Valerie Coolman
Fellowship Director, Faculty
Valerie Coolman, DsCPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT completed her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University in 2006. She passed the Certified Manual Therapist (CMPT) exam in 2005 with distinction and Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 2008. She also passed the Certified Manual/Manipulative Therapist (COMT) exam in 2008, with distinction. Dr. Coolman became a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in 2010. She has served as the Director of the Post-Professional Physical Therapy Program at Andrews University as well as an Orthopaedic Fellowship Director. She currently serves as the Chair of the Leadership subcommittee for AAOMPT and Faculty for ASPIRE OMT, Erl Pettman's newly founded institute. She continues to collaborate and teach at Andrews University in the Post-Professional Department. Valerie is passionate about treating patients and assisting others to embrace the value of health, proper movement, and nutrition at her private clinic, Northwest Orthopaedics & Wellness, as well as mentoring other PTs on a journey of pursuing excellence. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting her children in various activities, as well as cheering on her husband, Head Coach of Valparaiso Varsity Basketball. The Coolman family believes that athletics provides an opportunity for life-lessons on and off of the court while recognizing the great pressure and stress placed on coaches and their families. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coolman Family pursued a long-time dream, and Championship Standards was founded to bring support to other Coaching Families trying to maintain the "HOME COURT ADVANTAGE."