News

FALL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

October 16-17

Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells

Special keynote speaker Erik Meira, PT, DPT, CSCS, SCS

"The Socratic PT: Navigating Uncertainty by Keeping the Patient at the Center"

Visit https://conference.aptawi.org/ to learn more and register to secure your spot.

Glacier Canyon Lodge Accommodations

Rates are $109 double queen 10/15-10/16 and $159 2 bedroom 10/15-10/16 plus $29.95/night resort fee. Be sure to make your reservation by contacting Glacier Canyon Lodge at 800-867-9453 by September 15 and using GROUP CODE B29537. Room and rate availability are not guaranteed after September 15.

Please join us in congratulating Connie Kittleson, PT, DPT, on being slated for a position on APTA's Nominating Committee. In her time on our Chapter's Nominating Committee, Connie enhanced the vetting of candidates, the processes of the committee, and timing of elections. She will bring her energy and ideas to bear on the national level.

The 2025 slate of candidates for APTA national elections is now posted on the APTA Nominations and Elections webpage.

APTA National Elections will be held in November. Please contact APTA Governance-House for additional information.

Want to Get More Involved with APTA Wisconsin?

Not sure where to start? Let us help you find the right fit for your time, interests, and professional passions! 

Right now, our Awards Committee has openings! This committee:

• Selects award recipients
• Helps plan the awards ceremony
• Meets virtually — no travel required!

Your time and talents can help shape the future of PT in Wisconsin. 

Email the Chapter Office at aptawi@aptawi.org to explore where you can make an impact.

Dear APTA Wisconsin Members,

My name is Kelly Ashbeck, and I am your new Payment Specialist. It is an honor to step into this role after six months of invaluable mentoring with one of the best – Lynn Steffes. I cannot thank her enough for that time.

I graduated from UW-La Crosse's first DPT program in 2008 and went through Specialized Physical Therapy Education's orthopaedic residency program in their first cohort. In 2018, APTA Wisconsin developed an Opioid taskforce. I joined the taskforce and chaired or co-chaired it between 2020 and 2022. During that time, we developed the annual Pain Education Conference, which ran for three years consecutively. The taskforce eventually transitioned into the Pain SIG, which I have co-chaired since 2022. We have continued our education efforts by coordinating pain focused education tracks at each of the biannual state conferences.

During this time, I met some of the most passionate members – you are all truly inspiring!

I have always had a passion for our profession. My work with the Pain SIG was a way to contribute towards helping our patients and engaging our members. We also worked with Lynn on Prior Authorization legislation and Workers’ Compensation. I have a sociology background that lends itself to seeing problems at the micro and macro level. Thus, as opportunities arose to influence our profession in different ways, I leaned in.

Over the past few years, I have professionally shifted almost entirely to revenue cycle management and compliance. This was my way of seeing our profession from a thousand-foot view. Lynn spoke on our value proposition. Physical therapists offer a tremendous service to our communities. Payment is how we in turn are valued.

As Lynn recovers from what she called Chronic Payment Position HTN, I join the fight. We must advocate for ourselves to continue bringing value to our patients and our communities. To take the reins from Lynn is something I could have never imagined 17 years ago. I admire Lynn, and that admiration has only grown during our mentorship.

This position will not be taken for granted, requiring a constant desire to learn. I intend to take the Payment baton and run. Lynn blazed a trail for how Payment is handled in our Association. She set the standards and was one of the best in the nation at doing so. I’ll take on the role with similar vigor, yet with my personal flare. We all have unique strengths and experiences. I intend to bring mine.

I want to end with this - I am a husband and dad of two girls. It is important that I balance my profession with my family. I would expect that most of us feel the same. I can’t imagine how proud Lynn’s family is of her. She retired to spend more time with them. I in turn want to make my daughters proud. To be given this opportunity knowing the legacy Lynn leaves behind, I am beyond grateful.

Please reach out with any payment questions, ideas or concerns at aptawi@aptawi.org. I look forward to advocating for and working with you all!

All SPT and SPTA Students are Eligible

October 16-17, 2025

Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells

This mentorship can be for 1 OR 2 days, depending on the interests/availability of the student, please specify this within your application. The mentee will be matched with a mentor who is in a leadership role within APTA Wisconsin, possibly practicing within the mentee's area of interest.

Mentee/mentor will attend the Fall Conference together. This program will also be fluid and can be tailor fit to the mentee/mentor. It is recommended to attend classes and as many other activities together as possible i.e. lunch (a table will be reserved for the mentorship program), exhibit hall, welcome reception, and possibly the APTA Wisconsin Board of Directors meeting.

To apply, write a concise essay (no more than 500 words) answering two questions:

• What is your recent history of involvement in your undergrad and/or PT program, community, church, job, etc.?
• What would you like to gain from this mentorship?

Essays are due by 5 pm on Friday, September 19. The mentee will be notified within one week of this deadline.

Please email essays in a Word Document or PDF to the APTA Wisconsin Academic Liaison Committee Co-Chairs:

Erik Gregersen at erik.gregersen@froedtert.com and Billy Bruggink at billy.bruggink@froedtert.com.

Be sure to include the following with your essay:

APTA ID, name, address, school (year in program), 1 or 2 day mentorship preference, and practice area of interest (ex: private practice, manual therapy, neuro, pediatrics, acute, etc.)

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

Golden Goniometer Award

Congratulations to the UW-Milwaukee DPT Program for receiving the 2024-2025 Southeast District Golden Goniometer Award!

This award is given to the school that has the greatest percentage of their students attending Southeast District meetings and events during the academic year. It acknowledges students interest and dedication to the profession of physical therapy.

We invite you to showcase your company, products, and services at the APTA Wisconsin Fall Conference Exhibit Hall, taking place Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. This is your opportunity to connect directly with physical therapists, PTAs, and students from across the state in a dynamic, high-visibility setting.

Why Exhibit or Sponsor?

• Engage face-to-face with decision-makers during dedicated exhibit hours
• Gain exposure through conference materials, our website, and targeted communications to all 2,400 APTA Wisconsin members.
• Take advantage of exclusive sponsorship and advertising opportunities to maximize your brand’s reach before, during, and after the event.
• Enjoy a turnkey exhibitor experience: each 6’ table includes lunch for two representatives, name tags, and prime placement for Gold sponsors.

Choose the Package That Fits Your Goals:

• Gold ($750): Prime exhibit placement, featured listings, a post-event mailing list, an ad in our eNews, and a sponsored social media post.
• Silver ($600): Exhibit table, and your choice of breakfast sponsorship or a full-page insert in attendee folders.
• Bronze ($425): Exhibit table and company listing in conference materials and online.

Additional Opportunities:

• Banner ads in pre- or post-conference emails
• Distribution of your marketing materials in attendee folders
• Event sponsorships (breakfasts, luncheons, and more)
• Advertising in conference packets

Space is limited and tables are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis—don’t miss your chance to be part of Wisconsin’s premier physical therapy event this fall.

Click herefor more information or to reserve your package. We look forward to partnering with you for a successful conference experience!

Choose from 20 different courses this year and earn 11 CEUs!

October 16-17, 2025

Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells

Call 1-800-867-9453 by September 15 and use Group Code B29537 to reserve your overnight room!

Thursday, October 16

Cervical Radiculopathy: A Cased Based Application of Assessment and Treatment

Pragmatic Strategies to Include Diet and Nutrition Intervention in Your Physical Therapy Care

Case Based Approach to Clinical Legal and Ethical Considerations

The Body Beyond the Badge: Optimizing Police Officer Health & Performance

Upper Extremity Considerations for the Weightlifting Athlete

Physical Therapy in the Emergency Department and Urgent Care

Embracing the Primary Care Physical Therapist Role: Learning from Rural Wisconsin PTs

Cancer Rehab 360°: Optimizing Patient Outcomes from Admission to Survivorship

Friday, October 17

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork! How Team-Based Care Can Help Get Your Patients on Track

Exploring Guillain Barre Syndrome in a Rural Setting: Clinical Case Overview

Expanding a Clinician’s Ability to Treat Pain by Adopting a Population Health Lens

Pragmatically Lifestyle Management

Beating Burnout in Physical Therapy

Upper Extremity Functional Testing: A Data-Driven Approach for Return to Sport Decision-Making

Integration of Treating Pain with Neurocognitive Training and Exercise

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Can We Use Best Evidence to Improve Outcomes and Not Make the Same Mistakes Twice?

An Overview of Hip Preservation and its Conservative Management

Blood Flow Restriction Training

Hot Topics/Professional Issues Forum

So much to do beyond earning CEUs!

Student SIG 5K, Keynote Speaker, Exhibit Hall, Research Poster Presentations, Welcome Reception, Group Trivia Contest (NEW!), Scholarship Ceremony, and Chapter Business Meeting

Registration opening in early summer -- Stay tuned!

The APTA Wisconsin Board of Directors is excited to announce the creation of the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) to aid in the development of a leadership pipeline for our early and mid-career members.

The LDC will work closely with the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee to identify potential leaders and then engage them in a series of leadership development experiences. Key to the program’s success will be the mentorship element. The LDC will tap into our Chapter’s extensive leadership lineage to identify mentors who will be matched with our future leaders based on the mentees past experiences and future goals.

Questions? Reach out to the committee co-chairs, Bill Boissonnault and Jeff Wilkens at LDC@aptawi.org. 

APTA Wisconsin's Direct Access Toolkit is designed to support healthcare administrators, rehabilitation directors, and clinicians in successfully implementing a direct access model of care.

Aligned with APTA Wisconsin’s strategic priorities, this resource provides:

• Guidance on obtaining administrative approval
• Overcoming common barriers
• Integrating direct access into various outpatient settings

With evidence-based insights and practical tools, the toolkit also serves as a valuable resource for those engaged in direct access legislative advocacy efforts.

Members can download the FREE toolkit at https://aptawi.org/members/directaccess/.

Great news for physical therapists and their patients—SB 964 has officially taken effect allowing physical therapists to certify eligibility for disabled parking plates and cards through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This is a significant step forward in improving accessibility and patient care.

A huge thank you to APTA Wisconsin member Chad Novasic, PT, for leading this initiative!

Check Your Sign-In Access

PTs can begin the process by logging in under Health Care Specialist Sign In:

https://disabledparking.wi.gov/

Verify Patient Eligibility

Temporary Permit (valid up to 6 months):

Eligibility & Application Details

Permanent Permit (renews every 4 years):

Eligibility & Application Details

Complete the Application

Paper Applications (English & Spanish):

• Temporary Permit ($6 fee)
• Permanent Permit (no fee)

Applicants are encouraged to make a copy before submission.

Online Applications:

Log in to the Health Care Specialist Portal and complete under “Applicant Information.”

Any applicable fees must still be paid online.

Clinic & Healthcare System Considerations

Each clinic or healthcare system should establish protocols regarding:

• Current, past, and prospective patients.
• Any associated costs for processing permits.
• Managing the authorization process within the practice.

Questions?

Email: [Wisconsin DMV Email Service]

Phone: (608) 266-3041

Fax: (608) 267-5106

This new authorization ability empowers PTs to better serve patients with mobility impairments, making it easier to access essential parking accommodations. Let’s spread the word!