Education

The University of Virginia, 1985 – 1989, B.S., Health and Physical Education/Exercise Physiology

The George Washington University School of Public Health, 1993 – 1995, Master of Public Health, Concentration in Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Disability

Completed Publications

Peer Review Journal Articles & Presentations:

J Shepherd, S Skeels, M-J Fetterly, T Thorson, B Arana. A New Model of Health Coaching in Spinal Cord Injury: Peers as Professionals. Workshop presented at The International Spinal Cord Society 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting Saturday October 2, 2021.

Gassaway J, Vergo Houlihan B, Skeels SE, Jones ML. (2018). Force of Peer Mentorship for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Aug;99(8):1691-1692.

Skeels SE, Pernigotti D, Houlihan BV, Belliveau T, Brody M, Zazula J, Hasiotis S, Seetharama S, Rosenblum D, Jette AM. (2017). SCI peer health coach influence on self-management with peers: a qualitative analysis. Spinal Cord 2017 55: 1016-1022.

Houlihan BV, Brody MS, Skeels SE, Pernigotti D, Burnett S, Zazula J, Green C, Hasiotis S, Belliveau T, Seetharma S, Rosenblum D, Jette AM. (2017). Randomized Trial of a Peer-Led, Telephone-based Intervention for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Improves Health Self-Management. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jun;98(6):1067-1076.

Houlihan, B., Brody, M., Plant, A., Skeels, S.E., Zazula, J., Pernigotti, D., Green, C., Hasiotis, S., and Jette, AM. (2016) Health care self-advocacy strategies for negotiating health care environments: Analysis of recommendations by satisfied consumers with SCI and SCI practitioners. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 22(1), 13-26.

Skeels SE, Houlihan BV, Gutnick, D, Pernigotti D, Zazula J, Brody MS, Mercier HW, Green C, Rosenblum D, Belliveau T, Seetharama S, Jette AM. (2015). Novel Application of the Peer Health Coach Model to Address Health Care Management Among People with Chronic SCI.

Poster presentation at: The Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Annual Meeting 2015; 2015 September 6-9; New Orleans, Louisiana.

Skeels SE, Zazula J, Houlihan BV, Pernigotti D, Hasiotis S, Brody MS, Green C, Mercier HW, Belliveau T, Rosenblum D, Seetharama S, Jette AM. (2015). Development of a Novel Peer Health Coach Model in Supporting Goal Setting and Self-Management of Health Care Needs for People with Chronic SCI. Poster presentation at: The 4th ISCoS and Asia Joint Scientific Meeting 2015; 2015 May 14-16; Montreal, Canada.

Houlihan BV, Skeels SE, Zazula J, Pernigotti D, Hasiotis S, Mercier HW, Brody MS, Green C, Belliveau T, Rosenblum D, Seetharama S, Jette AM. (2015) Development of a Peer-Led Phone Intervention for Goal-Setting Primary Healthcare Needs in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Poster presentation at: The 4th ISCoS and Asia Joint Scientific Meeting 2015; 2015 May 14-16; Montreal, Canada.

Block, P., Skeels, S., & Keys CB (2006). Participatory intervention research with a disability community: A practical guide to practice. International Journal of Disability, Community & Rehabilitation. 5(1).

Block, P., Skeels, S., Keys, CB & Rimmer J. (2005). Shake-It-Up: Health promotion and capacity building for people with Spinal Cord Injuries and related neurological disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation. 27(4): 185-90. February 18, 2005.

Block, P., Skeels, S., Keys, CB & Rimmer J. (2007). Shake It Up! Health promotion and capacity building for persons with traumatic spinal cord injury and other neuromuscular disabilities. Case Studies in Community Based Collaborative Research. Institute for Community-Based Research.

Block, P., Skeels, S., & Keys CB (2006). Participatory action research with & within a disability community. International Journal of Disability, Community & Rehabilitation.

Block, P., Bock, B., Becker, B., & Everhart, S. (2001). Alcohol and substance use by adolescents and young adults with recent spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Disability Studies Quarterly. 21(2).

Everhart, S. (1998). Exercise and spinal cord injury, Rhode Island Medicine Health. 81(3).

Invited Lectures

Everhart, S., (1997). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, April 10, 1997.

Everhart, S. (1997). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, July 12, 1997.

Everhart, S., (1997). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 15, 1997.

Everhart, S., (1998). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, March 15, 1998.

Everhart, S. (1998). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, June 19, 1998.

Everhart, S., (1998). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 10, 1998.

Everhart, S., (1999). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, March 18, 1999.

Everhart, S. (1999). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, June 23, 1999.

Everhart, S., (1999). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 11, 1999.

Everhart, S., (2000). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, April 9, 2000.

Everhart, S. (2000). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, July 7, 2000.

Everhart, S., (2000). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 20, 2000.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2001). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, April 2, 2001.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2001). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, June 27, 2001.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2001). The Importance of Sports & Recreation in Maintaining Health and Well-Being for Persons with Disabilities. Rhode Island Annual Independent Living Conference, September 12, 2001.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2001). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 16, 2001.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2002). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island., March 28, 2002.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2002). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, July 8, 2002.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2002). Sports & Recreation for People with Disabilities. Rhode Island Annual Independent Living Conference, September 13, 2002.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2002). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 2, 2002.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2003). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, March 26, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2003). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, April 15, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2003). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, June 30, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2003). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Assumption College, Worcester, MA., July 10, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S., Holdridge, J., Skeels, B., (2003). Sports & Recreation for People with Disabilities. Rhode Island Annual Independent Living Conference, September 14, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2003). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 12, 2003.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2004). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, March 23, 2004.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2004). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, April 15, 2004.

Block, P., Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2004). Collaborative Research with and within a Disability Community. Crossroads: Critical Issues in Community-Based Research Partnerships. Conference Organized by the Institute for Community-Based Research, Hartford, CT, June 11, 2004.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2004). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, June 25, 2004.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2004). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Assumption College, Worcester, MA., July 11, 2004.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2004). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program, Community College of Rhode Island, November 15, 2004.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2005). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, April 13, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2005). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, April 20, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2005). Adjusting to Life after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, July 12, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2005). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Assumption College, Worcester, MA., July 16, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., Catrambone, J., Skeels, B., (2005). Sports & Recreation for People with Disabilities. Rhode Island Annual Independent Living Conference, September 12, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2005). Health Promotion Strategies for People with Neurological Disabilities. Southern New England Rehabilitation Center Annual Conference, September 30, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2005). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 20, 2005.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2006). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, April 16, 2006.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2006). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Assumption College, Worcester, MA. July 15, 2006.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2006). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 13, 2006.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2007). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, April 18, 2007.

Jette, A., Everhart Skeels, S. (2008). Defining Disability. School of Pubic Health, Boston University, January 18, 2008.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2008). Preventing Disability. School of Public Health, Boston University, February 1, 2008.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2008). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, October 25, 2008.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2006). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 15, 2008.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2009). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, April 14, 2009.

Everhart Skeels, S (2009). Psychosocial Aspects of Spinal Cord Injury. Department of Physical Therapy, Universiy of Rhode Island, April 21, 2009.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2009). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 10, 2009.

Everhart Skeels, S (2009). Sexuality & Disability. Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, November 12, 2009.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2010). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 3, 2010.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2010). Sexuality & Disability. Department of English, University of Rhode Island, March 17, 2010.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2010). Disability, Health and Wellness: Neurological Impairments. Occupational Therapy Department, Tufts University, April 21, 2010.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2010). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 4, 2010.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2011). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 3, 2011.

Everhart Skeels, S., Choquette, P. (2011). Sexuality & Disability. Department of English, University of Rhode Island, October 31, 2011.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2011). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 10, 2011.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2012). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 8, 2012.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2012) .“Sexuality After Spinal Cord Injury: What Rehabilitation Professionals Need to Know”. Southern New England Rehabilitation Center’s 19th Annual Rehabilitation Conference: New Horizons in Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injuries. September 14, 2012.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2012). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 8, 2012.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2013). “Physical Disability and the Healthcare System: What Doctors Need to Know”. Brown University Medical School Disability Awareness Group. January 11, 2013.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2013). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 6, 2013.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2013). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 8, 2013.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2014). Spinal Cord Injury: 24 years of experience. Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, March, 2014.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2014). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 8, 2014.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2015). “Physical Disability and the Healthcare System: What Doctors Need to Know”. Brown University Medical School Disability Awareness Group. January 11, 2015.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2015). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 6, 2015.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2015). Defining Disability: A Social Construct Perspective. Rhode Island College, October 22, 2015.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2016). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, February 3, 2016.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2016). Physical Trauma & Resilience: Post Traumatic Growth. CLPS 1720 “Human Resilience”, Brown University, April 5, 2016.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2016). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, October 20, 2016.

Everhart Skeels, S, (2017). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, March 15, 2017.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2017). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 2, 2017.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2017). “Disability and Medicine: What Doctors Need to Know”. Lecture & Workshop, Brown University Medical School First Year Class. November 7, 2017.

Everhart Skeels, S, (2018). Disability & Trauma. “Emergency Medical Services” class, Brown University, March 15, 2018.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2018). “Disability and Medicine”. Lecture & Workshop, Brown University Medical School First Year Class. April 18, 2018.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2018). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 5, 2018.

Everhart Skeels, S., (2019). “Disability and Medicine: What Doctors Need to Know”. Lecture & Workshop, Brown University Medical School First Year Class. April 20, 2019.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2019). Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Community College of Rhode Island, November 7, 2019.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2020). “Disability & Medicine”. Lecture, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Brown University Medical School, January 7, 2020.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2021). “Disability & Medicine”. Lecture, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Brown University Medical School, January 8, 2021.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2022). “The Social Model of Disability”. Lecture & Workshop, Brown University Medical School, January 8, 2022.

Everhart Skeels, S. (2023). “Disability & Medicine”. Lecture & Workshop, Brown University Medical School, November 27 & 28, 2023.

Research Grants

Current Grants

SCI&U Peer Health Coaching Program for individuals newly discharged from inpatient rehabilitation. Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. PI: Jaglal S. Co-Investigators: Allin S,

Guilcher S, McBride C, Mortenson W, Munce S, Pernigotti D, Everhart-Skeels S. Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. (Proposal ID 977608). $550,000 USD. Apr 2023-Mar 2026

SCI Lynx: Development of a mobile platform for physical activity and social isolation in people with Spinal Cord Injury. Funded by the Craig E. Neilsen Foundation. Funding from 2020-2024. Co-Investigator.

Multi-modality randomized controlled trial for people with spinal cord injury. Funded by NCMRR. Funding from 2018-2024. Co-Investigator.

Completed Grants

An online self-management program for spinal cord injury: SCI&U. Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. PI. Jaglal S. 08/31/2019 – 03/31/2022. Co-Investigator and Peer Health Coach Trainer.

Testing the Effectiveness of a Peer Health Coaching Tool to Increase Exercise Among Adolescents with Disabilities. Deborah Monroe Noonan Memorial Fund/The Medical Foundation. Blauwet, Cheri A, PI. 09/01/2019 – 03/31/2022. Co-Investigator and Peer Coach Trainer.

Pregnancy, SCI and Decision Making: Development of a Decision Making Tool for Women with SCI. Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. Kalpakjian, Claire Z, PI. 04/2018-04/2021. Co-Investigator.

5 R01 HD082122: Women's Health and Disability: Building a Clinically Relevant Outcome Measure. NIH, NICHD. Kalpakjian, Claire Z, PI. 09/2015-05/2021. Co-Investigator.

Tufts University, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Psychosocial Research Grants: Developing Baxter on Wheels: A Robotics System to Promote Independence in Food Preparation for Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. November 1, 2017 – October 31, 2019. Project Coordinator and Co-Investigator.

Health and Disability Research Institute, Boston University, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Psychosocial Research Grants: Spinal Cord Injury Virtual Coach to Promote Self-Care in Pressure Ulcer Prevention. February 1, 2015 – July 1, 2017. Co-Investigator.

Health and Disability Research Institute, Boston University, US Department of Education NIDRR Award Grant #H133N110019, NERSCIC: Improving the Lives of Individuals with SCI Across the Lifespan through Innovative Science and Technology. October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2016. Senior Administrator and Co-Investigator.

Health and Disability Research Institute, Boston University, US Department of Education NIDRR Award H-25959, Improving the Lives of People with Spinal Cord Injury through Innovative Science and Technology: “Development of a Functional Assessment Tool for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury”. January 2008 - 2010. Co-Investigator.

Center for Alcohol Addiction and Studies, Brown University, NIDRR Field Initiated Award CFDA Program 84.133 PR/Award No: H133G010094. “Shake It Up for Alcohol and Substance Use Reduction: Health Promotion and Capacity Building for Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries”. January, 2002 – December, 2005. Co-Principal Investigator & Project Director.

Service

▪ Article Reviewer, Spinal Cord and Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2017 – 2022.

▪ Member, Community Advisory Board, Spaulding New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (SNERSCIC) (2017-present)

▪ Vice President, Board of Directors, New England Disabled Sports (2016-present)

▪ Chair, Employment Committee, Rhode Island Governor’s Commission on Disability (appointed August 2012)

▪ Commissioner Rhode Island Governor’s Commission on Disability (appointed January 2010)

▪ Chair, US Sailing Committee for Sailors with Disabilities (2012-2018)

▪ Consultant, Boston Medical Center NERSCIC Model System (2008 – 2017)

▪ Consultant & Facilitator, Disability and Health Program, RI Department of Public Health, September 2005 – 2009

▪ Secretary, Board of Directors, New England Disabled Sports (2002 – 2016)

▪ Member, Board of Directors, access2adventure (2004 – 2016)

▪ Member, U.S. Disabled Sailing Team (2009 – 2016)

▪ Member, Advisory Committee, RI Department of Health, Disability & Health Program (2003-2004)

▪ Member, Board of Directors, Rhode Island Disability Law Center (1998 – 2001)

▪ Co-Founder, RI Spinal Cord Injury Support Group (1997)

▪ Program Director, Shake-A-Leg, Inc., Newport, RI, June, 1996 - September, 2000 Organized, Directed, Created, Marketed and Implemented programs and services

for a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit, second phase therapeutic and recreational rehabilitation center serving individuals with neurological disabilities.