News

Up next in our Rising Leader Spotlight series, we’re introducing Julia Nameth, PT, DPT.

 

Julia earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2024 and completed post-graduate training through the UW Health neurological physical therapy residency program in 2025.

 

She currently works as an acute care therapist, with clinical interests in early mobilization, vestibular and concussion management, and spinal cord rehabilitation. During her nearly two years as a physical therapist, she has helped implement an early mobility program for her institution’s Neuro ICU, presented an educational session at CSM 2026, been published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, and volunteered with organizations that promote mobility and wellness for individuals with neurological conditions.

 

Julia joined the inaugural cohort of the APTA Wisconsin Rising Leader Program after seeing firsthand how leadership can help drive the physical therapy profession forward.

 

Her residency experience also broadened her perspective on the profession’s impact beyond individual patient care:

 

“I was challenged during my residency to consider not only patient perspectives, but also the fundamental institutional and societal impacts of our profession,” Julia said. “I know involvement through our professional organization is crucial to advocate for the utmost top-of-scope practice, so engagement in this program seemed like an excellent way to become involved and develop leadership skills as a newer clinician.”

 

Through the Rising Leader Program, Julia has found value in learning from both her mentor and fellow cohort members.

 

“My experience with the APTA Wisconsin Rising Leader program has been excellent thus far,” she shared. “I have learned much from my assigned mentor, as well as my fellow cohort, regarding the qualities needed for effective and efficient leadership.”

 

For her Rising Leader Program project, Julia is assisting the Chronic Pain Special Interest Group in the development of curriculum.

 

Thank you, Julia, for your commitment to leadership, professional engagement, neurological physical therapy, and the future of the profession in Wisconsin!

 

Interested in joining a future cohort? Applications for the 2027 Rising Leader Program will open later this summer.

APTA Wisconsin's 2026 Fall Conference, Grow Without the Grind: Practice. Lead. Thrive., takes place October 1–2 at The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee and is expected to welcome 250–300 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, educators, and practice leaders from across the state.

 

For sponsors and exhibitors, Fall Conference offers the opportunity to connect with an engaged audience over two days of education, networking, and professional development. Whether your goals are increasing visibility, recruiting future employees, building relationships, or sharing resources, you'll have opportunities to engage with attendees before, during, and after the conference. Please note: the Exhibit Hall will be open on Thursday, October 1 only, with dedicated exhibitor hours from 10–11 a.m. and 12:30–2 p.m.

 

Exhibitor packages are available in Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels and include benefits such as exhibit hall placement, website recognition, mobile app visibility, sponsored social media, and CE session sponsorship opportunities. All exhibitor packages include Thursday-only Exhibit Hall participation on October 1. Additional sponsorship options—including keynote presentations, meal functions, mobile app placements, email advertising, mailing lists, and more—allow you to customize your presence based on your organization's goals.

 

Several sponsorship opportunities are exclusive or available in limited quantities, making early reservations the best way to secure the opportunity that's right for your organization.

 

Explore sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities below:

 

Questions about which opportunity may be the best fit? Contact aptawi@aptawi.org and we’d be happy to help!

Next in our Rising Leaders Spotlight series, we're introducing Peter McManus, PT, DPT.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Peter earned his undergraduate degree from Denison University, where he also met his fiancée, before going on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University. He currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Outside of work, much of his free time is currently dedicated to planning his wedding this November. When he is not focused on wedding preparations, Peter enjoys playing and watching soccer, completing jigsaw puzzles, exploring local parks, hiking, and spending time with his black cat, Midnight.

Since graduating from Northwestern in 2024, Peter has gained both clinical and leadership experience. He previously served as Director of Rehab and Physical Therapist at a local nursing home, where he led a multidisciplinary team in delivering patient-centered care. He currently works as a Physical Therapist at Central Wisconsin Center, specializing in treatment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Peter joined the Rising Leaders Program as a way to become more actively involved in APTA Wisconsin and continue building his leadership skills.

“Having settled into my professional career, I wanted to build on my foundation by becoming more actively involved in APTA Wisconsin,” Peter shared. “I believe the Rising Leaders Program will expand my professional network, develop my leadership skills, and equip me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the Chapter.”

His leadership background includes serving as President of the IPTA Student SIG and as a Marquette Challenge Student Representative. Those experiences helped shape his interest in professional engagement, governance, and the role association involvement can play in advancing the profession.

“Engaging with professional organizations is incredibly rewarding because it advances my own development while allowing me to give back to the profession,” he noted.

For his capstone project, Peter is focusing on increasing membership and engagement among early-career professionals. His project addresses the trend that half of APTA Wisconsin student members do not continue their membership after graduation. To help support this transition, Peter’s work centers on building and shaping the newly developed Early Career Special Interest Group, or ECSIG.

“Through this SIG, we aim to provide a dedicated community, increased resources, and networking opportunities for recent graduates so they can find a professional home and maximize the value of their association membership,” Peter explained.

Thank you, Peter, for your commitment to leadership, early-career engagement, and the future of physical therapy in Wisconsin!
 

Interested in joining a future cohort? Applications for the 2027 Rising Leaders Program will open later this summer.

The APTA Wisconsin Rising Leaders Program, created by the Leadership Development Committee, is an 11-month leadership development experience that gives participants exposure to Chapter leadership, opportunities for mentorship and networking, and a chance to complete a leadership project.

Over the next four issues of eNews, we'll spotlight members of the inaugural Rising Leaders Program.

 

To kick off the series, we're introducing Lindsay Dolan, DPT.

 

Lindsay graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2021 and has since worked as a traveling physical therapist in a variety of settings across the country. She recently accepted a permanent position as an acute care physical therapist with ProHealth Care at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

 

Throughout her travels, Lindsay has remained involved with APTA Wisconsin as her professional home base, with a focus on State Government Affairs and WPT-PAC. She joined the Rising Leaders Program to continue building her leadership foundation and expand her involvement within the Chapter.

 

As both a member of the Leadership Development Committee and a participant in the inaugural Rising Leaders cohort, Lindsay has had the unique opportunity to help support the program while experiencing it firsthand. One of the highlights of the program has been the connections she has made with fellow Rising Leaders, her mentor, and the broader professional network.

 

For her capstone project, Lindsay is developing a historical document outlining major APTA Wisconsin legislative initiatives, including key strategies, outcomes, and lessons learned that may help inform future advocacy efforts.

 

Thank you, Lindsay, for your commitment to leadership and advocacy in Wisconsin physical therapy!

 

Interested in joining a future cohort? Applications for the 2027 Rising Leaders Program will open later this summer.

APTA Wisconsin is pleased to recognize Sophie Willihnganz, DPT Student at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, for receiving two national awards from APTA:

 

Mary McMillan Scholarship Award

The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award acknowledges and honors outstanding physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students who are nearing the completion of their respective programs of study. The scholarship program contributes to the growth of physical therapy as a profession by recognizing individuals with superior capabilities.

 

Outstanding PT Student Scholarship

This award recognizes a student physical therapist or student physical therapist assistant member with exceptional overall accomplishments and contributions to APTA and the physical therapy profession. The outstanding student physical therapist receives a $1,000 scholarship.

 

Sophie is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student whose career goals include combining her background in fire/EMS with her interest in orthopedics and trauma care to work with individuals with limb loss or amputations, as well as serving as an early/acute rehabilitation specialist responding to sudden-onset disasters.

 

Congratulations, Sophie!

APTA Wisconsin’s Direct Access Toolkit is available as a free member resource designed to help healthcare administrators, rehabilitation directors, and clinicians successfully implement a direct access model of care.

 

The toolkit includes practical guidance for obtaining administrative approval, addressing common barriers, and integrating direct access into outpatient, primary care, emergency department, and urgent care settings. It also serves as a valuable resource for members involved in direct access legislative advocacy efforts.

 

If direct access is part of your current practice goals or future planning, this toolkit offers practical guidance and resources to help support your efforts!

 

Learn More and Download Toolkit

APTA Wisconsin members recently joined fellow PTs, PTAs, and students from all across the country in Washington, D.C. for APTA Capitol Hill Day 2026.

 

Over three days on Capitol Hill, members met face-to-face with legislators and congressional staff to advocate for issues that directly impact our profession, our practices, and our patients, including Medicare payment reform and reducing administrative burden.

 

We’d like to take a moment and say: thank you to the Wisconsin members who took the time to show up, share their experiences, and help ensure the voice of physical therapy was represented in these important conversations. Advocacy efforts like these truly help move the profession forward and strengthen our collective impact.

Each year, APTA Wisconsin recognizes members and partners who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the physical therapy profession, and 2025 was no exception. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations who embody leadership, mentorship, clinical excellence, and long-standing service to the profession and our association.

We are proud to recognize the following 2025 APTA Wisconsin Award Recipients:

Physical Therapist of the Year
Bryan Stuettgen, PT, MPT
Recognized for professionalism, compassion, and exceptional technical skill in patient care.

Mentor Award
Kate Bennett, PT, DPT, ATC, NCS
Recognized for outstanding commitment to developing and guiding physical therapists.

Otto A. Cordero Lifetime Achievement Award
John Hendrickson, PT
Lynn Steffes, PT, DPT
Recognized for sustained and significant contributions to the profession and the association.

Rookie of the Year
Daniel Deuel, PT, DPT, MEd, MPH
Recognized for impactful contributions to clinical practice within the first three years of graduation.

Private Practice Award
New Life Physical Therapy
Recognized for outstanding and enduring contributions to physical therapy in private practice.

APTA Wisconsin congratulates each of these recipients and thanks them for the leadership, dedication, and service they bring to the profession and the patients they serve!