The CU Physical Therapy Program congratulates Courtney Kinniburgh, PT, DPT on being the fourteenth graduate of the CU PT Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency. We sat down with Dr. Kinniburgh to learn more about her background, experience in our residency program, and plans post-graduation.

Tell us a little bit about your background prior to coming to the CU Physical Therapy Program for your pediatric residency?

I'm originally from Washington state and have always had a love for the outdoors, music, and creativity—elements I’ve always hoped to integrate into my professional life.

Before entering physical therapy school, I worked for two years as a medical scribe in the emergency department. That experience sparked my interest in the hospital setting, particularly the fast-paced, collaborative nature of interdisciplinary care.

I’ve always enjoyed working with children and volunteering in pediatric settings, though I initially found the intensity of treating children in a hospital setting somewhat intimidating. However, during PT school at the University of Colorado, I completed a clinical rotation in inpatient rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital Colorado. I thrived in that environment, drawn to the strong sense of teamwork among therapists and medical staff, as well as the meaningful impact of promoting mobility at all levels of function. That experience confirmed my passion for pediatric physical therapy and solidified my desire to pursue it as a career.

For those that aren’t as familiar with physical therapy residencies, tell us how residency differs from clinical rotations during DPT school.

Unlike clinical rotations during DPT school, residency begins after passing the physical therapy licensure exam, allowing me to practice and see patients independently. What sets residency apart is the opportunity to receive individualized mentorship while working across multiple pediatric settings—including schools, early intervention, outpatient, and inpatient.

As a resident, I managed my own caseload but also had structured mentorship time to deepen my clinical reasoning and refine my skills. In addition, I participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program, which broadened my understanding of policy, resources, interprofessional collaboration, and innovations in pediatric care. This experience helped me think beyond my clinical role and consider how to support patients and families in a more holistic and impactful way.

What were the most valuable skills or insights that you received during your residency?

I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to provide children and families with the most comprehensive and impactful care possible. My primary goal in pursuing this residency was to gain exposure to all facets of pediatric physical therapy, so I could integrate that knowledge into a well-rounded, evidence-based practice.

One of the most valuable aspects was learning how to confidently apply current research to my clinical decision-making. I also grew significantly in areas of pediatric PT where I previously had limited experience, expanding both my skill set and comfort level. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of practitioners, professors, and leaders allowed me to draw from diverse perspectives and approaches. These experiences helped me shape a practice style that is both informed by evidence and personalized to meet the unique needs of each child I serve.

Post-residency, you are stepping into an inpatient acute care role at Children’s Hospital Colorado. What about this new job are you most excited for?

What excites me most about this new role is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I’ll primarily be working in the pediatric intensive care unit where I’ll support children and caregivers navigating traumatic and often unexpected medical events.

I’m especially passionate about creating trust and using creativity to make therapy engaging, even in high-stress environments. I look forward to helping children work toward their highest possible quality of life—while also bringing moments of joy and playfulness into their hospital experience.

What advice would you give to future pediatric physical therapy residents, or those interested in pursuing a PT residency generally?

While you’ll be surrounded by incredible support and mentorship throughout a residency, choosing this path should ultimately come from a personal desire to grow.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received during the application process was to “know my why”. Taking the time to clearly define my purpose for pursuing residency helped me stay grounded and focused throughout the year. Whenever challenges arose, I could return to that “why” to remind myself of my goals and reignite my motivation. Pursuing a residency is one of the best ways to grow as a clinician—it not only strengthens your practice but also benefits every patient you’ll work with in the future.