Faculty & Staff

Debbie Gross Torraca

Deborah (Gross) Torraca (she/her), DPT, MSPT, Diplomat ABPTS, CCRP has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over 17 years and currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC. She received her BS from Boston University, a Masters degree from Quinnipiac College, and her doctorate from the University of Tennessee. She has advanced certifications in her field. Dr. Torraca has lectured throughout the world on the topic of small animal rehabilitation for the past 12 years, and is one of the founders of the certificate program in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee. She has published widely on both the professional level and to dog enthusiasts of many venues. Laser therapy has been an interest and passion of hers for over 10 years and she is very active in the development of treatment programs and education on laser therapy.

Pronouns: Debbie goes by she/her.

"This was Deb's first course teaching with the Academy, and I for one am so grateful to her for the way she presented it, and for her feedback to students. And grateful to Denise for recruiting her. Conditioning is something we all should be paying more attention to, I think, and Deb's explanations, demonstrations and encouragement were just what I for one needed. Thank you Barb Duke with the Border Collies in Tasmania, Australia."

"Debbie did a phenomenal job of addressing a wide variety of topics over the six weeks, from puppy conditioning to musculoskeletal support of the geriatric dog. She supported a very lively discussion forum and gave very detailed specific attention to each of her students. Looking forward to the 2nd half of this class !!! Ana C."

"This was a great course, I'm really happy with the amount if feedback I received and with how much Debbie was willing to customized her advice and suggestions for the individual dogs. "

"Debbie was a phenomenal instructor. Extremely credible and professional, and clearly on top of her game. It was a pleasure learning from her. "

"The lectures and supporting video helped me to develop an exercise program and gave me a much better understanding of what we are dealing with. Debbi was great and incredibly knowledgeable. "

"Debbie has an amazing wealth of knowledge, and answered many questions that came up in related areas. She did a great job encouraging progress, whether small or large. --Deb M. "

"Debbie Gross does an excellent job providing feedback and making the learning environment welcoming and fun."