Introduction!

I am very excited to take over as Editor-in-Chief from the timeless Linda Fetters, PhD, PT, FAPTA. Dr Fetters has led our journal with distinction for the past 10 years as a platform for promoting high-quality, innovative research that bridges the gap between theory and practice in pediatric physical therapy. Starting as a newsletter in 1974 and a peer-reviewed academic journal in 1989, I am the fourth editor-in-chief following Toby Long, Ann Van Sant, and Linda Fetters. I am very excited about the opportunity to serve in this role and continue the commitment to scientific discovery and high-quality evidence. My mission is to support the lifetime health and development of children and their families. I have a deep appreciation for the variety of pediatric physical therapy subfields and aim to foster the growth and global engagement of the journal. I have a strong track record of editorial experience, having served as an editorial board member of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal for 10 years under Drs Rebecca Craik and Alan Jette, as an editorial board member of Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, and as a guest editor for several special issues.1–3 I am a professor at The Ohio State University, where I serve as the director of the PhD Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. I have a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Dayton, an MS in Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware, a PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware, postdoctoral training in Infant Development and Kinesiology from the University of Michigan, and faculty fellowship training in Health Services Research from the Center on Health Services Training and Research. At the University of Dayton, I was exposed to research for the first time through undergraduate research projects and classes. I learned the importance of study design through courses in research methods and analysis and levels of evidence when reviewing literature. I was excited to learn that advances in health and function for children with motor disabilities could be discovered using these methods. At the University of Delaware, I studied with Cole Galloway, PT, PhD (Go Baby Go!). Dr Galloway taught me that organized thoughts equal organized writing. Written work, through the publication of peer-reviewed abstracts and manuscripts, is a primary form of dissemination and scientific communication. At the University of Michigan, I studied with Beverly Ulrich, PhD (treadmill training and Down syndrome). Dr Ulrich taught me the importance of one-on-one mentorship with trainees. These experiences, training, and lessons have stayed with me and will continue to be a guiding force as editor in chief. Considerations for innovation and discovery, rigorous study design, contextualizing levels of evidence, strong written communication, and supporting people who can advance the science and clinical care of infants, children, and families across the lifespan will be a mission of my work for Pediatric Physical Therapy.