Candidate Biography
I have been a licensed therapist for 39 years. For 14 years, I practiced in the acute care setting. The past 25 years I have been in academia with the last 22 years at the University of Texas Medical Branch. In 2006 I completed a PhD in Educational Psychology.

Candidate Statement
During the past two years that I have served as the Treasurer of the Education Section, I have gained skills in developing and maintaining viable budgets. While I brought budgeting skills from previous positions such as Treasurer of the Texas Consortium and as chair of a PT department, the experience as treasurer of the Education Section has broadened my understanding of managing the membership's money. These combined experiences will provide additional expertise that will be used if re-elected to this position. It has been an honor to serve as Treasure of the Education Section and I appreciate your continued support.

Candidate Biography
I have practiced physical therapy for greater than 20 years. My clinical experience has been in a variety of rehabilitation settings. I spent many years in healthcare administration doing budgeting and financial planning. My education included a BS and MS in physical therapy, and a PhD in Public Health. I have worked in academia the last 5 years.

Candidate Statement
My extensive clinical experience helps me to understand issues facing multiple specialty areas. Previous experience in administration has provided me with very good organizational skills. I have great time management skills and am adept at fiscal management as well. I am known for a high level of integrity and a sense of ethical responsibility. Doctoral training has enhanced my critical thinking and problem solving skills, which may be useful in working with difficult professional issues.

Candidate Biography

Throughout her career, Dr. Thiele has been especially interested in education serving as a CI, CCCE, Asst ACCE, APTA Basic and Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor and Clinical Instructor Trainer, ACCE and Associate Professor. In 1991 she graduated with a BS in Physical Therapy, initially practicing in a hospital setting in Dubuque, Iowa, where she served as CI.  Subsequently, Dr. Thiele pursued and continues practice in sports medicine, maintaining certification as an athletic trainer. Dr. Thiele is CCCE and an active provider of patient care with an outpatient sports medicine clinic in Platteville, WI. In 1997, she entered into higher education as an Asst ACCE and since 1999 she has been in her current position as the ACCE and Associate Professor at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA.  Dr. Thiele has her Masters of Science in Education (2001) and a post professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2006). Her grant and research interests are in the areas of professional behaviors, physical therapy core values across the generations, clinical education models, educational technology and interprofessional education. In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Thiele has spoken on these topics at local, regional, and national levels, and presented related research at state and national level. Dr. Thiele has published and disseminated these works in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education and other peer-reviewed journals.

Candidate Statement
Dr. Thiele has been actively involved in the APTA and has been privileged to meet many other academic and clinical educators. Her ongoing service record includes: Education Section Secretary 2011-present (seeking re-election), Education Section Awards Committee 2011-present, Education Section ACCE/DCE Co-Chair, Clinical Education SIG (2006-2010), Recording Secretary for the Education Section, Clinical Education SIG (2003-2005), CSM Education Section Programming Committee Member (2001- present), CSM Education Section Clinical Education SIG Programming Chair (2002-2006), and APTA Annual Conference Subcommittee for Screening Proposals (2007-2012). In the course of those experiences as well as her own experiences as a clinician, faculty member, CCCE, and ACCE, she has worked with, learned from, and listened as others have expressed the education opportunities in our profession. In her section involvements she has worked together with the section board to support increased section membership, assist in program planning, defining the new brand "Every PT and PTA is an Educator" and supported initiatives to enhance conceptual models to meet future membership needs. She would be honored to continue to volunteer her service, organization, dependability and teamwork skills to collaborate with others on behalf of the section. Please support Dr. Thiele with your vote for continuing her service as Secretary for the Education Section.

Candidate Biography
In 31 years as a physical therapist I have worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient clinical facilities, holding clinical and management positions, as well as academic settings in PT and PTA programs. To more successfully perform my job as a hospital director, I completed a Master's degree business administration. After years of serving as a clinical instructor, PTA program instructor, and PT program guest lecturer, I returned to school to complete a PhD in physical therapy, to prepare for a full-time faculty position in PT education.

Candidate Statement
I believe my work experience as a clinician, manager/director, consultant and educator has shaped a broad vision of professional development opportunities available to physical therapists and assistants. As a hospital director, I developed and implemented clinical or professional ladders to guide the professional development and promotion of staff members. My faculty work emphasizes teaching and scholarship in practice management, leadership, and professional development among professional and post-professional students. I have developed, coordinated and/or presented numerous continuing education courses. Previous experience at the committee and Board of Directors within APTA's Health Policy and Administration Section has prepared me to work at the national level to plan and implement a vision of professional development for members of the Education Section.

Candidate Biography
Education: BS PT Hunter College, NY, NY
MS Health Science Education, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
DPT Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
PhD candidate Public Health, West Virginia University

In 2012, Dr. Pignataro accepted an appointment as Instructor at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tampa, Florida. Rose has 12 years of experience as Clinical Assistant Professor, and has experience as an ACCE/DCE, CCCE and Rehab Director. Dr. Pignataro is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and Certified Wound Care Specialist. She is an active APTA member, since 1988 – Sections: Education, Electrotherapy and Wound Management, Geriatrics, and Oncology. Rose has presented educational sessions and research posters/ platforms at APTA National/ CSM and the Educational Leadership Conference. Dr. Pignataro's current research examines educational initiatives for the role of physical therapy and teaching in health promotion and disease prevention, building on her recent Health Policy and Perspectives article , "The Role of Physical Therapists in Smoking Cessation: Opportunities for Improving Treatment Outcomes," Pignataro, RM, Ohtake, PJ, Swisher, A. & Dino, G. Phys Ther, May 2012;92(5): 757-66.

Candidate Statement
Dr. Pignataro's experience provides her the organizational skills and acumen for addressing the development needs for the PT profession. Dr. Pignataro has applied program planning and evaluation proficiencies working with WV Prevention Research Center. She is experienced in curricular and needs assessments within academic and community settings. Rose has benefited from many Education Section mentoring and learning opportunities, including leadership seminars and faculty development. Dr. Pignataro is prepared to put her talents to work for the position of Professional Development-at-Large; addressing the needs of Education Section members for continued professional enrichment, including programming and support for new and experienced faculty and clinical educators.

Candidate Biography
I graduated from WVU in 1993.  I have served as the Director of Industrial Rehabilitation and worked in the OP, acute, skilled and home health settings.  I am currently the ACCE and an Assistant Clinical Professor at WJU.  I completed my tDPT from Shenandoah University in August 2012 and became an APTA credentialed CCIP Trainer in December 2012.  I serve on the Academic Progress Committee at WJU; I am a member of the 3 Rivers Academic Consortium; and I currently serve as the Chair of the Ethics Committee for the WV State Chapter of the APTA. 

Candidate Statement
My experiences as a relatively new faculty member and ACCE have inspired me to apply for a position with the Education Section of the APTA.  I began my academic career at a time of growth and development - from national program growth to technology and social media challenges.  Being a faculty member and ACCE, I am faced with challenges in both the academic as well as clinical settings.  My involvement with the WV state chapter of the APTA has opened my eyes to the many challenges at the local, state and national levels as well.  I am an organized and efficient person and I love the field of physical therapy.  I would like to use my experiences and knowledge to become involved at a higher level.  This is a very exciting time in physical therapy and I would love to be a part of the future development of our profession.  My attendance over the past 4 years at CSM and ELC and my recent participation in the Train the Trainer course have inspired me to want to become involved with the Education Section.  I want to be an active participant in the development, improvement and professional growth of the academic and clinical environments of physical therapy education.

Candidate Biography

• Completed DSc in 2011
• I continue to practice clinically as we as serve as DCE
• I recently completed the Train the Trainer Education and anticipate teaching the CCIP in 2013
• Continue to be active in my local section of APTA as well as clinical education consortium

Candidate Statement
I feel I bring a unique perspective to the Education Section. I continue to practice clinically as well as serve as the DCE for my University.  Being a clinician and an active CI, I feel I can relate to all clinical faculty. I face the same challenges that they do.  I feel I am a strong advocate for clinical education, as it not only benefits the students but all stakeholders involved. I work hard to ensure clinical education is top priority through cooperative efforts with clinical sites, clinical faculty, my educational program, as well as other educational programs.

Candidate Biography
Dr. Maher is an Associate Professor at Oakland University.  She teaches entry level courses in modalities, integumentary evaluation and intervention, clinical medicine, and research.  She completed orthopedic residency training through Oakland University and her clinical practice is in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in the outpatient setting.

Candidate Statement
I have served the AFSIG for 5 years (two years as the Chair, three years as the Vice-Chair.), and am extremely interested in continuing to help this SIG grow.  My experiences as both a junior faculty and a newly tenured faculty member help me to understand the needs of both these communities.  In addition, I am an Item Writer Coordinator the FSBPT, which allows me to understand requirements for our students taking the NPTE.  I hope my multi-faceted approach to serving the AFSIG will help to continue to identify your needs in the ever changing world that academic faculty serve in.

Candidate Biography
Jennifer Mai is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Clarke University. She earned her entry-level bachelor's degree in physical therapy at Bradley University, a master's degree in health sciences with an emphasis on neurological rehabilitation at the University of Indianapolis, her DPT at Clarke University, and her PhD at Nova Southeastern University. She teaches content related to neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and research in the DPT program.  She is also an item writer for the NCS exam.

Candidate Statement
I am excited for the opportunity to represent the Academic Faculty SIG for professional development.  I recently became involved with the Education Section programming committee for CSM. My research interests have included educational practice in entry-level programs including interpersonal skills, integrated clinical experiences, human simulation, and implementation of technology in the classroom.  I believe that these areas of interest match well with the APTA Education Section's major goals of standards of practice, research, and professional development. 

Candidate Biography
I am an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I received a Transitional DPT in 2005, and will graduate in May 2013 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education, a Doctoral Minor in Education Research, and a Certificate in Institutional Research.

Candidate Statement
I am currently a member of the Nominating Committee for the Mississippi Physical Therapy Association, and have just completed serving as Chair for that committee for the recent elections. This has given me firsthand experience working through the election process, and, therefore, experience in meeting the requirements for the Nominating Committee for the Academic Faculty SIG. I would very much like to be more involved in the Education Section as I consider the section to be critical for continued focus and integrity of physical therapy education.

Candidate Biography

My Doctorate is in Higher, Professional, and Adult Education.  A unique work experience was in a state government, in two jobs: a department analyst and the State Office on Aging.  In addition, I have owned a small multidisciplinary private practice, and have experiences in home health, outpatient PT chronic pain practice, inpatient acute and rehabilitation hospitals, SNF, and currently part-time outpatient Geriatrics.

Candidate Statement
I have recently served the Ed Section during the selection of the new logo and booth.  I have also served the Section on Geriatrics in multiple elected positions, as well as State Chapters.  I have had the pleasure to learn from and serve: a community college, and three physical therapist entry-level and transitional education programs in roles of: an instructor, ACCE, and PTA PD.  I have also served CAPTE as a site visitor and a reader consultant.  I have also served a regional education accrediting agency as a site visitor.  In the academic positions, I have served on a variety of the expected committees such as: search, IRG, and general education.  I believe all of these experiences will serve the Education Section in the positions available for this election.

Candidate Biography
APTA Professional Service:

National:
Member of APTA and OPTA since 1985
Current Member of the Orthopaedic, Sports, Education, Research, and Health Policy and Administration Sections.  Member of the Clinical Education, Pro/College Sports, Sports Residency Special Interest Groups
2012: Appointed on to the APTA Beyond Vision 2020 task Force
2011 to Present: APTA Awards Committee (McMillan and Maley Lecture Awards)

Chapter:
2005 to 2009: Clinical Chair Research Committee
2007 to Present:   Elected Ohio Delegate for APTA House of Delegates
2011 to Present: OPTA Awards Committee Chair

District:
1993 to 2005: Northeast District elected Assembly representative
2005 to 2009: Northeast District Nomination Coordinator and member of OPTA Nominating Committee
2009 to Present: Chair of Northeast District

Other professional Activities:
1996 to 2007: Instructor for Physical Therapy program at Cleveland State University
2007 to Present: Adjunct and Graduate Faculty for DPT program at Cleveland State University
2002: APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
2010: District Key Contact and participated in 2010 APTA Federal Advocacy Day
2010: APTA Trainer for APTA Clinical Instructor Credentialing
2011: APTA Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor
2013: Mentor for APTA Orthopaedic Section

Candidate Statement
I am both excited and humbled to be nominated to serve as the Clinical Education SIG Co-chair   As the current Director of Education at the Cleveland Clinic, for Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy, I am responsible for all educational aspects for our rehabilitation team of over 700 clinicians. One part of the role is coordinating the clinical education for all of the health the placements of students for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and athletic training. This coordination is done by working with an amazing team of multi-disciplinary site coordinators. Clinical education has always been my passion, as I believe it is the final stage in the preparation of our students into becoming our future professionals.  I am still a practicing clinician, and I love to share my experiences with all students. The increase in the number of physical therapy programs and students has placed a significant challenge on clinical sites. I believe that facilitating the bridge between academic and clinical education, and collaborating with other health professions may provide a solution to this challenge. I would be honored to be elected as the Clinical Education SIG Co-chair and to have the privilege to serve you.

Candidate Biography
Brian holds MS and tDPT degrees from TWU-Houston , is board-certified, and a fellow in the AAOMPT.  He led the development of the first orthopaedic residency program in Texas, is adjunct faculty at TWU, and faculty for the Manual Therapy Institute.  He has been the recipient of the Dorn Long Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award, APTA Emerging Leader Award, and the APTA Signe Brunnström Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching. 

Candidate Statement
As an active member in the APTA, previously serving in the House of Delegates, testifying before the Texas House Public Health Committee, and currently serving on the residency program credentialing committee, I am acutely aware of the necessity to elevate the quality of the clinical education to achieve Vision 2020.  Additionally, my service for 4+ years as a clinician member of The Texas Consortium for Physical Therapy Clinical Education provides a unique perspective on the current challenges and opportunities in clinical education.  I look forward to the possibility of serving as the CCCE Co-chair, collaborating with all educators, and facilitating further success in disseminating resources, scholarly activity, and professional development.

Candidate Biography
In 1996, I graduated with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, and began working as a staff therapist at Mayo Clinic. I have served as the Outpatient Clinical Education Coordinator at Mayo since 2005.  This role involves working full time with students year round in a 3:1 collaborative model. I completed a DScPT through the University of Maryland in 2009. I have completed both basic and advanced APTA clinical instructor training and am APTA Board Certified in Outpatient Orthopedics.

Candidate Statement
As a full time clinical instructor to over 130 physical therapy students from over 25 programs, I have experienced first-hand many of the successes and challenges of clinical education. My clinical experience has allowed me to create a dynamic clinical curriculum, integrate collaborative teaching, and interact with faculty from multiple programs regarding student performance.  I have used electronic, lecture, and hands on teaching to instruct and evaluate students not only on psychomotor performance but the affective and cognitive domains. I really believe that working with so many students has made me a better clinical reasoner, therapist, and educator and can truly say that I know what quality education looks like. The level of commitment to providing quality education in our profession both inspires and motivates me to promote excellence at all levels of clinical education. I hope to bring that excitement forward as a CESIG co-chair.

Candidate Biography

I received my Master's and Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University.  For the last 10.5 years, I have worked in the acute care setting at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, where I have served as a Clinical Instructor and Center Coordinator for Clinical Education (CCCE).

Candidate Statement
Serving as Clinical Co-Chair for CESIG would allow me to draw upon my experience and passion for working with PT/PTA students.  In addition to receiving the APTA-credential and APTA-advanced credential for Clinical Instructors, I recently became an APTA Credentialed Trainer.  I am serving a second term as a Clinical Board member of the Carolinas Clinical Education Consortium (CCEC).   In 2008, I was awarded the "CI of the Year" from Duke University.  My hope is that this role will allow CESIG to forge stronger ties between academic and clinical educators in order to meet present and future challenges of clinical education.

Candidate Biography
I have a BHS in PT, MBA, and EdD. I am a Geriatric Specialist and have had the pleasure of working in nursing homes, home health, and rehabilitation hospitals. I have been a staff PT and a Regional Director of Operations. I currently work as the DCE at UC.

Candidate Statement
Attention to detail, communication, and accuracy of records are key to the success of this position as the Education Section's Strategic Plan illustrates the need to disseminate resource information to its constituency and communicate with other Sections. The role of Recording Secretary will help facilitate attaining these objectives. I have had the pleasure of serving as a secretary on various committees in my professional career but most notably for our Northern District of the KPTA. Due to my work, education, and professional experiences I feel that I would bring what is needed to do this position well.

Candidate Biography
I graduated with a MSPT in 1989. I obtained my tDPT in 2010.  I have worked in different settings such as acute, home health, outpatient, early intervention and school setting. I joined the faculty at the University of Miami in 2006 and I am an Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education and Instructor. I pursued the Advanced Clinical Instructor Certification through the APTA. I am the chair of the Florida Consortium of Clinical Education for the South East region.

Candidate Statement
As an ACCE, I have a good sense of what the current issues, difficulties and needs are in the Clinical Education area. I have close relationships with the CIs in my community. Our clinical sites expand throughout the US and this allows me to keep up to date with issues related to clinical education throughout the US as well. I have been a CI in the past and this also gives me a good perspective to see clinical education from different angles. Some of my strengths are that I am a very organized and hard-working individual that always aims to do a great job in a timely fashion. I am also very good at interacting with people and feel that I can handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. This is a skill that I have worked hard at developing as an ACCE.

Candidate Biography
I have been very fortunate in the range of work and educational experiences I have completed:

• Clinical work: Rehab at both city/county facility and private hospital: introduction to teaching
• Teaching at Stanford University's PT program
• Director of Store Operations Victoria's Secret
• Acute Care, SNF & out patient per diem work: return to teaching
• Manager: Rehab SNF
• CCCE at county hospital
• DCE at Samuel Merritt University

Candidate Statement
I have a breadth of experience in healthcare and the private business sector; as both an educator, a manager, and a staff therapist.  I have worked in the capacity of secretary in several professional roles; from an APTA task force early in my career to currently serving as secretary in university committees.  My area of interest and teaching is communications. I am keenly aware of the importance of listening in all situations.  I also feel that summarizing a conversation can bring clarity in the moment to the topic at hand and yield a more accurate summary of what has transpired.

Candidate Biography
I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1991 with a BSPT, a MPT in 1993, and PhD in Teaching & Learning in 2004. I have worked with Altru Health System since 1991 (full-time through 1998; flex-time '98-present) in the in-patient rehab setting. I began teaching at UND in 1998 and have been the assistant ACCE for the past 6 years.

Candidate Statement
I have been active in the APTA since graduating from PT school in 1991. I have served the North Dakota Physical Therapy Association as secretary, quality assurance committee member, member at large over 30,000, delegate and now chief delegate. I have also served the APTA through an Advisory Panel on Education, was a member of the Clinical Education Consensus Conference, and currently serve on the Advocacy and Consumer Affairs Committee. I have served one term in role as Recording Secretary for the Clinical Education SIG and found it to be a wonderful experience. I feel I now have my 'feet wet' and look forward to being able to continue moving forward the goals of the CESIG and Section.

Candidate Biography
I graduated from Saint Louis University(SLU) with my B.S. in Physical Therapy in 1992 and completed my PhD education in 2012. I practiced in Geriatrics for 10 years and as a C.I. for 9 years. I joined the SLU faculty in 2002 and was appointed DCE in 2006.

Candidate Statement
As a DCE, I participate in and lead many meetings with faculty, students, clinicians, and colleagues from other academic programs. I am effective in setting agendas and time management during meetings. I am currently Secretary for the Central ACCE Consortium. In this role I am charged with preparing the minutes of each meeting. I believe I capture the main points of the discussions and reflect the context of the discussions for posterity. I am cooperative with others and can assist by adding humor to discussions while assuring that meetings that stay on topic.

Candidate Biography
I received my MSW in 1978 and my MPT in 1991.  I worked as a social worker and as an assistant editor for a non-profit association.  I am in the dissertation phase of my Ed.D. and have been the Director of Clinical Education at Drexel University for 15 years.

Candidate Statement
I have been a member of the APTA since 1989 and joined the Education Section in 1994.  I am a credentialed Trainer for APTA's CI credentialing course and am a reviewer for the Journal of Physical Therapy Education.  Before entering academia, I held the position of CCCE at Bryn Mawr Rehab.  It is important that the Clinical Education SIG be inclusive of academic as well as clinical representation.  I feel that my academic experience as well as my relationship with clinicians as Director of Clinical Education provide me with an ability to blend both academic and clinical worlds. 

Candidate Biography

I am a Physical Therapist and the Director of Clinical Education at the University of New England in Portland, Maine.  I received my BS in PT and DPT from UNE and a MPH from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.  My clinical expertise is in industrial rehab/occupational health.

Candidate Statement

I am running for a position on the nominating committee.  My current role as the DCE allows me to meet different people on a regular basis.  These connections will help me reach out to others to encourage them to run for different offices.  My ability to be organized and multi-task would be vital in this position.  I also am not afraid to take the initiative to try new things.  If during this 2 year term, the committee wants to make changes, I have no problems being open to this.

Biography
I earned my MPT at Hahnemann University in 1991, my t-DPT at Arizona School of the Health Sciences in 2005, and was recently recertified in 2012 by the ABPTS as an OCS.  I am both a basic and advanced credentialed CI and a credentialed trainer for the basic CICP.  I have been an ACCE/DCE for 14 years at 2 different institutions, one private and currently at The Ohio State University.  I work in the clinic a few hours per week in an outpatient facility here at OSU.

Candidate Statement
With my experience as a DCE at two different universities, I have a solid understanding of the complexities of clinical education.  Also, having been a CI and working with many students, clinicians, educators and administrators, I have a network across the country and strong relationships in my region.  I have strong communication skills and passion for clinical education and PT education in general that would be an asset to the SIG.  As a member of the Ohio-Kentucky Consortium, I am committed to collaboration, continued development of PT clinical education, and our leadership as a group and would like to take that experience and expertise to a national level.

Candidate Biography

I have been a PT for almost 16 years (MSPT 12/96).  I am currently enrolled in the PhD program at TWU.  I have worked with PTAs in 5 different practice settings.  I have been a program director of 2 different PTA programs (Arkansas State University and Concorde Career College – Dallas).

Candidate Statement
I have worked with or educated PTAs throughout my entire career, and I have a great respect and appreciation for them and the service they provide to OUR profession.  I am familiar with both the clinical and academic environments of the PTA.  I have served as the director of a PTA program that was housed with a PT program at a public university (Arkansas State) and as the director of a developing proprietary program (Concorde).  These two positions have given me an interesting perspective on the differences/issues within PTA education and between PT and PTA education.

Candidate Biography
I hold a BS in Physical Therapy and MS in Exercise Science. I am employed at Arkansas State University as an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. Previously, I have served as the Director of Clinical Education at ASU and as the PTA Program Director at Concorde Career College - Memphis.

Candidate Statement

I have five years' experience working directly with PTA education programs and six years' experience supervising PTAs in clinical practice. Currently I serve as an on-site reviewer with CAPTE for PTA programs. I fully support the role of the PTA as the extension of the PT in the physical therapy profession, and am interested in facilitating more interaction between PT and PTA programs so that our students are better prepared for productive PT/PTA relationships when they begin practice. Finally, I have experience mentoring new PTA program directors and would like to share that knowledge on a broader scale.

Candidate Biography

• 2001 - 2002 MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA. Doctor of Physical Therapy
• 1987 - 1990 MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA. Advanced MS Degree in Orthopedic and Sporty physical therapy
• 1972 - 1976 University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. Bachelor of Science, Allied Health Professions, with a concentration in physical therapy.

Candidate Statement
I have been a Physical Therapist since 1976 working in a variety of clinical settings. Since 1993 I have been the Program Director for the PTA Program at CCRI. I also serve as a CAPTE Team Leader providing PTA onsite reviews.
Since 1974, I have been active in the APTA. I have served in many elected positions at the Chapter level, and since 1978 I have been present at the House of Delegates in the capacity of President, Delegate, or Chief Delegate.

With the many challenges we are presented with this years, I feel that my background and experience have given me skills to serve as the PTASig Chairperson. My experience in the House of Delegates has made me comfortable with the process of the House and the ability to network with the leadership of APTA. In my roles as a PTA Program Director and CAPTE On-Site Reviewer, I have an excellent understanding of the education process for PTAs and what works and what may not work with our current system.

Candidate Biography
I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings including: Acute care, hospital and private practice outpatient, home-health care and skilled nursing facilities. In addition I am presently the ACCE for a PTA program in MA.
Through continuing education received Advanced Proficiency for the PTA in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy in 2007 & 2012.

Candidate Statement

My experience in both the clinical and academic settings will allow me to be valuable resource regarding both the utilization of the PTA and education of the PTA.
I am a strong advocate for the role of the PTA and look forward to the opportunity of facilitating not only appropriate use but as well as maximizing the skill level of the PTA.
In addition I am a member of the New England Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium which allows me the opportunity to network with many educators to discuss the current challenges with PTA clinical education and the development of education opportunities for the CI.

Candidate Biography
I have a BA in Psychology, MPT, MPA and t-DPT degrees.  I have been active in PTA education for over 5 years as Instructor, Clinical Instructor, ACCE, and Program Director.  I am a Credentialed Clinical Instructor.  I have worked clinically for over 10 years in outpatients, SNFs and in home care.

Candidate Statement

I have seen multiple aspects of PTA education and have had relationships with PTAs in multiple clinic settings.  My varied experiences will be valuable to furthering the growth and development of the physical therapy profession.  I want to be a resource to other physical therapy professionals to continue the work of the Education Section.