Cindy Miles had a vision that opportunities for physical activity should be accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. She envisioned fitness as a priority and a fun way for all people to reach their full potential.
To further her vision The Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund was founded with a mission to provide support for building and maintaining an inclusive playground in Northampton, Pennsylvania.
About Cindy Miles
Cindy Miles, PT, PhD, PCS, C/NDTA, served as president of the American Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy for six years and owned a private practice for pediatric physical therapy for more than 25 years in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. She also worked as an instructor, sharing her knowledge and research on Torticollis and Plagiocephaly with students for nearly 20 years. Cindy was a 1972 graduate of Northampton Area High School, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health Related Professionals, and she received her master's of education in exercise physiology from East Stroudsburg University. She also held a PhD in pediatric science from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. A renowned therapist and speaker, she promoted fitness and wellness to everyone she encountered.
Beyond her professional credentials and academic accolades, Cindy believed in the power of movement and the freedom that comes from fitness and she wanted people of all abilities to be able to gain those benefits. She advanced this mission throughout her daily life.
Whether Cindy strived to get adaptive trykes into the homes of more children, worked one-on-one with kids to help them gain strength and mobility for daily movement, advocated for access to physical therapy care, or simply asked friends, family, and colleagues to walk, talk, and plan, she took on each task with gusto and positive energy that proved successful in every feat. Cindy’s infectious, energetic personality not only made you want to work with her and her team but also carry on her goal of helping kids and families gain access to physical opportunities so they could reach their full potential. It was hard to say no to Cindy, especially with such an uplifting mission—getting everyone to have fun with fitness and move more, no matter their abilities.
Cindy was also a mom to two daughters, a grandmother, wife, daughter, supportive friend, an adored mentor and teacher, entrepreneur, and devoted boss. To read more about her influence, check out what people had to say about working with Cindy, in their own words, on the ERI site and Kudoboard.
Cindy was also the proud recipient of numerous other awards and honors:
Recipient of the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award
Recipient of the APPTA Bud DeHaven Award
Recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Health Related Studies at Univ of Pittsburgh
Served in several leadership roles in the APTA Academy of Pediatrics including Treasurer and President for six years
In addition to serving the Academy of Pediatrics, Cindy served in several leadership positions in the Private Practice Section and the Sports and Neurology Academies and Special Interest Groups
Served in the APTA House of Delegates for five years
Represented the AAPTA/APTA at the 2019 World Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi
Founded the APTA Pediatric Annual Conference bringing richness of education to pediatric therapists throughout the country
2023 Nominee for Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA
Cindy traveled to China and Tibet on multiple wheelchair and treatment missions
In 2022, Rocky Mountain University created the Cindy Miles Pediatric Science Distinguished Professional Service Alumni Award to be awarded yearly to the alum who has demonstrated extraordinary professional service and advocacy on community, national and/or international levels in the spirit of generosity and altruism
The Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund believes that all children, regardless of their abilities, deserve the joy of play. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where every child feels valued and empowered. We are dedicated to working with families, educators, and community partners to ensure that our playground is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. We believe that by fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding, we can create a brighter future for all children.