Lead Occupational / Physical / Assistive Technology Therapist
Julia Barnicle, PT, DPT, ATP
Julia is a licensed Physical Therapist with 32 years of professional experience. She
began her career working for a hospital system in rural Ohio, where she gained a wide
range of experience in the areas of pediatrics, orthopedics, home care, and industrial
rehabilitation. She worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, homes, and
schools, while providing patient care and overseeing Physical Therapy Assistants.
Julia enjoys working with children the most, which led her to join the Physical Therapy
Department of PAEC in 1996. During her time at PAEC, she has worked as a PT in
every member district. This has given her unique insight and experience for providing
services that best fit the individual needs of the students, the parents, and the schools
she serves.
Julia is the OT/PT Lead Therapist at PAEC, a role she has held for 18 years. She leads
and supports a talented and experienced staff dedicated to providing physical therapy
and occupational therapy services, which best meet the needs of the students. She has
treated or overseen the treatment of thousands of children of all ages and many
diagnoses throughout her years in the school system.
Julia is an Assistive Technology Professional and has been the AT Lead Therapist for
15 years. She has an interest in the role therapy equipment plays in facilitating and
improving student experiences and outcomes. Julia developed and created PAEC’s
Assistive Technology Team. This group is dedicated to determining and providing
appropriate technology to students. Examples of technology used include standers,
wheelchairs, communication devices, scooters, and sensory rooms.
A lifelong learner, Julia earned a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Health
Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, a Certificate in Assistive Technology from the
University of Illinois at Chicago, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still
University of Health Sciences, and she routinely participates in continuing education
courses. Julia is a member of IPTA, APTA, and RESNA and holds a physical therapy
license in Illinois and Ohio. She also works in the state’s Early Intervention program as
an evaluator and treating physical therapist. Additional professional experience
includes presenting as a guest lecturer at IAASE (Illinois Alliance of Administrators of
Special Education) with the OT/PT Coordinators group, and at Lewis University. Julia
helped create a therapeutic riding academy for children with special needs. Julia is
active in Scouting America as an assistant scoutmaster, committee member, and
religious emblems coordinator. She serves on Scouting America’s Pathway to
Adventure Council and District Conservation Committees, the Special Needs
Committee, and is a merit badge counselor, teaching conservation and health
care-related topics.