L. (1995). Inclusive Games. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

Kasser, S.L. & Lytle, R. (under contract - to be published 2003). Inclusive Physical
Activity Across the Lifespan. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

Reviews

Kasser, S.L. (1999). Caring for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Team Approach.
J.P. Dormans & L. Pellegrino (Eds.), Paul H. Brooks Publishing, Baltimore,MD, 1998. In: Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 16, 317-318.

Refereed Abstracts

Stanish, H., Kasser, S.L., & McCubbin, J. (1998). Parent attitudes toward
inclusion in regular physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 69, a136.

Kasser, S.L. & McCubbin, J. (1996). Effects of progressive resistance exercise on muscular strength in adults with multiple sclerosis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28,S5.

Kasser, S.L., Rose, D.J., Clark, S., & Fujimoto, K. (1995). Dynamic balance training: Does it transfer to gait? Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17, S64.

McCubbin, J.A., Frey, G.C., Kasser, S.L., Skaggs, S.O., & Wilcox, A. (1994). Fitness characteristics of trained runners with mental retardation. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), S76.

Refereed Articles

Kasser, S.L. & Stuart. M.E. (2001). Psychological well-being
and exercise behavior in adults with and without multiple sclerosis. Clinical Kinesiology, 55 (4), 81-86.

Kasser, S.L. & McCubbin, J.A. (in review). Variability in constraints
and functional competence in adults with multiple sclerosis. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Johnson, L.V., Kasser, S.L., & Nichols, B. (2002). Including all
children in standards-based physical education. Journal of Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance.

Stanish, H. & Kasser, S.L. (in review). Parent Perceptions of
Inclusive Physical Education for Children with Disabilities. Teaching Exceptional Children.

Kasser, S.L., Rose, D.J., & Clark, S. (1999). Balance training for adults with multiple sclerosis: Multiple case studies. Neurology Report, 23(1), 5-12.

Frey, G.C., McCubbin, J.A., Hannigan-Downs, S., Kasser, S.L., & Skaggs, S.O. (1999). Physical fitness of trained runners with and without mental retardation. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 16(2), 126-137.

Houston-Wilson, C., Lieberman, L., Horton, M., & Kasser, S. (1997). Peer tutoring: A Plan for Instructing Students of All Abilities. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68(6), 39-44.

Kasser, S.L., Collier, D., & Solava, D. (1997). Sport skills for students with disabilities: A collaborative effort. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68(1), 50-53.

Invited Articles

Kasser, S. (2001). Improving Your Balance: Practice Makes Improvement.
MSConnection. National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Kasser, S.L. (2000). Standard-Based Physical Education: Is it Inclusive of All
Students? Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance, March.

Kasser, S.L. (1998). Self-Efficacy: A True Motivator. Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, December.

Kasser, S.L. (1998). Assessment of movement skills: Are we really assessing
student learning? Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, March.

Kasser, S.L. (1997). Inclusive physical education: A departure from tradition. Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, December, 4-5.

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Reliability and Ecological Validity of Clinical Balance and Mobility Assessments in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis.

Efficacy of machine-based balance retraining on the dynamic balance and gait of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Kasser, S.L. & Clark, S.

Exercise and its relationship to life satisfaction in adults with multiple sclerosis.

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Refereed

ìThe Three Iís of Standards-Based Physical Education: Insights, Implementation
and Inclusionî. With L.V. Johnson & B.A. Nichols, Eastern District
Association or AAHPERD, Baltimore, MD, February 2002.

ìMaximizing Learning Opportunities for All Studentsî. Vermont Association for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Conference. Castleton State College, Castleton, Vermont, October, 2001.

ìBye Bye Bombardmentî. Vermont Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Conference. Barre Town, VT. October, 1999.

ìTeaching the Introduction Course in Adapted Physical Educationî with Davis, Hodge, Simbeck, and Stanton. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance national Convention, Boston, MA, April, 1999.

ìAdults with Physical Impairments: How to Attract and Accommodate these Exercisersî. New England College of Sports Medicine Conference, Providence, Rhode Island, October, 1998.

ìMeasurement Considerations and Strategies: A New Perspectiveî with S. Downs. North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, October, 1998.

ìHead Stability as a Constrain in Gait in Persons with Multiple Sclerosisî with S. Clark. American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, May, 1997.

ìExercise for Everyone: Developing an Integrated Fitness Program for Adultsî
with S. Downs. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance National Convention, St. Loius, MO, March, 1997.

ìBye Bye Bombardmentî. Oregon Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Conference, Corvallis, Oregon, October, 1996.

ìPhysical Activity and Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Multifaceted Approachî with J. McCubbin, & L. Summers. North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium, Banff, Alberta Canada, September, 1996.

ìEffects of Progressive Resistance Exercise on Muscular Strength in Adults with Multiple Sclerosisî with J. McCubbin. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH, May 1996.

ìSetting Up a Successful Peer Tutor Program in your Schoolî with C. Houston- Wilson, L. Lieberman, & M. Horton. AAHPERD National Convention, Atlanta, GA, April, 1996.

ìExercise and Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of Literature and Issues for the
Futureî with J.A. McCubbin. 10th International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity, Oslo, Norway, May 1995.

"Activities for All". Oregon Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Conference, Corvallis, Oregon, October, 1995.

"Preschool Adapted Physical Education" with L. Zittel. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance National Convention, Portland, Oregon, April, 1995.

"Dynamic Balance Training: Does it Transfer" with D. Rose, S. Clark, & K. Fujimoto. North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, Annual Conference, Monterey, California, February, 1995.

ìBye Bye Bombardmentî. 24th National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual, Ontario, California, November, 1994.

ìBye Bye Bombardmentî. Oregon Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Conference, Newport, Oregon, September, 1994.

ìSport and Recreation Adaptations for Individuals with Physical Disabilitiesî. Chicago Rehabilitation Institute Disabled Sports and Recreation Conference, Chicago, Illinois, June, 1992.

"Sports Adaptations for those with Physical Disabilities". Achieving A Balance Mid-West Conference, Western Illinois University, April, 1992.

"Sports Programming for those with Physical Disabilities". Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention, November, 1991.

"P.E. Assessment of those with Physical Disabilities". Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention; November, 1986; November, 1991.

ìPromoting Excellent Performanceî. Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention, November, 1990.

ìAdapting Activities for Children with Disabilitiesî. Illinois Association of Health,   Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention, November,    1987.

ìAdapting Activities for Children with Physical Disabilitiesî. Illinois Association    of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention;    November, 1986.

Invited

ìInclusive Physical Activity: A Way of Teachingî. 2001 International Adapted
Physical Education Conference, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, November, 2001.

ìIncluding All Students through Extended Skill Stationsî. 2001 International
Adapted Physical Education Conference, National Taiwan Normal
University, Taipei, Taiwan, November, 2001.

ìModifying Assessment Criteria for Inclusionî. 2001 International Adapted
Physical Education Conference, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei,
Taiwan, November, 2001.

ìReflections on Adapted Physical Activityî. 2001 International Adapted Physical
Education Conference, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, November, 2001.

ìEnhancing Quality of Life through Physical Activityî. Wake Robin Senior Living
Community, Shelburne, Vermont, October, 2001.

ìExercise for Physical and Emotional Health in Adults with Physical &
Neurological Disabilities, Summit on Successful Aging, Vermont
Department of Aging and Disability, Killington, Vermont, May, 2001.

ìActivities for Allî. Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation, and Dance State Convention. Battle Creek, MI, November 2000.

ìIncluding Individuals with Disabilities in Adventure Programmingî. Johnson
State College, Johnson, Vermont, February, 2001.

ìConstraints on Functional Competence in Adults with MSî. Department of
Physical Therapy Research Seminar, University of Vermont, April, 1999.

ìMoving with Multiple Sclerosis: Exercise and Balance Considerationsî. MS Educational Workshop, National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Vermont Chapter, Montpelier, Vermont, November, 1998.

ìStandards for All: Including Students with Disabilities into Standard-Based Educationî. Summer Institute on Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities, Vermont Department of Education, Stowe, Vermont, July, 1998.

ìMoving with MS: Exercise Concerns and Considerationsî. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Vermont Chapter. Fanny Allen Hospital, Colchester, Vermont, May 13, 1998.

ìInfusion without Confusionî. Vermont Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance State Convention. Castleton State College, Vermont, March 12, 1998.

ìEffectiveness and Implications of Balance Training for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.î Physical Therapy Research Seminar Series, UVM, February 26, 1998.

ìSport skills for students with disabilities: An integrative perspectiveî. National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual, Las Vegas, Nevada, November, 1997.

ìMoving with MS: A balancing actî. Eugene Multiple Sclerosis Chapter, Eugene, Oregon, September, 1996.

ìInsight into inclusion: Principles and practices for preschoolî. Southwest District AAHPERD Annual Conference, Sacramento, California, March, 1996.

"Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis". Linn-Benton Multiple Sclerosis Chapter, Corvallis, Oregon, October, 1995.

"Adapted physical activity - Research with older individuals with disabilities" with S. Downs. National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities, National Conference, Washington, D.C., July, 1995.

"IEP-APE connection". National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities National Conference, Washington, D.C., July, 1995.

ìSport and recreation adaptations for individuals with physical disabilitiesî. Chicago Rehabilitation Institute Disabled Sports and Recreation Conference, Chicago, Illinois, July, 1993.

ìA team approach to physical educationî. Peoria Developmental Center, Peoria, Illinois, September, 1991.

ìAdapting activities for allî. Leroy Institute Day, Leroy, Illinois, September, 1993.

ìPromoting excellent performanceî. Special Education Association of Peoria County Institute Day, August, 1991.

"P.E. assessment of those with physical disabilities". Illinois State University Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Department Graduate Program, April, 1986; October, 1986; March, 1987; September, 1987; April. 1991; February, 1992.

ìMovement activities for allî. Tazewell-Mason Counties Special Education    Association, Peoria, Illinois, May, 1990.

ìP.E. = Physical Excellenceî. Blooming Grove Academy, Bloomington, Illinois,    August, 1990.

ìAdapting all P.E. activitiesî. Woodford County Institute Day, Illinois, September, 1990.

ìAdapted physical education - who, what, where, and whyî. Illinois State University Special Education Department, April, 1986; October, 1986; March, 1987; September, 1987; April, 1990; October, 1990.

GRANTS

Instructional Incentive Grant, University of Vermont, Lab-Based Learning: Movement Skill Learning & Control, May 1999. ($1,100.00).

University Committee on Research and Scholarship, University of Vermont, ìReliability and Ecological Validity of Functional Balance and Mobility in Persons with Multiple Sclerosisî, December 1997 - June 1999. ($3,916.00).

College of Health and Human Performance, Oregon State University, ìConstraints on Functional Competence in Persons with Multiple Sclerosisî, January 1997 - July 1997. ($450.00).

Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Grant for ìThe Physical and Psychological Benefits of Aquatic Exercise for Adults with Physical Disabilities" with S. McCaw, 1992. ($530.00).