Physical Therapist Assistant Faculty/Staff
FACULTY/STAFF
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE)/ Faculty - Dr. Michele Valencia, PT, DPT
Dr. Valencia graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1998 with her BS in Human Biology. She earned her Master's in Physical Therapy (MPT) in 2000 from the University of Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. She procured her clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2008 from Boston University.
Dr. Valencia successfully practiced for over 20 years, primarily in orthopedic physical therapy. Dr. Valencia held the position of Clinic Director for over 18 years and previously was a private practice owner. She has experience in every facet of clinical operations.
Dr. Valencia transitioned from the clinical setting to academia in 2021 and is currently employed at Collin College in the Physical Therapist Assistant program in a dual role of faculty and as the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE). Dr. Valencia is pursuing a HealthCare Professions Education Certificate from Rocky Mountain University.
Dr. Valencia enjoys spending her free time with her husband, dog, family, and friends. Traveling is her passion. Dr. Valencia enjoys working out, running, and rollerblading when not traveling.
Program Director - Dr. Michael Cox, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, MBA
Michael graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1999, where he was named the "Outstanding Scholar" of the graduating class. He has a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin Simmons University in 2010.
Since his graduation, Michael has practiced in orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy settings. In June of 2003, he was certified as a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). In 2015, he also received his Sports Therapy Certification (SCS). In 2002, he won the Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award from the APTA for research on the effects of different types of warm-up before stretching the calf muscles.
He managed a large PT physician group for 16 years and has been in private practice since 2010. He has treated athletes and sports medicine injuries, emphasizing functional exercise progressions, corrective exercise techniques, and manual therapy. Not only does he bring a high level of clinical expertise, he also brings many years of management experience from various settings within outpatient physical therapy. Michael received his MBA in Health Care Administration in 2020 from Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
He is pursuing his Doctor of Rehabilitation Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Science Center, emphasizing in education.
Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters outside of work. Michael is a die-hard Texas Longhorns fan and loves the Texas Rangers. Most of his time is spent on the pitch watching his daughters play soccer. He enjoys outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and hiking. He is passionate about teaching and helping mentor and develop students in the physical therapy profession.
