Leigha Stafford PT, DPT
Graduate College of Health Sciences - Department of Physical Therapy
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL EDUCATION - DPT HONOLULU- BA in Legal Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz
- MS in Exercise Physiology, California State University, Eastbay
- DPT, Loma Linda University
Dr. Leigha Stafford is based in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she holds the position of Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor at Hawai'i Pacific University. Before joining HPU, she spent over a decade as a physical therapist at Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, where she developed expertise in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Throughout her clinical career, Dr. Stafford has provided care for adults with neurological disorders, with particular focus on patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Her experience spans multiple healthcare settings including acute care facilities, sub-acute units, skilled nursing facilities, and home-based care. She maintains her clinical practice at a local acute care hospital.
Dr. Stafford is committed to international service, having volunteered as a physical therapist in Vietnam, Malawi, and Nepal. Her dedication to the spinal cord injury community is evident through her annual volunteer work with EMPOWERSCI, reflecting her philosophy of supporting those with spinal cord injuries.
Her professional credentials include certifications as a Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and Assistive Technology Professional, along with her designation as a Board Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist.
As the found and president of the Hawaii Chapter of United Spinal Association, Dr. Stafford leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries through comprehensive support including accessibility initiatives, advocacy efforts, educational programs, peer mentoring, and community building.
