News

Effective December 1, 2025, ForwardHealth and Managed Care Organizations will support and reimburse for direct access to physical therapy services. These changes reflect updates to our practice act, including the ability to order x-rays. This is a significant win for our profession and will reduce unnecessary barriers to care for our patients. Please see this ForwardHealth Update for details on this exciting news. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact aptawi@aptawi.org.

Building off the successful inaugural year of the APTA Wisconsin Practice Committee’s Webinar Series, we are excited to announce the 2026 series! This year’s series will continue to promote practice and education excellence, and promote APTA Wisconsin as a go-to resource for practice related CE offerings.

The webinar series will be held on the 3rd Wednesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November from 8-9pm (1 CE credit per webinar).

Fee Schedule:

APTA WI member: $25/session

APTA Student member: $10/session

Non-member $50/session

The 6th session is free if you purchase the entire series!

2026 Schedule

January 21

Keep Your Nose Above Water! Financial Strategies for Students and Early Career PTs and PTAs

Life is expensive and learning how to find the right balance between investing in your career, paying the bills, and having enough money left over for everything else is critical! Join our panel discussion as we describe tools and strategies important to being knowledgeable about one’s current and future financial health. We will explore APTA and APTA WI resources in order to make strong financial management decisions and to manage student debt.

March 18

What’s New in the World of Payment and Reimbursement? Everything! An WPTA WI Update

The world of payment and reimbursement is ever evolving. Some great payment “wins” have occurred related to direct access and Medicaid coverage. APTA WI’s payment experts will provide an update on what is new and what is coming next.

May 20

Get on Board the MSK Ultrasound Train!

The use of ultrasound has exploded in PT practice over the past few years. Hear from APTA WI members the various ways ultrasound are used for day-to-day clinical practice, as a tool to develop optimal patient plans of care, to educate patients, and at times contribute to a patient diagnosis. The panel will also provide an overview on how to get started developing the necessary skills, available certificate programs, options for purchasing equipment, and more!

July 15

MSK Ultrasound Program -- Part 2

This meeting will go into detail on how to implement it within a health system and what is happening on a national level, including discussion on the barriers and challenges they have experienced. The panel will also explore strategies, including valuable resources for overcoming these obstacles, and make a strong case for expansion of this practice model.

September 16

Introducing the APTA WI Pain SIG Toolkit for Practitioners and Educators!

The relevance of pain education across practice settings and disciplines will be highlighted. Central to the discussion is the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy’s Pain Education Manual. Pain phenotyping and sociological trends in pain are critical to development of an appropriate patient plan of care. The APTA WI Pain SIG’s newly created Pain Toolkit will also be presented and discussed.

November 18

Emergency Department and Physical Therapist Practice

This webinar provides an overview of the expanding role of physical therapists in Emergency Department settings, including how PTs contribute to patient assessment, mobility management, and safe discharge planning. Presenters will highlight current models of ED practice and share practical insights for integrating PT services into acute care workflows. This session will help attendees understand how ED physical therapy can enhance patient outcomes and support interdisciplinary care.

The new APTA Wisconsin Rising Leader Program officially kicks off this January with the goal of cultivating the next generation of physical therapy leaders across the state through structured mentorship, leadership development, and professional growth opportunities.

The 2026 Rising Leader cohort — Peter McManus, Lindsay Dolan, Julia Nameth, and McKayla Figueroa — represents a motivated group of emerging professionals committed to growing as future contributors to APTA Wisconsin and beyond. Throughout the year, participants will engage in monthly mentor–mentee meetings, guided reflections, and hands-on leadership experiences that prepare them for expanded roles within their clinics, communities, and the association.

A key component of the program is participation in LAMP 101, a foundational leadership course developed by APTA’s Academy of Leadership and Innovation to build core self-awareness and leadership skills. Three of our Rising Leaders attended LAMP 101 this past November at Marquette University. Rising Leader Lindsay Dolan, PT, DPT, reflected on the experience:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend spent at LAMP 101. It was an interactive and engaging time surrounded by inspiring and ‘real’ leaders. LAMP 101 provided purposeful time to focus on ME. We reflected on our own morals, values, and goals, and created working documents of our Mission and Vision statements for the next 5–10 years. This was valuable pre-work for a future of leadership. I am inspired and grateful to have started my LAMP journey.”

The program aims to develop thoughtful and capable leaders for the future of physical therapy in Wisconsin. For questions, or if you are interested in serving on the Committee, email ldc@aptawi.org.

The recipient will receive $500 and be recognized at the APTA Wisconsin Spring Conference on April 24 in Stevens Point.

Prerequisites:

• Current PT or PTA student
• APTA Wisconsin/APTA member

To apply:

PT/PTA students will write an essay (no longer than 500 words) to apply that should address the following 3 areas:

• School or community involvement including any job experience
• APTA WI/APTA involvement
• Goals for professional development and strategy/plan to accomplish these goals upon graduation
• Additionally, 2 professional letters of recommendation are required.

The applications should be sent to the APTA Wisconsin Academic Liaison Committee Co-Chairs, Erik Gregersen and Billy Bruggink, at erik.gregersen@froedtert.com and billy.bruggink@froedtert.com by January 31.

The application essay should be a Word document or PDF. Please attach/send the two letters of recommendation and student application essay in one email. In the email also include full name, what school attending, year in school, APTA ID# and address.

The winner will be chosen by the APTA Wisconsin Academic Liaison Committee and notified within two weeks of the application deadline.

After very successful programming at our 2025 Fall Conference, the 2026 APTA Wisconsin Fall Conference will again have a series of selected educational sessions.

Similar to APTA Combined Sections Meeting, interested presenters should submit an electronic proposal highlighting their two hour session. The proposals will then be peer reviewed and ranked. Top proposals will be awarded the distinction of “APTA Wisconsin Selected Education Session” and presented at Fall Conference in Pewaukee at the Ingleside Hotel, October 1-2. Submissions are due by March 1, 2026. Awarded proposals will be announced in April.

If you, or people you know, are interested in presenting at future conference use the link below to submit your session details!

2026 Fall Conference Session Submission Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8BWSZ8Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the 2025 APTA Wisconsin Legislative Day and for those who sent letters to their legislators. With over 275 attendees plus 100 OTs — the Capitol knew we were in the building!

Because of our advocacy we garnered six new co-sponsors after our legislative meetings - Representatives DeSmidt, Kirsch, Brill, Maxey, and Billings, and Senator Larson. Our bill now has nearly one-third of the entire Assembly as a co-sponsor. You all made a difference!

Please continue to advocate for your patients and your profession. Remember — “When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt.”

Congratulations to APTA Wisconsin member Joe Kucksdorf, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, for receiving the Excellence in Innovation Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy.

Watch a short clip of Joe explaining what he's doing in the PT space to move the profession forward. Congratulations Joe!

Congratulations to members Daniel Deuel, PT, DPT, M.Ed, MPH, Lisa Vanwiel, DPT, PhD, and Bringa Johnson, DPT, OCS, GCS, for being selected to participate in the 2026 APTA Association Leadership Scholars Program. During the one-year program (January through December), scholars participate in a robust curriculum that covers association leadership and management topics, with activities that can include group projects and engagement opportunities. Graduates of the program come away with new understanding, new skills, and a personal leadership development program that they can put to use to benefit the profession. Congratulations!

The U.S. Department of Education is working to update the federal student loan regulations, including which professions would be included in the professional degree category. Historically, physical therapy and dozens of other licensed providers have been considered to be included in this definition.

At the last meeting of the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE Committee, a proposed definition for professional degree programs was adopted, that if enacted, could cause serious, long-term damage to the health care workforce. The proposed definition excludes dozens of professions, including physical therapy.

This is not what Congress intended. We need you to contact your members of Congress to urge them to intervene and ensure the Department of Education follows the intent of Congress and include the broad range of health care professions that have historically been considered professional degrees.

While not a final determination, this proposal is misguided, misinformed, and threatens an already strained health care workforce. A formal public comment period is expected in early 2026 — and we’ll be ready. You can take action now — Contact your members of Congress through the APTA Patient Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/.../APTA/Campaigns/131766/Respond

It’s vital for your members of Congress to hear from you today about the importance of getting these regulations right. Contact your members of Congress today!

 

Thank you to every candidate who stepped forward this year—your dedication, expertise, and willingness to serve make our Association stronger. We also appreciate every member who took time to vote. Your engagement shapes the future of our profession and our leadership team.

Please join us in congratulating the newly elected leaders who will take office on January 1, 2026!

Secretary
• Allison Hodgson, PT, DPT

Treasurer
• Benjamin Armstrong, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, ATC

Delegates
• Rob Worth, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LAT
• Lindsay Dolan, PT, DPT
• Krissa Reeves, PTA, M.Ed

Alternate Delegates
• Lee Coleman, PT, DPT, OCS
• Chantel Hasman, DPT, OCS, CMPT
• Samuel O'Melia, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
• Jonathan Walton, PT, DPT, CLT
• Scott Brau, PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F

Director
• Bryan Cummings, PT, DPT

Nominating Committee
• Barbara Helgeson, PT

Congratulations to all! We look forward to a great year ahead.

As 2025 draws to a close, APTA Wisconsin would like to acknowledge those people who have supported our profession through their sustained membership. Soon we realize that our membership is one of those things we cherish and cannot imagine being a PT/PTA without it. If your name is on the list, please contact Cindy Koehler (Membership Committee Chair) at cindykoehler65@gmail.com for the pin you so rightfully deserve. Also, when you see your colleagues wearing pins, thank them for their years of support! Please note the "year" in Wisconsin runs from August to July.

APTA membership is vital to advance the physical therapy profession, and we thank you for your dedication! Hopefully you will wear your pin proudly and thank you in advance for your membership for years to come. Together, we are APTA Wisconsin!

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Erin Lubner

Stacey Roberts

Michelle L. Babcock

Brittany A Peterson

Hannah Bartels

Elizabeth J. Trudell

Catharine Relation

Stephanie. A Garrett

Tia M. Demers

Britta Schwartzhoff

Kathleen Hartman

Taylor N. Bjork

Pamela Ottery

Austin Smith

Jack R. Cervantes

Jessica Beyer-Trinkner

Adam Zamane

Jennifer L. Norris

Grant Bomkamp

Jessica N Strupp

Megan L. Wiersma

Tyler Marshall

Toney G Talatzko

Caroline M. Zehren

Ashley Miller

Rachel M. Soo Hoo

Zachary Mancl

Gabriel Champeau

Nicole E. Thiel

Ruth Dolan

Danielle L Jaeger

Ashley H. Butalla

Abbi Oium

Lucas Gauthier

Amber Thiry

Grace Compton

Meredith Pieper

Alexander Shuchuk

Benjamin L. Alt

Nicholas Beise

Katherine E. Thurmond

Alexander L. Peterson

Jacob Brenner

Marisa Clare

Ciara C. Wardenburg

Heather McCarthy

Madeline Mosher

Jack T Heinrich

Ryan Blaney

Gretchen Klug

Lilly Schwartzberg

Paolo Turco

Taylor Bohlman

Seth Majerus

Kristin K Robertson

Melissa Ringwell

Griffin Hoerchner

Kylie M. Heinz

Ashley N. DeJaco

Kelsey Justin

Amy Wimmer

Cayla Carden

Nicholas B. Cain

Julia M Sucharski

Dylan Ziehme

Jasmin E Russo

Morgan M Harding

Maxwell Pignotti

Jacob Braun

Emily K Miller

Evan Buhrow

Cassandra Maurer

Tyler Vanden Boogard

Lindsey R. Ketelhut

 

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Thomas Waller

Dana L Neu

Matthew Ferlindes
Stacey L Schmidt

Andrew J Sandgren

Stacy J. Wogernese

Stephanie N Erickson

Hannah Donahue

Chee N. Vang

Kimberly Dama

Patrick J Christopherson

Jessicac M. Hopp

Rebecca M. Zabowicz

Kathryn M. Todd

Teresa Iattoni

Scott P Tauferner

Victoria A. Popp

Amanda Whiting

Rita E Deering

Tyler Allee

Julie Dwyer

Kellie Collins

Aaron Nelson

Emily C. Goetz-Sutinen

Kevin J. Konieczka

Jesse Espe

Elizabeth R Shelly

Tiffany L Virchow

Lindsey Stanek

Virginia K. Bowen

Alyssa R. Torn

Michael Falk

Keith A. Knurr

Jamie L Menard

Lauren Falk

Allison Ebert

Megan L. Berezowitz

Stephanie Semerda

Erik Bork

Courtney M. Quinn-Scott

Sarah K. Kiely

Ashley B Knuth

Kari R King

James Palmer

Christina Koscinski

Lindsey R. Wolf

Chelsea L. Welles

Franceska R Fleischhacker

Meredith K. Lindsey

Sarah Dahl

Megan E Ackerman

Lauren A Moeller

Andrew Bidney

Michael S Cropes

Kanikkai Steni

Balan Sackiriyas

Susan A. Gralak

Elizabeth A Faller

Jonathan B. Walton

Jessica L Gorecki

Felice Kawka

Andrea Mysliwiec

Jessicca L Burkett

Halee Shepard

Daniel J Verhagen

Seugnet DeBauche

Katie L Boehm

Kristina Tebo

Jennifer Seidl

Jesse Koerner

Malerie C. James

Michael Griggs

Jaramia Jehn

 

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Barbar U. Rector

Sarah B Nechvatal

Corrine T Boyea

Cynthia E. Samonte

Shelli Ness

Matthew J Uecker

Marie Hoeger Bement

Lori Dissen

Sara L Spelbring

Josep Tupta

Preston D. Brown

Robin Haberl

Patrick J McGinnis

Skyler C Lynn

Kari Martin

Jon C Neumann

Angela C Morgan

Elizabeth C Melville

Jill S Keil

Lee J Coleman

Paul S Bilton

Amy E McQuade

Ger Moua

Ron K Lawrence

Anne E Foote

 

20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Teresa Bovre

Emily S Block

Kimberly A Halama

Amy M. Brenna

Peter J Jacques

Karissa S Paulsrud

Courtney A Roush

Alexia R Miles

Anthony R Gould

Kimberly S Serdynski

Kathryn M Droese

Rebecca L Washkuhn

Mavis Melton

Nathan R Matje

Matthew D Haberl

Vincent J Kabbaz

Bradley T McMahon

Emily Devine

Aaron M. Homolka

Michelle P Ristau

Tony E. Guckenberg

Scott P Krueger

Amy G Schubert

Martha J Schram

Erin E McCreary

Paula L Cayemberg

Emily J Monson

Evan O Nelson

 

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Wendy Huddleston

Nicole M Harms

Stephanie L Wilson

Elisabeth Magnus

Suzanne E Krueger

Aaron M Wilson

Tanya M Grabinski

Jeffrey Komay

Heike J Holzapfel

Eliza M Andrews

Brian J McGee

Laura Schueller

Kristin C Kittleson

Nicole W Quarne

Katie L Larkin

Susan M Knuth

Cheryl L Caldwell

William L Lois

Christina A Wipperman

Michelle A Szivecz

Yolanta T. Soroko

Natalie M Hagen

Carmen Liebelt

Beth A Meyer

Blase W Strobl

Bridget Morehouse

Felicia L Hughes

 

30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Marni J Van Keulen

Steven W Johnson

Todd Polczynski

Heidi J Gutschow

Robert C Runge

Christopher M DeMarco

Melissa E Wick

Benjamin J Brenna

Carrie L Langer

Kimberly A Gebauer

Kathryn H Bennett

Colleen Cobey

Marcy L Schulz

Barbara A Isom

Denise A Kearns-Legoo

Joel F Rolefson

Katherine A Brewer

Jean A Ranta

 

35 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Timothy D Kortbein

John F Greany

Sara Deprey

Robert Worth

Mary Beth Geiser

Donna M Storbakken

 

40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Mary K Marzano

Angela M Baeten

Dean J Sondrol

Julie P Siefert

 Lori T Brody

Susan R Griffin

Laurie A Heer

 

45 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Kathryn M Simon

John Hendrickson

Raymond Mack

Jodee Plazek

Teri Beilefeld

 

50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Martha M Sullivan

Charles L Bauman

Michele M Stanley

Marsha S. Bateman

Irene B Hughey

 

60 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Kay A Gautsch

 

65 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Helen K Stiller

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVERYONE!

Congratulations to the WPT Fund 2025 fall scholarship recipients! Recipients will be recognized at the APTA Wisconsin fall conference on October 17, 2025 at 10 am at Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells.

The purpose of the WPT Fund scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to physical therapist or physical therapist assistant students in their last year of professional education in the state of Wisconsin. The goal is not only to assist students in financial need but also to reward students who demonstrate well rounded personal attributes and who make contributions to the community and/or to the development of the physical therapy profession.

To learn more about how you can help support WPT Fund scholarships and initiatives visit https://aptawi.org/wpt-fund/. 

WPT Scholars Awards

• Kaja Augustine, SPTA -  Bryant & Stratton College - $1000
• Kearyn Brennan, SPT - UW Stevens Point - $2000
• Timothy Cha, SPTA -  Bryant & Stratton College - $1000
• Brooke Gorman, SPT – Marquette University – $2000
• Makenzie Haldiman, SPT – UW Stevens Point - $1000
• Elisha Ikhumhen, SPT – UW Madison - $2000
• Bailey Johnson, SPT  – Bellin College - $2000
• Colin Kleffman, SPT – Bellin College - $2000
• Izi Knoernschild, SPT – UW-Madison - $1000
• Gabriela Minard, SPT – Marquette University -  $1000
• Antwan Moore, SPTA – Bryant & Stratton College -  $1000
• David Neier, SPT – UW Stevens Point - $2000
• Isaac Schauf, SPT – Bellin College - $2000
• Alexandra Strzok, SPTA, Blackhawk Technical College - $500
• Julia Sucharski, SPT – Bellin College -$2000
• Bridget Vietor, SPT – Marquette University - $1000

Honorable Mention – Tracy Rasor Sports Medicine Scholarships

• Camille Berman, SPT – UW-Madison - $1000

Camile is a student physical therapist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she has taken 2 sports medicine elective courses. After observing sideline coverage, she was inspired to bring a 2-day course to her community which she participated in and received her Emergency Response for the Athlete certification. By coordinating the hosting of this course, she made it accessible to her classmates as well as students from across the Midwest and students from five different programs attended. Camille is also a research assistant in the Badger Athletic Performance, collaborating with Dr. Dan Cobian on multiple studies for which she served as a de facto leader of the student groups working on each project. Both projects have significant relevance to sports physical therapy.  She is interested in becoming a Board Certified Sports Specialist. Camille is described as resilient, dependable, self-directed and enthusiastic about sports physical therapy practice and research.

• Jovan Jardine, SPT – Concordia University Wisconsin- $1000

Jovan is a student physical therapist at Concordia University Wisconsin where he played 4 years of collegiate soccer. He has worked as a soccer referee and has leveraged his athletic experience to connect with young athletes from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.  Jovan has coached and trained young athletes at a summer camp called Orbita. He also conducted an independent peer review research presentation on ACL Ijnjury Prevention in Collegiate Soccer Players. Jovan was chosen to participate in a terminal clinical rotation with Children’s Hospital Wisconsin Sports Physical Therapy and he plans on pursuing an Orthopedic or Sports Residency after graduation.

• Grace Tostrud, SPT – Marquette University - $1000

Grace is a student physical therapist at Marquette University where she is completing an advanced orthopedic elective and where she is a student research technician in the Life After Sport Trajectories (LAST) Lab. She also was selected for a competitive Student Research Initiative program through Marquette’s Athletic and Human Performance Research Center. She received a $5000 grant to investigate nutrition and bone density in current young adult athletes. She was first author on a student commentary entitled “Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines for Building Strong Bones” which is available on Marquette’s Office of Research and Innovation website. She created a research poster entitled “Bone Density in Athletes Participating in Jumping, Cutting, and Pivoting Sports: An Understudied Population” and presented it to the Marquette University community. She also has submitted a first author abstract for APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting for 2026 analyzing nutrient intake in athletes with a history of traumatic knee injury and comparing the findings to recommended dietary intake after injury.

Tracy Rasor Sports Medicine Scholarships:

 

• Kearyn Brennan, SPT – UW Stevens Point - $2000

Kearyn is a student physical therapist at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she was the Team Captain for 2 years the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team.  She was also President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and received athletic awards for the Difference Maker and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Sportsmanship Team. Kearyn was the lead presenter on a capstone case study entitled “When Swimmers Jump: A Case Study on enhancing Performance and Symmetry Through Targeted Plyometric Exercise”. Kearyn is also interested in mental health advocacy as she has seen first-hand the complex physical and emotional demands that athletes face. She has also researched the effects of SSRIs on motor function in athletes. Kearyn volunteers for the Northwoods League’s Wausau Woodchucks, assisting with sideline coverage and observing real-time care for collegiate baseball athletes. This fall she is assisting with high school football sideline coverage. She plans to pursue a Sports Residency after graduation.

• Isaac Schauf, SPT – Bellin College - $2000

Isaac is a student physical therapist at Bellin College.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Northern Illinois University. He has worked as an athletic trainer in a variety of settings and has served as a clinical instructor for student athletic trainers. During his work as an athletic trainer, he had a patient that was having a difficult recovery. Isaac chose to bring a physical therapist on to the patient’s care team. In his words, “Seeing the PT’s deep understanding of the most effective exercises made (him) realize that (he) wanted to pursue a deeper understanding of rehab, so physical therapy became (his) next step in (his) sports medicine career.”  Isaac continues to provide PRN athletic training coverage, and he hopes to act as a bridge between the two prominent professions who work directly with heavily active patients.

Chris Crivello Community Scholarships:

• Roman de Guia, SPT – Marquette University - $2000

Roman is a student physical therapist at Marquette University where he has been involved in multiple organizations that give back to the institution and the community including acting as a peer tutor as well as participating in the orthopedic and neurologic PT clinics on campus providing free injury screenings to community members and weekly exercise classes for individuals impacted by Parkinsons Disease. He has also worked for three years as a student researcher in the Life After Sport Trajectories (LAST) Lab where he has contributed to three CSM 2025 peer-reviewed abstracts including a platform presentation and a first-author presentation.  He also is a co-author on a manuscript undergoing peer review and another manuscript in preparation.  Roman has assisted with Marquette’s Food Recovery Network where he was the Move Out for Hunger Chair as well as a Shift Leader. He has also served as Vice President as well as President of the Adaptive Abilities Club, connecting with local organizations that provide sport and recreation opportunities for those with disabilities and providing student volunteers. He also has participated for two summers in Camp Kesem, which is for children whose parent or guardian has been impacted by cancer. He has a strong pattern of sustained volunteerism in positions of responsibility and leadership.

• Elisha Ikhumhen, SPT – UW-Madison - $2000

Elisha (Ide) is a student physical therapist at the University of Wisconsin Madison and is pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy as well as a Master of Public Health degree. Ide is a co-president of Achieving Diversity and Excellence in Physical Therapy (ADEPT) helping design and lead outreach programs for students in the Madison area. Ide has also served as a student clinician in the pro bono clinic for neurorehabilitation as well as the MEDiC clinic. Additionally, Ide has served on the UW Madison DPT Advisory Group, as well as with the Center for Educational Opportunity and the Action Network for Equitable Wellbeing. Ide’s community involvement and volunteerism is extensive serving as a volunteer for Go Baby Go and Ballroom Basics for Dance, as a facilitator for Children’s African Story Hour, and as a mentor for Health Occupations and Exploration (HOPE). Ide is an Ambassador for PT Moves Me and in this role has conducted virtual outreach sessions with high school students to promote physical therapy as a career. This excerpt from Ide’s application encapsulates the attributes of Chris Crivello – The African philosophy of Ubuntu resonates deeply with me. It means “I am because we are.” This belief has shaped how I approach leadership, collaboration, and care. Whether I am working with a classmate, mentoring a younger student, or supporting a client through their recovery, I strive to act with humility, presence, and a sense of shared responsibility. I believe service is not something you do once. It is a practice that should be integrated into who you are.

• Alexander Mendenhall – UW-Madison - $2000

Alex is a student physical therapist at the University of Wisconsin Madison where he has served as President of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Organization (DPTSO). In this role, he secured a grant allocating $200 each to 21 students for registration for APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting. He has also served as the Vice Chair of APTA Wisconsin’s Student Special Interest Group (SIG). In this role he led the “Motion is Lotion 5K” at the 2024 Fall Conference. He is now Chair of the Student SIG guiding the group in its mission of outreach for PT and PTA students in Wisconsin and hosting the 2026 Student Conclave. Alex is also the Wisconsin Representative in the APTA Student Council attending the 2025 APTA Leadership Congress, observing the House of Delegates, and participating in Capitol Hill Day. He has served as a teaching assistant and mentor and has spoken on numerous panels and volunteered time discussing the PT profession with students from diverse backgrounds culminating in writing 9 letters of recommendation for former mentees. Alex has maintained an impressive resume of consistent volunteerism in events such as the UW DPT “Meet and Greet” and “Meet the Program” events, the Dewane Neurorehabilitative Pro Bono Clinic, the MEDiC Clinic, Adaptive Fitness, Go Baby Go, and Bucky’s Race for Rehab – often taking on leadership roles for these activities. He was also the recipient of the Micah Wong Spirit Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates positive spirit within the UW-DPT program. Alex’s service and leadership skills are exemplary. He intends to pursue an orthopedic residency and create an innovative private practice that provides unique and inclusive opportunities for patients not seen otherwise in the community – a space hosting exercise classes for individuals with medically complex conditions, as well as expanded access to the specialized equipment that best suits patients with neurologic conditions. He wants to create this practice in conjunction with a team of passionate colleagues, using the strength of collaboration to impact the community.

Dear Members,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and our profession!

As many of you have heard me say, serving you through APTA Wisconsin has been a privilege and an honor! Committing oneself to ones' passion is both humbling and inspiring. While you all serve patients with your hands, minds, and hearts I was able to be a voice for you. That was amazing! I have had the opportunity to listen to and assist so many incredible providers who are always looking for ways to better take care of their friends and neighbors -- and still survive in this challenging healthcare climate. You are truly the heroes of this story!

In the past 6 months, I have had a chance to identify and mentor someone with equal passion and special interest in carrying out this legacy of advocacy, Kelly Ashbeck PT, DPT. Kelly and I have worked together for 6 months and he has been an amazing mentee! I know he will serve you well in this role. He is thoughtful, thorough, detail-oriented, passionate, articulate, and hard working. He will take this role to the next level, that it deserves!

Going forward, please reach out directly to him with your questions, ideas, and your support at Kelly@AshbeckHCSolutions.com.

In retirement I will be happily turning my passion to my four grandchildren who I adore, my kids, and my hubby! I am already dipping my toe into both yoga and meditation (which should help with my Chronic Payment Position HTN!) and also returning to my side hobby of photography.

YOU will always be both colleagues and friends! Stay passionate about the work you do!

With Affection,

Lynn Steffes, PT, DPT