Mary Beth MandichMary Beth's work in physical therapy has centered on adults and children with neurologic problems. In particular, her work emphasizes the importance of environment as a contextual factor in promoting optimal life course development. The emergence andadoption of life course theory as a model for health care practice (see new Chapter Two) is a perfect example of how internal and external environmental contextual factors impact the ability of individuals to participate in meaningful life roles. More recently, Dr. Mandich has been involved in conceptualizing models of health that involve physical and occupational therapy as key elements of the professional team. There has been a reciprocal relationship in writing this text. On the one hand, there is dissemination of information to the reader; however, as an author, I feel the writing of this material has helped me grow in understanding and appreciation of the human experience across the lifespan. In addition, there has been the opportunity to review new science in the area of genomics and fetal development (revised Chapter 8). My colleague and co-author, Dr. Anne Cronin, has been a treasured source of professional collaboration during her tenure at West Virginia University. I feel that we model a collaborative, interprofessional perspective in our approach to content in our teaching and in our scholarly writing. Read More Read Less