Biography
Dr. Moody Jones received a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont (1982), an MS in Biomechanics and Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University (1994), a DPT from AT Still University (2004) and an EdD in Educational Leadership from University of New Mexico (2018). Dr. Jones received her board certified specialization in Orthopedics from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) in 2002 and was recertified in 2012 and 2022.
Personal Statement
My professional interests center on advancing physical therapy education and practice in New Mexico and nationally. Early in my career, I recognized that while excellence in individual clinical practice benefits the patients one directly serves, excellence in education creates a broader and more lasting impact by shaping future physical therapists and, in turn, the many patients they will serve. I chose to focus on this broader educational impact and have remained deeply committed to that decision throughout my career.
I strive for excellence in physical therapy education at both the regional and national levels. Regionally, I have led the implementation of benchmark examinations to strengthen student preparation for national licensure and improve first-time board pass rates. I have also guided a cultural shift within our program toward shared accountability, team-based excellence, and collective ownership through strategic planning and clearly articulated goals and values. Within the student body, I emphasize empowerment, responsibility, and engagement in the learning process. Nationally, I have served in numerous volunteer leadership roles focused on policy development related to physical therapy practice, education, research, admissions, and advocacy.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in setting high expectations and then actively supporting students as they work toward, and often exceed, those standards. While my primary passion is human anatomy, I have taught a wide range of courses across the curriculum. I believe that with commitment, clarity, and purposeful mentorship, educators can partner with any motivated student through the learning journey.
My research focuses on improving both physical therapy education and clinical practice. This work includes investigation of sacroiliac joint motion using movement analysis, contributions to improving anatomy content in educational texts, and the development of evidence-informed teaching and assessment strategies. More recently, my scholarship has focused on student success measures and the use of educational data to improve examination outcomes and inform programmatic policy development.
Across all roles, educator, scholar, and leader, my focus remains on strengthening the physical therapy profession and improving the educational experience for students and the care ultimately delivered to patients.
Areas of Specialty
*Specialized in treatment and research of lumbosacral issues, particularly the sacroiliac joint.
*Specialized in the teaching of gross anatomy
*Research interest in student success in education, hidden curriculum and teaching pedagogy
Certifications
Dry needling certified
Achievements & Awards
* 2025 Mortar Board Alumni Achievement Award. The Alumni Achievement Award honors an alumni member who was initiated as a collegiate or honorary member; is more than 15 years past initiation; has demonstrated outstanding and long-lasting achievement in her profession and/or notable service to a broad community; has shown a continuing commitment to the Mortar Board Ideals of Scholarship, leadership and service; and is inspiriting to other members.
*2018 University of New Mexico Health Sciences Excellence in Research Award for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
* 2015 University of New Mexico School of Medicine “Hippo” Award for excellence in teaching anatomy in the Phase 1 HSFD block.
* 2014 American Physical Therapy Association Dorothy E. Baethke-Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching. This prestigious national award was established in 1981 and is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to physical therapy education through teaching excellence as exemplified in the careers of Baethke and Carlin.
* 2011-2012 University of New Mexico School of Medicine "Apple for the Teacher" for Overall Excellence in Curricular Leadership, DPT completion track.
* 2011-2012 University of New Mexico School of Medicine "Apple for the Teacher" Faculty Excellence in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences,
* 2011 University of New Mexico School of Medicine "HIPPO" Award for excellence in teaching anatomy in the Phase 1 HSFD block.
* 2008 University of New Mexico School of Medicine "HIPPO" Award for excellence in teaching anatomy in the Phase 1 HSFD block.
* 2005-2006 University of New Mexico School of Medicine "Apple for the Teacher" Excellence in teaching award, Phase 1 HSFD teaching of anatomy.
* 2005, New Mexico American Physical Therapy Association Community Service Award.
* 1987 University of Vermont Young Alumnae Award.
Gender
Female
Languages
- English
Courses Taught
Dr. Moody Jones had taught gross anatomy at UNM since 2003. Over the course of her tenure at UNM, her path has included teaching physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medical students about the awe and wonder of the human body.
Research and Scholarship
Dr. Moody Jones was the anatomy content expert for the Orthpaedic Section of the APTA and reviewed all anatomy content for the 3rd edition of the Current Concepts in Orthopaedics monograph series. She is the author of the chapter ?Normal Anatomy of the Upper Extremity? in A.C. Eliasson & P.A. Burtner Theories and principles for intervention of hand function in Children with cerebral palsy(2008). Dr. Jones is also a contributor to Moore & Dalley, Clinical Oriented Anatomy, 7th Edition (2015). She is also on the Editorial review of Gray's Basic Anatomy (2012). Her research agenda includes anatomical variation, manual therapy and validation of special tests related to the spine. She currently serves as as Secretary for the board of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.