All Authors

Abbie Schmitt, RN, MSN, is an accomplished Nurse Educator and Author with a Master's Degree in Nursing from Liberty University. She has a diverse background, including roles in CPR instruction, incident management, nursing education, and clinical practice, demonstrating her versatility in the healthcare field. Abbie holds multiple certifications and licenses, reflecting her commitment to professional growth. Her published CE courses and her dedication to improving healthcare practices underline her significant contributions to the nursing profession.   

Adam Anz, MD, is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports related injuries, specifically focusing on complex knee surgery, hip arthroscopy, and innovative stem cell treatments. He has many peer-reviewed publications and presentations with a special interest in cartilage regeneration.

During residency Adam spent some time in Malaysia with Dr. Khay Yong Saw, an orthopaedic surgeon who has pioneered a method to regenerate cartilage using a patient's own stem cells. After residency, he completed a sports fellowship at the world-renowned Steadman Clinic where he learned complex knee surgery and Laprade and hip arthroscopy. During this time, Dr. Adam Anz became involved with medical coverage for the US Ski and Snowboard team and continues this involvement to date.

Adina Soclof is a Parent Educator, Professional Development Instructor and Speech Pathologist working with children in a school setting. Adina is the founder of ParentingSimply.com. Her new book Parenting Simply: Perparing Kids For Life is now avaliable.

She delivers parenting classes as well as professional development workshops for Speech Pathologists, teachers and other health professionals.

Adina is avaliable for speaking engagements. You can reach her at asoclof@parentingsimply.com or check out her website at www.parentingsimply.com. 

Dr. Aditi Mehra graduated with a Bachelors in Occupational Therapy, from Western Michigan University in 1998 and pursued her Doctorate in Health Sciences from Midwestern University in Illinois. She has practiced as a pediatric OT for the past 22yrs in various settings: Early Intervention, hand therapy, NICU, inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, teletherapy, and school- settings.

During her Doctoral Studies, Dr. Mehra also pursued a certification in Behavior Analysis to improve and enhance collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Once she delved deeper into this field of Behavioral Psychology, Dr. Mehra uncovered Fit Learning, an academic program based on the principles of Precision Teaching designed to build fluency and address all differences in learning. Dr. Mehra is currently the director of 3 Fit Learning Labs: in Chicago, Denver, and London - England.  She continues to practice OT in the school setting and is an avid Continuing Education presenter for various Allied health groups. Dr. Mehra is also an Adjunct Professor at Elmhurst University whose passion is rooted in Inter-Professional Education and working with allied fields.  She also has a Pediatric OT podcast designed to discuss the common behavioral challenges in Pediatric OT using a case study format.

Adrianne E. Avillion, DEd, RN, is an accomplished nursing professional development specialist and healthcare author. She earned her doctoral degree in adult education and her M.S. in nursing from Penn State University and a BSN from Bloomsburg University. Dr. Avillion has held a variety of nursing positions as a staff nurse in critical care and physical medicine and rehabilitation settings with emphasis on neurological and mental health nursing, as well as a number of leadership roles in nursing professional development. She has published extensively and is a frequent presenter at conferences and conventions devoted to the specialty of continuing education and nursing professional development. Dr. Avillion owns and is the CEO of Strategic Nursing Professional Development, a business that specializes in continuing education for healthcare professionals and consulting services in nursing professional development. Her most recent publications include The Path to Stress-Free Nursing Professional Development: 50 No-Nonsense Solutions to Everyday Challenges and Nursing Professional Development: A Practical Guide for Evidence-Based Education.

Adrianne E. Avillion, DEd, RN, is an accomplished nursing professional development specialist and published health care education author. She is the owner and CEO of Strategic Nursing Professional Development, a business devoted to helping nurses maintain competency and enhance their professional growth and development.

Dr. Avillion earned her doctoral degree in adult education and her MS from Penn State University, along with a BSN from Bloomsburg University. She has served in variousnursing roles over her career in both leadership roles and as a bedside clinical nurse. Shehas published extensively and is a frequent presenter at conferences and conventionsdevoted to the specialty of continuing education and nursing professional development.

Alex Brewer, PharmD is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. He received his Doctorate of Pharmacy and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. Post-graduation, he stayed with the University of Kentucky to complete a community pharmacy residency with a focus in geriatric care, while also founding and operating a start-up supplement company. His pharmacy career has involved work in community pharmacy, managed care, and medical communications. An outdoor and health enthusiast, Alex primarily spends his time working out, being in or on the water, hiking, and finding new parks to explore.

Alex Coleman is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow reconstruction, as well as microvascular surgery and limb salvage. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of hand and wrist conditions from the simple to the complex, utilizing a broad range of non-surgical treatment regimens, and when necessary, the latest surgical techniques.

Dr. Coleman attended The Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his Doctorate of Medicine, graduating at the top of his class. He completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency training at the world renowned Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee where he was awarded the Program Director's Award for academic excellence. After residency, he completed a hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Hunt, a well-recognized authority on hand and wrist reconstruction in high level athletes.

Dr. Coleman is a candidate member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand as well as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His scholarly interests include biomechanical engineering as well as the design and manufacture of specialized surgical instruments.

Alex Coleman, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand.  He specializes in hand, wrist, and elbow reconstruction; microvascular surgery; and limb salvage.  His practice addresses the full spectrum of hand and wrist conditions, utilizing a broad range of non-surgical treatments and, when necessary, surgical techniques informed by the latest advancements in his field. 

Dr. Coleman is original from Charleston, South Carolina.  He earned a degree in English Literature from Sewanee:  The University of the South.  He continued his education at The Medical University of South Carolina, where he earned a Doctor of Medicine and graduate at the top of his class.  Following graduation, he completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the world-renowned Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee.  After residency, he completed a Fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Hunt. 

Alexandra L. Terrill, PhD, received her PhD in clinical psychology from Washington State University, with specialized training in clinical health psychology. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington in rehabilitation psychology. During her fellowship, she was involved in research on aging with physical disabilities associated with chronic conditions. Dr. Terrill is currently a faculty member at the University of Utah, Division of Occupational Therapy. Her research encompasses three basic areas: (1) stress, coping/adjustment, and chronic health conditions; (2) using strengths-based interventions (positive psychology); and (3) aging. Her broad goal is to improve our understanding of how social, psychological, and biological processes interact to affect individuals aging with a chronic condition and develop interventions that enhance productivity and quality of life from early to late adulthood. She is particularly interested in investigating and enhancing protective factors involved in the prevention of and adjustment to chronic medical conditions and associated disability.

Alice received her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, School of Social Work. She has clinical experience in mental health in correctional settings, psychiatric hospitals, and community health centers. In 1997, she received her PhD from UCLA, School of Public Policy and Social Research. Dr. Yick Flanagan completed a year-long post-doctoral fellowship at Hunter College, School of Social Work in 1999. In that year she taught the course Research Methods and Violence Against Women to Masters degree students, as well as conducting qualitative research studies on death and dying in Chinese American families. 

Previously acting as a faculty member at Capella University and Northcentral University, Dr. Yick Flanagan is currently a contributing faculty member at Walden University, School of Social Work, and a dissertation chair at Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies, working with Industrial Organizational Psychology doctoral students. She also serves as a consultant/subject matter expert for the New York City Board of Education and publishing companies for online curriculum development, developing practice MCAT questions in the area of psychology and sociology. Her research focus is on the area of culture and mental health in ethnic minority communities.  

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Dr. Gault has been an occupational therapist for nine years and is currently a full-time assistant professor. Over the last eight years, she has worked as an OT practitioner at level-one trauma and ABA-verified burn center specializing in acute and inpatient rehabilitation for burn care and management, as well as prosthetic and amputee training. As a professor, Dr. Gault has instructed students on the biomechanical principles necessary for effective treatment of the burn population. The author’s clinical background and teaching experiences have led to extensive knowledge of occupational therapy’s role in burn rehabilitation.

Amanda Olson, PT, DPT, PRPC, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Pacific University in 2005, and a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2008, graduating as a member of the Jesuit National Honor Society. She holds a Certification of Achievement in pelvic floor physical therapy (CAPP-PF) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the Pelvic Floor Practitioner Certification (PRPC) through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute. She is also a certified Stott Pilates instructor and running coach, which she finds useful in curating treatment approaches.

Dr. Olson has written several physical therapy continuing education courses, and newspaper and magazine articles on women’s health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and running.

Amanda Whitley OTR/L, CLT, CHT is currently a Staff Occupational Therapist in outpatient hand therapy at Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze Florida. She treats a variety of diagnoses involving the upper extremity to include, but not limited to, tendon traumas, amputations, joint replacements, cumulative traumas, work injuries, and fractures. She has over 15 years of experience in GA, VA, AL, and FL treating a variety of diagnoses involving the upper extremity. Ms. Whitley has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Magna Cum Laude from Medical College of Georgia.

Amber Armstead, DrPH, OTR, BCPR is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the UTMB School of Health Professions. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch and her Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.Dr. Armstead has presented and published peer-reviewed research on health disparities and chronic HIV among marginalized communities. She has presented at  regional and national conferences. Her research interests include total wellness among marginalized populations, community health, and chronic disease management among people living with HIV and neurodegenerative conditions. Her clinical experience includes adult neurological based rehabilitation specializing in spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative conditions, physical disabilities across the life span along with community health promotion. 

Amber Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, CDP is a dedicated advocate for the necessity and skilled nature of therapy services.  She is the Regional Clinical Specialist for a large healthcare company, where she works with skilled nursing facilities in 3 states on documentation compliance, clinical education, and clinical program writing  for PT, OT, and ST. 

Amber recently received her doctorate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with a research focus on clinical supervision and student self-efficacy.  She is an adjunct professor, and works with multiple universities to assure quality student placements within all therapy disciplines.  She has authored numerous continuing education courses and has presented at state and national conferences across the United States.  Amber has held state and national offices and volunteers with organizations that promote and preserve quality care in the elderly. She is a Certified Dementia Professional.

Amber Opitz, OTR/L works at Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze Florida working in an outpatient setting with a focus on rehabilitation of upper extremity orthopedic injuries, particularly in relation to participants of various sports.  She has her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. 

Amy Ashmore holds a PhD. in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of Timing Resistance Training: Programming the Muscle Clock for Optimal Performance (Human Kinetics, 2020), dozens of articles, blogs, and training and continuing education programs recognized by National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Board of Certification (BOC-EBP), and all State Boards of Physical Therapy. Amy is former Sports Sciences faculty at Florida State University and the former Program Director for Sports Sciences at the American Military University. She is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Amy Burzinski, L.I.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker. Over the past 18 years Ms. Burzinski has worked with individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Ms. Burzinski served as the coordinator for Victim Services Agency in Manhattan where she trained physicians and medical staff on how to identify, document and refer victims of domestic violence.

She currently serves as a social worker at the Bellefaire Agency in Beachwood, Ohio.

Amy Litterini, PT, DPT, is an assistant clinical professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of New England (UNE) in Portland, Maine. She received a BS in Health Sciences and a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. Since 1996, her career has focused on oncology rehabilitation including research, lymphedema management, fitness programming, wellness initiatives, clinical patient navigation, program development, and education. She is a Certified Patient Navigator by the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in Harlem, New York, and has provided clinical navigation services to both breast and prostate cancer survivors. She has provided oncology rehabilitation continuing education in both live and web-based formats and provides an oncology foundation for both Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy students at UNE. Dr. Litterini has published and presented research on cancer survivorship issues, axillary web syndrome, the benefits of physical activity in cancer survivorship, the effect of gym-based and home exercise programming on functional mobility and gait speed in advanced cancer, and chronic and end-of-life cancer-related conditions. Nationally, Amy serves as the Vice President of the APTA Oncology Section and is the Oncology Section Delegate in the House of Delegates. In 2016, she was appointed to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Oncologic Specialty Council of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Regionally, she sits on the Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society Board of Directors and is a member of the Maine Cancer Foundation’s Rehab and Survivorship Committee.

Amy-Lynn Corey has spent the past 20 years working in the field of marketing, her inaugural project being the launch of her own company in 1997. She was fortunate to have already established her marketing skills when social media was born, incorporating this new outlet into her overall marketing plans with great enthusiasm.

Having spent much of her career in social media and community management for online gaming forums, she eagerly took on a new challenge when it arose: Medical marketing. Mostly self-taught through hours upon hours spent reading books, articles and taking online courses and programs, including Google Analytics Individual Qualification and SEO programs through DistilledU, Amy-lynn has spent the past 5 years developing, launching and refining digital marketing programs for an online medical education company, HomeCEUConnection.com.

Amy McDermott, M.S., CCC-SLP, RAC-CT is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience across a variety of clinical settings. She currently serves as a Clinical Reimbursement Specialist for QRM where she is involved in quality improvement initiatives, medical review, and clinical education. She is versed in regulatory compliance requirements and is a certified resident assessment coordinator.

Ms. McDermott received her Bachelor and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and AANAC. 

Andrea Rodgers, PT ,DPT is a Senior Physical Therapist III at Hackensack Meridian Health/ Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She received her Bachelor of Science from The College of William and Mary, her Master of Physical Therapy from Rutgers University, and a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University. She is a nationally certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-LANA) and also specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy (CAPP from the American Physical Therapy Association), osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She has many years of experience treating pediatrics as well as trauma, orthopedic, cardiac, and neurological patients  in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is a member of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center ALS Team. She has been a volunteer emergency medical technician for 35 years with her local first aid and rescue squad, including serving as Captain and training officer. She is a NJ State EMT Elective Continuing Education Provider, certified naloxone instructor, and Stop the Bleed instructor.    

Dr. Morris completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. 

Dr. Morris completed orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed an additional one-year fellowship in Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery with the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Florida. 

Dr. Morris is married to Lucy Vandervoort Morris, M.D. They have one daughter, Martha, and live in Anniston, Alabama. 

Andrew Hodgdon practices physical therapy in an acute hospital care setting. He is enthusiastic about wellness, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and movement science. He also serves as a professional writer of physical therapy content for continuing education curriculum development and other peer-reviewed publications within the physical therapy industry.  He enjoys taking what he learns in the acute hospital care setting of his every-day work and translating into subjects that are interesting, informative and thought-provoking for others in the physical therapy profession. Currently, Andrew is the Senior Physical Therapist at Kaiser Permanente in Fresno, California.  

Dr. Andrew J Vincent is a Diagnostic Radiology Specialist in Pensacola, Florida. He graduated with honors from University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2012. Having more than 7 years of diverse experiences, especially in DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY, Dr. Andrew J Vincent affiliates with many hospitals including Gulf Breeze Hospital, Baptist Hospital, West Florida Hospital, Jay Hospital, cooperates with many other doctors and specialists without joining any medical groups.

Angela D. Greene, a Nationally Board Certified Occupational Therapist, received her bachelor's degree from East Carolina University in North Carolina and her Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation from The American Institute of Balance in Clearwater Florida. Angela has worked in neurological rehabilitation for over 25 years with a practice specialty of cerebrovascular and traumatic brain injury-related vision, and vestibular deficits.

Angela Mansolillo is a Speech-Language Pathologist and board recognized specialist in swallowing disorders who has worked in a variety of clinical settings. She brings over twenty years of experience with children with dysphagia to her teaching. Her dynamic, interactive style, coupled with her ability to present complex material in a meaningful, practical way, enables her course participants to arm themselves with new successful strategies to apply immediately.

Angela is currently a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in western Massachusetts. In addition, she serves as adjunct faculty and clinical supervisor at Elms College. She has provided numerous regional and national presentations, and has served as guest lecturer at several colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts. Angela holds a Master of Arts from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Cook has worked in a level-one trauma and ABA-verified burn center for nine years. She has worked with patients with burn injuries in the intensive care unit, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation settings. The author completed her post-professional doctoral capstone project in a burn unit working to improve occupational therapy intervention practices to increase patients’ functional outcomes. The author is a full-time professor who has completed research in the field in regard to current home program recommendations by occupational therapy practitioners working with burn-injured clients.

Ann Schreier, PhD, RN, is a professor at East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing in Greenville, NC. Dr. Schreier received her BSN degree from Boston University, an MSN from University of California, San Francisco and her PhD from Stanford University. Dr. Schreier has clinical experience in oncology and in hospice. This clinical experience has motivated Dr. Schreier to study and promote best practices in pain management. She is actively engaged in research with studies examining the relationship between pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and anxiety of breast cancer survivors and the development of interventions to assist cancer patients cope with pain and co-occurring symptoms. In her 25 years of experience as a faculty member at East Carolina University, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students. By her colleagues, she is considered an expert in the education of nurses in pain management. She has extensively lectured about pain management at a local, regional and national level. In 2017, she received ECU’s Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award for her outstanding contributions to mentoring of doctoral students in their research. She is a past president of the American Society for Pain Management Nurses. She serves on the editorial of Pain Management Nursing. Dr. Schreier is active in advocacy for pain management.

Anne Horgan, LCSW  is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon. She is currently a mental health therapist within a small group practice in Portland, OR and a board-approved Clinical Supervisor. Ms. Horgan has 15+ years of experience including hospital/emergency room mental health services, hospital leadership, and providing therapy in individual and group settings (Partial Hospital Program). Throughout her clinical professional experience, she has worked with individuals across the spectrum including (but not limited to) depressive disorders, anxiety and panic, PTSD, postpartum mental health, self-esteem/identity conflicts, psychosis, mania, adjustment issues, parenting, substance use, relationship conflicts and loss. Ms. Horgan earned her BA in Psychology and her Masters in Social Work. She has training through the Center through Mind-Body Medicine as part of her work with clients.

Anthony has over 30 years of clinical and managerial experience in acute care and as an owner of an outpatient practice. He is currently an administrator in the rehabilitation department of a 14-hospital network and is board-certified in Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Anthony's academic positions include adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Touro College and guest lecturing at Columbia University Program in Physical Therapy, with emphasis on administration, documentation, reporting, ethical standards, medical-legal issues, and regulatory oversight. His leadership positions include Legislative Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman of the Council of Licensed Physiotherapists of New York State, Inc. and Member-at-large of the Advisory Committee of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.
 
Anthony also performs consulting work that includes chart review on medical-legal cases and reviews of textbooks on physical therapy administration.

April Pilz is a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Pennsylvania who specializes in chronic pain management. She has been practicing massage therapy since 2001 and has been in private practice since 2008. April worked as a massage therapist in a variety of settings before becoming a small business owner and solo practitioner. 

Ari Ginsberg, PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist in NJ and NY. He received his D.P.T. from Touro College, NYC in 2010. Since graduation, Ari has worked in several settings including pediatrics, skilled nursing, and home health. The last 7.5 years have been spent at a large home health company where he has participated in direct patient care, chart auditing, and presentations to staff on topics including documentation and bedside manner. While at his company, he was nominated for company awards and recognized by corporate leadership as excelling in documentation quality and efficiency. Additionally, he is in the process of pursuing a master's of science degree in industrial and organizational psychology at Touro College in order to expand his practice to consulting with healthcare organizations on training and improving employee job performance and job satisfaction.

Dr. Arianne Missimer is an award-winning Doctor of Physical Therapy, Registered Dietitian, Registered Yoga Teacher and Mindfulness Educator. She is currently undergoing her training through the Institute of Functional Medicine. She is the Founder of the Movement Paradigm, an integrative health center in Downingtown, PA focusing on mindset, nutrition, and movement blending Eastern and Western philosophies, rooted in neuroscience, functional medicine, and movement science. She holds numerous movement-based certifications and is a Master Instructor for Evidence-Based Fitness Academy (EBFA) Global. Her goal is to provide her patients with powerful dietary interventions, movement, sleep, and mindset reframing techniques to empower them to heal their bodies, alleviate inflammation, and live with vitality.

Barbara Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English; a Master’s of Science from Tufts University’s Boston School of Occupational Therapy and is certified in Sensory Integration and Hippotherapy. She has decades of experience working with clients in varied settings. Her website, RecyclingOT.com, includes articles, videos, activity ideas as well as her presentation schedule.

Barbara Smith has also written "Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love" and "From Rattles to Writing: A Parent’s Guide to Hand Skills". Barbara is currently providing hippotherapy treatment to children through Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA.

Dr. Reese is a clinical psychologist and president of BenReese, LLC., a North Carolina (USA) based global diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm. He earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Rutgers University, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. He is adjunct professor in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine and Advisor, Trainer, and Executive Coach for DiversityScience, a diversity, equity, and inclusion public-benefit company. He is the former Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer for Duke University and the Duke University Health System. 

Dr. Reese has served as the Associate Director of the Fifth Avenue Center for Counseling & Psychotherapy in New York City, the founder and Director of the Institute for the Study of Culture & Ethnicity, and the Ombudsperson for the Rockefeller Foundation.

He has more than 50 years’ experience in the fields of implicit bias, systemic and structural racism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Dr. Reese is a highly sought after national and international speaker, workshop facilitator and consultant to higher education, healthcare, professional associations, not-for-profit organizations, and the corporate environment. His over 100 consultations include workshops and presentations for colleges and universities in North America and abroad, as well as consultations to the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Justice Department, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. National Archives. He has provided invited addresses and workshops on various diversity and inclusion topics at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, the University of Adelaide in South Australia, the University of East London and Coventry University in the United Kingdom, the University of Fiji, as well as presentations in Ireland, China, Haiti, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Argentina, Brazil, and Bermuda.

He has represented both the International Council of Psychologists and the World Federation for Mental Health (non-governmental organizations) at the United Nations. Dr. Reese is a past president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) and served on its founding board.  He is a member of the North Carolina Advisory Board of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and is a Board Member of The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

Dr. Reese has garnered numerous awards and citations. In 2016, the North Carolina Business Journal awarded him their Lifetime Diversity Achievement Award in recognition of almost 50 years of leadership in the areas of race relations and diversity. In 2020, he was given the prestigious Peterson Prize Award from the Graduate School of Applied Professional Psychology at Rutgers University in recognition of his scholarly and leadership contributions to the field of psychology.

Dr. Benjamin D. Turner, PT, DPT, CSCS, FAFS graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2011 and earned his Nike Golf 360 Golf Performance Specialist Certification from the internationally acclaimed Gray Institute in 2013.  Dr. Turner has worked extensively with golfers of all levels - from those who are brand new to the game all the way up to the touring professional. His goal is to help develop competence and confidence for those who work with golfers and to bring the enjoyment of golf to anyone who wants to play.   

Betsy Myers received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 1992 and a Masters of Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis in 1998. She is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist and a Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Betsy received a citation of recognition and appreciation from the Oklahoma House of Representatives for her outstanding service as a physical therapist to the citizens of Oklahoma.

Betsy was the Teacher of the Year at the Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis. She is also Certified Wound Specialist and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. While her passion is for outpatient orthopedics, Ms. Myers has worked in a variety of clinical settings within regional hospital systems including: acute care, transitional care, a rehabilitation unit, general out-patient care, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, and a diabetic foot clinic. She is now part of the outpatient physical therapy staff at Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bettina M. Brown is a physical therapist working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, having received her master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico. She earned her board certification in wound care in 2016 through the American Board of Wound Healing. She has published an article entitled Managing Cutaneous Tuberculosis: A Case Study in the Ostomy and Wound Management Journal in 2017.  Latera that year, she obtained her certification through the Klose Lymphedema Certification program in 2017.  She primarily works with clients that have lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment, or due to vascular insufficiencies and chronic health co-morbidities. 

Beverley Driver Smith has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for 22 years. She graduated from Palm Beach State College in 1992 on the Dean’s List and as the founder and President of the South East Occupational Therapy Club, “SEE OT”. She currently works in a rural school setting in the Occupational Therapy Department, where she is starting her seventh year. She teaches 3rd graders at her church every Saturday night and is a champion for children and anyone with disabilities.

Right out of college, Beverley became an adjunct teacher at her alma mater and taught Therapeutic Media for Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics for the Occupational Therapy Assistant and guest lectured on Traumatic Brain Injury for the Human Disease Occupational Therapy class. She has worked in a variety of settings throughout her career. She has worked the majority of her years in a Pediatric setting, and has also worked in the hospital, community re-entry, rehabilitative, out-patient sports and geriatric settings. Beverley has spoken for the local non-profit agency, CASTLE, on domestic violence and preventing child abuse. She volunteers annually at a disabled sports camp and international wheelchair tennis tournament in Mexico. She occasionally writes for a blog called “Rolling Without Limits”.

Dr. Clay completed his Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy Fellowship at American Sports Medicine Institute/Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, AL.  He is a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. He is also magna cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine where he was awarded the Clinical Achievement Award. Dr. Clay completed an Orthopaedic Residency at University of Florida, Department of Orthopedic Surgery where he was the American Orthopaedic Association Emerging Leader.

Bradley Gillespie, PharmD, trained as a clinical pharmacist and has practiced in an industrial setting for the past 20-plus years. His initial role was clinical pharmacology and biopharmaceutics reviewer at the FDA, followed by 15 years of leading early development programs in the pharma/biotech/nutritional industries. Currently, he supports efforts at the National Institutes of Health to develop therapeutics for rare and neglected diseases. In addition to his industrial focus, he remains a registered pharmacist and operates a medical writing business, with a focus on developing health professional continuing education programs.

Bradley W. Stockert, PT, PhD, is a professor of physical therapy at California State University, Sacramento, where he received the Teacher of the Year Award in 2006. He obtained his master’s degree in physical therapy from Stanford University and his doctoral degree in physiology from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Stockert has been teaching in physical therapist professional education programs for 30 years. During that time he also taught in professional pharmacy and nursing programs. He currently teaches courses in the areas of pathology, differential diagnosis, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and acute care physical therapy. Dr. Stockert has given numerous presentations on pathology and screening for medical conditions, adverse drug reactions, and cancer at state, national, and international conferences. Dr. Stockert is actively involved in incorporating the use of programmable patient simulators to train students for practice in acute care settings as well as how to recognize and respond to medical emergencies.

Brandon Abbs, PhD, earned his PhD in psychology from the University of Iowa and a BA in psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. He was most recently a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. During this fellowship, he was involved in research projects on the relationship between maternal infection during pregnancy and a child’s risk for schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and early cognitive decline. He studied this relationship using neuroimaging and neuropsychology. He is currently a senior medical writer for a biotechnology company in Boston, where he composes documents needed to conduct clinical trials in oncology and to inform people about specific cancer types and available treatments.

Brandy Nelson, HIM Compliance Analyst, received her master’s degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas in Nevada.  This education gave her insight to administrative law and other challenges and opportunities presented within a non-profit environment.

Brandy’s initial exposure to HIPAA began as an employee at UnitedHealthcare Nevada, where she began as a large group representative and eventually worked in group contracts, team leader, and as a database administrator for PCP and pharmacy systems. 

Since August of 2015, Brandy has relocated and accepted the position Compliance Analyst for a mid-sized non-profit hospital system.  She is the primary point of HIPAA education for two hospitals and over 40 clinics, as well as an outpatient rehabilitation facility.  Brandy conducts site visits, where she does rounding for privacy and security, and reports on any potential weakness.  Administratively, Brandy conducts privacy audits on employees and VIP patients to determine if a patient’s PHI has been accessed inappropriately and conducts other various compliance audits.  She reports her findings to hospital leadership, human resources, and others as needed and completes Joint Commission reporting.  As the Compliance Analyst, she works closely with the Privacy Officer to investigate and report potential HIPAA breaches within the hospital system.  

Brandi Russell, OTR/L has been practicing pediatric occupational therapy since 2002 after graduating from the University of Kansas.  She is currently licensed in the state of Kansas, certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and a member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. Brandi has a long-time interest in children’s sleep.  She recognizes the powerful impact of sleep and the value of healthy sleep habits in children’s daily routines. Brandi is the author of a children's storybook, Snooze, which was inspired by her own children's nap-time defiance.  Brandi wrote Snooze to help other families with the often challenging nap-time routine.   

Brandi is blessed to live a life where she is able to leverage her professional knowledge in child development and personal experiences in raising children to help other children and families grow.  She believes in empowering families, capitalizing on their interests and building upon their strengths. Brandi has been working in the early intervention setting for the past 17 years—providing support, education, and guidance to grow confident and empowered parents who in-turn sprout happy and successful children. 

Brenda Williams, RN, MBA, Ph.D., has worked in many areas of nursing, including clinical areas in medical-surgical nursing, emergency department, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiac step-down, and various intensive care units. She has worked as a travel nurse, in the prison setting, in nursing management, and areas related to insurance, workers’ compensation, Medicaid, Medicare, and education. She was a certified case manager for 24 years and holds an executive MBA from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in leadership and organizational change from Walden University. Dr. Williams is a research chair for Indiana Wesleyan University in the Doctor of Business Administration program and an adjunct professor at Ohio Christian University.    

Brooke  lives in central Indiana with her family and runs a small homestead with a menagerie of animals.  She runs CHOICE: Recovery for Mothers through Community Health Network, and is the founder of Lily Pond, a patient comfort closet, and Legacy, a continuation of CHOICE programming.  She is a family nurse practitioner, a certified addictions nurse practitioner, and has an MBA.   

Bruce H. Greenfield, PT, PhD, FNAP (Fellow National Academies of Practice), FAPTA, is a professor in the Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, where he has been on the faculty since 1985. He is a senior fellow in the Emory University Center for Ethics, and affiliated faculty, Certificate Program Disability, Health and Culture. He is a member of the Emory University Hospital Ethics Committee. Dr. Greenfield holds a bachelor of arts degree from Oglethorpe University; a certificate in physical therapy and master of medical science degree, both from Emory University; and a PhD in higher education from Georgia State University. He subsequently received an additional master’s degree in bioethics from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Greenfield was appointed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board of Directors to serve on the APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee. He currently chairs that committee. He also chairs the Research Committee of the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Physical Therapy Education and the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. Dr. Greenfield’s influential writings on ethics in physical therapy have twice been recognized by the APTA section on Education as recipient of its prestigious Stanford Award. His scholarship focuses on strategies to improve patient-centered care, including the development of an ethics of care based on phenomenology that contains practical steps to help clinicians understand the values and concerns of apatient living with disabilities as those values emerge and change over time.

Bud Ward, PT, MPT, has been a licensed physical therapist and healthcare leader for over 20 years. He earned his Master’s in Physical Therapy and BS in Applied Health Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, as well as a BS in Biology from Salisbury University. He has worked in a variety of settings including corporate, home health, private practice, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. His clinical background includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, amputee rehabilitation, traumatic fracture management, manual therapy, and oncology rehabilitation. While at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, he treated many patients for orthopedic conditions related to cancer treatments. Bud has been a health and medical writer since 2015 and has authored several continuing education courses for physical therapists.

Dr. Pierce is a nurse leader committed to ensuring nurses are well prepared and offered abundant opportunities and resources to enhance their skills acquisition and confidence at the bedside. With 15 years in nursing, she has worked at the bedside, in management, and in nursing education. She has demonstrated expertise and scholarship in innovation and design thinking in healthcare and education, and collaborative efforts within and outside of healthcare. Scholarship endeavors include funded grants, publications, and presentations. As a leader, Dr. Pierce strives to empower others to create and deploy ideas and embrace their professional roles as leaders, change agents, and problem solvers. In her position as the lead nurse planner for Elite, she works as a project engineer with subject matter experts to develop evidence-based best practices in continuing education for nurses and other healthcare professionals. 

Candyce J Yates, MS. OTR/L is an occupational therapist with 30 years in school-based practice. For 15 years, Judy and Candyce worked in the same district and teamed for many of their students.  Candyce published  a booklet to introduce gross motor activities for small space areas of the classroom: "Carpet Motor Time.  She has extensive training and experience with severe sensory issues and behaviors in school environments.

Carly M. Rogers, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, is a clinical occupational therapist and independent researcher. Dr. Rogers received her BA in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and her MA and OTD from the University of Southern California. During her Master’s coursework, Dr. Rogers created a therapeutic surfing program titled Ocean Therapy, aimed at enhancing self-efficacy in participants from diverse backgrounds. Although Dr. Rogers’ primary focus was with the pediatric population, her work with Ocean Therapy expanded her knowledge and experience within mental health working closely with the United States Marine Corps and the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System (GLAVA) for over 10 years. This experience led her back to earn her OTD, completing her residency in an outpatient mental health clinic at the GLAVA. She has since presented at the regional, national, and international levels on the topics of surf therapy and occupational therapy’s role with veterans diagnosed with combat PTSD. Dr. Rogers is the primary author of “High-Intensity Sports for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression: Feasibility Study of Ocean Therapy With Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

Carmen Vitton M.S., CCC-SLP, RAC-CT, CDP is the Chief Operating Officer for Rehab Synergies, a provider of Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy services for over 50 Residential and Transitional Care Facilities and Home Health agencies throughout Texas, which she started in 2010.   She has over 25 years of multi-facility, multi-state clinical, managerial and operational experience.

Carmen completed her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University with an interest in Audiology after beginning her program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She completed her Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  She was awarded the Accelerated Care Plus (ACP) Innovator of the Year Award in 2013.  Carmen is an American Speech-Language Association ACE Award recipient, has presented at Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association Conferences and is Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified (RAC-CT) through the American Association of Nurse Coordinators (AANAC).  She is a member of ASHA’s Special Interest Divisions 11:  Administration and Supervision, Division 5:  Dysphagia and Division 7:  Aural Rehabilitation. 

Carmen is a member of The Dallas Chamber of Commerce Executive Women’s Roundtable, along with the following organizations:  Dysphagia Research Society, American College of Healthcare Executives and Who’s Who Among Top Female Executives.  She is a co-author of MannaQure, a Standardized English-to-Spanish Assessment of Dysphagia and Dysarthria, and is recognized as a contributor in the development of the Ross Information Processing Assessment Geriatric-RIPA-G 2.   Carmen became a Certified Dementia Practitioner in 2015.

Carol Myers, OTR, MA, received a of Psychology (BA) from the University of California-Berkeley, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in Westminster, CO. Carol has been an occupational therapist for over 38 years with experience in skilled nursing facilities, acute care, home health, behavioral health, pediatrics, and adult in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation. Carol has published many professional articles for ADVANCE and Elite Learning, edited several continuing education courses, and developed a continuing education course for Elite Learning. Carol taught in the first occupational therapy program in Vietnam and consulted in two special needs classes in India and an autism center in Nepal in 2019.

Carol Myers, OTR, received a Bachelor of Psychology (BA) from the University of California-Berkeley, Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, and Master of Arts (MA) in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in Westminster, CO. Carol has been an occupational therapist for 38 years, working in skilled nursing, acute care, home health, and outpatient facilities, as well as in schools. Carol has published numerous articles for ADVANCE since 2003 and developed three webinars on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders for therapists and Quality Indicators in SNFs Related to Function. Carol taught in the first occupational therapy program in Vietnam, and consulted in two special needs classes in India, and an autism center in Nepal in 2019. 

Dr. Cathy Pliscof Holway, PT, DPT is an internationally recognized physical therapist, educator and author in the healthcare field of integrative manual therapies. She received her BS and certificate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College/Albany Medical College School of Physical Therapy, Troy, NY, in 1979. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University in 2008. 

Upon completion of her doctoral studies, she founded The Neurovascular Institute, Inc., to provide well-researched, neuroscience-based medical education that is immediately applicable to clinical practice and fosters professional growth and integrity of licensed medical professionals. Her manual therapy process, Neurovascular Integration, illuminates the “Why of the Wiring” underlying persistent neurological and musculoskeletal issues, and facilitates restorative physiological reorganization.

Dr. Chad Hensel is a licensed clinical physical therapist with over 13 years of experience in sports medicine, orthopedics, subacute, neurological and work hardening. Currently, he is one of four lead Physical Therapists at Marion Area Health Center in Marion, Ohio, and also works for SunDance Rehabilitation Corporation in Marion performing PRN evaluations and clinical management in the subacute unit.

Chad has been on the faculty of the PTA programs at Marion Technical College and Sinclair Community College, where he taught Intro to Pharmacology, Anatomy, and Therapeutic Exercise courses. In addition, Dr. Hensel is a former instructor at Andrews University, where he taught multiple courses, including pharmacotherapeutics, medical terminology and physiology and developed pharmacology course content for the transitional doctorate program.

Charity has been a speech-language pathologist at Missouri Rehabilitation Center/ University of Missouri Health Care, in Mt Vernon, MO, for over 15 years.  Charity specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with neurological injuries and treats communication, cognitive, and swallowing deficits in those individuals. She has written and published research studies in the Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation and Brain Injury, and she is currently participating in research studying noninvasive brain stimulation for treatment of memory and attention disorders in adults with traumatic brain injury.

Charity is a Brain Injury Specialist and Trainer through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and has been heavily involved in advocacy for persons with brain injuries and their families over her career, including being a member and Chair of the Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council. Charity is an experienced presenter who has given numerous presentations at the local, state, and national levels. She regularly attends and participates in local and state continuing education events, further improving her knowledge of neuro-rehabilitation and networking and learning information from other professionals in the field.

Cheryl A. Lehman, PhD, RN, CNS-BC, RN-BC, CRRN is the clinical coordinator for the Hill Country Mission for Health, where she oversees all clinical activities and all patient care. A nurse for 38 years, her clinical experiences include medical-surgical nursing, rehabilitation nursing, and geriatric nursing. She is licensed in the State of Texas as a registered nurse and as a clinical nurse specialist in medical-surgical nursing; she is also board certified as a rehabilitation nurse, as a gerontological nurse, and as a clinical nurse specialist. She is the immediate past president of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), is editor and author of the ARN seventh edition of the Rehabilitation Nursing Core Curriculum textbook, and was the chair of the Data Safety Management Board for the Strong Star Consortium and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD research studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (funded by the U.S. Department of Defense) through the Department of Psychiatry at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (2010-2016).

Christine Busby, M.S., CCC-SLP, MBA, currently serves as the Chief Operating Office of Signature Rehab and has served in that role since 2023.  She is an experienced licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and an executive with a robust background in clinical program development, compliance, and operational management within the post-acute care setting. Additionally, Christine has held many successive roles at Signature Rehab as well as serving on the Board of ADVION (formerly known as National Association for the Support of Long Term Care).  She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky/University of Louisville, a Master of Science in Communication Disorders Speech Language Pathology from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Trenton State College. 

Christy Thrift is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1998.  She has worked with Baptist Health Care for the past nineteen years with wide variety of experience in acute care, skilled nursing, and outpatient settings.   In the past eleven years her focus has shifted to the solely outpatient population treating primarily orthopedic related conditions.  She is passionate in treating the population that is affected by the debilitating affects of arthritis.  Her love of people and seeing individuals regain or keep their own independence in day to day life if what drives her.  She is married with two children and enjoys movies, hiking, fishing, biking, and a little “retail therapy”.

Chrys Kub, PT, ERYT 500 is NDT trained in Pediatrics and an integrative physical therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience.  Through her work in pediatric physical therapy, she has utilized evidenced based yoga treatment techniques integrated with traditional medical modalities for children with special needs. Currently she works in Early Intervention for Early Bird Intervention Services and teaches continuing education courses in treating the neurological child and integration of yoga as therapy in working with both children and adults. She has established FitYogaTherapy, an organization dedicated to the education of practitioners in yoga therapy.  Chrys is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and CEU provider.  For additional information, visit www.fityogatherapy.com

Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L, is an innovative advocate for occupational therapy and an expert on Medicare post-acute care policy. Clarice is the founder and CEO of Amplify OT, a company dedicated to educating and encouraging occupational therapy practitioners and students to engage with Medicare policy and advocacy. She has served as the Advocacy & Policy Coordinator for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Home and Community Health Special Interest Section and as Director of Practice for the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association. Clarice currently serves as an American Occupational Therapy Association Political Action Committee (AOTPAC) Ambassador for North Carolina. Through these and other positions, Clarice has contributed to several publications and presentations on home health, Medicare policy, value-based care, federal legislation, and advocacy. Her prior clinical experience includes acute care, outpatient, lymphedema, and home health. Clarice is a 2018 graduate of Columbia University in New York, NY. 

Claudia Phillips, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist and internationally certified yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from Pacific College of Health and Science in New York with an associate degree in massage therapy, specializing initially in sports, orthopedic, and prenatal massage. Claudia holds massage therapy licenses in New York, Florida, and Virginia, along with certification from the MBLEX examination. Her journey into teaching yoga naturally complemented her massage therapy practice, allowing her to contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of her students, clients, and herself. Professionally, she divides her time between serving as the lead therapist at a five-star resort in Panama and working as an independent contractor for massage therapy offices in Virginia. In both locations, Claudia develops and refines continuing education courses for manual therapists. On a personal note, Claudia is a mother, surfer, and amateur chef. She strives to infuse her courses with the same level of creativity, clarity, and intention that she brings to each massage or yoga class.  

Dr. Cori Campbell, DPT, MBA has served as a clinician, manager, director, executive director, and consultant in acute care, inpatient, skilled rehab, home health, and outpatient programs throughout her 20 years in healthcare. She is a speaker and trainer and currently provides consulting for healthcare practitioners incorporating natural, holistic services into their practice. She is a co-lead for the military spouse professional network where she serves as a mentor for military spouses who are healthcare professionals. 

Dr. Cristina Roy is a healthcare provider based in New York CIty. She works as a Researcher, Health Content Writer, Educator and Clinician in her field. She is an active member of the AmericanPhysical Therapy Association, and sits on the board of the Federal Physical Therapy Section’sAmputation Care Special Interest Group. In addition to her Doctorate in Physical Therapy she has achieved recognition as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist and Adaptive Recreation/Sports Specialist. In addition to her role as PT Planner for Elite Professional Education, she is part of a research team improving prosthetic and orthotic devices for the Department of VeteransAffairs. 

Cristine E. Agresta, MPT, PhD. is an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan in the School of Kinesiology and co-director of the Michigan Performance Research Laboratory. She holds a master’s degree in physical therapy from Youngstown State University and a PhD in neuromotor science from Temple University. She has more than 10 years of experience treating running-related injuries and endurance athletes. Dr. Agresta has worked in several sports performance physical therapy clinics across the United States, including those in Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Denver. She currently performs running and sport assessments for recreational and collegiate athletes at the University of Michigan.

Cynthia Diaz graduated from Florida International University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a masters degree in Occupational Therapy in 2007. Cynthia gained a great deal experience in evaluating and treating common orthopedic issues while working for an orthopedic clinic at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida.

In 2013 she relocated to Arizona with her small family and has continued to further her knowledge base through study, continuing education courses and continues to treat patients through home visits. Cynthia is married and has two small children.

Cynthia Howard RN, CNC, PhD has a Professional Coaching practice is a Registered Nurse and received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Baltimore MD and PhD in Human Development from University of MD, College Park. Research focused on the impact of stress among nurses and the ability to care.

Cynthia spent 15 years in critical care nursing, Education and Management before opening her Coaching practice focused on stress management, resilience and emotional intelligence for healthcare professionals and leaders. Cynthia  developed a competency based program for resilience and emotional intelligence and has worked with thousands of professionals

Cynthia Morton joined NASL as the Executive Vice President in September of 2010 and has led the organization to advocate for high-quality care for the patients NASL members serve through working to advance legislative and regulatory policy.  NASL is a non-profit advocacy group representing providers of both ancillary services and products to the long-term and post-acute care sectors.  NASL member companies provide speech-language pathology, physical, occupational and respiratory therapy; portable x-ray/EKG and clinical lab services, health information technology including electronic medical records, billing and point-of-care IT systems and other software solutions that serve the majority of LTPAC providers; and products such as complex medical equipment and additional specialized supplies for long term and post-acute care settings nationally. 

Dalia Zwick is a physical therapist with an advanced Ph.D. degree in Pathokinesiology from New York University School of Education - Physical Therapy Program.  Her special interest and focus are Posture and Posture Care.  In addition, she also specializes in orthotics and shoe wear needs of individuals with disabilities.  Her approach integrates yoga into rehabilitation where postural alignment and use props are main elements.  She is an advanced practitioner of Iyengar Yoga and traveled a few times to India exploring the therapeutic approach of this discipline.  She received training in Postural Care in 2012 and in 2013 in the UK from the UK leaders in Postural Care.  She has an extensive clinical and didactic experience in the disciplines of neuropathology and neurodevelopment rehabilitation of individuals with developmental and acquired disabilities.  Dalia Zwick published in peer-reviewed and other publications.  She presented in national and international conferences and local workshops and seminars. 

Damien is experienced in clinical education teaching, continuing education teaching and, previous academic teaching positions at Indiana University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Damien’s graduate studies were at University of Pennsylvania; Virginia Commonwealth University; and Washington University St. Louis.

Damien is an active clinician eager to share what he has learned from his extensive clinical experience. He has been using two-dimensional video motion analysis in his clinical practice for over 35 years.

He has a history of professional leadership roles with the American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Board, and Virginia Board of Health Professions. He is recipient of Virginia Physical Therapy Association awards the Beb Cash Award for Clinical Excellence; and Jack Echternach Research Award. He is recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association State Legislative Leadership Award.

He continues to provide example and mentoring to peers to provide evidence based, patient centered, effective, and efficient Physical Therapy. 

Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, LD, FACSM is Professor Emeritus of Nutrition, and of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University, where he also served as Director of the Laboratory for Elite Athlete Performance. He received his PhD in Human Service Studies and Human Nutrition from Cornell University, is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist, and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Benardot is the inventor of NutriTiming® web-based and Apple iOS software. To date, he authored 7 books, 17 book chapters, and many journal articles. His most recent book is Advanced Sports Nutrition- 2nd Edition. He has worked for many years with athletes, including the USA 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold-medal gymnastics team, the medal winning USA 2004 Athens Olympics marathoners, and the medal winning USA 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympics figure skaters. He was also the nutritionist for the 2017 NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons football team.

​​​​​​​​​Danielle Almendinger is a Licensed Massage Therapist with an associate degree from Career Training Academy. In her passion for massage grew out of a desire to free her loved ones from the physical pain they were feeling in their bodies. That desire stayed with her throughout her teenage years. In turn, prompting her to attend massage therapy school.  

In her early career Danielle found herself in a spa setting. Soon after she started her own massage therapy practice focusing in the specialty areas of Reproductive Health, Prenatal, and Postpartum massage. A mother herself, she has firsthand experience with the many different physical and emotional changes a woman undergoes during this time in her life. She is honored that so many women have allowed her to be a part of their journey in this regard.  

In addition to practicing massage Danielle’s career path has taken her into teaching others. She has taught at her local massage therapy school for several years as well as teaching continuing education in various parts of the country.  

Lt. Col. Daphne Essex is a dual-certified nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree emphasis on improving healthcare to underserved and diverse populations. Dr. Essex treats clients with various behavioral and medical disorders.  She is a 33-year military veteran and is a member of the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Advanced Practitioner for the River Region. Dr. Essex treats clients with various behavioral and medical disorders.  She is a 33-year military veteran and is a member of the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Advanced Practitioner for the River Region. 

David S. Logerstedt, PT, PhD, MPT, MA, SCS, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and human performance from the University of Montana and a Master of Arts degree in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Logerstedt earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from East Carolina University and a doctorate in the interdisciplinary program of biomechanics and movement science from the University of Delaware. He completed a postdoctoral research position in knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty with Drs. Lynn Snyder-Mackler and Joseph Zeni, Jr. Dr. Logerstedt is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He has been a practicing rehabilitation specialist for nearly 20 years and is board certified in sports physical therapy. Dr. Logerstedt was a physical therapist at the athletes’ Olympic Village polyclinic at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. He has presented his research on ACL and knee disorders at national and international conferences and has published in prestigious sports medicine journals on ACL injuries.

Dawn Altman, RN, is an expert cardiology nurse instructor who has been educating nurses and other health care providers in ECG interpretation for over 35 years. After an extensive career as an emergency department nurse and paramedic clinical instructor, she worked in a large full-service cardiac hospital. In 1986, she authored an ECG textbook (under the name Dawn Bean). She currently administers free web-based teaching materials for other ECG instructors.

Dawn Greaves, PT, DPT has practiced in various settings since graduating from Indiana University with her BS in PT in 1982. She joined Aegis Therapies in 2011 as Clinical Director for Home Health, later leading home health as the Vice President, before being promoted to her current role of Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer. In her role she appreciates the opportunity to share her passion for providing care for seniors across the continuum. She is currently serving as the publications chair and editor of the Quarterly Report for the Home Health Section of the APTA. 

She completed her transitional DPT at Des Moines University in 2010. Ms. Greaves is co-author on multiple poster presentations related to the provision of rehabilitation in the Homecare environment, including Combined Sections Meeting, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, National Association of Orthopedic Nurse and American Physical Therapy Association. She has been a session presenter at Leading Age Annual Meeting, National Association of Orthopedic Nurses and The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meetings as well as presenting multiple times at National Association of Rehabilitation Agencies Fall and Spring Conferences, Combined Sections Meeting – APTA, and the APTA National Meeting. 

Deanna Hamilton, PhD, is an associate professor of graduate psychology at Chatham University where she has been a faculty member since 2006. Dr. Hamilton has taught a variety of courses at Chatham including developmental psychology, psychopathology, positive psychology, ethics and professional development, and supervision. Dr. Hamilton earned her doctoral degree in clinical/developmental psychology from Bryn Mawr College in 2005. She completed her doctoral internship at the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Duquesne University Counseling Center. Dr. Hamilton has published research in the areas of positive psychology and well-being, and self-efficacy among graduate student trainees, and is co-author of the book Girls’ Identities and Experiences of Oppression in Schools: Resilience, Resistance, and Transformation. Dr. Hamilton has collaborated with colleagues at Chatham University and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on suicide awareness and prevention initiatives across the University.

Ms. Converse is a career educator and trainer, and she has authored recertification courses in healthcare for 13 years. She has served on the State Board of Education writing teams in Florida and Hawaii to develop standards and examinations to enhance skills for best practice in healthcare and education. 

Debbie Roper, MSN, RN graduated from University of Texas at Arlington. She has forty-one years of nursing experience with the last eleven years dedicated to developing stroke programs. Debbie is the CEO of Strokes“R”Us where she developed the only formal training for stroke coordinators in the United States, “Advanced Stroke Certification Course”. She has successfully led multiple urban and rural healthcare facilities toward all levels of stroke certification. Debbie has personally educated thousands of healthcare professionals, EMS providers and members of the community about stroke. She is recognized nationally for her efforts in changing processes to treat stroke patients.

Deborah S. Adelman, PhD, RN, NE-BC is a professor of graduate nursing at Purdue University Global and a noted disaster nursing textbook, CE disaster offerings, wrtitten numerous disaster nunrsing articles, and given presentations to various organizations on disaster nursing and response. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy with a human resource education focus from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign College of Education, and received a Master of Science in nursing in nursing administration with a focus on public health nursing from the University of Illinois, Unversity Center. She has a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Illinois, Medical Center, College of Nursing. She is a board-certified nurse executive and has held a variety of positions within nursing in mental health, public health, and nursing administration. 

Debra Dent is a Physical Therapist with 39 years of experience specializing in manual therapy of the spine. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, Canada where she received her Diploma of Physiotherapy in 1977 and her Bachelors of Physical Therapy in 1979. She was certified as a Part A Manual Physical Therapist from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 1989 and received her Advanced Diploma of Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy in 1994 (FCAMPT). USA Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) designation was completed in 1996 and recertified in 2006 and to be recertified "Emeritus" in 2016.

Debra is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Therapists (FCAMPT) since 1994 and was an instructor for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association prior to moving to the USA. She was a guest clinical instructor at the University of South Florida from 2003-05, teaching the Spinal Manual Therapy Program for the MscPT undergraduate program.

She has taught a large number of manual therapy courses in the US and Canada, teaching for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Division, North East Seminars and presently teaching with Cross Country Education. She is the author of "Differential Diagnosis of the Spine: Exposing Spinal Pain Masqueraders". She owns Cross Border Seminars, a Florida seminar company and teaches locally in the SE USA. She recently retired from active practice to teach.  She is a photographer, captain/sailor and an avid runner.

Denise Dougherty is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has her own private practice, where she conducts therapy with both children and adults. Ms. Dougherty received her Bachelor's degree at Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania, a Master's Degree from St. Louis University and has completed postgraduate courses at Johns Hopkins University and several doctoral courses at University of Phoenix.

She is certified in VitalStim therapy and is an instructor for VitalStim certification, is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has received numerous ASHA ACE Awards. Ms. Dougherty has worked at United Cerebral Palsy, Easter Seals, in long-term care; is a board member of The American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA), AAPPSPA Program Chair for 2006 and 2007 Conference; is a AAPPSPA liaison for the ASHA Health Care and Economics Committee and served as secretary of CORSPAN.

Ms. Dougherty was also an adjunct faculty member at York College of Pennsylvania and Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. She is the Vice President of The American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology and received the Academy's 2007 Honors Award for achievements.

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Diana has been a nurse for 16 years. She was a “non-traditional” student when she made the decision to go back to school at the age of 40. Diana obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Texas Baptist University in 6/2000. She graduated in September, 2007, with a Masters in Nursing (MSN) and a Masters of Business Administration in Health Care Management (MBA-HCM) from University of Phoenix.

Diana began her nursing career on an Intermediate Care Cardiac Unit and then progressed into other critical care areas, these include: Medical and Surgical ICU, Neuro Trauma ICU, Trauma ICU, and Cardiac Care Unit (CCU). She taught Medical and Surgical Nursing, didactic and clinicals, for 2 years in a proprietary School of Nursing in Aurora, Colorado. Diana served as adjunct faculty (Critical Care and Capstone Clinicals) for University of Texas – Arlington for 2.5 years. she currently work as a Clinical Nurse Educator/Care Facilitator for all Medical and Surgical Units within an acute care facility in East Texas. 

Diane M. Heislein, PT, DPT, OCS, is a licensed physical therapist with over 30 years of clinical practice primarily in the practice area of orthopedics. She received a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from the University of Lowell, a post-professional master of science degree in orthopedic and sports physical therapy and a doctor of physical therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Dr. Heislein received board certification as a clinical specialist in orthopedics (OCS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 1992, 2002, and 2010. She hold a full-time faculty appointment at Boston University’s College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College as the director of the physical therapy programs, where she teaches the lower extremity musculoskeletal system course, which includes the examination and treatment of patients following knee arthroplasty. In addition, her clinical practice is focused on acute care management of orthopedics, including post-surgical patients, with a high volume of joint arthroplasty patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Heislein has authored several textbook chapters and a clinical summary for the APTA on physical therapy management of patients following arthroplasty surgery.

Diane Zeigler, PT graduated in 1980 with a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Biology, in preparation for entering Physical Therapy School. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1983. Her career has spanned a wide variety of settings, enabling her to build a strong clinical foundation for maximizing outcomes for patients with a variety of diagnoses. She has worked in a large acute care research hospital, a free-standing occupational medicine clinic, a small community hospital with a 56-bed rehab unit, a community hospital with a SNF unit, home health, long–term care, and an inpatient rehab/day hospital program. Her teaching experiences include prepared childbirth, cardiac rehab, community outreach through speaker’s bureaus, clinical inservices, as well as student clinical instruction. She has served in a variety of managerial positions while always keeping excellent clinical outcomes as her focus. Currently, she is working with a national healthcare clinical solutions company, delivering evidence-based programs that improve clinical outcomes and yield greater patient satisfaction across the continuum of care.

Don Scheumann began his education in personal growth and transformation as a teenager, when he commenced yoga studies at the Yoga Society of New York. After graduating from SUNY with a BFA in dance, he pursued a career in modern dance in New York City. During this period, he undertook an internship at a major holistic health center, where he studied with many of the premier educators in the human potential movement. This experience led him to move away from the performing arts and devote his career to the exploration of the body as a tool for healing. In 1980, he became a certified yoga instructor, and in 1982 he graduated from massage school. His other certifications in bodywork modalities include polarity, neuromuscular therapy, Reiki, Pfrimmer deep muscle therapy, acupressure, and Zen therapy.

Don was a massage practitioner and instructor for more than 20 years. For much of that time, he taught at the Atlanta School of Massage, where he was a major contributor to curriculum development, creating many of the classes for the Integrated and Deep Tissue Program, as well as classes in the Wellness and Spa Therapies Program. The Balanced Body was first published in 1997, and Don successfully stewarded it through two more editions. In this time, it has become a well-used and much-respected book in the profession. The massage therapy community lost a beloved practitioner and teacher with Don’s passing in 2008.

Donna Greene, OTR/L, board certified and licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist, received her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University in Occupational Therapy.  Donna has owned and operated her own practice as a contract pediatric OT in many settings including:  schools, preK facilities, daycares, home health, and outpatient clinics.  Her primary focus has been in school-based practice under the guidelines of a Special Education and Related Service Model to assist students in remediation, skill acquisition, modification, and adaptation in the pursuit of meeting the needs of their educational curriculum. IEP team collaboration, education, and training was provided to and with the school staff and administration. In addition to her role as a clinician, Donna has developed various in-service training and CE courses with various groups and on-line webinar companies. 

Dr. Bernadette Schmeltz, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, BCTS​, DRS​ received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh in 2000 and Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Chatham University in 2019.  She is ​currently ​an Assistant Professor and ​former ​Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at Slippery Rock University.  She has over 20 years of clinical experience working in diverse settings such as acute care, home health, outpatient pediatrics and adults, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and cyberschool​ through a virtual setting​.  She ​is a Board Certified Telepractice Specialist (BCTS), a ​Certified Lymphedema Therapist​, and also​ holds certifications in Handwriting Without Tears Level 1 handwriting, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, and administering the Sensory Processing Measure.  She has presented at both the state and national level on her capstone project related to improving evidence-based practice utilizing an online journal club. She recently published an article in OT Practice on the entry-level OTD doctoral capstone. 

Dr. Beth Barstow, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA, is an associate professor and director of the low vision graduate certificate program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has over 20 years of experience working with adults and older adults with neurological impairment. A current line of research includes health promotion and development of a patient-provider model to facilitate exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis. This includes multi-disciplinary grant funding and publications on
this topic.

Dr. Chris Castel PhD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research. His expertise is in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of therapeutic medical devices for physical medicine and digital health. Dr. Castel holds numerous patents and has published extensively. As a national and international lecturer, he has taught and presented at a post-graduate global level in physical agent modalities, regulatory affairs, and health care strategies. Dr. Castel is a member of numerous societies and boards and is active in the development of standards for digital health and remote therapeutic monitoring. 

Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper is a Counseling psychologist, educator, entrepreneur, author, and civic leader. Dr. Jameca holds a master’s and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri Columbia. Her company, Emergence Psychological Services, has served the Saint Louis community for the past sixteen years. She is a Fulbright Fellow in Global Health and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, NBC, ABC news, WebMD, and USA Today. 

Dr. Kandy Salter, OTD, OTR/L is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years specializing in neurologic rehabilitation and driver rehabilitation. She has been working at the University of Arkansas since March 2018 and her primary responsibilities currently include development of clinical education, capstone coordination, and developing program policies and procedures. 

Dr. Salter has been a member of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists since 2018 and has completed over 150 hours of continuing education specific to driver rehabilitation.  She enjoys coordinating CarFit events and speaking to aging drivers about driver safety.  She has been invited as a guest lecturer to discuss the role OTs have in addressing driving and community mobility with entry level OT students at 4 different Universities in AR, OK, and KS. 

Dr. Kim Maryniak, PhD, MSN, BN, RNC-NIC, NEA-BC, is a highly experienced nurse with over 31 years in critical care, professional practice, education, and nursing operations, including serving as a Chief Nursing Officer. Her specialties span various areas, including medical/surgical practice, psychiatry, pediatrics, progressive care, and adult and neonatal intensive care. Dr. Maryniak holds a nursing diploma from Foothills Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Athabasca University, and her Masters of Science in Nursing and PhD in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. She is certified in neonatal intensive care nursing and as a nurse executive, advanced. Actively involved in professional organizations, her roles include research utilization, education, quality improvement, leadership development, and curriculum development. Dr. Maryniak has no significant financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Probst is a pharmacist with over 35 years of practice experience. Most of his career has been spent in academic medical centers in clinical, administrative/leadership, and educational roles. His scope of expertise encompasses adult and pediatric patients. He has contributed to many translational research efforts; coauthored 40 publications; precepted and taught pharmacology-related topics to various healthcare students; and delivered numerous invited presentations at state, local, and national conferences. He is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and pharmacogenomics-certified clinician. 

Dr. Morgan Rotella, PT, DPT, received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the Ohio State University in 2019. She has been working as an outpatient orthopedic and vestibular physical therapist for over 4 years now and is a certified vestibular and concussion rehabilitation specialist per the American Institute of Balance. Outside of working as a clinician, she writes and edits health blogs and video content to ensure appropriate information is available regarding common medical conditions and physical therapy considerations. Furthermore, she has experience in reviewing, summarizing, and contributing to a number of physical therapy continuing education courses.

Eileen is the Director of Education for the National Personal Training Institute. She has been an educator for NPTI for the past 9 Years. Her broad scoped career in Health Club Management along with Fitness and Wellness has provided Eileen with the experience necessary to enhance the education of her students.

Eileen is a Master Instructor  NASM CEU provider, and is the CEO, Curriculum Developer and Presenter for the National Continuing Education Institute. 

Ms. Yard is a Professional Development Conference Presenter for  the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges). She has been presenting business and professional development seminars at a corporate level throughout her career. Her dynamic presentations are motivational and propose applications that can be used to improve business by identifying the customers needs and providing staff training and development to exceed expectations.

Elizabeth A. Sherman, MA, MOT, OTR/L, (they/she) is a clinical occupational therapist and faculty member in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree programs at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth received their BS in exercise science from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, her master of occupational therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, and her MA in infant and early childhood development (IECD) from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. Elizabeth is currently completing her PhD in the IECD program at Fielding with concentrations in reflective practice and the developmental, individual differences, relationship-based (DIR) model. Elizabeth has also completed a certificate program in evidence-based trauma-sensitive yoga methodology developed at the Justice Resource Institute in Massachusetts. Elizabeth is currently completing their dissertation on autistic-created and autistic-driven supports for agentic action in the autistic community across the life span. Elizabeth’s clinical occupational therapy work is focused primarily on neurodiversity-affirming (inherently trauma-informed) and community mutual aid support for autistic children and adults as well as collaborative mental health care for children, adults, and families. She presents regularly for graduate occupational therapy programs and state organizations across the U.S. Elizabeth’s current primary commitment to scholarship and service is engaging in collaborative, autistic-led advocacy efforts aimed at reducing systemic trauma and the incidence of PTSD in the autistic community through expanding access to basic needs and authentic community care for autistic community stakeholders. 

Elizabeth D. DeIuliis, OTD, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist for over 18 years, with content expertise in adult physical disabilities and acute-care practice settings.  Dr. DeIuliis attended Duquesne University and graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2004. In December 2009, she completed a post-professional doctorate of occupational therapy degree at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She continues to practice clinically on a per-diem basis at UPMC Shadyside Hospital within Centers of Rehab Services in Pittsburgh. 

Elizabeth D. Dwyer, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, FNAP, FAOTA is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned degrees from Duquesne University and Chatham University and completed the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Academic Leadership Institute, earning the credential of academic leader. She is a distinguished fellow both in the National Academies of Practice for Occupational Therapy and in the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in human biology from Olivet Nazarene University in 2003 and her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2007 from Midwestern University. Elizabeth has over 13 years of experience in the acute inpatient, outpatient, home health, and subacute nursing settings and currently works in the inpatient Neuromuscular Unit at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. She was awarded Governors State University Clinical Instructor Excellence Award in 2015 and is the content creator for the YouTube video, “Little Steps, Big Gains.” She has served as an ataxia expert representing the field of occupational therapy at the National Ataxia Foundation Conference and John Hopkins Ataxia Center. Elizabeth is certified in LSVT BIG and tai-chi and is a functional aging specialist and certified older adult exercise consultant.

Ellen N. Friedman owns a private practice in Ohio, where she works clinically in out patient, school, home health and teaching settings. Former president of the Northeast Ohio Regional Association of Medical Speech/Language Pathologists, Ellen began her subspecialty voice practice in 1993, which has expanded to include pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients who have voice, swallowing, digestive, and speech/language deficits.

Ellen has taught in the graduate school of speech pathology at Kent State University, and was also on the faculty of Cleveland State University, where she taught clinical procedures. On the national level, Ellen teaches CEU courses in the areas of dysphagia, adult failure to thrive, social skills, voice, and reflux disease, and is published in the fields of voice and gastroesophageal disease.

In addition to being a speech/language pathologist, Ellen is a professional actor, vocalist, acting coach, and director. She performs in the venues of film, voice-over, and stage. Within this realm Ellen works with many performing artists in training of voice and dialects as well as characters, and also enjoys teaching master voice training to speech/language pathologists, who are interested in improving their own voices.

Emily Slaven, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, received a bachelor of physiotherapy degree from University College Dublin, Ireland in 1996 and a master of physiotherapy degree from University of Manchester in 2001. After practicing for several years in Indiana as a physical therapist in an orthopedic outpatient setting where she worked with a large caseload of patients who had undergone joint arthroplasty, Dr. Slaven developed an interest in being able to better quantify motion following lower joint arthroplasty. She completed a masters degree in biomechanics from Ball State University, Indiana in 2008 and a PhD in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. The topic of her PhD dissertation was “Prediction of Functional Outcome at Six Months Following Total Hip Replacement.” This study was published in Physical Therapy Journal and several presentations of different aspects of the study were presented nationally. Additionally, Dr. Slaven has completed the American Physical Therapy Association’s Orthopedic Clinical Specialization examination and a fellowship in manual therapy at Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina.

Dr. Slaven is an associate professor in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis where she teaches orthopedics and manual therapy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her research has focused on the impact of lower limb arthroplasty on mechanics of gait and on the effect of physical therapy interventions particularly manual therapy for those who have hip osteoarthritis. She continues to practice clinically where she sees patients both as inpatients and outpatients following total hip arthroplasty.

Erin K. Peterson, DHSc, OTR, CHT is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis. She graduated with an entry-level Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2011 and earned a Doctorate in Health Sciences in 2014 from the University of Indianapolis. In 2018, she obtained her Certified Hand Therapist credential. She maintains clinical practice in upper extremity rehabilitation at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, IN, and is skilled in the design and optimization of rehabilitation documentation templates used in electronic medical record systems. Additionally, Dr. Peterson has research interests in improving client satisfaction in rehabilitation and post operative scar management. 

Gail Stocks, founder and principal of EZ Way To Stay in Montclair, NJ, is an occupational therapist and accessibility specialist. She has a Master's degree from NYU and more than 30 years of experience working with clients across the spectrum of ages and abilities. Gail has been designated a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is an approved instructor by NAHB for their CAPS and Universal Design Essentials Courses. She received her Executive Certificate in Home Modification administered by the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification. She is committed to ensuring every client has practical solutions that promote maximum independence, safety, comfort and peace of mind. Gail is a proud member of the American Occupational Therapy Association with a designation in Home Modifications, the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy with a designation in pediatrics, and the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance. She is a volunteer for Rebuilding Together where she is working to implement an Aging in Place initiative and is a member of NJ AARP Speakers Bureau. Gail has been published in the June 2019 issue of Occupational Therapy Practice Magazine. She has shared her expertise at speaking engagements throughout her community on the conversion or adaptation of environments to make task performance easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living.

Geoff Mosley has been a licensed physical therapist since 1997, when he graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia.  He has been board certified in neurological physical therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association Board of Specialties since 2003. He has earned Vestibular Rehabilitation certification at Emory University’s annual course, as well as certification, from RESNA, as a Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner.

Mr. Mosley has conducted rehabilitation research on topics including neural tension in patients with stroke, body weight supported gait training, the Functional Gait Assessment, and balance training utilizing video game technology. Mr. Mosley has been an adjunct faculty member at Missouri State University, and has guest lectured at other universities around the state.  He is an item writer for the NCS exam through the Specialization Academy of Content Experts, which serves the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.  Geoff has presented continuing education nationwide at various professional conferences, and has authored numerous online courses.

George Bryant, OTR, MOT, CLT-LANA has 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working closely with Interdisciplinary Teams to ensure Residents receive positioning equipment and strategies necessary to promote independence and prevent negative outcomes such as contractures and pressure ulcers.
Prior to becoming an OTR, George worked at Texas MHMR centers as a Physical Management Coordinator and QMRP making sure multiply-handicapped and developmentally-delayed individuals received adaptive wheelchair/seating systems and positioning aides to ensure success and undue restraint while promoting functional activity and freedom from pressure wounds and positioning-related deformities. George now serves as OT Clinical Liaison for Rehab Synergies.

Gilda Smith, LMT, NMT, PDMT, IPT, and certified yoga instructor graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy in 2001 and has since made education in the science of the body a priority in her massage therapy career. In 2011, she received her yoga certification, and in 2015, she achieved her goal of becoming a continuing education teacher for massage therapy. Ms. Smith is a highly skilled and experienced bodywork therapist, having studied various deep muscle therapeutics such as Pfrimmer, cranial sacral, neuromuscular therapy, and osteopathic connective tissue therapy dynamics. She has trained with multiple experts in the field and has become a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor. This yoga training has led her to study the influence of the autonomic system on the body, which she has incorporated into her unique approach to bodywork. Gilda is certified in myofascial release and has received natural alignment training from Anatomy Train and studied yoga medicine courses, osteopathic positional release therapy, biodynamics, and SMRT (spontaneous muscle release therapy).   

Currently the Director of Clinical Operations at Southern Flex Rehabilitation in South Louisiana, Ms. Grabert has provided numerous hours of education on topics such as documentation standards in the hospital setting, treating the medically complex patient, and augmentative & alternative communication in the acute care setting.

Ginger has almost two decades of experience as a healthcare industry professional. She worked as Director of various departments including Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care and Endoscopy. Ginger served as the Education and Compliance Coordinator for 80 long term acute care facilities across the United States. She provided instruction on documentation compliance, Medicare regulation, fall management and restraint reduction.

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Hanni Stoklosa, MD, MPH, is an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, faculty at Harvard Medical School, and a Human Trafficking and Forced Labor fellow at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University in Boston. She is an Institute of Medicine, American Board of Emergency Medicine fellow in health sciences policy and cofounder of HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkages) Trafficking, an international network of professionals combating human trafficking from a public health perspective. Through her work, she seeks to advance research and policy on the health needs of human trafficking victims globally and locally.

Heather Guarnera is an HR and Safety professional with over 18 years of experience in organizational development, HR policy compliance and workplace safety practices for businesses with U.S. and global operations. Heather was a past member of the Board of Directors for the Case Manager Society of America, Southern California Chapter. As part of this role, she assisted in constructing and passing work comp reform legislation in California.

Heather has provided both HR compliance and safety consulting for a large number of start-up, corporate, government organizations and non-profits. Several of her client engagements have included Boeing, Epson, The Rose Bowl, The City of Los Angeles, and Consolidated Restaurant Operations. She is certified by the DOT as a Breath Alcohol Testing Instructor, DOT Drug Screen Collection Instructor and also holds her certificate in OSHA Workplace Compliance Training. Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from The Ohio State University.

Heather Johnson, OTD, MS OTR/L, BSOT, CMhIMP is an Occupational Therapist with more than 20 years working with complex clientele, using non-pharmacological interventions to navigate pain, behaviors and other barriers to performance.  She has worked in dual roles as a clinician and IPE for health care practitioners.  In her commitment to non-pharmacological interventions, Heather has earned certifications in several complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) approaches including dry cupping, kinesio-taping for the upper extremity, mental health integrative medicine. Ms. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire-Durham and a post-professional master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She is currently working in home care with MGH-Brigham and completed her post-professional doctoral work in OT through the MGH-Institute of Healthcare Professions with an innovation project on closing the knowledge gap for OT and PT interventions for clients with graft vs host disease. She is a fieldwork coordinator for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in their COTA to MAOT Bridge Program.  

Heather O’Connell has been a respiratory therapist for 17 years. She has worked in many different areas of the field, such as critical care, pulmonary function and bronchoscopy, and labor and delivery. Heather earned her associate’s in science from Edison State College, her bachelor’s in cardiopulmonary sciences from the University of Central Florida, and her master’s in healthcare administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She worked as a clinical preceptor from 2010 until 2015, when she became a full-time director of clinical education for respiratory care at Florida Southwestern State College. She has taught various classes such as Assessment, Mechanical Ventilation, and Therapeutics.  

Heather, a licensed and certified athletic trainer received her bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Eastern Michigan in 2002, her master's degree in Exercise Science in 2005 and has spent the last 3 years working towards her educational doctorate focusing on concussion management.  Her anticipated graduation date from the University of St. Augustine is Fall 2017.  She has attended national presentations on concussion and consults with a concussion management specialist out of the DC area.  Heather has assisted the same specialist in presenting current concepts in concussion evaluation and management to include the return to learn process.  Her dissertation is titled Pre-post comparison of college instructors attitudes and beliefs of concussion.  Heather has worked at her current institution to develop a return to learn process that not only fulfills the NCAA policy, but extends to all students on campus.  She also remains on this committee as they continue to review the protocol that includes the process and educates the faculty, staff, and administration on the process that exists.  

Ms. Torres is a naturalized citizen from Colombia, South America, who, after working many years as a respiratory therapist, came to the United States to seek a professional nursing degree. She completed her BSN and Master in Nursing degrees from the University of South Alabama. She is currently the simulation director at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing and is pursuing nursing doctoral studies at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Her career focus has been in global health nursing. In addition to her life experiences in Colombia, she has taken students to Peru for clinical field experiences and has attended multiple global health conferences.

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J.D. Boudreaux received a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University in 2003 as well as a Masters of Physical Therapy from LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport in 2005. In August of 2003, he became nationally certified as an athletic trainer and obtained his Sports Certified Specialist certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2011. He recently completed his EdD degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe in Curriculum and Instruction in the Fall of 2018. 

He has over ten years of experience as a dual credentialed sports medicine professional. He has spent seven years managing acute athletic injuries and directing the post-surgical rehabilitation of high-level athletes at the collegiate level. Furthermore, he has served as a visiting lecturer and clinical preceptor for an ATEP program. Currently, he is employed by a private outpatient sports medicine clinic delivering care in conjunction with other medical professionals to a variety of individuals, including high school and collegiate athletes. 

Jacob J. Capin, PT, DPT, PhD, MS, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University (Newport News, VA) in 2012. He earned a Master of Science in anatomy and clinical health sciences (2014), a Doctor of Physical Therapy (2014), and a PhD in biomechanics and movement sciences (2019) from the University of Delaware. Dr. Capin’s PhD focused on optimally rehabilitating individuals after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, focusing on improving outcomes, addressing altered movement patterns, and reducing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Following his PhD completion, Dr. Capin completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO). Effective September 2021, Dr. Capin will be an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Marquette University. Dr. Capin has contributed over 25 peer-reviewed publications and over 60 national/international presentations, mostly on the topic of ACL rehabilitation and outcomes; he also has contributed to two book chapters on ACL rehabilitation. Dr. Capin has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, Academy of Physical Therapy Research, and Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Jacob played NCAA varsity basketball (Campbell University, Christopher Newport University) and now enjoys volunteering as a USA Triathlon Certified Coach and competing as a USA Triathlon All-American triathlete.

Dr. Fain is the associate dean for academic affairs at the UMass Chan Medical School, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Fain was dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth from 2004 to 2014. His primary area of research includes diabetes self-management education/support (DSMES) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fain is the author of numerous articles and a book titled Reading, Understanding, and Applying Nursing Research (6th ed.). He is the recipient of the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award from the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) and a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). Dr. Fain is board certified in advanced diabetes management (BC-ADM) and has worked as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in several inpatient and outpatient settings. He currently serves as editor in chief of The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care, the official journal of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). 

James Bray is currently serving as a Detective in a municipal police department. He has been a police officer for over 10 years having served as a patrol officer, field training officer, bike officer and community policing officer. Prior to serving as a police officer, Detective Bray served over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps.

Detective Bray has spent most of his time as a police officer teaching members of his community how to be safe both and home and around town. Detective Bray has conducted numerous home and business security surveys which provide valuable information to home and business owners on how to keep themselves, their customers and their homes and businesses secure.

James Menz is the owner of JGM Consultants, LLC. where he constructs and provides approved continuing education courses for allied health professionals. Currently, he serves as an approved provider for New Jersey and Pennsylvania public school teachers, nurses, athletic trainers, and personal trainers through NSCA, NATA and ACE.

James also serves as an adjunct Professor at Cumberland County College, in NJ, where he created and instructed certification level courses in massage therapy and personal fitness training. James developed  and hosted information sessions that were open to the public. He instructs courses in nutrition and health care careers, which are delivered in traditional, online and hybrid formats.

James earned his Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California University in Pennsylvania, as well as his Post Master's certification in Rehabilitation Science.

Dr. Piorkowski is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with additional board certifications in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He has a diverse clinical skill set that allows him to treat patients with a variety of injuries and conditions. Dr. Piorkowski received a BS from College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA and an MD from Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He completed a General Surgery Residency at University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, a Plastic Surgery Residency at University of Alabama at Birmingham, an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, and a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Piorkowski has affiliations with the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Jami Cooley, RN, CNWC is a registered nurse with compact licensure. Jami began her nursing career working in oncology and hematology. She received certification in Chemotherapy and Biotherapy at M.D. Anderson hospital in Houston, Texas in 2002 and was involved in clinical research trials for chemotherapeutic agents. Shortly thereafter, Jami became a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. She has worked as a nutritionist for 10 years with specialty in sports medicine and orthopedics. Part of her orthopedic medicine tenure included researching and applying evidence based medicine to accelerate return to work/ return to play.

Jami is a running trainer and member of the American Fitness Professionals Association and the American Nutrition Association. She is the founder of Nutritional Nursing Specialists and co-author of two top-selling health and wellness books, "Eating Your Way to Good Health" and "The Fungus Link”. Additionally, Jami has been a featured author on Livestrong and Natural Health Advisory and has published work in several health and fitness magazines including Healthy Living, Mother Earth News and Vogue. Jami has appeared on television programs and radio talk shows for her nutrition and fitness expertise. 

In her spare time, Jami enjoys running and participating in marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.

Jane Oelke has over 30 years experience educating clients and the public on ways to improve health naturally using functional medicine and energy medicine techniques. She believes people can make better choices when they learn what is causing stress in their lives are guided with great ideas.  

Her newest focus is helping patients keep their brains healthy to avoid mental health issues. Oelke performs specific brain assessment to find out individual needs to prevent dementia and memory loss, reduce anxiety and depression, and balance attention deficit issues.

Janeen Smith lives in Longview, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a BSN in nursing science and later with an MSN in nursing science and a minor in adult education. Janeen is also board certified in nursing professional development through the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center.

Since 2006 Janeen has served as a peer reviewer for the Texas Nurses Association Education Committee. This committee is charged with approving contact hours for activities benefiting Texas nurses. She has served as adjunct faculty for various nursing programs, including Kilgore College, East Texas Baptist University and UT Tyler. Janeen has also served as proctor for various schools of nursing to allow students to be tested in Longview.

Her nursing career includes several years as a pediatric nurse before becoming a full time nurse educator. She created and managed a new graduate program at a local hospital.  Her years spent as Education Coordinator in a hospital allowed her to train and test staff of various disciplines to maintain quality and proficiency. Currently, she is mentoring nursing students. 

Jennefer Witter is the chief executive officer and founder of The Boreland Group Inc. (TBG – www.theborelandgroup.com), an 18-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. The agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses as well as grassroots non-profits. It was selected by TheStreet.com as one of five national, black owned businesses “making a buzz”. Jennefer was named one of the nation’s “10 most successful black CEOS and entrepreneurs” by MadameNoire Magazine, and her company was recognized as one of 12 black-owned businesses to be “loved by its community and beyond” by ThriveGlobal (https://tinyurl.com/y7k4a6hw). 

Jennefer is an active public speaker, with presentations to military, trade and academic organizations on implicit bias; gender-based workplace conversation; inclusive leadership; personal branding; and networking. Venues include: TedX Albany; Tishman Speyer; The Pentagon; The Brookings Institution; Pennsylvania Conference for Women; the Virginia Business Conference; Bel Brands; The Sea Service Leadership Association’s Annual Symposium; Vital Voices Global Ambassadors Program; The Durst Corporation; Ellevate Network; Columbia University; and Columbia, American and Fordham universities. Jennefer was the keynote speaker at Brown Brothers Harriman’s “Women’s Summit” and at Women in Cable Telecommunications DC/Baltimore Chapter. She is a featured speaker with Never Stop Learning, a boutique speakers bureau. 

Jennefer is the author of “The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Small Business Noticed,” published by Amacom/HarperCollins. She has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, the Associated Press, Bloomberg Radio, MarketWatch Radio Network and WJLA. Her articles have appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, Medium, HuffPost and numerous small business publications. Previously, she was the public relations expert for Inc.com TV and a contributor to AOL Small Business.  

Jennefer is a passionate advocate for women in the workplace. She is an active member of Ellevate Network, a global networking organization for professional women, and serves as the Chapter Leader for the NYC Chapter. She sits on the advisory board for Women inPower, a 92nd Street Y led venture that seeks to support and promote senior level professional women to C-level positions. In addition, Jennefer serves on the benefit committee for the 92nd Street Y’s “Extraordinary Women’s Awards,” which honors women making significant social contribution through their work. She is a mentor to many women in various professional fields.  

Jennefer was formerly a vice president at Ketchum, an award-winning global communications firm. There, she launched a sub-practice that generated one million dollars in revenue in its first year. She represented numerous corporations from Silicon Valley start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, including IBM and FedEx.  

Jennefer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Print Journalism) from New York City’s Fordham University. She received a Regents Diploma from Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the country’s premier STEM schools, graduating with an A average.  Jennefer is also a diversity and inclusion advocate, and recently earned a DEI certificate from Cornell University.  

Jennifer Hinkley earned her bachelor’s in Education in 1999 from SUNY New Paltz in New York.  She went on to get her Master’s in Curriculum Design and Educational Technology and spent the first 13 years of her career as a teacher.  In 2012, she decided it was time for a change and became the Director of Training for a nursing home in Miami, FL.  With the support of her coworkers, she completed the Administrator in Training program and got her Florida Nursing Home Administrator License. 

 In January 2015, Jennifer was asked to take on the role of Corporate Director of Training and Education for one of the largest nursing home companies in Texas, where she is currently employed.  Jennifer got her Texas Nursing Home Administrator License in July 2016.  Among her many duties, one of her favorite is travelling to the homes throughout the state, providing support in a number of areas.  Her one true passion is creating a learning environment, where people are able to flourish and do their best. 

Jennifer Michelle teaches health and fitness professionals how to create thriving careers without losing their passion for what they do. Jennifer has an MPH from Tulane University. She started her career with her own stress management consultancy and later created a line of award-winning athletic apparel. She now provides workbooks, programs, and individual consulting for health and fitness professionals looking to expand their businesses smartly, without burning themselves out.

Her consulting uses a connection-based approach to marketing, which is also at the heart of her workbooks, Banish Burnout and Build a Thriving Business.

Jennifer Reeves-Reed,RN, received her Bachelor’s in Biology/PreMed from Texas A&M University in College Station ,Texas.  After working as a pharmaceutical sales representative for several years she decided to return to school for her nursing degree.  She attended The University of Texas at Tyler for her Bachelors in Nursing as well as her master’s in Nursing Administration.  She is currently enrolled in Texas Tech University working on her Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Jennifer started her nursing career in the neurosurgical ICU at UTSW Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas, Texas and then returned to East Texas where she serves as the Stroke Coordinator at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas.  She has also worked as the Clinical Director of the Stroke/Cardiovascular IMC as well.  Jennifer recently became published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases for her work with improving door to needle times and is constantly working to improve the care for both patients and caregivers within the hospital and the community. 

Jessica Garner, RN, BSN, IBCLC is a registered nurse with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Texas at Tyler. Jessica is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. 

She has worked as a Nurse Home Visit with Nurse Family Partnerships at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas since April 2013.

Jessica Rassmann, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist with almost a decade of clinical experience in outpatient orthopedic settings. Jessica earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Florida State University, and a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida. Her professional interests include Vestibular Rehabilitation and the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Jessica is certified in Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization, Kinesio Taping, and is currently working on her MDT certification. As a clinician Jessica regularly mentors students as a Clinical Instructor to ensure the preservation of evidence-based care in the next generation of health care providers. She also works as a contracted specialist providing utilization review (UR) to make determinations around medical necessity and appropriateness of care involving physical therapy cases. 

Jessica is an occupational therapist based in New York City. As an occupational therapist, she works with children and families across settings such as the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), pediatric unit, early intervention, and telehealth. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Perinatal Association and fulfills the role as vice president of development. Her current research focuses on minimizing stress in the neonatal intensive care unit by using developmental aids. Ms. Restivo has presented various topics at institutions such as NYSSHLA, Wagner College, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and the National Perinatal Association Conference. Her publications include “Using an Interdisciplinary Educational Video to Enhance Pediatric Residents’ Understanding of OT Services” in Physical Medicine and Rehab International.

Jim Menz began his career in health and wellness in 1992.  Since then, he has worked with a spectrum of clients in community, athletic and rehabilitative settings.  He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Corrective Exercise Specialist, holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and a post- graduate certificate in Rehabilitative Science.  He is licensed for massage therapy in New Jersey, where he maintains a practice in corrective exercise and bodywork. 

D. Joan Taylor, is an experienced nurse practitioner with 29 years of nursing experience in a variety of nursing areas including nursing education and clinical practice. She holds a BSN, an MSN, a Family Nurse Practitioner Certification, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and she is currently a faculty member for Purdue Global University School of Nursing. Dr Taylor has previously taught in BSN and MSN programs and is currently teaching in the DNP program. In addition to her academic role, she is also a certified family nurse practitioner in clinical practice that includes clinical telehealth. Dr Taylor’s achievements include collaborating in policy development and implementation of telemedicine, conference presentations, and publishing an article on telehealth. Dr Taylor serves on university and community committees and is a member of various professional organizations. Recently, she received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty for the DNP. Her research interests include population health, health disparities, mental health, innovative educational technology, and student stress in online learning. 

Joel holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is certified in strength and conditioning through the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He has advanced education in the diagnosis and treatment of movement and muscle imbalances with the Functional Movement Systems, overhead athletes and sports medicine. Additionally, he is a certified instructor in Blood Flow Restriction training.

Joel enjoys working with an active population of all ages. He also works closely with graduate students as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Indianapolis for the Krannert School of Physical Therapy. He has presented numerous times on content including throwing athletes, return to sports, blood flow restriction, functional movement assessments and minimizing injury risk. Empowering and enabling patients to achieve their goals, while providing instruction and meaningful treatments is his primary focus.

Joel is the owner and content editor of My Performance Rehab and a full-time physical therapist in the greater Indianapolis area. For more information, contact Joel@MyPerformanceRehab.com.

John Makopoulous, M.D., is an emergency department attending physician in Philadelphia and is the Chair for the healthy system’s credentialing committee. He serves as a member of the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, and American Academy of Emergency Medicine. 

Dr. John W. O’Halloran, is a licensed Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer with 30 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation. He is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association. He earned his post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University. Dr. O’Halloran is the sole owner of O’Halloran Rehabilitation a division of O’Halloran Consulting, LLC.

Dr. O’Halloran has also served as director of physical therapy/sports medicine at Southeastern Orthopedics in Greensboro, North Carolina as well as co-owner of GOSMC Properties, LLC. Dr. O’Halloran is also a former orthopedic instructor at the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1999, he became credentialed with the McKenzie Institute in the mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine. Dr. O’Halloran is also a certified functional capacity evaluator in the Blankenship Method. His unique evaluation and treatment skills make him a sought after clinical instructor for physical therapy and athletic training topics. He has spoken both locally and internationally on topics such as sports specific rehabilitation of the shoulder, spine rehabilitation and treatment of foot and ankle injuries.

Dr. O’Halloran has studied orthopedic and sports therapy abroad in Australia and New Zealand. His post graduate work has included manipulative therapy. His wide range of clinical experience and continued desire to further his education combined with advanced post graduate training allows him to provide his patients the most evidenced based rehabilitation and treat complex musculoskeletal conditions. John was awarded the 2014 recipient of the chapter's Excellence in Clinical Practice Award by the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association. He also was awarded the North Carolina Elon University Clinical Instructor of the year for 2015. Recently Dr O'Halloran's investigational work on the earlier facilitation of gait in the Total Knee Arthroplasty patient has been cited in peer reviewed journal publication.

A graduate of Tucson, Arizona’s acclaimed Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, John has been practicing massage since 1999 using a variety of clinical techniques. Now, having been in the field for two decades, John has a strong desire to help train the next generation of massage therapists.​ He is a fitness enthusiast, an obstacle course racer, adventure hiker, musician, and freelance writer who loves animals. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Portland State University.​ 

Dr. Boaen specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at Coastal Empire Orthopedics in Savannah, Georgia.  He completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Andrews Institute.  He is a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics. He is also a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA where he was F. Kathryn Edwards Scholarship Recipient. Dr. Boaen completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at UTCOM Chattanooga Department of Orthopaedics where he received the Program Director’s Academic Achievement Award.

Joseph Zeni Jr., PT, PhD, received his master’s degree in physical therapy from Quinnipiac University and spent several years working at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopaedics in Baltimore, Maryland. There, he treated individuals across the age spectrum with a variety of complicated joint disorders. He attended the University of Delaware for his doctorate in the Biomechanics and Movement Science program, after which he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware, where he investigated clinical outcomes before and after knee and hip arthroplasty. Currently, Dr. Zeni is an associate professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Rutgers University, where he teaches the anatomy components of the doctorate of physical therapy curriculum. His research focuses on biomechanical and clinical outcomes in older adults with hip and knee osteoarthritis. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to osteoarthritis and has received grants from private foundations and the National Institutes of Health supporting his work in this area.

Dr. Joshua Hackel, a sports medicine physician, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal injuries utilizing the latest medical techniques for anyone who is injured on the job or at home, a weekend warrior, professional, high school or recreational athlete.

Following his residency in 2003 in Family Practice at Columbus Regional Medical Center in Columbus, GA, Dr. Hackel accepted a fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Primary Care Sports Medicine under the direction of orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James R. Andrews. Upon completion of the fellowship he was invited to become a member of the Andrews Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center in Gulf Breeze, FL.

Dr. Hackel treats acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries such as joint sprains, strains, knee, hip, elbow, foot, ankle and shoulder injuries, fractures and stress fractures, arthritis/degenerative joint disease, athletes with chronic or acute illnesses, and nutrition.

Dr. Hackel has a multitude of team physician experience in many different sport and recreational arenas. These include team physician for the University of West Florida, Troy University football, Birmingham Barons baseball (AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), Birmingham Power of the WNBA, Arena Football's Birmingham Steeldogs, Southeastern Conference (SEC) women's basketball tournament, Mercedes Olympic Marathon, and the Medical Director for the Pensacola Marathon.

Dr. Hackel practices in Gulf Breeze at the Andrews Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center and serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at Florida State School of Medicine.

Joshua Skuller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, his Master of Education from the University of Louisville and his Doctor of Philosophy with a focus on education of students with autism from the University of Louisville. Dr. Skuller has been on faculty at Spalding University in the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy since 2012. He is currently an associate professor and teaches courses in pediatrics and mental health in the entry level OTD program. Dr. Skuller is board certified in pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and holds the credential of Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). In addition, Dr. Skuller is also certified in Ayers Sensory Integration through the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayers Sensory Integration (CLASI). His current research interests involve issues surrounding sensory integration and also trauma informed care in occupational therapy. Prior to his role on faculty, Dr. Skuller was employed for 12 years in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky where he provided occupational therapy to a diverse student population.

Joy Siegel spent the past 15 years working in the nonprofit sector as a fundraising consultant. While doing so she became especially partial to working in the social service sector, especially with senior adults. In 2012 Joy achieved a lifelong goal of obtaining a doctoral degree, graduating from Nova Southeastern University with an EdD in Organizational Leadership and Gerontology. 

Armed with her education, experience in the social sector, and personal experience as a caregiver to her mother who has been battling Parkinson’s Disease for 20 years, Joy was ready to switch careers and become an Intergenerational Coach.  Currently Joy and her partner, Hanna Fink, have developed a sphere of top-notch service providers whose sole purpose in their respective field is to meet the needs of families dealing with the challenges of aging and to assist in providing seniors with the best quality of life.

Judy Towne Jennings, PT, MA, is a physical therapist trained in geriatrics and pediatrics. She was an enthusiastic baby-development specialist until caring for her husband forced her to become an expert in caregiving for this strange disease, Lewy Body Dementia. Judy has been a voice for those who could not speak for themselves.

Judy has lectured extensively on the importance of early tummy time for infants. With the experience gained while caring for her husband, she will now become a voice for those with a deteriorating neurological disease. Judy is the author of "Living with Lewy Body Dementia, One Caregiver’s Personal, In-Depth Experience". Judy has extensive experience in orthopedic physical therapy. She trained and worked with Peter Towne, PT, FAPTA and Linda Towne PT. MEd for many years.

Julie Wallin Culligan, PhD, FAIHM, MEd, NBC-HWC, CYT-200, is a Psychologist and Whole Health Program Director at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, as well as Assistant Clinical Professor at the Quillen School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.  She served the Veterans Health Administration Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation as both the National Champion for Whole Health Coaching, acting as the national field advisor for health coaching, and Whole Health National Education Champion.  Dr. Culligan completed a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine from the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine, as a Social Impact Scholar.  Dr. Culligan is passionate about integrative mental health and healthcare transformation, and she enjoys lake and mountain life in NE Tennessee. 

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June Thompson, DrPH, MSN, RN, FAEN, has a long history of working in emergency care and in the community. She holds a doctoral degree in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology and health services administration. Dr. Thompson has held academic positions at the Ohio State University, the University of Texas and the University of New Mexico.

Justin Delic, PharmD, BCCCP is a critical care clinical pharmacy specialist at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. He completed his first year of pharmacy residency at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, followed by a second year of residency specializing in critical care medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Following residency, he went on to practice as an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prior to transitioning into his current role as a clinical pharmacy specialist at Cooper University Hospital. His areas of expertise include pharmacology, neurocritical care, simulation education, and anticoagulation. 

Katherine Rush, PT, graduated from the University of Missouri in 1998 with a degree in physical therapy. Since then, she has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including inpatient rehab, acute care settings, outpatient and skilled nursing. She currently owns her own outpatient clinic. Plantar fasciitis was a frequently seen diagnosis in the clinic with the focus of treatment being elimination of pain and correction of musculoskeletal imbalances.

Kathlyn L. Reed, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, MLIS, is an associate professor emeritus in the Sophie Lin Rydin School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, where she taught from 1997 to 2010. Dr. Reed received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in library studies and information from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in special education from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has published textbooks and peer-reviewed articles, and has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences. Dr. Reed is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, has presented the Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture, and has received the Award of Merit from the American Occupational Therapy Association. In addition, she has been placed on the Roster of Merit and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Occupational Therapy Association. From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Reed served as Chairperson of the American Occupational Therapy Association Ethics Commission. 

Katie Blair, PharmD, RPh, is a pharmacist and freelance writer specializing in pharmacy education. She has worked as a consultant pharmacist in Vancouver, Washington, serving long-term care facilities in the area since 2016. Dr. Blair also has over six years of experience working as a staff pharmacist at a community pharmacy in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in 2009 with a doctor of pharmacy degree. She has done freelance work writing and revising continuing education programs for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses, as well as writing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams. 

Keelan Enseki, MS, PT, OCS, SCS, ATC, CSCS, received master’s degrees in physical therapy and health and rehabilitation science from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to completing a 2-year sports physical therapy residency program at the University of Pittsburgh, he is a certified athletic trainer and is a board-certified orthopedic and sports clinical specialist. As a senior staff physical therapist at Centers for Rehab Services/University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Center for Sports Medicine, Mr. Enseki specializes in treating an active population with a special focus on hip disorders. He also serves as the director of clinical practice innovation, administrative director of physical therapy residency and fellowship programs, and director of the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. Mr. Enseki has presented extensively on rehabilitation of the hip and has coauthored several published articles and book chapters on hip conditions. He has served as a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Journal of Athletic Training, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy in Sport. He recently participated in the development of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Practice Guidelines for hip osteoarthritis and nonarthritic hip pain.

Kelley O’Leary is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in community health nursing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is an infection preventionist (IP) with over 20 years’ experience. She has worked in both clinical and public health settings. Kelley has been an educator throughout her career and has specific teaching experience in a nursing program at a community college. Kelley has done several presentations on infection prevention for a wide variety of groups. Her latest work project is implementing a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national training collaborative focused on infection prevention and control. She is a member of the Alaska and Hawaii Association for Professionals in Infection Control and has been certified in infection control since 2005. She lives in Keaau, Hawaii, with her husband and two rottweiler dogs.   

Kellie L. Kahveci, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP-BC, CNE, has been a practicing RN since 1983. Her clinical background includes critical care, primarily coronary care, pulmonary medicine, corporate marketing, home healthcare (medical-surgical, infusion therapy, and cardiovascular), and geriatrics. In all these roles, she held leadership positions She has been certified as an adult gerontology primary care and gerontology nurse practitioner since 2003. As an NP clinically, she made house calls; made home-based transitional care visits; and worked at a Veterans Administration Community Based Outpatient Clinic and Geriatric Medicine Outpatient Clinic as well as assisted living, dementia care, skilled nursing, and nursing home settings. Dr. Kahveci is a certified nurse educator who taught undergraduate and graduate nursing. She is currently a clinical assistant professor and program director for the Adult-Gerontology primary care program at the University of Texas-Arlington.  

Kelly A Crum, PhD(c), MSN, RN is a professor and interim director of the Division of Nursing at Bob Jones University. Most recently, Crum served as the director of the School of Nursing at Maranatha Pabtist Unversity in Watertown, Wisconsin. Crum earned a BS in nursing (1990) from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Flordia, She has an MS in nursing (1995) with a focu in maternal, child nursing, curriculum development, and nursing education from the University of South Alabama and post-master's coursework in women's health practitioner (1999). Crum is recently a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (ABD) from the University of Phoneix focusing on the nursing student's experience with internation service-learning. 

Kenneth Miller MEd, MSRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC has worked as a respiratory therapist for the past forty-eight years.  He has worked as a staff therapist, clinical coordinator, and is currently the educational coordinator of respiratory care services at Lehigh Valley Health Network.  He has presented lectures locally, regionally, and nationally on the clinical management of patients with respiratory diseases. He was awarded the fellowship of the American Association of Respiratory Care in 2016.  He has a passion for the treatment and clinical management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Dr. Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT  has led a distinguished career as a clinical physical therapist for the past 29 years, as a leading authority in rehabilitation of sports injuries and orthopaedic lesions. He has made significant contributions to laboratory research, bio-mechanical research and clinical outcome studies.

Kevin is also the Rehabilitation Consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Team, and has worked with professional baseball for 25 years. He is published in many professional journals, and is on the review boards of 7 journals. Dr. Kevin Wilk has received numerous professional awards in his long and outstanding career.

Kimberly A. Davis, OTD, MS, OTR/L, received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of New England in 1992 and practiced in inpatient mental health with a focus on working with those with substance use disorder until 2003. In 1998, she completed her master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire, and in 2005, her doctorate of occupational therapy (OTD) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Beginning in 2003, she made the formal transition into academia at Husson University. She currently works with the homeless population, assisting them with gaining skills needed for a return to independent living. She also maintains a connection to clinical practice, providing rehabilitative services to clients with dementia. Dr. Davis is currently an associate professor in the masters of occupational therapy program at Husson University, Bangor, Maine. 

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Dr. Kimberly Garcia has nine years experience specializing in the field of diagnostic radiology. Kimberly is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the Pensacola, FL area, including Baptist Hospital and Gulf Breeze Hospital. There she works with diagnostic imaging modalities such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays.

Kimberly completed her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2005. Dr. Kimberly Garcia is certified from the American Board of Radiology in diagnostic radiology, and is fellowship trained in body imaging and musculoskeletal radiology.

Kimberly Norwood, is the Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law at Washington University School of Law.  She completed her undergraduate work at Fordham University and obtained her J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She worked in litigation at a law firm before joining the faculty. She teaches a wide range of courses, including a course on Implicit Bias. She has lectured all over the world, including in China, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan; and she was among the group of experts advising Starbucks on the company’s bias programming. She is the principal partner in KJN Equity Consultants, LLC.

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Kyra Minichan, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language pathologist and Educational Strategist in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She is owner and the clinical director of The Curious Edge, LLC, a company designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by Dyslexia, ADHD, and language learning disabilities. Kyra specializes in cognitive-linguistic intervention and closing the gap between intelligence and academic struggle. She is the owner and clinical director of The Curious Edge, which works with the schools and community to bridge the gap in neuro-education.

Mrs. Minichan holds dual Master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology and Specific Learning Disabilities. She started her career 20 years ago in a rehabilitation facility and later worked as The Director of Pediatrics at a Level 1 Trauma Hospital. These formative years provided years of experience with a variety of clients and gain insight into the neurological development of a child. Kyra connects the dots between the medical and educational client and brings a fresh new perspective for today’s SLP. Mrs. Minichan has been a member of The American Speech Language Hearing Association since 1994.

Dr. Laura Miller is a licensed physical therapist with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a doctorate in physical therapy from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. She has spent over a decade working in outpatient neuro rehab settings and has earned several specialty certifications including Neurological certified specialist (NCS), Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) and Assistive Technology Provider (ATP). Dr. Miller currently holds a full time faculty position while engaging in research related to chronic disease and neurologic conditions. She is passionate about helping clinicians understand and improve their interactions with complex conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Laura Kay Wood, DNP, RN, CMCN  is a professor of graduate nursing at Purdue University Global. She received her DNP in executive leadership. Her EBP project focused on diaster nurse competencies. She holds a master's of nurisng in nursing education from Kaplan University. Her bachelor's degree in nursing is from Kaplan University. She is a board-certified managed care nurse. She has written and presented on diaster nursing. 

Laura Palombi, PharmD, MPH, MAT, is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in Duluth. Her teaching, public health practice, and research focus on community engagement to address public health problems. Dr. Palombi has presented and published on the healthcare response to human trafficking for several years. Dr. Palombi would like to acknowledge and thank Anders E. Rasmussen (PharmD candidate), a fourth-year pharmacy student from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy–Duluth campus, for their assistance on this update.

Laura Stimler, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, C/NDT, graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2002. She earned her Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with a concentration in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2014. Laura’s advanced certifications include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board Certification in Pediatrics, USC/WPS Sensory Integration and Administration of Sensory Integration Praxis Test, and Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment. Laura has worked in acute-care oncology for nearly nine years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she has specialized in treating pediatric oncology patients and supervised occupational and physical therapists. Laura has co-authored peer-reviewed publications specific to cancer rehabilitation and presents on local and national levels on the role of OT in oncology. Laura assisted in the creation and implementation of a screening tool used to identify rehabilitation needs in pediatric oncology patients. Additionally, Laura participated as a co-investigator of retrospective research study exploring relationships between thrombocytopenia, activity intensity during rehabilitation services, and frequency of bleeding complications in pediatric oncology patients. Laura recently completed the Cancer Rehabilitation Digital Badge Program through AOTA.

Lauren Bland, CFNP, MSN, has worked as a family nurse practitioner serving patients with anorexia on both a residential level and outpatient basis. She has been a nurse practitioner since 2009 and has 12 years of experience working with outpatient pediatrics and inpatient neonatal care, specializing in complex cases with a variety of diagnoses. 

Lauren M. Little, PhD, OTR/L has a clinical background in occupational therapy and a PhD in occupational science. Dr. Little’s clinical experience and program of research is focused on families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She has taught interdisciplinary courses related to behavioral interventions for children with ASD as well as pediatric practice and research courses in occupational therapy. Dr. Little has a number of publications about sensory processing measurement and intervention for children with ASD and other developmental conditions.

Lee N. Marinko, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in 1986 and completed her ScD in rehabilitation and movement science from Boston University in 2007. She completed a two-year fellowship in orthopedic manual physical therapy in 1998 and has been a certified fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy since that time. She has been a board-certified orthopedic specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association since 1996. Currently, she is a clinical assistant professor in the physical therapy program of Sargent College, Boston University, where she teaches musculoskeletal systems, with primary content in the upper extremity. She also serves as the academic liaison to the Boston University Physical Therapy Center and maintains an active practice in outpatient orthopedics.

Leigh Ann attended Ohio University where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 1993.  Leigh Ann is licensed to practice as a phyiscal therapist in Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina and has 23 years of experience; primarily in the post-acute continuum.  Leigh Ann started her career in Physical Therapy splitting her time between acute care and skilled nursing faciliites.  She quickly realized she enjoyed teaching and training, and was given an opporutnity to provide internal educational sessions to the clinicians in her company on various clinical and regulatory topics.  Leigh Ann then moved into a consulting role, assisting skilled nursing facilities and their rehabilitation departments with quality, compliance and clinical effecacy through audits, education, site visits and mock surveys.

Leigh Ann then became a Regional Director of Operations, again focusing on how to clinically achieve the operational outcomes necessary to have an effective rehab department; always focused on quality care and resident advocacy.  For the past 15 years Leigh Ann has been responsible for the clinical integrity of a large rehabiliation partner and spent the last 2 years as the Chief Clinical Officer before she started her own consulting company; Care Navigation Consulting in November 2016.  She completed her MBA from Clemson University in 2011; allowing her to better understand the business intricacies that have allowed her to be both a clinical and operational leader. 

Leigh Ann has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1993 and has been actively involved and a board member of NASL (National Association for the Support of Long Term Care).  She has spoken at both the state and national level, including VHCA, OHCA and Leading Age National to name a few. Leigh Ann is a proven subject matter expert as it pertains to the delivery of quality rehab services compliant with regulatory iniiatives in the post-acute continuum; this qualifies her to present the material outlined above in the objectives.

Leslie Borcherding, MS, RN is a professional nurse educator with vast experiences in teaching, patient care, management, and performance improvement.  With over 30 years of experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings in healthcare, her focus has remained oriented towards helping others to be successful.  She has both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing

Leslie J. Shapiro, MSW, LICSW, received her Master of Social Work degree in 1989 from Boston University and has been an instructor of cognitive and behavioral treatment at Boston University and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. She was awarded a McLean Hospital career development grant, and her research and publications have focused on scrupulosity and pathological guilt among residential patients with OCD. Ms. Shapiro is the author of Understanding OCD: Skills to Control the Conscience and Outsmart Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Elements, History, Treatments, and Research, and When Religion and Morals Become OCD: Understanding and Treating Scrupulosity. She currently practices as a behavioral therapist at the McLean Hospital Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Institute in Belmont, MA, where she provides cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for people with refractory obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders in residential, partial, and outpatient programs. Ms. Shapiro also maintains a private practice working with individuals presenting primarily with OCD and anxiety problems.  

Lindsey attended Hardin Simmons University where she received a Bachelors of Science degree, majoring in Speech Language Pathology. She then went on to earn her Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology at University on North Texas in Denton. Currently Lindsey works as the Speech Therapy Clinical Liaison with Rehab Synergies assisting with program development and training of Speech Language Pathologists who are new to the profession or to the skilled-nursing facility setting.

Lindsey received training in order to become certified Dementia Specialists through a course provided by Crisis Prevention Institute. CPI is an AHSA-recognized provider.

Lisa A. Gorski, MS, RN, HHCNS-BC, CRNI, FAAN, has worked for over 35 years as a clinical nurse specialist for Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice (now Ascension at Home). She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. She serves on the editorial board of Home Healthcare Now and served on the 2014 task force for the American Nurses Association’s Home Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Since 2011, she has served as the chairperson of the Infusion Nurses Society Standards of Practice Committee. She is the author of more than 50 journal articles addressing home care and home infusion therapy and the author/editor of several books addressing infusion therapy, including four books specific to home infusion. She presents nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics and was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in 2006.

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Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSc, PCS, has had more than 28 years of clinical experience working with persons with developmental disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions. In her current clinical practice, she participates in a diagnostic evaluation team for young children with neurodevelopmental concerns and provides outpatient physical therapy for children. Dr. Dannemiller is an assistant professor in the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program, where her primary teaching responsibilities include the pediatric content in the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal tracks. She received a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia and a doctor of science degree in pediatric physical therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is a pediatric certified specialist with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Dr. Dannemiller has presented nationally on topics related to cerebral palsy, autism, and physical therapy education.

Lisa Young Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP has served as a practitioner, regional manager, vice president, consultant, compliance director and education specialist.  She has lectured at the state and national level with over 300 professional education courses on topics of importance to the healthcare professional. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and has mentored team members in senior retirement communities for their development of effective non-pharmacological strategies and dementia program management.  She also volunteers with community programs in the Houston area to support caregivers of family members living with multiple disorders. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she currently serves as a State Advocate for Medicare Policy for Texas.  She is Vice President  of Professional Services for the Texas Speech-Language and Hearing Association and also serves on the Financial Advisory Committee and the Publications Board of this organization. She is a Distinguished Fellow of Public Policy for the National Academies of Practice where she serves as the Co-Chair of the Forum Planning Committee and is a prior board president of the Louisiana Speech-Language and Hearing Association and an alumnus of the Council of State Association Presidents.  Finally, she is a member of the Kingwood-Humble Aggie Mom Board and lives in Houston, Texas.

Lisa's clinical experiece as an acute care practitioner has been primarily in cardiothoracic surgery. Most recently, she has volunteered as a member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Project, a surgial mission group that provides free surgeries to children in developing countries. Lisa has 20 years of publishing experience and has been a lead author in peer-reviewed articles for print and for web-based continuing nursing education proivder companies. In her position as nurse planner for Elite, she works with the advisory board and subject matter experts to develop evidence-based best practices in continuing educatoin for nurses. In addition, she is also a volunteer blogger wtih Safe Connections, a domestic violence prevention nonprofit organization in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lisa earner her bachelor's degree in nursing from Edewood College in Madion, Wisonsin, and her master's degree in nursing from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 

Lori is President of Editorial Rx, Inc., which provides medical writing and editing services on a wide variety of clinical topics and in a range of media. A medical writer and editor for more than 30 years, Ms. Alexander has written for both professional and lay audiences, with a focus on continuing education materials, medical meeting coverage, and educational resources for patients. She is the Editor Emeritus of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) Journal, the peer-review journal representing the largest association of medical communicators in the United States. Ms. Alexander earned a Master’s degree in technical and professional writing, with a concentration in medical writing, at Northeastern University, Boston. She has also earned certification as a life sciences editor and as a medical writer.

Lorie Schleck has over 29 years of Physical Therapy experience. Recently she has focused on providing physical therapy to home care patients. Within that context, she worked for a time in Home Care Quality and Compliance where she audited charts for OASIS and clinical accuracy and provided staff training in best practices for OASIS accuracy. She is a certified OASIS specialist.

Lorie has been a physical therapy continuing education instructor, mainly on topics related to orthopedic physical therapy. Her instruction style is characterized by its emphasis on clinical relevance. She has also written several home study courses in physical therapy. She works hard to integrate the latest empirical evidence in to a practical approach to clinical practice.

Lu Mueller-Kaul started her career in alternative medicine as a naturopathic physician in Germany. In addition to traditional chinese medicine, Lu uses a variety of bodywork techniques including Neuromuscular and Trigger Point techniques, TuiNa (traditional Chinese massage), Reflexology, stretches and strengthening exercises, and other manual therapy styles. As a specialist for back problems, Lu has had sucess in treating sciatic pain, tense neck and shoulders and the resulting headaches, vertigo and tinnitus.

Lu came to the U.S. in 2006 to study Rolfing Structural Integration. Today, she works as a Certified Rolfer and Rolf Movement Teacher, which enables her to utilize all the tools from her previous education in the Rolfing context. Lu is the owner, workshop instructor and Yoga therapist at Balance Education, in Orlando, FL.

Lynda Lemisch, OTD, OTR/L, CLCP, CAPS, has been an occupational therapist for over 36 years, with 12 years of experience in homecare and hospice prior to becoming a full-time educator. She has been trained with a multi-disciplinary cohort in the ELNEC (End of life Nursing Education Consortium) Core Curriculum. She has developed programs for, and trained hospice volunteers and CNAs.  As a Clinical Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s University (formerly, the University of the Sciences), Dr. Lemisch annually and passionately presents lectures on Hospice and OT.  She has also presented this topic at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. 

Dr. Maha Ahmad teaches anatomy and neuroscience courses to dental and dental hygiene graduate students. She has received several teaching awards. Dr. Ahmad has many research interests including educational research, head and neck anatomy, and salivary research. She received her Ph.D. in 2005 in anatomy and cell biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She joined the University of Detroit Mercy-School of Dentistry in 2012. 

Mallory L. Millet is a certified Speech Pathologist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated with her master's degree from Southeastern La University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She began her career with the geriatric population, and her love for dysphagia rehabilitation began. 

Mallory currently works at an outpatient pediatric clinic. When she transitioned to the pediatric population, she spent her energy in developing a feeding program focusing on developing relationships with other specialists and giving infants the best quality of life. She is currently pursuing her Board Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. 

Margaret-Ann Carno, PhD, MBA, MJ, CPNP, FAAN, has over 25 years of experience in pediatric nursing. She has worked at the bedside, both in acute and critical care pediatrics, and as a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). Dr. Carno is a nationally certified primary care PNP and maintains both her RN and NP license in New York state.  She has taught both clinical and didactic content in pediatric nursing and is a frequent guest lecturer on pediatric-related issues at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. She has reviewed pediatric-related and medical-surgical nursing texts and authored two textbooks. 

Margaret is a pediatric nurse practitioner who graduated from the Yale School of Nursing in 2016 with a concentration in global health. Her interest in health care started at a young age when she had several opportunities to shadow doctors in France and Belgium. She currently works in student health at a large university in Boston. Before that, she worked at community-based and school-based health centers providing primary care to high-risk, medically underserved populations. She also has experience as a nurse and worked in a private pediatric clinic in Connecticut and at an overnight summer camp in New York.

Maria Morales is a nurse planner for Colibri Healthcare and a certified legal nurse consultant. She is a quality-focused, results-driven nursing education professional. As a continuing education leader with nurse executive experience in developing interprofessional educational programs, she supports healthcare workers with educational activities to help increase communication within the healthcare team.

Marie Vazquez Morgan, Ph.D, PT, has been serving as an assistant professor at LSUHSC, Shreveport in the PT department since 1997, where she also spent several years as a clinical instructor and staff physical therapist. Marie holds a PhD in Health Studies from Texas Women's University as well as a Masters of Health Sciences from the Louisiana State University Health Science Center.

Marie’s recent publications include 'Wellness with Spinal Cord Injury: Impact of an Outpatient Ambulation Program’ with Suzanne Tinsley, and “Wellness With Spinal Cord Injury: Can Osteoperosis Be Improved Through Orthotic Driven Ambulation”. She currently holds a seat on the Curriculum Committee of the LSUHSC School of Allied Health Professions and on the Board of Directors fro the Independence Regained Rehabilitation Hospital in Shreveport, LA.

 Before moving to the United States in 2005 Marina majored in the English and German languages in Russia. While she was working as a children’s tutor for English, a coworker recommend that she study the field of speech-language pathology. In 2014 she saw that dream come to fruition when she graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and started working in a rehabilitation center as a speech-language pathologist. Since 2015, she has had the joy of working in early intervention, predominately with bilingual (Spanish/Portuguese-English) families. Marina, who holds her “More Than Words” certification from Hanen, places significant emphasis on a child-centered naturalistic approach to early intervention.

Mark Albert has 40 years of clinical experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy settings. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, with B.S in Physical Therapy in 1975, Albert also holds a master’s degree in Education, Georgia State Univ. 1983. Mr. Albert previously served as Athletic Trainer and Rehab Director with Georgia Tech Athletic Association, in Atlanta, GA. In addition, Mr. Albert has served as Athletic Trainer for three universities, numerous high schools and the former professional soccer team (N.A.S.L.), the Atlanta Chiefs and the 1996 Olympic Games. With 31 years of experience in post-graduate education, Albert has presented over 400 courses and seminars on specialty areas of sports injury, management of shoulder and knee dysfunction and exercise rehabilitation. Mr. Albert was one of the first therapists recognized as Board Certified Specialists in Sports (SCS) in 1987.  His textbook, entitled Eccentric Muscle Training In Sports and Orthopedics - 2nd Ed, is considered a classic reference source for clinical exercise and has been reprinted in Japanese and French. Mr. Albert currently resides in Atlanta GA and is the founder of STEP of Atlanta, Inc. and STAR Physical Therapy, LaQuinta CA. 

Mark Posada is the Director of Strategic and Education Services for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).  Annually, TEEX trains over 170,000 individuals globally in the areas of public safety, security, occupational safety, critical infrastructure and economic growth.  Mr. Posada also serves as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for the agency.  In 2008, Posada was selected as a Commissioner for the International Association for Continuing Education and Training.  He continues to serve in that capacity today.  He has over 23 years of continuing education and training experience.

Mr. Posada earned both his Masters of Science in Educational Human Resource Development and his Bachelors of Arts in English at Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, a Certified Training Professional and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional.   

Marlon Hill graduated from University of Texas at Tyler with a B.S. in Health and Kinesiology in 2009. He then entered Occupational Therapy School at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where he earned Master’s of Occupational Therapy in 2012. Marlon joined the Rehab Synergies team following graduation. While with the company he has also become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and a Certificate as a Fieldwork Educator.

Marquetta Flaugher, PhD, ARNP-BC, is an advanced registered nurse practitioner who currently works at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Bay Pines, Florida. She is an ANCC-certified family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse. She has given numerous presentations on domestic violence via publications and national presentations. She is a member of several professional nurse practitioner organizations. She teaches master’s level leadership courses online at Southern New Hampshire University and online nurse practitioner courses at Chamberlain University.

Marta Brinkley, OTR, CHT has more than 30 years of experience in hand therapy. She has played a key leadership role in developing hand therapy clinics throughout the Southeast and in 2011 she chaired the National Annual Meeting for the American Society of Hand Therapists. Her specialties include care for patients with hand and upper extremity injuries; fabrication of customized orthoses (splints); and provision of a full range of modalities as well as patient and family education to help treat the condition and allow for carryover to home. Mrs. Brinkley received a Bachelor's Degree: Occupational Therapy with High Honors from University of Texas Medical Branch School of Allied Health Sciences. She is also a Charter Associate Member of the American Society of Hand Therapists.

Mary Anne Thesis, PhD, JD, RN, CNE, CMCN is a professor of graduate nursing at Purdue University Global. As an attorney she brings a legal prespective to the area of diaster nursing. She has written and presented in diaster nursing, She holds a law degree from Syracuse University with a specialization in medical litigation, a PhD from Capella University in education with a specialization in intructional design for online learning, and a master's in nursing from Syracuse University as a clinical nurse specialist. She is board-certified as a nurse educator and managed-care nurse. 

Mary Curry Narayan, MSN, RN, HHCNS-BC, COS-C, CTN-A, is a clinical nurse specialist in home health nursing and is certified as a specialist in the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and in transcultural nursing. Mary currently provides consultation education and quality services to home health agencies. She serves on the Editorial Board of Home Healthcare Now and has published multiple articles and book chapters on enhancing home health nursing practice. She served on the American Nurses Association’s 2014 Task Force for Home Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice and as the clinical editor of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America’s Clinical Procedure Manual.

Mary Perry is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner board certified across the lifespan. She received her BSN in 2006 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, her MSN in 2016, and a postgraduate certificate in 2020 from the University of Alabama. Her previous employment includes the United States Air Force as an active-duty nurse, the United States Navy in Okinawa, Japan as an independent contract nurse, and Troy University in Montgomery, Alabama as an adjunct professor. 

Matt Hansen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, specializing in Neurological Rehab and Chronic Health Conditions. In addition to his responsibilities as a Director of Rehab for an interstate Home Health Agency, Matt in involved in a number of other activities, including:

• President of SOMA Health, LLC, creators of the Freedom2Move Home Exercise Program and Video Series (www.freedom2move.org)
• Assistant Director for Doué Art, an organization for “Adaptive Artists” (i.e. artists with special needs or who live with a chronic health condition)
• Work as a private Best Practice Consultant
• Professional speaking, training and writing engagements for different health and medical audiences
• Service as the Utah Association for Home Care’s President Elect

 Matt is a skilled Communicator and Charismatic Presenter/Motivational Speaker. It has been said that, “He has an ability to bring interest to topics as mundane as ‘Documentation Best Practices’ while keeping the audience engaged.” He is fluent in Spanish (Speaking, Reading and Writing) and enjoys working with the Latino community

Megan graduated from Saint Louis University with her Masters in Physical Therapy in 2001. Not soon after, she began her journey in manual therapies. “The human body has always fascinated me. The way our body moves, adapts, changes and attempts to correct its own issues, that is something I wanted to be a part of, I wanted my hands to be a part of that healing process” says Megan. She pursued her certification and licensure in Massage Therapy graduating in 2003. Nationally certified in Massage since 2004 and transitioned to Board Certification with NCBTMB, Megan is now a nationally certified instructor of The Muscle Release Technique for Repetitive Use Injury Therapy. “The applications of this technique are endless. I have used MRT in massage, sports therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, geriatrics, preventative medicine, industrial work hardening and even with neurological patients in stroke rehab. It has been amazing to see the changes in my clients and now having the ability to teach other therapists only increases our abilities to change lives and invest in the healing of those we work alongside. It is completely rejuvenated my practice and my own education. Being able to share this work is such a privilege.”

Melanie H. Johnston, M.A. is the Executive Director of BRITE Success, LLC, which provides services to individuals with intellectual and development disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders.  She completed her education with a BS from Texas Christian University in Speech Pathology, and MA from University of Texas, Austin in Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education.  She is a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist, TEA Certified Teacher and IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist and trained Sexuality Educator

Melanie has over 30 years of experience not only as a Speech and Language Pathologist but also as an Autism/Behavior Specialist in public schools, private practice and collaborations with other agencies and service providers.  She works with public school systems throughout the country developing appropriate educational plans for individuals with special needs providing trainings to faculty, professionals and families.    She has taught AT/AAC as adjunct faculty at the University of Texas, Austin and has been at the forefront of implementing i-technology for education in the areas of communication, assistive-technology, language, transitional and learning needs. She has recently worked to provide information and training opportunities for sexuality education for all persons with disability.  

Melanie has been a sought-after speaker speaking nationally at conferences and for professional trainings across the country. She is the recipient of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) 2013 Education Award.  Currently, she sits on the Special NeedsWare (Oneder) Advisory Board, Elevatus Training Advisory Board and continues to advocate for all individuals with disabilities.

Melanie Upright, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, received her master’s degree from Towson University in Maryland.  Melanie has worked for the Charles County Public Schools as an SLP, serving all levels at different times in her professional, from Infants & Toddlers to High School, and including students with emotional and behavior difficulties.  Melanie expanded her expertise in the school system becoming an IEP Facilitator in 2004 and took her knowledge of inclusion and access to the general education curriculum to support teachers, administrators and students as an Inclusion Resource for Special Education for the Central Office of CCPS in 2009. 

During this time, Melanie started Dynamic Therapies, a private practice focusing on speech and language services for 3 - 5 year olds, and reading intervention for late elementary and middle school age students.  In addition, Melanie taught, as an adjunct instructor, multiple courses in the teacher education program at the College of Southern Maryland in LaPlata, MD and has presented for local organizations and at the Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Annual Conference.

Melinda Rochetti, a physical therapist, received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois in 2005. Melinda has worked as a PT in a variety of settings including outpatient orthopedics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health.  She has over 9 years of management experience in LTC/SNF facilities, outpatient facilities, and CCRCs with experience working as an Assistant Rehab Director, a Rehab Director and a Regional Manager.  Melinda's experience includes clinical service delivery, clinical and operations management, information technology, clinical program development and appeals and denials management. 

Melinda has been with HealthPRO-Heritage since 2011 and in the role of Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance for HealthPRO-Heritage at Home since 2016.  Melinda holds the Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC-CT) certification through the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination, providing MDS education and regulatory support to HealthPRO-Heritage and its partners, in addition to being a part of HealthPRO-Heritage’s MDS Support Team.  She is also certified as an OASIS-Specialist- Clinical (COS-C) through OASIS Answers and leads HealthPRO-Heritage’s Home Health Hierarchy and is currently a part of the PDGM Expert Workgroup Team within HealthPRO-Heritage.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received her Masters of Science degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Melissa is a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is also a member of ASHA’s SIG 15: Gerontology and serves on the advisory board for the PTA and COTA programs at Weatherford College.

Melissa serves as a Regional Director of Rehabilitation and Director of Audit Compliance for Rehab Synergies. She has clinical experience in acute care settings, outpatient rehabilitation, in-patient rehabilitation, home health and skilled nursing facilities. Melissa’s clinical experience involves adult and geriatric populations with a variety of disorders/diseases, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor speech disorders, alternative/augmentative communication systems, dysphagia, and more.

Melissa has become a certified Dementia Specialists through a course provided by Crisis Prevention Institute. CPI is an AHSA-recognized provider.

Melissa Moffitt, a Speech Language Pathologist and Senior Living and Home Health enthusiast, has been in the Senior Living and Home Health industry for 12 years.  She has experience across all post-acute care settings as well as serving in various management roles throughout her tenure with a contract therapy provider.  She has presented at multiple state, regional and national conferences.  She is passionate about care delivery provided to geriatric patients; receiving the right care in the most effective setting.  She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and enjoys running and traveling in her free time.  

Meredith Chandler OTR/L has been working as an occupational therapist for 7 years, primarily with the adult and geriatric populations in hospital and skilled nursing settings. Her patients have a wide variety of medical conditions including, but not limited to, neurological and cognitive impairments. Additionally, she works as an independent writer and researcher. Over the past 4 years, she has compiled several academic courses, articles, and educational blogs for fellow clinicians and caregivers. Meredith also has experience in conducting international rehabilitation trainings for both pediatric and adult patients/caregivers.

Dr. Michael Milligan is an experienced physician providing care of sports related injuries and orthopaedic conditions. He is also an expert in concussions and other medically related sports conditions. He’s lived it as a college athlete making his way through school on a football scholarship and lives it now as a competitive endurance athlete. From a young age, sports and medicine intermingled. It was his high school football coach who pulled him aside and advised him to pursue a career in medicine.

Before joining Andrews Institute, Dr. Milligan served as the head physician for Northwestern University. Before that, he served as the first head team physician for the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Dr. Milligan’s practice is not limited to athletes, however. This wealth of knowledge and experience informs the attentive care he provides to patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Michael Kordecki is owner is Praxis Physical Therapy & Human Performance located in Vernon Hills, IL. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Finch University. he is Board Certified in Clinical Sports Medicine by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Kordecki is Certified Athletic Trainer and member APTA and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). 

Michelle Ertl, PsyD is a clinical psychologist working in private practice. Dr. Ertl completed her professional training through the Veterans Affairs system prior to transitioning into community practice. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Ertl has focused her clinical work in treating adults, with particular emphasis in the treatment of PTSD. Dr. Ertl has experience in a broad variety of evidence-based treatments, including EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Ertl is additionally in process of completing her certification to become a sex therapist. Her private practice aims to work with individuals whose trauma reactions play a role in their sexual functioning. 

Michelle Lange, has over 25 years of experience in assistive technology. A former Clinical Director of The Assistive Technology Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver, her work in this field is extensive. Having authored 7 book chapters and over 100 articles she is also editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th Ed. Currently on the teaching faculty of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Michelle is a member of the Assistive Technology Journal Editorial Board and is also on the teaching faculty of the University of Pittsburgh for the ATP/ATS Review Course. Serving on the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Wheeled Mobility Advisory Board, she served as an editor of the Technology Special Interest Section of the AOTA. Michelle is a credentialed Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) and a Senior Disability Analyst of the American Board of Disability Analysts (ABDA).

Michelle Lyman, MD, MPH is a Family Medicine resident working at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She graduated from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in 2019 with a dual degree in medicine and a Master of Public Health specializing in epidemiology. Michelle also earned a graduate certificate through the Scholarly Excellence Leadership Experience and Collaborative Training (SELECT) program. During medical school, Michelle worked with the Physicians Against Trafficking of Humans (PATH) through the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), as well as HEAL Trafficking, to promote improve medical education on trafficking. She presented her work on simulation-based curriculum at several national conferences and has designed several inaugural training programs at her medical school that continue to this day. Michelle’s current training goals are to learn broad spectrum care to better serve vulnerable populations and foster community health.

Michelle Pardee, DNP, FNP-BC, is a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Dr. Pardee is the program lead for the FNP program and coordinator of academic programs in the Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences. She received her doctor of nursing practice degree from Wayne State University, where her doctoral project was a policy analysis of Michigan’s maternal-infant health program. Dr. Pardee has more than 20 years of clinical experience as an FNP in adolescent health, providing care to underserved and at-risk youth, including runaway and homeless persons. In addition to her academic position, she currently provides health care at a grant-funded, school-linked health center. Dr. Pardee is a member of the Complex ACEs, Complex Aid (CASCAID) Nursing Study Group at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Her work includes conducting research on adverse childhood experiences, developing assessments and interventions for youth with a high level of adverse childhood experiences, and increasing trauma-informed education across nursing curriculums.

Michelle Yoder, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist with 18 years of experience.  She has specialized in pediatrics for the past 16 years.  Michelle is the owner and clinic director of Touchstone Therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also the co-creator of Fundanoodle, a handwriting program.  Michelle serves on the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association Leadership Board as Membership Co-Chair.

Michelle is a graduate of The Ohio State University.  She is Ayres Sensory Integration Certified, which includes the ability to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests.  In addition, she is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.  Other specialty areas and training include:  Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, TAMO, SOS Feeding Approach and John Barnes Myofascial Release I, II, Unwinding and Pediatrics. Michelle enjoys providing educational seminars to teachers, parents, students and therapists in all areas of pediatric development.

Mike Harbour is the Founder and President of Harbour Resources, a leadership consulting, training and talent management firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas and serving clients across the United States.

Mike has spent the last 20 years in the healthcare industry as a leader in hospital operations, leadership training and development, sales, talent management and executive search. He has a degree in Health Services Management and was trained in leadership while serving in the United States Army as a US Army Soldier/Officer.

As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, and with this extensive leadership experience, Mike offers the services, training, and assessment tools to move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.

Miranda Virone, OTD, MS, OTR/L-CTP, is the academic fieldwork coordinator and assistant professor of occupational therapy in the Occupational Therapy Programs at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of practice experience, Dr. Virone has concentrated her research and professional scope to involve occupational therapy’s role in positive mental health initiatives within school-based practice. Recently, she launched her own consulting and coaching business, Vantage Educational Services, which was designed to promote positive mental health everywhere kids live, learn, and play. Dr. Virone holds certifications as a digital health and wellness expert, executive function coach, and certified trauma-informed practitioner. She serves as a cofacilitator for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) School Mental Health and Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s (POTA) Youth Positive Mental Health Communities of Practice. She was recently elected as the Pennsylvania Delegate #1 to the AOTA Representative Assembly. Dr. Virone currently serves as a member of the POTA School-Based and Licensure Compact Act Task Forces and the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Attract, Prepare, Retain (APR) Steering Committee. She presented at the 2021 POTA Conference on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of youth and occupational justice initiatives as innovative fieldwork experiences. She presented at the 2020 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference on Trauma-Informed Care in School-Based Practice and as the keynote speaker at the 2020 POTA Virtual Conference, Children and Youth Post-Conference on the use of mindfulness in school-based practices. Dr. Virone published her doctorate project on the topic of mindfulness for self-regulation among adolescents with ADHD and recently submitted a book chapter on socialization among school-aged youth.   

Molly Bathje, Ph.D., M.S., OTR/L is an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.  Dr. Bathje holds a bachelor of science in occupational therapy degree from Saint Ambrose University, a master of science in health systems management degree from Rush University, and a doctor of philosophy in interdisciplinary health sciences degree from Western Michigan University.  During more than  20 years of practice as an occupational therapist, Dr. Bathje practiced in mental health, outpatient pediatric, acute care medicine, long term care and academic settings. A primary focus of her research and scholarship is understanding and addressing health disparities faced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in health care settings. She published several peer reviewed articles and presented nationally and internationally on this topic.  She is part of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, grant funded project to create interdisciplinary educational materials focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities for health professional students. She is an assistant editor for the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, served in multiple leadership positions within the state occupational therapy association, and is a board member for a nonprofit agency that initiates, provides and promotes services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.   

Monique Chabot, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, CLIPP, has worked in home health for over 6 years, during which time she developed a passion for home design for seniors. Dr. Chabot currently works as an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University–East Falls Campus (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University), where she often works on interprofessional design projects with architecture and interior design. Dr. Chabot received her master of science degree in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and her doctorate of occupational therapy from Boston University. She was chosen to be part of the American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging Leaders program, during which time she worked with the American Occupational Therapy Association on increasing the knowledge base of occupational therapists on home modifications. Dr. Chabot has published on the topic and created an online webinar on kitchen modifications, in addition to moderating a monthly discussion topic on home modifications on an online forum. She maintains a blog based on her doctoral work, which supports collaboration between occupational therapists and design professionals, titled Collaborative Home Design for Seniors (www.homedesignforseniors.com).

Nancy Keeney Smith, LMT, MLD is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist, and a Florida and NCTMB Provider of Scar Management Workshops. Nancy’s Working with Matured Scar Tissue Workshops has been taught internationally to massage school students, LMT’s, PT’s and OT’s.  Nancy is a member of the Associate Research Team at the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, Florida, founder and Director of The Happy Plus Foundation, 2nd Vice-President of the AMTA Florida Chapter, member of the American Burn Association, the National Lymphedema Association and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

Her private practice in Gainesville, Florida includes treatment of burn survivors, clients battling cancer, mastectomy scar management, as well as others with traumatic scarring. Nancy consults with Physical and Occupational Therapists on burn massage techniques and developing long term protocol for scar management after care programs.

Dr. Morris is a professor and director of the PhD in Nursing Program at the UMass Chan Medical School, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She holds an appointment as an external faculty nurse scientist at the Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Morris practices as an adult nurse practitioner at the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence and the UMass Geriatric Medicine Clinic. Her scholarship focuses on health communication, health literacy, and nursing education. She is a master educator and has received several educational awards, including the 2022 Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing Distinguished Faculty Award and the 2018 American Nurses Association Massachusetts Excellence in Nursing Education Award.

Neely Sullivan, MPT, CLT-LANA, CDP has worked with diverse client populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric in a variety of clinical settings. These experiences and multiple courses on the topic have allowed her to treat and develop client care programs for clients living with these conditions. She has served in multiple levels of regional and corporate management positions. In these positions, Neely has developed policies and worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that clients living with lymphedema and/or wounds have opportunity to attain their highest level of function and quality of life. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and has most recently been responsible for the identification, implementation and evaluation of clinical programs in long-term care settings.

Neely currently provides educational support to 12,000+ therapists nationwide as Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. Neely has lectured nationally and at the state level on the topics of Lymphedema Management, Documentation, Wound Care Management, and The Role of Rehabilitation with the LTC Client. She has authored publications focusing on edema and lymphedema management. Neely conducts audits, quality improvement planning, and clinical training to Select Rehabilitation employees and customers monthly. She is a member of the APTA including the Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management section and Geriatric section.

Dr. Nikosi Darnell is a speech-language pathologist and developmental specialist with over 17- years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan in clinical, non-clinical, and hospital settings. She is a qualified and proven clinician with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders, clinical supervision, virtual learning,telepractice, child growth and development, executive function skills, educational technology, parent and caregiver education and professional development. Nikosi has enjoyed teaching online and blended courses for university-level students, and continues to instruct parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists through seminars, webinars, and conferences.

Odessa Addison, DPT, PhD, is a physical therapist with many years of experience working with older adults. Dr. Addison received her DPT in 2005 and a doctorate in rehabilitation science in 2012, both from the University of Utah, where her focus of study was neuromuscular adaptations in the older adult. Her dissertation focused on how physical activity influenced inflammation, fat in the muscle, and mobility in older adults. Dr. Addison has presented at the American Diabetes Association, the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section, the Gerontological Society of America, and the International Conference for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research. Dr. Addison has written on a broad range of topics concerning exercise and older adults. Her writings have been published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy; the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy; and the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging. She is currently a research associate at the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Medicine in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Orli Weisser-Pike OTD, OTR/L, CLVT, SCLV, CAPS, FAOTA, is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in a wide variety of settings and has for the past 17 years specialized in treating people disabled by vision loss. In 2013 she received the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Recognition of Achievement Award for Leadership and Advancement in Low Vision; in the same year she received the AOTA Jeanette Bair Writer's Award for her article in OT Practice on caregivers of people with low vision. From 2004 to 2006 she served on the AOTA Low Vision Specialty Certification Panel that developed standards for the Specialty Certification in Low Vision (SCLV), launched in 2006, and was a portfolio reviewer for applicants seeking SCLV recognition from 2006 through 2018. Orli was an item writer and co-chair of the Subject Matter Expert Committee in Low Vision Therapy of the Academy for Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) between 2010 and 2020 and is presently the Secretary of the Board of Directors of ACVREP. In addition to her post-professional doctoral degree in occupational therapy earned in 2013, Dr. Weisser-Pike has certifications in low vision therapy, aging in place, and neurointegrative functional rehabilitation and habilitation. She was inducted into the AOTA Roster of Fellows in 2019 for leadership in low vision practice, education, and scholarship. 

Pamela Corey, MSN, EdD, RN, CHSE, has been a registered nurse since 1984. She practiced as a pediatric and neonatal staff nurse before obtaining her MSN from Walden University in 2008, specializing in simulation in nursing education. She obtained her doctorate from Walden University in 2016. The subject of her EdD dissertation was the effectiveness of simulation-based team training for adult and pediatric code teams. Dr. Corey teaches simulation-based programs focusing on nursing and teams’ responses to emergent situations utilizing crisis resource management concepts. She has presented poster presentations and workshops on CRM in healthcare. Dr. Corey has written a chapter on crisis resource management in the recently published book “OK to proceed: What every healthcare provider should know about patient safety” (Lewis, Canelli, & Ortega, 2018).

Patricia Stott, a licensed Physical Therapist, received her undergraduate and master’s degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. She continued her education, receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in Virginia and a certificate in the Upper Quarter from Drexel University, progressing to become a Certified Hand Therapist.  

Patricia is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and spent many years in out patient orthopedics working with sports medicine and chronic illness. She expanded her education base in Functional Medicine and moved on to opening her own practice of health and wellness consultations for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes while continuing into Pediatric Physical Therapy for those with developmental disabilities. Patricia recently coauthored a journal article, “Recognizing and Effectively Managing Hypermobility-Related Conditions” and continues to work to promote education of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes in the medical field along with patient advocacy. She is available in office or through tele-appointments world wide for EDS consultations.

Patricia LaVesser, PhD, OTR, received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, her master of arts in teaching from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and her doctorate in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 2009, Dr. LaVesser has been an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, JFK Partners, at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. 

Dr. LaVesser currently serves as occupational therapy discipline director on the Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. She also serves as a clinician case reviewer for the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network and as an evaluator for the Study to Explore Early Development. Clinically, Dr. LaVesser coordinates service provision for the Family Driven Autism Services and Learning project, serves on two of the interdisciplinary clinical assessment teams at the Child Development Unit of The Children’s Hospital Denver, and provides early intervention services through the ENRICH program. 

Prior to joining the faculty at JFK Partners, Dr. LaVesser was a faculty member at the occupational therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis for 25 years. She has a wide range of clinical pediatric experience that includes early intervention and school-based and hospital-based practice. [Text Wrapping Break]Her current research interests include the study of adaptive skills intervention models and outcomes [Text Wrapping Break]for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental difficulties. 

Patricia Schaber, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, was a faculty practitioner and research coordinator in the Memory Clinic at the University of Minnesota Medical Center – Fairview, the clinical arm of the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care. She is a professor in the Program in Occupational Therapy and Division of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota. She authored the 2010 Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and, in 2019, a chapter on dementia in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: A Vision for Participation. She has served on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council for the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She was employed for 13 years in geriatric occupational therapy in long-term care, home health care, and activities programming. She has a PhD in family social science, with a minor in aging research, from the University of Minnesota. 

Patricia Wike PT CCM has been with Aegis Therapies since 2014 and has over 25 years’ experience as a Physical Therapist, most of which has been spent caring and advocating for the needs of older adults.  Ms. Wike, also a Certified Case Manager, works directly with CCRCs and senior living communities focusing on transitional and integrated care to optimize clinical outcomes, decrease rehospitalization and improve the resident experience.   Ms. Wike has provided direct leadership at all levels of care within the post-acute continuum and has functioned as a trainer and presenter on a national and international level.  

As OneStep’s Chief Commercial Officer, Patrick Tarnowski, PT, MBA , is accountable for the company’s US market entry through strategic partnerships.   

His deep healthcare experience as a leader in health plans, health systems, medical devices, startups and digital care delivery support and enable OneStep’s growth and scale. He has led the rehabilitation service line for a health system that included 11 hospitals and 40 outpatient locations as well as oversight for the post-acute continuum. As an entrepreneur, Pat has successfully launched and scaled care delivery companies, digital solutions that focused on health and wellbeing, disease management and virtual care and worked with providers to achieve success in value-based payment models.  Additionally, he spent several years as a health plan leader working with digital care solutions, provider enablement and high cost claimant reporting.  

He received his degree in physical therapy from Boston University and his master’s in business administration from the University of St. Thomas.    

A lifelong learner, Pat has also held several academic appointments and is a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation’s SBIR seed fund and served as an Industry Mentor for their I-Corp Innovation program.  He has been the principal investigator in numerous clinical studies and a member of the Finance and Audit Committee of the American Physical Therapy Association’s and former member of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee.   

Pat lives in Minneapolis with his family, dog Maizy and is a committed outdoors enthusiast and endurance athlete.   

Paul E. H. Ricard, PT, DPT, CCS, earned a bachelor’s degree in sports biology in 2001 and a master’s degree in physical therapy in 2003, both from Springfield College, Springfield, MA. He received a transitional doctor of physical therapy degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in 2005, and has board certification as a clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through 2027. Since 2005, he has taught in the areas of human anatomy, pathology, and cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy at several universities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Ricard has published topics on acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy, and research review in Physical Therapy and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal. He has lectured nationally on these same topics and served as the nominating committee chair and vice president of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. He has developed and/or credentialed two clinical residencies in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy and a critical care fellowship and currently serves as the rehabilitation team coordinator for the cardiac team at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Paul E. H. Ricard has disclosed that he has no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to this course book.

Paula juggles her primary family occupations with her interests in occupational therapy. She is married to David, a business executive, and they are the proud parents of Andrew, their son. Paula enjoys theater, traveling, shopping and especially spending time with family and good friends. She has recently been to Japan and Alaska. Paula lives in Central New Jersey.

She enjoys the role of professor and scholar in occupational therapy and has been the recipient of many awards. In 2012, Paula received the prestigious Award of Merit, the highest award given by the American Occupational Therapy Association. She was given the A. Jean Ayres Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation in 2005, for her contributions to scholarship in practice, education and research. In 1985, she received was named a Fellow (FAOTA) of the AOTA for her service and scholarly contributions to the profession in the area of pediatrics. Paula has been very active in the profession serving on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Association (ACOTE), the AOTA Board of Directors and the Board of Therapy Missions, a non-for profit organization. Paula received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She has co-authored 6 texts that are widely used.

Ms. Peggy Bellew has been a registered nurse for over 35 years and currently serves as Associate Professor of Nursing at Northeast Texas Community College.  She has a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration. Ms. Bellew’s extensive career includes, serving as Clinical Director of a Mother/Baby unit and House Supervisor.

Ms. Bellew enjoys explaining to prospective students that she was a high school dropout.  Anyone with the right attitude and determination can accomplish the goals they set before themselves. She takes pride in explaining that she has been a CNA, LVN, ADN, BSN before finally earning her Master’s degree.  “Take pride in what you do and who you are.”

Peggy Lamb has been practicing massage since 1986 and is nationally certified. She received her initial training at the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe and at Wellness Skills, Inc. in Dallas. She taught Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, Trigger Point Therapy and Swedish Technique at Wellness Skills, Inc. and is now on the faculty of Texas Healing Arts Institute in Austin.

Peggy holds a Masters Degree in Dance from American University in Washington, D.C. She also teaches dance and yoga and is a personal trainer. Peggy is an approved CEU provider for the Texas Department of Health, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and by the Florida Department of Health. She brings her eclectic and extensive background into her teaching for an interesting and enlightening learning experience.

Pieter L. de Smidt has over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. He has achieved certifications in Mckenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Sports Therapy. With his Post-Professional Doctorate in PT he specialized in management of musculoskeletal injuries of the spine & extremities. He passionate about combining hands-on treatment with pain science education.

Pieter L. de Smidt practices in his own clinic, “Reset-Wellness Physical Therapy & Medical Fitness”, in Houston, TX. He uses an evidence-based, integrated approach of manual therapy & exercise. The main focus for his practice is to bridge the gap between rehab and fitness by improving patient’s lifestyle choices through education and to incorporate strength & conditioning principles into physical therapy treatments.

Rebecca J. Stigall graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology from Cleveland State University, Cleveland in 2009. She received her Magna Cum Laude AA in Psychology from Cuyahoga Community State College in 1998. 

Rebecca's recently published works include: “Post Olympic Stress Syndrome”, “Fat Is Not Your Fault”, and “Finding Your Zenith”. She has also authored several ethics articles including “Ethics in Healthcare” (2010), “Ethics in Nursing” (2009) and “Ethics in Healthcare Management” (2008).

Dr. Rebekah McPherson is an educational technology specialist with over 17-years of experience at the collegiate and non-collegiate level. Her teaching axiom is, teach teachers the way that you want teachers to teach their students; it's all about modeling best practices. Rebekah specializes in the areas of blended and online education, career and technology education, change agents in schools, digital tools for the K-12 educator, and mobile device integration into teaching and learning. 

Rhonda Collins has a 35-year nursing career, which began in Labor and Delivery, caring for high-risk mothers and their babies. She transitioned into leadership roles in various hospitals in Texas after a decade of direct patient care and joined Cardinal Health/ALARIS Medical Systems in San Diego in 2003, focusing on medication safety and business development for nearly a decade.​ Rhonda Collins has held positions as Vice President of Nursing at Masimo Corporation and Vice President and Business Manager for Fresenius Kabi, USA, LLC, managing medical device launch, and co-founded The American Nurse Project in 2012, dedicated to showcasing nurses' stories across the country.​ Rhonda Collins currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer for Kontakt.io in NYC, focusing on using technology to improve patient care and nurse safety.

Richelle has earned her RN degree from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, IL, her BSN from McKendree University in Lebanon, IL and her MS in Community Health Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, IL. She earned her PhD in Health Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL. Dr. Rennegarbe’s primary areas of expertise include community health nursing, women’s health issues, nursing management, and chronic conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus. She is a Professor of Nursing, Nursing Division Chair, and Director of the MHA and DNP Programs at McKendree University. Dr. Rennegarbe is certified by the American Organization of Nurse Executives in executive nursing practice.

Dr. Rick McAvoy, PT, DPT, CSCS has specialized in Aquatic Physical Therapy and Sports Performance for over 25 years. Rick is the Owner of RMA, RICK MCAVOY AQUATICS an Aquatic Sports Performance Training and Consulting Company in Southern Maine.

Rick is a published author and researcher in the field of Aquatic Therapy and Sports Performance.  He trains and consults with numerous athletes and sports teams from professional sports, collegiate and high school teams, along with fitness and healthcare institutions.  Rick is a Master Instructor in the Burdenko Method, a specialized form of dynamic aquatic and land-based techniques.

 Rick lectures nationally and internationally throughout the year teaching the benefits of Aquatic Therapy and Fitness and Sports Performance to health clubs, athletic institutions, and health care practices.

Rick is an adjunct faculty member at both The University of New Hampshire in the Department of Kinesiology and Franklin Pierce University in the Doctoral of Physical Therapy program.

Dr. Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, has an extensive physical therapy career that spans over 20 years, through the UK, the USA and the Middle East. She has worked in NHS (National Health Service), American health care providing PT services in acute care, in-patient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home healthcare and outpatient clinic. In addition to being a clinician she has developed specialty programs based on evidence-based practice in her role as a project manager. She has also managed a Physical Therapy department as Department Head in premier private hospital in Oman.

Rina graduated from Manipal University, India in 2000 as well as University of Michigan, in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has also been an educator with Summit Professional Education conducting live seminars. Rina is a member of the APTA, HCPC-UK and OAP-Oman.

Robert McCabe is an APTA certified orthopedic specialist with fifteen years of clinical experience. He has extensive experience in the clinical evaluation of and development of treatment modalities for orthopedic and sports injuries. Bob holds an MS in Physical Therapy and an MS in Biomechanics and Ergonomics. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Ergonomics at New York University. Bob earned his DPT from Arcadia University.

Bob has coordinated pre-season strength and flexibility testing as well as physical screenings for world-class athletes. He has worked for both the Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and the Nicholas Institute for Sports Medicine as a Senior Physical Therapist.

Bob has served as a clinical educator for students at New York and Long Island Universities. He is published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy as well as the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. Bob McCabe has presented sports medicine seminars and research studies at national conferences including the APTA annual Combined Sections meeting and state association meetings.

Robin McCormick is a registered nurse with a research focus in vulnerable populations, maternal-child outcomes, and adult health. She has over 20 years of clinical nursing experience working in medical-surgical nursing and critical care. She received a BSN from Troy University, MSN from the University of South Alabama, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Troy University.  She worked an assistant professor of nursing at Troy University for over six years.

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Roger Ostrander, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic snrgeon with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. He treats musculoskeletal conditions resulting from injury, overuse and arthritis, and specializes in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, which reduce post-operative recovery time and allow for an earlier return to work and play. Additionally, he holds a certification in articular cartilage implantation and repair in the knee.

Dr. Ostrander is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and was elected chairman of the bylaws committee for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.  

Dr. Ostrander resides with his wife and three children in Gulf Breeze, Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, fishing, golfing and other outdoor recreational activities. 

Rosann M. Spiegel, JD, DNAP, CRNA, APRN has been a certified registered nurse anesthetist since 1987 and a licensed attorney in the state of Florida since 2005. Currently, she is the program director and an assistant professor at the Florida Gulf Coast University Nurse Anesthesiology program in Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Spiegel earned a diploma in nursing from the St. Francis General Hospital School of Professional Nursing in 1980; a diploma in nurse anesthesia from the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in 1986; a juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the Florida International University College of Law in 2004; and a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2013. From 2005 to 2006, Dr. Spiegel served as an assistant public defender for the law offices of the public defender for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, and from 2006 to 2011, she was in private practice as a trial lawyer, primarily representing claimants in disability insurance disputes in state and federal courts. She has been an invited speaker on a variety of legal, ethical, and clinical topics at local, state, and national professional meetings.

Rosemarie Griffin, MA, CCC/SLP BCBA, is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She divides her time between a public school and a private school for students with autism in Ohio. She’s presented at the national, state and local level about systematic and collaborative language instruction for students with autism. Mrs. Griffin is also the creator of the action builder cards. This nationally distributed therapy product provides professionals with a means of delivering evidenced based language therapy. Her professional mission is to help all students expand their communication step by step.

Ruth G. McCaffrey, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP, FAA, has been a geriatric nurse practitioner since 1996. She has worked in primary and geriatric practices since that time. Dr. McCaffrey is a professor emeritus at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and retired from Mercer University in Atlanta. She directed the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at each of these institutions. In the area of research, Dr. McCaffrey has been involved in geriatric research involving exercise and mental health.

Ruth Werner, BCTMB is a retired massage therapist and an active writer and educator for massage therapists. Her first book, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, was published

in 1998. Now in its 6th edition, it is used all over the world. Ruth is a columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine and volunteers on several national and international committees for the profession. She was recognized as the Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year in 2005—an honor she shares with Don Scheumann, who was recognized in 2001. She served two terms as the president of the Massage Therapy Foundation and retains a seat on the Board of Trustees. Ruth is fulfilling a lifelong dream of living on the Oregon Coast, where she is daily inspired by her surroundings.

Dr. Roach completed his Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy Fellowship at American Sports Medicine Institute/Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, AL.  He is a graduate of Purchase College, State University of New York. Dr. Roach has both M.S. and M.D. from Tulane University. At Tulane he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Roach completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency NYU Orthopedics,

Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health/Hospital for Joint Diseases, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery where he received Friend of Nursing Award, Perioperative Resident Award, NYU Research Grant and Nate Bondi Orthopaedic Education Award.

Dr. Ryan Wadas PT, DPT earned his bachelor's degree in human biology from the University of Kansas in 2005 and his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2009 from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Wadas has over 12 years of outpatient orthopedic PT experience, the majority of which he served as a clinical instructor working with PT and PTA students. He also has 9 years of experience in academics; Dr. Wadas is currently a professor at South University’s PTA program in Tampa, FL with 7 years as adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University’s DPT program in Clearwater, FL. Dr. Wadas has advanced training and coursework in spinal manipulation through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT), the McKenzie Method to Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), vestibular therapy training, Myofascial Practitioner Cupping Certification, and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA).  

Dr. Miller, is a Fitzgerald Faculty member. She presents the Fitzgerald Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam Review & Advanced Practice Update for family, adult-gerontology primary care,adult-gerontology acute care, and psychiatric-mental health. She also teaches pathophysiology and pharmacology courses. Dr. Miller is certified as an adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, family, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She practices in rural health with NextGen Family Care Clinic and iCarePsychiatry in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Miller is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and a clinical professor at the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, Dr. Miller is the APRN consultant/investigator to the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Dr. Miller has presented a wide variety of pharmacology and clinical topics at local and national conferences, including the National Conference of Nurse Practitioners, AANP, and the University  of Colorado Annual Nurse Practitioner Symposium. In addition, Dr. Miller conducts workshops in collaboration with other Fitzgerald faculty on suturing for primary and urgent care. She created the following Fitzgerald Health programs (available at fhea.com):Assessment and Intervention in Common GI Disorders: PUD, Gastritis, GERD, and IBS; Assessment and Management of Low Back Pain; Prescribing  for the Relief of Symptoms; Evaluation of Dizziness, Syncope, and Vertigo; Primary Care Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Syndromes; The Differential Diagnosis of Chest Pain: Who Needs the ECG?; and Controlled Substances: A Focus on Safe and Effective Prescribing. In addition, she developed and presented the programs Psychopharmacology for NPs & Advanced Practice Clinicians; Cardiac Rhythms: The Clinician’s Approach to Accurate Interpretation; 12-Lead ECG Interpretation: A Primary Care Perspective; and Beyond the Basics in 12-lead ECG Interpretation, which are also available at fhea.com. Dr. Miller is a member of numerous professional organizations, including AANP, the American Nurses Association, the Academy of Correctional Health Professionals, and the Nevada Nurses’ Association. She has been published in several nurse practitioner journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Biological Research for Nursing, Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Journal of Primary Health Care, Journal of Correctional Health Care, and Advance for Nurse Practitioners.  Dr. Miller has also served as a content reviewer for many of these publications

Sally Wasmuth, PhD, MA, OTR, received her PhD in critical and philosophical studies of biology from the University of Exeter in 2012. She has also received a master of arts degree in philosophy of biology (2007) and a master of science degree in occupational therapy (2011), and completed a 2-year postdoctoral training at the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is currently assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Dr. Wasmuth has been conducting research on the neurobiology of addiction and the bidirectional relationships between addiction and human occupation since 2006, and has published several papers on the subject in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, the American, British, and Canadian Journals of Occupational Therapy, and the Journal of Occupational Science. She has coauthored papers on mental health employee burnout and integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT) implementation and has been the principal or co-investigator on several related grants. Dr. Wasmuth has published her own theoretical model of addiction and piloted an occupation-based treatment approach to facilitate community engagement in people recovering from addiction. She recently was the recipient of a $750,000.00 Community Foundation Grant to further implement and study this intervention model. Dr. Wasmuth has taught mental health to doctoral- and master’s-level occupational therapy students since 2013 and has been an invited guest lecturer for several universities and organizations including the University of Southern California and the Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Action Coalition (POTAC) in San Francisco. She was the invited plenary speaker at the International Institute on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), where she discussed the concept of addiction-as-occupation, and has presented her work at several AOTA annual and specialty conferences.

Samantha Heidenreich, OTR/L, OTD, MOT, Myofunctional Therapist, earned her doctorate and masters degrees in occupational therapy from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California. Her doctorate capstone focused on feeding and nutritional interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. She has spent all of her postgraduate profession in pediatric settings, with a focus on various forms of assessment and intervention for children with feeding disorders, picky eating behaviors, swallowing dysfunction, and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Samantha has completed coursework and certifications in multiple specialized areas of practice related to feeding and nutrition, including the Baby Breathe Course, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Acceptance, Exposure, Independence, Observation and Understanding (AEIOU) Systematic Approach to Feeding, and International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) 28 hour course for Certification in Orofacial Myology. She is enrolled in the Breathe Institute Myo Mentor program and is a member of the Feed the Peds Myo Membership. She is a certified holistic nutritionist, and completed the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) certification in Nutrition, Chronic Disease, and Health Promotion. Samantha currently works providing continuing education courses on topics related to pediatric feeding and owns a private pediatric therapy practice, Integrative Wellness and Therapeutics, in North Carolina.  

Sana Donofry, a registered nurse and counselor, received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. She later received her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Alaska, in Fairbanks, AK. She has worked in both nursing and counseling settings and currently works alongside a licensed psychologist in private practice in Livingston, MT.

Sana works with all ages in individual, group, and family counseling settings. She has given several talks in the US and abroad on communication and mental health issues. Most recently, she gave a series of lectures focusing on family, workplace, and community support for mental health issues in and around Corozal, Belize.

Sandi Wagner, RN, BSN, BAAS is the Telemedicine and Stroke Coordinator with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center (GSMC) - Marshall, located in Marshall, Texas. Sandi has worked at CHRISTUS GSMC - Marshall for over 14 years in various roles including: Critical Care, Management, and as a Program Manager. 

Sandi has been a registered nurse for over 16 years and began her career after earning an Associate of Science in Nursing from Southwestern Adventist University in 2001. In 2011, she obtained a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree from The University of North Texas.  In 2016, Sandi received a Master Certificate in Business Management and in May of 2017, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from The University of Texas Arlington. Presently, Sandi is continuing her education by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.

Driven by a great passion and belief that every patient deserves the best care possible, regardless of location, Sandi is committed to the development and growth of Telemedicine. She took the lead in developing and implementing, in under a year’s time, a multi-specialty Telemedicine program at CHRISTUS GSMC - Marshall, which is a 149 bed rural hospital. Sandi is presently the coordinator of the team which provides all specialties of Telemedicine including Nephrology, Cardiology, Neurology, and Psychiatry. 

Sandi has helped lead her team to be the first in Texas to obtain the Joint Commission Acute Stroke Ready Certification. Additionally, under Sandi’s leadership, the team has participated in an Institutional Review Board research study of stroke door-to-needle times. Sandi’s unique background in Healthcare bespeaks her focus on the delivery of quality care and improved outcomes to all we serve. 

Sandra Villam, a licensed Physical Therapist, received her Wound Care Certification from the National Alliance of Wound Care & Ostomy in 2012. She graduated in 1993 from the University of British Columbia, Canada. Sandra has worked primarily with the geriatric population, both in Skilled Nursing and Home Health.  

She became interested in wounds when in 2003 she attended an intense training in wound care and sharps debridement in order to qualify for her WA PT license.  Living in a rural area of Washington she determined to become certified based on a need for expertise in treating complex wounds. Sandra enjoys teaching, sharing her knowledge, and enabling other healthcare professionals to feel confident in their skills. 

Sara Migliarese, PT, PhD, NCS, has been a physical therapist for more than 30 years, specializing in adult neurorehabilitation. She received her MSPT degree from Texas Woman’s University in 1985 and worked at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston before moving to North Carolina, where she practiced physical therapy at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and Gentiva Home Health Services. Dr. Migliarese received her certification in neurology from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 1995, recertification in neurology in 2005 and 2014 from the APTA, and Herdman certification in vestibular rehabilitation in 2008. She completed her doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2009 and is currently an associate professor in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). Her research interests with older adults include vestibular function, fall prevention, frailty, and neurologic deficits. Dr. Migliarese teaches the adult neuromuscular rehabilitation content of the WSSU DPT program and provides patient care in pro bono community clinics, including MSFit for persons with multiple sclerosis and the Star clinic for adults with neuromuscular conditions.

Sara Story, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS, is an occupational therapy faculty member at Spalding University. Dr. Story has 11 years of experience working with older adults. She serves on the Greater Louisville Aging in Place Alliance. Her interests, presentations, and publications include geriatric community-based therapy in utilizing technology to enhance outcomes in older adults, fall prevention, community mobility, and home modification and safety in underserved rural communities. Dr. Story is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is Board Certified in Gerontology from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Sarah Mertens is a nurse educator with over 30 years of experience in healthcare.  She holds a deep passion for patient and staff education.  During her career, Sarah has been involved in preparing for regulatory surveys. 

Daybreak Ventures.

Dr. Scott Bruce is a certified athletic trainer.  He has over 30 years of experience in the profession working in multiple settings and with patients of all levels of competition and ages.  Scott earned his doctorate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, his Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and he did is undergraduate studies at East Stroudsburg University.

Scott’s research interests are in the areas of concussion and clinical prediction modeling.  He has been involved in numerous research projects and was privileged to be a co-author on the NATA initial position statement on sport-related concussion.  While in Chattanooga, Scott founded the Chattanooga Concussion Prevention Initiative incorporating a group of health care professionals with the goal of aiding in concussion education and with the assessment and management of concussion in and around the Chattanooga area.

Scott Tilton is a board-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner that currently specializes in cardiac critical care and mechanical support. The patient populations that he manages include the most severe forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which require veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Shane is responsible for the day to day operations of the company. Shane joined the team in August of 2008 after serving as VP of Hospital (Rehab) Operations for Peoplefirst Rehabilitation (PFR). Prior to PFR, he was with HealthSouth Rehabilitation serving many roles over eight years, including Hospital Chief Executive Office and Regional Director of Operations.

Shannon Simmons is an infection preventionist certified in public heath and certified in infection control. Shannon received her master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science with a concentration in community health.

Shannon has several years of experience as a clinical microbiologist and is a certified medical laboratory scientist. Although Shannon no longer practices in the lab she maintains microbiology related knowledge as an adjunct professor of microbiology for allied health professionals. Shannon is an active member of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control, the Texas Society of Infection Control & Prevention, and the American Society for Microbiology.

Shari Kalkstein is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer with over 14 years experience. She is also an Elite Personal Trainer with IDEA. Shari is the owner/president of Keep the Beat, Inc. and the creator and instructor of “Fortify Your Frame,” a small group-supervised exercise class specifically designed for the older adult.

Shari received her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Texas at Arlington and an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assisting from Broward Community College. She is an Allied member of the American College of Sports Medicine and a member of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. She brings passion, enthusiasm and innovative ideas to her presentations and keeps the day moving with hands-on activities.

Sharon D. Novalis, PhD, OTR/L, is an associate  professor in the Occupational Therapy Programs at Chatham University. Dr. Novalis has over 30  years of experience in the field of occupational therapy. She has worked in practice and leadership capacities, both as an occupational therapy assistant and as an occupational therapist. Dr. Novalis has presented at state conferences and local professional association meetings on the topics of suicide awareness, suicide prevention, and the role of occupational therapy. She has several scholarly works, including a continuing education article, on the topic of the role of occupational therapy in suicide awareness and working with survivors, which was published by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Novalis is a member of the Chatham University Mental Health Task Force, which, in part, has been responsible for the provision of educational materials to faculty on the topic of suicide awareness and prevention. Dr. Novalis has been invited to present the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention material to several university psychology classes and has also co-presented on this topic to a university-wide audience. Dr. Novalis is an active volunteer member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has been the co-chair for the Out of the Darkness Campus at Chatham University, establishing the first walk in 2017. Dr. Novalis is a co-advisor of the Chatham University American Foundation for Suicide Prevention student organization which was established in 2022.   She has served as facilitator of a process group at the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in Pittsburgh, 2017 and as a guest presenter in 2018. She continues her participation as a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in support of community awareness events and educational endeavors.  Dr. Novalis is the recipient of the 2022 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Occupational Therapist Award of Recognition primarily due to her work related to the role of occupational therapy in suicide awareness/reduction.  

Sharon Finch O'Maley received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Peoples’ Bible College in 1976 and her Certification for Supervisors of ACE classrooms from the ACE Certification Institute in 1984. She also studied Spanish at the Peace Corp Language Institute in Santo Domingo.

Sharon served as a Technical Writer and Translator for Royal Tech Writers & Translators and has researched and written continuing education manuals for the medical, insurance, real estate, financial, funeral industries. She is also a medical researcher, having completed research duties on topics including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, respiratory issues and endometriosis.

Sheila M. Longpré is an Assistant  Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Longpré has over twenty years of practice in occupational therapy practice across the lifespan. Seventeen years include application specifically related to occupational therapy practice in oncology. She has worked at two of the leading cancer centers in the nation, presented locally, nationally, and internationally on the topic. In addition, she has authored multiple articles and book chapters related to the topic area and continues to engage in research related to the role of occupational therapy in oncological care across the lifespan.

Sheldon D. Fields,  PhD, RN, AACRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, is a nursing educator, practitioner, researcher, policy analyst, administrator, and entrepreneur. He graduated from Binghamton University becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner in 1995. He completed his PhD in nursing science at the University of Pennsylvania and post-doctoral work in the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at the University of California San Francisco. He is a well-known HIV prevention research scientist who has maintained a primary focus on HIV prevention and treatment among underserved populations. He is lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association and currently serves as the association’s national first vice-president. In 2020 he was appointed to be the inaugural Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State University. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners honored him with the Towers Pinnacle Award in 2020. He holds fellowship status in the National Academies of Practice, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Nursing.  

Shelley Mulligan, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Mulligan received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Western Ontario, in London, ON, her master’s of science degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, and her PhD in special education from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Dr. Mulligan’s clinical and research interests include early intervention services; sensory integration; and the sensory and motor functions of children with attention disorders, sensory processing disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Mulligan worked as an occupational therapy clinician for 10 years in both clinic and school settings, specializing in the delivery of services for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including attention and learning disorders, sensory processing disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Mulligan is the author of Occupational Therapy Evaluation for Children, 2nd Edition, published in 2013, and associate editor of A. Bundy and S. Lane’s, Sensory Integration Theory and Practice, 3rd Edition, published in 2020.

Sherry M. Cummings, PhD, MSW, MA, is an associate dean and professor at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in Nashville, where she has served on the faculty since 1998. Dr. Cummings holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Georgia, Athens, a master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a master's degree in theology from Villanova University, Philadelphia. She has written and published extensively, including journal articles, books, book chapters, and government reports, and has presented papers nationally on the mental health needs of older adults, the impact of those needs on caregivers, and the ethical dilemmas in working with older clients.

Shirley Aycock, DNP, RN, is a Registered Nurse who has spent the majority of her nursing career serving in a variety of leadership roles. Over the past several years her leadership focus has shifted from managing acute care adult medical-surgical units to oversight of educational endeavors within the acute care hospital environment. She serves as Lead Nurse Planner, responsible for the planning, development, and evaluation of education activities for continuing nurse education and oversight of the Provider Unit status.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from University of Texas at Tyler, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. 

Shirley serves as adjunct faculty for East Texas Baptist University, LeTourneau University and Howard Payne University Schools of Nursing.  

Simona Pozzetto, LICSW was born and raised in Italy, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology. After moving to Massachusetts, Ms. Pozzetto achieved her MSW and completed the Certificate Program in Jewish Communal and Clinical Social Work at Simmons College and Hebrew College in 2003. Ms. Pozzetto worked in community mental health clinics and long-term care facilities as a clinical therapist, initially focusing on children and adolescents, then mostly on adults and the elderly. In 2014, Ms. Pozzetto obtained her LICSW, and after a few years in management, in 2020, opened a private practice. During her career, Ms. Pozzetto has specialized in trauma work, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, and end-of-life issues. In June 2021, Ms. Pozzetto obtained her Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) Certification. 

Spring Saldana is Licensed Massage Therapist that serves as a Professional Educator with a strong commitment to developing adults learners in the field of Massage Therapy. 

Stacey Davis is the Director of Rehabilitation/Therapy Services at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. She is a 1989 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta Georgia with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 21 years and has worked in a variety of settings with proven abilities in development of programs, management and supervision of personnel and marketing of therapy services.

Stacey is a certified instructor through the Theraband Academy as well as a certified Kineso Taping Practitioner. Stacey is a member of AOTA and GOTA being active and supportive since 1989. She demonstrates proven abilities with the development of continuing education courses for allied health professionals and has been a speaker since 2008.

Stephan Shipe is a finance professor at Wake Forest University. He has a Ph.D. in Finance from Florida State University, a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of North Florida and is a CFA Charter holder. In addition to teaching at Wake Forest University, he has taught in the business schools of Florida State University and the University of New Hampshire and has started and managed multiple businesses. Stephan has combined his experience teaching, his extensive business knowledge, and his industry experience to form a collection of business based continuing education courses available to massage therapists. 

Stephani Hunt received her master’s degree in nursing with an education focus from Framingham State University and her baccalaureate in nursing degree from Northeastern University, Boston. She is wound care certified, an ostomy management specialist, and is a certified orthopedic nurse. Ms. Hunt has worked as a medical-surgical clinical nurse educator, coordinating orientation for new staff, providing ongoing staff education, and responding to real-time staff educational needs. She is currently working as the inpatient wound and ostomy specialist in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Stephani Hunt, MSN, RN, WCC, OMS, ONC, CFCN received her master’s degree in nursing with an education focus from Framingham State University and her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Northeastern University, Boston.  She is Wound Care Certified, an Ostomy Management Specialist, a Certified Foot Care Nurse, and is a Certified Orthopedic Nurse.   Ms. Hunt was formerly a medical-surgical clinical healthcare provider educator and is currently working as the Inpatient Wound and Ostomy Specialist in Manchester, NH.  Prior to her current position, she was actively involved as a wound care specialist in Boston.  Her current workplace is a 300-bed level 2 trauma center. In her current role, she provides wound care education, consultation, and standardization for nursing throughout the institution.  

Stephen Heim attended Arizona State University, received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been a Registered Nurse for 18 years. He has a Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration from South University and is currently working on a certificate in Quality and Nursing Informatics at University of Texas. He has worked in multiple hospital systems and was the Director of Critical Care for both CHRISTUS Health and HCA Healthcare. Stephen’s goal has always been to make difficult to understand topics in nursing easier. He lives in East Texas and has two kids, a boy, and a girl. He loves to read, learning, and obtaining new knowledge.

Steve Jordan, MD, is a prominent orthopedic surgeon and sports physician who is currently celebrating his 24th year at the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic. He is currently serving as the team physician for Florida State University.

Dr. Jordan earned his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California.

STEVE MIDDLETON, PT, DPT, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES, CKTP, FMT, serves as the Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program at William Woods University as well as Clinic Director at Assess, Treat and Condition, an outpatient clinic in Fulton, MO. He has nearly 20 years of experience in patient care. Dr. Middleton has also worked with athletes, from high school to college as well as professional athletes in the NFL and the Olympics. He has instructed thousands of clinicians in continuing education courses over the past 8 years. His treatment and teaching approach is very hands-on, from performing manual therapy techniques to therapeutic exercises to improve function while decreasing symptoms.

Dr. Middleton earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences with an emphasis in manual physical therapy. He also holds  a Master of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Southern Illinois University. In addition to his academic degrees, he holds additional certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, the International Kinesio Taping Association, and Graston Technique. Steve Middleton is certified in Fascial Movement Taping (FMT) and has become a foremost authority in the field integrating a variety of manual therapy techniques. 

Steven Kronlage, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. He specializes in adult and pediatric conditions of the upper extremity, acute and post-traumatic reconstruction of the upper extremities, arthroscopic surgery of the wrist, elbow and shoulder and arthroplasty of the hand, wrist and elbow. His practice addresses the full spectrum of hand and wrist conditions utilizing a broad range of non-surgical treatments and, when necessary, surgical techniques informed by the latest advancements in his field. 

Dr. Kronlage earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University. Following his undergraduate work, Dr. Kronlage continued his education at Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana where he earned a Doctor of Medicine. He went on to complete a Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Science Center (Charity Hospital). Dr. Kronlage completed his formal education at Harvard Medical School in a Hand, Microvascular and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 

Dr. Kronlage is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. His professional affiliations include membership in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Florida Medical Association and Florida Orthopaedic Society. 

Dr. Kronlage’s personal interests include coaching youth sports, fishing, windsurfing and spending time with his family. He also enjoys participating in medical mission trips to underserved areas. 

Susan L. R.ubin, MSN, RN, received her baccalaureate degree in nursing from West Chester University and a master’s degree in clinical trials nursing from Drexel University. She is a published author who has experience as a progressive care unit nurse with a special interest in cardiac nursing.

Susan Mitchell, MS, OTR/L, CHT has been practicing occupational therapy for over 20 years and a hand therapist for the majority of those years. Having obtained her BS in Occupational Therapy in 1987 from the University of New Hampshire, Susan then moved on to earn her Masters of Science in Health Care Administration in 1995 at the California State University. She offered her therapy skills at the Hand Rehabilitation Clinic in Beverley Hills for a decade before joining the team at Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic as Staff Occupational Therapist in 2009 where she still currently works.

Susan has served as a board member on th Hand Therapy Society of Greater Los Angeles as well as on the board of directors for the Occupational Therapy Association of California.

Suzanne Greenwalt,  PT, DPT, CCS, GCS has been a physical therapist since 2002. She is an Instructor in the School of Physical Therapy at Belmont University. She is also a physical therapist with a long term care company. In addition, she is a mentor and educator in one of the APTA’s credentialed Geriatric Residency Programs. She received her GCS in 2011 and is an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor.

Suzanne has been working in geriatrics for most of her career in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, acute care hospitals, and out-patient rehabilitation. She received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy and her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science, both from Saint Louis University. Her interest areas in both patient care and research are geriatrics and cardiopulmonary comorbidities in the geriatric population.

Dr. Tinsley received her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1986 and her PhD in Neuropharmacology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport in 1999. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport. Dr. Tinsley teaches medical pharmacology in the School of Allied Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies and School of Medicine.

Dr. Tinsley is an APTA Board Certified Neurologic Physical Therapist and has presented nationally at APTA conferences as well as numerous continuing education seminars on the topic of pharmacology and rehabilitation. She currently serves as Chair of the Stroke SIG, Neurology Section, APTA. She has an active clinical practice in the area of neurological rehabilitation as well as an active clinical research agenda.

Dr. Tariq Hendawi is an orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. He was fellowship trained in Sports Medicine by the world renowned Dr. James R. Andrews at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL. During his fellowship training he was involved in team coverage for the Washington Redskins, Auburn Tigers Football Team, Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Team (affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds), and many local high school teams. He learned how to diagnose and treat athletes at all levels of training, from the weekend warrior to the elite professional athlete.  As a former varsity football player, Dr. Hendawi has always connected with and enjoyed working with athletes of all kinds. 

Dr. Hendawi completed his Residency training at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana where he was trained by the team physicians of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. He served as the academic chief resident due to his love for teaching young surgeons.  He graduated at the top of his undergraduate class receiving the Cum Laude recognition from Louisiana State University . He excelled to the top of his medical school class at LSU School of Medicine, being inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He has presented research locally and nationally and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. He continues to perform research in the area of Sports Medicine. 

Dr. Hendawi also enjoys treating athletes and patients as they age and has a special interest in arthroplasty of the shoulder, hip, and knee.  He also enjoys spending time and traveling with his daughters Mila and Ava, as well as his amazing wife Chasity. 

Teresa Devitt-Lynch, MSN, RN, ANF-BC, SANE-A holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing and is board-certified in Advanced Forensic Nursing and Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations. She is also a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy with a nursing background in medical-surgical, couplet care, ambulatory surgery, education and training, and forensic healthcare. As a forensic nurse and educator, she has developed and provided forensic education to military and civilian healthcare staff, with a focus on sexual assault and domestic violence issues.  Ms. Devitt-Lynch is also engaged in several organizational, national, and community-based committees aimed at enhancing forensic healthcare and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration in the investigation prosecution of crimes that involve medical evidence such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and strangulation.  Currently a Legal Nurse Consultant and owner of the INTREPID Forensic Healthcare Consulting, LLC, she provides criminal case consulting and educational services to healthcare providers, law enforcement, and law professionals on  forensic healthcare topics.  

Teri Bielefeld Fagan, PT, CHT, is a graduate of the Program in Physical Therapy at Marquette University, Milwaukee. She was formerly employed at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee where she held the position of PT clinical hand specialist in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic for 35 years. Teri has been involved as a clinical instructor in the physical therapy programs at Marquette University, Carroll University, Concordia University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been a certified hand therapist since 1991 and has lectured nationally and internationally on numerous hand rehabilitation topics. Her publications include “The Unstable Metacarpophalangeal Joint in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anatomy, Pathomechanics, and Physical Rehabilitation Considerations,” in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2005), “The Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb: Stability, Deformity, and Therapeutic Intervention,” published in the same journal (2003), a monologue titled Hand Splinting for the American Physical Therapy Association (Orthopaedic Section), and a chapter in Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity, 6th edition, titled “Therapist’s Management of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint with Osteoarthritis.” Teri served four terms as President of the Hand Rehabilitation Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and two terms as Treasurer, currently serving as the Bylaws Chairperson. Teri received the Marquette University 2000 Merit Award for distinguished professional achievement and the American Physical Therapy Association Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Award for Clinical Excellence in 1998. She was named the Marquette University Physical Therapy Alumna of the Year in 1995, and she received an Outstanding Service Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin in 1992 and the M. P. Murray Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice from the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association in 1987.

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has a strong commitment to ensuring that all older adults and caregivers in Massachusetts have equal access to quality care – in their homes, local community, or elder care settings.

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT,DPT,MS,OCS,LMT,CEAS is a Board-certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, massage therapist, Expert Consultant and educator at Educise.com Education, Health & Wellness in the Dartmouth-Sunapee, NH area.  She graduated from Long Island University’s PT with Highest Honors and received her Doctorate in PT from University of New England.  She served as faculty at CUNY Queens and Touro College in New York city. Theresa integrates traditional and holistic approaches to maximize performance. Her manual focus draws from over 30 years in osteopathic-based therapies including myofascial, craniosacral, counterstrain, muscle energy, mobilization, precision movement, mindfulness, and integrative medicine.  

Therese Jamison, DNP, ACNP-BC, is the founding director of nursing at Lawrence Technological University. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Vanderbilt University and was formally educated at the University of Michigan (postmaster’s acute care nurse practitioner) and Wayne State University (MSN/ BSN). Dr Jamison has been an associate of Ascension Michigan Healthcare System since 1981. She is currently practicing as an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) in cardiovascular surgery (since 2005) and formerly practiced in the area of cardiology since 1998. She has an extensive history as an educator for undergraduate nurses (BSN) as well as primary and acute care nurse practitioner students since 1994. She has presented extensively at local, regional, and national forums on topics of nursing practice with a focus on cardiology, pharmacology, nursing education, and quality improvement initiatives.

Tom Hendrickson, D.C. is a world-renowned authority on musculoskeletal disorders. The Founder and President of the Hendrickson Method® Institute, Dr. Hendrickson has been teaching his unique method of massage and manual therapy since 1982. He also maintains a successful clinical practice in Kensington, CA, specializing in soft tissue injuries.

Dr. Hendrickson began studying the healing arts in 1972. He trained with Zen priest and Shiatsu Master Riuho Yamada, studied Lomi Bodywork, a system of therapy combining deep tissue massage and breath work from Robert Hall M.D., and trained in Reichian Bodywork under Phil Curcuruto D.C., Ed Jackson M.D. and Peter Levine PhD.

In 1982, Dr. Hendrickson completed a one-year apprenticeship and four-year training program under the legendary Lauren Berry, RPT, who made significant contributions to the field of soft tissue therapy. He then went on to graduate magna cum laude from Life Chiropractic College West in 1986.

Hendrickson Method evolved out of Dr. Hendrickson’s training with these master teachers and has been refined in the course of 35 years of clinical practice treating over 150,000 patients. It also reflects his extensive study of yoga, Tai Chi and meditation, which he has practiced on a daily basis for over 40 years.

Tiffany Nelson received a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Athletic Training.  After working with various sports teams, health clubs, and medical clinics, she quickly learned the important role nutrition plays in every aspect of health from enhancing performance to dealing with chronic disease. Her career quickly took a turn to focus more on the nutritional component of health and wellness, and she became a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association.

Tiffany now runs a private practice helping individuals learn the fundamentals of proper nutrition, and incorporate them into their lifestyle to enhance the quality of life and use food as medicine to support their body’s natural ability to heal.   

Tracey Davis is an occupational therapist with 18 years experience in the field of pediatrics. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin. She has been working exclusively in telehealth for over 4 years and has mentored countless therapists new to the field. She is the owner of Global Therapy Consultants, LLC, providing consultative and direct therapy services to homeschool, overseas expat, and virtual school students and their families. Tracey has been teaching webinars and writing e-books related to telehealth and pediatrics for the past two years. She is currently earning a Doctorate of Health Sciences in the area of Organizational Behavior and leadership.

Tsu-Hsin Howe is Associate Professor and director of post-professional programs in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Her primary research interest focuses on examining motor behaviors in children who are at high-risk for developmental delay with a special interest in feeding related issues.

Dr. Howe teaches classes on pediatric and research topics at both the master's and doctoral levels. Her clinical expertise offers students a unique perspective in an area of occupational therapy that is critical to the field. Her courses include Theoretical Bases for the Scope of Practice, Theoretical Foundations for Intervention, Developing a guideline for Intervention and Departmental Seminar. She also gives guest lectures on topics related to her specialty.

Dr. Howe has practiced in both community and hospital-based settings for over 20 years, the past 15 of which as a pediatric clinical specialist in Mount Sinai Medical Center of New York City. She has treated infants and children with prematurity, developmental disabilities, congenital heart diseases, neurological deficits, gastrointestinal disorders, and learning disabilities. Her specialty expertise includes neonatal occupational therapy and feeding management. Dr. Howe is trained in neuro-developmental treatment in pediatrics and is certified to administer the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale.

Tyler Opitz is from Kennewick, Washington and attended Yakima Valley Community College out of high school to play college baseball where he earned his AA degree. Tyler continued his collegiate baseball career and education at Dickinson State University in North Dakota and also was the pitching coach for 1 year. He then attended the University of Montana for PT school. Upon graduation he worked briefly in the San Francisco Bay Area in outpatient orthopedics before returning to work for the Andrews Institute, the site of one of his internships. Tyler has been a PT for 5 years at Andrews specializing in the treatment of the overhead athlete and lower extremity. His patient caseload is comprised of high school, collegiate, and professional athletes as well as recreational athletes and weekend warriors. He has been involved in ongoing research with Malaysian partners on stem cells and chondrogenesis, development and advancing the interval throwing program, return to sport criteria for the upper extremity, and uses with Blood Flow restriction devices in rehab. Ryler earned certifications in Graston, SFMA, Blood Flow Restriction, Sports Certified Specialist (SCS), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). I am an avid sports fan and love my University of Washington Huskies as well as my two dogs, Bentley and Benson.  

Verlyn Evans, Ed.D, CCC/SLP has been a clinical speech-language pathologist for 23 years.  She has provided therapy for the geriatric and pediatric populations.  Dr. Evans has experience in acute, subacute, skilled nursing, home health, group homes and Assisted Living settings.  She has extensive experience providing dysphagia therapy for medically fragile patients.   Dr. Evans received her Bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida, Tampa, FL and her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL.  Dr. Evans is an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Liberty University. 

Veronica Southard, PT, DHSc, GCS, CEEAA, is a full-time associate professor in the physical therapy program at the New York Institute of Technology, where she teaches geriatrics, modalities, neurorehabilitation, orthopedics, and ADL/rehabilitation. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Hunter College in 1979 and an advanced master’s degree in physical therapy from Long Island University in 1986. In 2000, she was board-certified in geriatrics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In addition, she earned a doctorate in health sciences from the University of St. Augustine in 2004. She received certification as an exercise expert for aging adults in 2010 through the APTA Section on Geriatrics. Dr. Southard has practiced in nursing homes, rehabilitation, acute care, outpatient services, and pediatrics. She currently practices in home health. She is interested in vestibular rehabilitation and has published on topics pertaining to older adults with impairments in balance, falls, congestive heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease. Her research also examines outcomes assessment tools and the effects of exercise on balance.

Vicki Case graduated from the University of Florida in 1990 with a bachelors degree in occupational therapy and from Saint Josephs College in Maine with a masters degree in education in 2017. Vicki is an Associate Professor and the Program Director for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at AdventHealth University in Orlando Florida. She has 29 years of experience as an occupational therapist and is an Authorized Allen Instructor. Vicki has presented at numerous national and local conferences on the topic of cognitive impairment. She organized and participated in the production of a training video entitled Administering the Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS). She also participated in a video entitled “How Safe is Safe?”, part of a series of videotapes developed for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. 

Vince Fedorowich is currently the head athletic trainer and an instructor in the Division of Health Sciences at Missouri Valley College. Vince has been taking care of and educating student-athletes at Missouri Valley College for the past eight years. He holds a master's degree in education (with an emphasis on athletic training) from Old Dominion University and received his bachelor of arts while double majoring in physical education and athletic training from Graceland University. Vince is a certified athletic trainer who possesses a Missouri Athletic Training license. Prior to Missouri Valley College, Vince traveled throughout the United States practicing as an athletic trainer in professional hockey, baseball, and high school settings. Through his experience and education, he developed interests in the areas of treatment and prevention of lower back injuries and concussion management. 

Wanda Threadgill is a Registered Nurse with an associate’s degree from Northeast Texas Community College.  She have worked in a variety of health care settings which have included the following:  Direct patient care in the areas of labor and delivery, surgery, and hospice. Hospital compliance in the areas of Joint Commission and infection control.  Management as Director of Nurses in long term care, and federal and state compliance for the Department of Aging and Disabilities for the State of Texas. 

Wendy Dusenbury, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, ANVP-BC, FAHA, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, a master of science in nursing (family nurse practitioner) from Wichita State University, a postmaster’s certificate as an acute care nurse practitioner from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, doctor of nursing practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and doctor of philosophy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In addition, Wendy completed a postgraduate neurovascular advanced practice fellowship program in 2013 from Arizona State University through the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. She has a wide range of clinical experience as a nurse practitioner, including primary care, pediatrics, neurosurgery, neuro intensive care unit (ICU), stroke program management, and acute stroke service in both inpatient and the mobile stroke unit.   

Whitney Henderson, OTD, MOT, OTR/L is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree [2006] and Master’s degree [2008] in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Clinical Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy [2017] from Creighton University. Whitney possesses experience across a variety of settings primarily treating individuals with neurological conditions. She has been in academia for approximately 8 years and teaches a variety of content related to the evaluation and treatment of adults. She also supervises students in a pro-bono practicum clinic and engages in research related to neurological populations and professional education.  Whitney has a variety of experiences related to teaching and learning.  She has published a book titled Effective Teaching: Instructional Methods and Strategies for Occupational Therapy Education. She has also conducted 4 research projects, published 4 papers, created a 4-part continuing education model, presented more than 10 presentations, and received 1 grant related to teaching and learning topics. Whitney also mentors students in teaching practicums and has implemented many creative methods of teaching [e.g. plickers, podcast creation, TORSH, Flipgrid] throughout her courses. She owns a private consulting company which works with educators to rethink their teaching and learning practices.  

Will Kirkpatrick, a Registered Nurse, received his associate's degree in nursing from Marion Technical College in Ohio. Will is a new licensed Registered Nurse that serves a background in nutraceuticals, wellness, & fitness. He has 3+ years of experience in helping others reach their fitness goals through the use of multiple combinations of fitness solutions & nutrition. Will brings primary prevention into nursing & provides holistic approaches to reverse the progression of various health problems in the nation with his nursing education content. He is certified to provide the most up-to-date educational content that combines nursing & primary prevention wellness to improve the health of the general population through fitness, nutrition, & nursing intervention. He is currently on track to earn his Family Nurse Practitioner license, specializing in Functional Medicine, to increase the attention to disease prevention. 

Dr. Baldwin completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Andrews Institute and is now currently working at Orlando Health.  He is a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Biochemistry. He is also a graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine where he was Lawrence M. Goodman Research Scholarship Recipient. Dr. Baldwin completed an Orthopaedic Residency at Orlando Health where he was the Exemplary Colleague Physician Award Recipient 2018.

Winnie Yang received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology with a minor in Business Administration from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. She went onto the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign to receive her Masters of Art degree in Speech Pathology. Winnie is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and ASHA's Special Interest Group Division 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. She is currently practicing at JPS Health Network, a Level 1 Trauma Center and Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, in Fort Worth, Texas providing dysphagia, cognitive, alaryngeal speech, voice, and speech and language evaluation and treatment to the adult population. During her tenure at JPS, she has supervised numerous ASHA Clinical Fellows and provided clinical supervision to graduate students who are completing their acute care externship. In addition to supervision and mentorship, Winnie provides in-services to Family Practice residents and Oral Surgery interns about dysphagia and tracheostomies. At JPS, she was instrumental in forming a multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Team to improve patient care and to improve staff education regarding tracheostomy tubes. She has a passion for educating people from various disciplines to improve patient outcomes.

Yvonne L. Weideman, DNP, RN, CNE, CWON, CFCN, has more than 30 years of diverse nursing experience in home care, home infusion, nursing administration, and nursing education. Currently, Dr. Weideman is a full-time assistant clinical professor at Duquesne University. Her primary area of clinical focus is wound and ostomy nursing, and she is board certified as a wound, ostomy, continence, and foot care nurse. Dr. Weideman earned her BSN from Duquesne University, her MBA from Robert Morris University, and her DNP from Duquesne University.

Zakariya H. Nawasreh, BS, MSc, PhD, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2006 and a Master of Science degree in health and rehabilitation sciences from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011. Dr. Nawasreh has worked as a teaching assistant and supervised students’ clinical training in the applied medical sciences at Jordan University of Science and Technology. He earned a doctorate in biomechanics and movement science at the University of Delaware, with a focus on operative and nonoperative ACL intervention and outcomes. Dr. Nawasreh is currently working as an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Jordan University of Science and Technology. He has presented on the topic of ACL rehabilitation intervention and outcomes at national and international conferences. Dr. Nawasreh is board-certified in the Jordanian Physical Therapy Association.