Heather Merkel is a 2007 graduate of Chatham University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She is also a 2005 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Athletic Training. Heather has enhanced her clinical practice with continuing education courses in NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment), Getting the PIQ-ture: Assessing and Treating Common Pediatric Patients, and she has also attended the Cheasapeake Rehabilitation Equipment’s annual mobility conference. She was an advisor on the Abstract: Relationship Between In- School Physical Activity and Standardized Test Scores in Elementary School Students, this abstract will be published in the Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2010. In addition the abstract has been modified into a poster presentation for the APTA Section on Pediatrics Conference 2010, which Heather assisted in presenting. Heather has continued her professional education with courses on Cascade Dafo Orthotics  Let's Roll the Art of Performing Seating and Mobility Evaluations, and Children's Brains and Neuroplasticity and Pediatric Intervention Best Practices.
Heather works primarily as a school-based therapist for Camco in Cambria, Somerset and Indiana Counties. Heather is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the PA Physical Therapy Association.