EDUCATION

   Belinda Kirkland graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Physical Therapy from Florida A & M University in 1990. She worked on Pre Physical Therapy and Athletic Training curriculum while at the University of Florida from 1986 to 1988. She received a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy with high honors from the University of St. Augustine for Health Science in 2010. Her Doctoral work involved treatment options for osteoporosis using physical therapy exercise for postural realignment, and physical fitness exercise including Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, endurance and weight training. 

FITNESS CERTIFICATIONS

   Belinda Kirkland is committed to fitness and wellness. She is certified in Zumba, Zumba Basic 2, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic, Pilates and Yoga. She teaches group fitness classes at several local gyms, dance studios and corporate fitness centers.  Her goal is to help individuals improve their health and fitness safely and in a biomechanically correct fashion. She strives to demonstrate correct technique and posture to her clients. With her Physical Therapy and fitness background, she is able to provide fitness consultation to clients of all ages and levels and is able to modify programs for those with varying degrees of orthopedic conditions and physical disabilities.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

   Belinda has been a CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) since 1998 and is one of 2 practicing Physical Therapists (PT’s) in the area with the CHT credential.

   She has been an Athletic Trainer (ATC) since 1996. She has worked with a variety of athletes at the professional, collegiate and middle/high school levels. She has worked with small rodeo circuits, football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, cheerleading, swimming, tennis, track, synchronized swimming and baseball teams as well as performing artists both in dance and music.

HOBBIES/INTERESTS

   Belinda has a passion for Medical Missions and helping those less fortunate in our country and other parts of the world. She has served as a Physical Therapist on mission trips to Africa, North America and Central America and serves on the Missions Team at Christ’s Church of Mandarin.  She serves as the Christ’s Church rep for FAME (The Fellowship of Associates for Medical Evangelism). FAME builds hospitals, organizes mission trips, and ships medical supplies and clothing around the world to show the love of Christ and spread the Gospel.

    She is a former musician (guitarist) and has both a passion and appreciation for music. She particularly enjoys Flamenco music which incorporates use of the Flamenco guitar; Salsa, Merengue and other world rhythms such as Belly Dance, African, Bhangra and Calypso.

   Belinda resides in Mandarin with her husband and daughter. She enjoys traveling, outdoor activities and sports, dance, music and spending time with her family.

EMPLOYMENT

   Currently, Belinda works at the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute Mandarin Center as a Physical Therapist. She works with a variety of hand surgeons from Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI), Shands teaching hospital at Gainesville and Jacksonville, and the Mayo Clinic.

   She is also the team Trainer and Physical Therapist for the Roar of the Jaguars Professional Cheerleading Squad, and group fitness instructor for Zumbamania, Bailey’s Gym, World Gym and Vistakon Corporation.