Summer 2026 ‑ Faculty Feature

Teaching with Curiosity, Caring with Heart

By Lil Crump

There are instructors you remember for what they taught, and then there are the ones you remember for how they made you think, laugh, and grow. For generations of Dalhousie physiotherapy students, School Instructor Barbara Kelly has been all three. As she retires from full-time teaching after a career that has spanned continents, classrooms, and pediatric practice— colleagues and former students are celebrating the lasting impact of an instructor whose greatest lesson may have been that the best physiotherapists never stop being curious.

If you've ever been taught by Barbara, chances are you left with more than physiotherapy knowledge. You probably also walked away with a new perspective, a thoughtful question to ponder, and a positive outlook on being a part of the physiotherapy community.

After decades of inspiring students, advancing pediatric physiotherapy, and caring for children and families, Barbara is retiring from Dalhousie University's School of Physiotherapy, leaving behind a legacy defined by curiosity, compassion, and connection.

From Africa to Atlantic Canada
Long before she was teaching in Halifax, Barbara spent her formative professional years working as a physiotherapist in Botswana and Cameroon.

Those experiences transformed not only her practice but also the way she would eventually teach future physiotherapists.

"Working with children in different cultural, social, and healthcare environments taught me that there is no single 'right' way to approach care," she says. "I learned to be adaptable, resourceful, and attentive to the unique circumstances that influence a child's health and ability to access services."

Working internationally deepened her appreciation for culturally responsive care for families of children with disabilities, an approach that continued to guide her work with newcomer families in Nova Scotia.

Today, that global perspective is something she intentionally passes on to every class. Rather than focusing solely on clinical protocols, she encourages students to think about the bigger picture: geography, culture, resources, family circumstances, and the social factors that shape health.

A Dal Story That Came Full Circle
Barbara's relationship with Dalhousie spans decades.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 1990 before returning to complete her MSc in Rehabilitation Research in 2008. She then joined the faculty, experiencing the School of Physiotherapy from both sides of the classroom.

"It has been deeply meaningful," she says. "As a student, I was fortunate to learn from faculty who fostered critical thinking, curiosity, and a strong commitment to patient-centred care. As a faculty member, I've watched the School become more interdisciplinary and community-engaged while staying true to its commitment to excellent clinical education and research."

That commitment to lifelong learning has also left a lasting impression on her colleagues. As School Director Derek Rutherford reflects, "I can't believe it has been close to 20 years since our time as graduate students studying together in the School of Physiotherapy. I have always appreciated Barbara’s approach to lifelong learning, and it has been a joy to learn and grow alongside her over the past many years." Their shared journey from classmates to colleagues, speaks to the enduring relationships Barbara has built throughout her career.

Keeping It Real
One of the things students valued most about Barbara's teaching was that it never felt disconnected from practice. Her ongoing work at the IWK meant every lecture, lab, and case study reflected the realities of pediatric care.

"I've had the privilege of working with children and families with a wide range of diagnoses, developmental stages, and social contexts," she says. "Those experiences help me design learning activities that feel authentic, highlighting the importance of family priorities and the challenges of access to care and follow-up."

Real patients. Real families. Real-world problem solving. It's an approach that has prepared countless graduates for their own clinical careers. If graduating physiotherapy students could take just one lesson from Barbara, she hopes it would be this: Curiosity and humility.

Simple but powerful words, ones that have shaped her own career and continue to define excellent physiotherapy practice.

Those who know her also know that she brings plenty of energy and laughter to everything she does.

“Her impact extends far beyond Dalhousie”, says former colleague Gail Creaser, who first met Barbara when they began working together at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre. "Barbara has been my treasured colleague since 1981. She epitomizes the best of what a physiotherapist can offer to her clients, to learners, and to the profession."

As fellow instructor Jennifer McPhee puts it:
"Barbara brought a wealth of expertise, endless wisdom, and the best sense of humour to every room. I learned so much from her and laughed even more. I will miss her presence, her perspective, and all the fun she brought to our days."

A Lesson That Lives On
Ask Barbara what she's most proud of, and she doesn't point to awards or accomplishments. Instead, she talks about students.

"It has been very rewarding to witness and contribute to the students' steady growth as they move from uncertainty to confidence throughout the program."
Her greatest pride is knowing she has helped shape a generation of physiotherapists who lead with both skill and heart.

"Ultimately, what I'm most proud of is having contributed—even in a small way—to a generation of PTs who are compassionate, adaptable, and curious."

Although retirement marks the close of her full-time teaching career, it isn't quite farewell. Barbara will be returning to the School of Physiotherapy as a casual instructor, helping teach physiotherapy labs over the coming year. It's welcome news for students and colleagues alike, who will continue to benefit from her expertise, encouragement, and trademark sense of humour.

So while her shared office may be a little quieter, don't be surprised if you spot Barbara in the labs—still asking thoughtful questions, sharing practical wisdom, and reminding future physiotherapists why curiosity and humility remain two of the profession's greatest strengths.