After more than two decades of teaching future physical therapists, Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS, will retire from the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program on September 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of educational excellence, compassion, mentorship, and dedication to neurologic physical therapy.

Dr. Kriekels' connection to the CU Physical Therapy began in 2000 while she was working at the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. As a clinical instructor, she helped guide students through their clinical education experiences while maintaining a busy clinical practice. Soon after, she began teaching in CU's neuromuscular course as a lab instructor from 2003-2007 and delivered lectures on physical therapy in intensive care settings.

In 2007, she took the next step in her academic journey, joining the program as a teaching fellow while pursuing her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree. After earning her doctorate in 2009, she became a full-time core faculty member, a role she has held ever since.

Reflecting on her time in academia, Dr. Kriekels credits teaching with enhancing her own professional growth. "My teaching role has pushed me to learn a lot and has made me a better PT, and professional."

That commitment to lifelong learning has been evident throughout her career. A graduate of one of the last Bachelor of Science programs in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota in 1991, Dr. Kriekels built a diverse clinical background before joining CU.

As a new graduate, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she worked in outpatient neurologic rehabilitation at HealthSouth. There, she collaborated with interdisciplinary teams caring for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries and other neurologic conditions. After seven years in Albuquerque, she spent two years as a traveling physical therapist, working in skilled nursing facilities, home health, outpatient pediatrics, acute care, and intensive care units across four states.

In 1999, she moved to Denver with her husband, Carlo, and joined the Denver VA Medical Center the following year. While working in acute care and the ICU, she earned her Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification in 2003, a credential she has successfully maintained through multiple recertifications.

Throughout her CU career, Dr. Kriekels has served on numerous committees and task forces, remained active in clinical practice, and played an important role in strengthening the program's rigorous neurologic curriculum.

One of her most significant contributions came through her leadership of the Scholarship and Awards Committee. As scholarship funding expanded, she worked to ensure fair and transparent processes for distributing funds while honoring benefactor intent. She also advocated for greater faculty involvement in the committee.

Beyond the CU Physical Therapy Program, Dr. Kriekels has been active in the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy for more than 15 years, serving in education leadership roles that have helped advance neurologic practice, develop continuing education opportunities, and contribute to the translation of knowledge related to balance and movement disorders. Within the CU Physical Therapy Program, she has mentored faculty colleagues and lab instructors, helping strengthen teaching excellence and support the development of future educators.

When asked what she will miss most, Dr. Kriekels points not to a particular course or accomplishment, but to the people who have shared the journey. "I will miss the people that I have worked with for so many years. From our amazing administrative staff, to fellow faculty, to our partners at UCH, Children's Hospital, Craig Hospital, and the VA. I have enjoyed a shared purpose of educating the next generation of physical therapists with our whole 'village.'"

While retirement marks the end of her role in entry-level physical therapy education, Dr. Kriekels does not see it as the end of her professional career. "I see myself as retiring from PT entry level education but not retiring from the profession."

She plans to shift her focus back toward direct patient care, an area she has continued to engage in throughout her time as a faculty member. "I have many interests in different settings and patient populations, and I look forward to switching to a job treating patients. Although I have kept active in-patient care for a small percentage of my time on faculty, I feel I have more to offer in this area."

As she prepares to close this chapter, Dr. Kriekels hopes the programs, people, and relationships she helped build will continue to flourish. "I hope that my contributions to CU PT education, our strong neurologic curriculum, and many friendships will continue to thrive as I depart from this particular role."

For generations of CU Physical Therapy students, colleagues, and clinical partners, Dr. Kriekels' influence will continue well beyond her retirement. Through her commitment to teaching, empathy, clinical excellence, and mentorship, she has helped shape a stronger profession and a stronger program.