Secretary (Select 1)
Megan Flores, PT, MPT, PhD, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy
Present Employment: University of St. Augus<ne for Health Sciences &
Riverkids Pediatric Home Health
Posi<on: Assistant Professor (USAHS) and Physical Therapist (Riverkids) City: Aus<n
APTA Member: 9 years TPTA Member: 9 years
Advancing our profession through service is something I value and I am honored to be nominated for the posi<on of Secretary for the TPTA. This role fits my personality perfectly! My strengths include systems organiza<on, innova<ve thinking and me<culous note taking with aSen<on to detail. I have always been a “pre-cras<nator” (the opposite of a procras<nator) as I am able to perform tasks effec<vely and efficiently with ample <me to spare. Communica<on and problem solving are important assets that help me produc<vely collaborate with team members. I have previous board leadership experience as Region VII Director for 2 years at the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy prior to their reorganiza<on. I learned a great deal about leadership and service during this tenure and I am excited about this opportunity the serve the TPTA. I look forward to advancing the physical therapy profession to op<mize movement, health, and wellness of my fellow Texans.
I have been a prac<cing physical therapist for 17 years and I am board cer<fied as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist. Most of my clinical experience has been dedicated to neurorehabilita<on of pediatric and adult pa<ents. I have worked in a variety of se\ngs including acute care, inpa<ent rehabilita<on, home health and hippotherapy. My current full-<me posi<on involves teaching in a DPT program and advancing research to improve our profession, and I con<nue to prac<ce in home health pediatrics.
My diverse clinical and educa<onal background will help me represent the wide range of PTs and PTAs that make up the TPTA.
I am confident that my experience, strengths, and passion will help me successfully aid our
organiza<on toward achieving our goals. Thank you for considering me to serve as Secretary for the TPTA. I would be honored to have your support.
Myla “Myles” Quiben, PT, PhD, DPT, MS
Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Geriatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy (GCS, NCS)
Present Employment: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Posi<on: Chair and Associate Dean City: Fort Worth
APTA Member: 19 years TPTA Member: 11 years
It is an honor to be slated as Secretary to support the TPTA leadership and serve our members.
I have a passion for service and for the profession as evidenced by my prior service to TPTA and na<onally to APTA. As your Secretary, I will bring unique insights to current professional issues as a clinician, researcher, and an academic. As a clinician with experience in diverse se\ngs, I am acutely aware of the needs of our pa<ents and therapists, and the many challenges in clinical prac<ce. In my work as an academic administrator, I am well informed of the issues that influence prac<ce and therapists in Texas. As an academic and researcher, I am keenly aware of the cri<cal issues in higher educa<on and the challenges of our DPT students. I will bring the voice of these individuals to the execu<ve leadership and provide authen<c, strategic advice to the Associa<on.
I bring to the TPTA prior service to the Boards of APTA Geriatrics, Texas Geriatric Society, Na<onal Interprofessional Educa<on Consor<um (NIPEC), and the American Board of Physical Therapy
Special<es (ABPTS). Addi<onally, I have served in the TPTA Nomina<ng CommiSee and TX Delega<on, the Federa<on of State Boards of Physical Therapy, and the Arkansas Chapter Delega<on. As a Texas Delegate, I am engaged in discussions on current mo<ons in the House. These experiences have provided me with an understanding of and skills in working with execu<ve commiSees, boards, varied leadership styles and diverse individuals – all working towards a common vision.
Throughout the pandemic, communica<on is cri<cal when working with incomplete and ofen changing informa<on. I bring a depth of experience in communica<ng with and working in diverse teams, and in leading during challenging <mes. My colleagues describe me as an efficient, quality- driven individual who values excellence, integrity, and professionalism. I am excited with the opportunity for service and humbly ask for your vote to serve as the TPTA Secretary.
Speaker of the Assembly (Select 1)
Gail ZiSerkopf, PT
Present Employment: Memorial Hermann Posi<on: Pelvic Floor Program Manager City: Katy
APTA Member: 21 years TPTA Member: 12 years
Thank you for the opportunity to be slated for Speaker of the TPTA Assembly. As a 2003 Northern Arizona University graduate, turned Texan I’ve been fortunate to experience mentorship by the best! As a PT student and new graduate, I was fortunate to have Cynthia Driskell, PT, GCS serve as my mentor, and I learned the roll of Arizona Chapter President as well as Modulator of the Arizona Town Hall (Arizona’s Speaker of the Assembly). Over the years I have a long list of mentors who have lead by demonstra<on. I would also like to see members who have been less ac<ve become more engaged in their profession as well as the decisions that shape physical therapy prac<ce during the Texas Assembly. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Texas Assembly needed to
become virtual in an expedient <me period. With change, knowledge is gained and depending on the health of Texas, I will be prepared for a virtual or a live conference. I will work to improve greater involvement, to allow the Texas Physical Therapy Community to shape the professions future.
I completed the TPTA Tom Waugh Leadership program, and in my project included planning and hos<ng a GAC Fundraiser as a part of Legisla<ve Day in 2015. I believe I am qualified to serve as Speaker because of my awareness of important issues at the state and na<onal level.
Chief Delegate (Select 1)
Lois S<ckley, PT, PhD
Present Employment: Texas State University Posi<on: Associate Professor
City: Georgetown APTA Member: 41 years TPTA Member: 41 years
I am passionate about the profession of physical therapy and leadership. I am proud to have been a physical therapist for 39 years and a TPTA member for 41 years. I joined the Associa<on as a student because I didn’t know that not joining was an op<on. For me membership has never been op<onal, being an ac<ve member is part of my professional iden<ty. Being a leader in our profession is also an important part of my iden<ty, I want to influence the con<nued development of our profession. Some of my personal characteris<cs and strengths that are assets for this role include excellent communica<on and interpersonal skills; passion, energy, and a posi<ve a\tude; and a
network both in Texas and across the country that allows me to be effec<ve. I believe these strengths have allowed and will con<nue to help me serve the Chapter as Chief Delegate. I have experience at several different levels of the Chapter and Associa<on. In all my posi<ons, whether elected or appointed, I always have served diligently and completed my terms with integrity.
My leadership experiences in the TPTA include serving at the District, Chapter, and Associa<on levels. I served as the District Chair for the Panhandle District twice (1996-1998, 2008-2014), Capital Area District Secretary (2019-2020), the District Chair Representa<ve to the TPTA Execu<ve CommiSee (2013-2018), as Delegate to the House of Delegates for three terms (1994-1995, 2009-2011, 2019), including Chief Delegate (2012 and 2020-2021), as TPTA Membership Co-Chair (2012-2015) and as Speaker of the Texas Assembly (2015-2018). I have completed both levels of the Leadership,
Administra<on, Management, and Professionalism (LAMP) courses. I believe these experiences allow me to see the needs of members while having a global understanding of how the TPTA and APTA func<on and the important role that our Chapter plays in the Associa<on.
If elected, my goal is to ensure that the Texas Delega<on con<nues to be prepared and play an ac<ve role in the House of Delegates. Texas was the co-maker on three important mo<ons this year. I have experience as a Delegate and as Chief Delegate and so I know the expecta<ons and I am familiar with the House and its processes. I will represent TPTA members interests and will be responsive to
members input into the development of mo<ons. Thank you for considering me to serve as your Chief Delegate.
PTA Caucus Rep (Select 1)
Jordan Lormor, PTA
Most Recent Employment: UAB Medicine and Jefferson State Community College
Posi<on: Acute Care & Inpa<ent Rehab PTA (UAB) and PTA Program Laboratory Assistant (Jefferson)
PTA Program: Wylie APTA Member: 5 years TPTA Member: 1 year
It is a privilege to be slated for PTA Caucus Representa<ve for the state of Texas and I would be honored to serve as advocate for my fellow Physical Therapist Assistants. The physical therapy profession is ever-changing, and it is vital that the physical therapist assistants’ interests, needs, and issues remain a topic of discussion during governance and decision making. Previously I have served as the PTA Caucus Representa<ve for Alabama. During my <me on the board, I pushed for the PT
Compact Act, Cash pay PT services, and direct access. If elected, I will vow to champion for all PTAs in the state of Texas with the same fervor I bring to pa<ent care and student educa<on.
I graduated summa cum laude in 2017 as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Jefferson State Community College where I was also awarded the Physical Therapist Assistant Student of The Year.
Afer gradua<on I got a job as a PTA at a trauma 1 hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Primarily I worked in the acute care unit and on weekends I would work at the inpa<ent rehab facility.
In 2019 I decided I was as passionate about educa<ng future PTAs as I was about helping my pa<ents with therapy. I began working as a PTA lab assistant for Jefferson State Community College that fall. At that same <me, I was elected as the PTA Caucus Representa<ve for the state of Alabama. While serving as PTA Caucus Representa<ve for Alabama I par<cipated in several district calls, board
mee<ngs, and conferences. I wrote leSers to senators, made calls to advance the PT Compact act, and prepared documents for board mee<ngs and HOD. When COVID became a reality, I had to leave my jobs and stay home with my kids. In that <me, we also made the move to Texas. My kids are now back in school, and I am ready to get back to work in the field as well as ge\ng to work represen<ng the PTAs of Texas!
Luke Markert, PTA, BS
Present Employment: Del Mar College
Posi<on: Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Educa<on City: Corpus Chris<
APTA Member: 20+ years TPTA Member: 20+ years
It is an honor to be slated as a candidate For PTA Caucus representa<ve. If elected I will serve with dignity and intense passion to advance the profession.
I have been a physical therapist assistant since 1995. I currently work as the Director of Clinical Educa<on and core faculty member at Del Mar College in Corpus Chris<.
I believe that I have leadership experience and skills required to represent my PTA colleagues at the na<onal level. My leadership experience includes three terms as the PTA Caucus Representa<ve, including a three-year term as an officer on the Nomina<ng CommiSee, and three terms as the Coastal Bend District Chair, including a one-year term on the TPTA Execu<ve CommiSee as the E.C.
Representa<ve. I also served one term as a member the Nomina<ng CommiSee for the PTA Educators SIG of the Academy of Educa<on.
An effec<ve PTA Caucus representa<ve is one who is able to influence others. The ability to influence requires good listening skills, teamwork, and most importantly pa<ence. Serving at the district, chapter, and na<onal levels has given me the opportunity to develop these skills.
I am excited about the possibility to serve again in this capacity, and I appreciate your considera<on.
Nomina<ng CommiSee (Select 2)
Jon Anderson, PT
Present Employment: Ensign Services, Inc.
Posi<on: Senior Therapy Resource City: San Antonio
APTA Member: 15 years TPTA Member: 15 years
I am honored and thrilled to be slated for TPTA’s nomina<ng commiSee. Over the years, I have had an opportunity to be a clinician, an administrator, a resident, an educator, and even a pa<ent. The value of what we do “our profession” should solidly be locked in outcome data, or what got the pa<ent from here to there. Over recent years, we have been
bombarded with costly administra<ve burdens, devalued by payers, and encroached upon by other healthcare professions. Now more than ever, it’s important as Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants that we step up and lead the Rehabilita<on space, and we do this by knowing our data as it relates to ge\ng the pa<ent from here to there. The <me has arrived to unify academia and clinical in a way that propels us forward to do things like. . . wait for it. . . drum roll . . .prescribe a wheelchair/assis<ve device. . .(gasp) or beSer yet order imaging to beSer understand how to treat our pa<ents and get to the efficient outcomes. Leveraging emerging technologies and being at the
forefront of this allows us to own the space and become the clinicians of choice. . .in other words who is the best in the world to do this and get paid for it. I have personally witnessed this in working with payers to get paid for PTs providing Dry Needling, and Percutaneous Tibial Neuromodula<on. We need people leading our profession that can get these kinds of WINS so the students of tomorrow can enjoy the profession we LOVE today and make a good living. Guess what I know some of these people and will work hard to con<nue to get these folks involved and in the right spots to create change.
Addi<onally, we can develop and GROW others who have the passion but may need mentoring to be the next amazing leader. . .we just have to connect the dots for them. A lot of my role with Ensign Therapy has been just that. . .finding the right people for the right spots and helping these amazing clinicians’ prac<ce at the top of their profession. The TPTA Nomina<ng CommiSee is similarly focused in finding the right people for the right spots and developing a pipeline of talent that ensures our profession never looks back, and con<nually raises the bar. As a past president of the TPTA SIG, Tom Waugh Fellow, TPTA Prac<ce CommiSee Chair, TPTA Payment/Policy CommiSee Member, APTA Post- Acute Care CommiSee, and most recently TPTA DEI Taskforce Member, I have a good understanding of how our system works with a large network of therapists/assistants. Let’s work to con<nually elevate TPTA and be the change that what started here creates the necessary posi<ve change to make our profession the best in the world!
Kristen Barta, PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: University of St. Augus<ne for Health Sciences Posi<on: Assistant Professor
City: Aus<n
APTA Member: 21 years TPTA Member: 21 years
It’s an honor to be slated for the Nomina<ng CommiSee Member posi<on. Being able to serve the Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on has been a career goal and I’m excited for the opportunity. My connec<ons within the physical therapy profession in Texas are strong as I became a member of the APTA in 2000 as a student and have maintained my membership. Sixteen of my nineteen years as a physical therapist have been in Texas which has afforded me the opportunity to make numerous contacts within the state. For the past eight years, I have taught full <me at The University of St.
Augus<ne for Health Sciences and have developed more contacts through the students and alumni of my university. These connec<ons will be beneficial for promo<ng recruitment of members for
associa<on leadership posi<ons. In addi<on, I am very organized and able to meet necessary commitment deadlines. This quality is impera<ve to adhere to nomina<on and elec<on dates,
organize and verify candidate applica<on packets, tabulate results, and report to the CommiSee Chair and Texas Chapter for a successful elec<on. Throughout my history as a clinician and an academic faculty, I have been assigned roles such as PTA supervisor, CCCE, student module organizer, course coordinator, and student organiza<on faculty advisor because of my interpersonal and organiza<onal skills. Due to past experiences and responsibili<es, I am confident in my abili<es to complete the required tasks of a Nomina<ng CommiSee Member in an efficient and accurate manner that will be a benefit to the associa<on.
Having an opportunity to serve at the state level would be a true honor and a way to give back to a profession that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. I have always participated at a local level within my clinics, university, and community, and believe it is time for me to devote my energy and abilities on a larger scale. I am interested in the Nominating Committee specifically because this committee connects with various entities. I find the process of recruiting skilled therapists for open positions, working with networking platforms, and creating reports for the Board of Directors intriguing and rewarding. Assisting at the beginning of the process to elect members that will strengthen the Texas Chapter would be a privilege. My energy and passion to work within the Chapter would make me an ideal member of this team.
Anne Gould, PT, DPT
Present Employment: Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Posi<on: Physical Therapist
City: Edinburg
APTA Member: 10 years TPTA Member: 2 years
I am honored to be considered to serve on the Nomina<ng CommiSee for the Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on. In my 12 years as a licensed physical
therapist, I have prac<ced within a variety of se\ngs across the na<on and in each step and loca<on of my career I have been commiSed to pursuing life-long professional development.
When I moved to Texas in June 2019, I sought opportuni<es to con<nue to grow within the field. I currently serve as the Coastal Bend District Delegate of the TPTA. I feel privileged to interact with district members, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from their physical therapy
experiences. I am also a mentee of the Tom Waugh Leadership Development program. This program has expanded my knowledge and understanding of the leadership roles within the Texas Chapter. I am eager to u<lize my newly acquired resources to connect with the other Texas members from across the state. I believe the virtual integra<on of our associa<on’s response to COVID has created an increase in opportuni<es for individuals who historically have not been able to ac<vely par<cipate due to
geographical and previous in-person demands.
I have previously served as a Chairperson for the New York State Physical Therapy Associa<on’s Marke<ng and Engagement CommiSee from 2017-2018. In this role, I led the commiSee in crea<ng an Opioid Speakers Bureau. This Bureau consists of a pool of members and non-members who are subject maSer experts from across New York State. Our commiSee submiSed an Eblast for volunteer applicants and veSed the applicants. We used this process to gather a group of qualified physical therapists to apply their skills in addressing the Opioid epidemic as it relates to the profession of physical therapy.
I am excited for the opportunity to serve on a state commiSee again and would look forward to ensuring that TPTA has a diverse set of nominees and transparent elec<ons. I am energe<c, efficient, and eager to learn from others as we work collabora<vely to advance physical therapist prac<ce to op<mize the movement, health, and wellness of people in Texas.
Thank you for considering me for this role. I would be honored to earn your vote.
MaS Huey, PT, MPT, Dip MDT, CCI, CMTPT, FAAOMPT
Present Employment: Premise Health Posi<on: Physical Therapist
City: Coppell
APTA Member: 14 years TPTA Member: 3 years
I am greatly honored to have been chosen to run for the Nomina<ng CommiSee for the Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on. Texas has stepped up to be a leader in the physical therapy profession and it is extremely important that Texas con<nues this role. To ensure that Texas is this leader, we need to have great leaders in place. The way that we will find these great leaders is to make sure we find people who represent all the areas of physical therapy both as clinicians and pa<ents. It is key that we not only find people who prac<ce in the different areas of physical therapy but also factors that are ofen overlooked such as different genera<ons or socioeconomic backgrounds.
Texas has a wealth of diversity within its borders. I want to foster this diversity into our profession.
Mark Lester, PT, DPT, PhD
Present Employment: Texas State University Posi<on: Associate Professor
City: Georgetown APTA Member: 20 years TPTA Member: 11 years
I am honored to be considered to serve as a Nomina<ng CommiSee member for the Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on. I’ve been an ac<ve associa<on member since I was a PT student nearly 20 years ago. Over the course of my career I’ve been an ardent supporter of and advocate for our profession as a clinician, administrator, researcher, educator, and mentor and I am excited about this opportunity to serve TPTA members. This is a responsibility, that if selected, I will take seriously and will do my best to represent the interests of the Texas Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants in considering future leaders of our profession and giving voice to the outstanding accomplishments of our members.
In my 30 year career, I’ve grown and evolved as our profession has advanced. I’ve worked across the gamut of the physical therapy profession, star<ng as an aide and comple<ng my PTA degree before going on to PT school. I returned to school to complete my transi<onal DPT as well as a PhD in Rehabilita<on Science. During my tenure as a PT in the U.S. Army, I developed exper<se in
orthopedics and sports medicine, movement disorders, ves<bular rehabilita<on, burn and polytrauma rehabilita<on, and primary care. I developed direct access pathways for PT services for pa<ents with neuromusculoskeletal disorders and established physical therapy services in austere environments.
I’ve been an ac<ve research scien<st for over 15 years, focused on improving access to care, screening and evalua<on and outcomes for pa<ents with neuromusculoskeletal, ves<bular, and movement disorders.
I am a firm believer that we should constantly lean forward to advance the physical therapy profession and as a member of the nomina<ng commiSee, I would advocate for the recogni<on of TPTA
members whose accomplishments have met this end and leaders whose ac<ons will foster the evolu<on of our profession.
Mayowa Oyelami, PT, DPT, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: Harris Health System Posi<on: Physical Therapist II
City: Houston
APTA Member: 5 years TPTA Member: 5 years
It is an honor to be slated for the posi<on of Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on Nomina<ng
CommiSee. Since I began my journey in physical therapy at Texas Woman’s University, leadership and representa<on have always been important to me. As the common adage alludes “representa<on not only reflects, but actually changes reality.” At the TWU Houston campus, I gained leadership
experience by serving as Student Government Associa<on Treasurer; Student Service Fee CommiSee Liaison; the first ever Pioneer Ambassador and the first ever Houston-area APTA Na<onal Advocacy Dinner Planning CommiSee Member.
Afer PT school, I enrolled in the Harris Health System Neurologic Residency, where I spent 13 months training as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader. During this <me, I no<ced there was a lack of communica<on and understanding between disciplines when deciding pa<ent disposi<on following hospital admission. With the help of my leadership team, I aSempted to improve this communica<on problem by crea<ng an interprofessional collabora<ve experience (IPE). This IPE, led by neurologic PT residents, involves collabora<on between second and third-year medical students and PT students trea<ng pa<ents together in the neuro ICU and discussing discharge recommenda<ons from each discipline’s perspec<ve. This ongoing IPE experience has led to improved communica<on,
understanding and apprecia<on for the respec<ve role each discipline plays as part of the health care team.
Currently, I serve as a faculty mentor at Harris Health Systems Neurologic Residency Program, and I am ready to serve the broader physical therapy community in a direct leadership role. The essence of a good leader is the ability to recognize and op<mize the strengths of those they serve in order to maximize their poten<al. As a nomina<ng commiSee member, I will be commiSed to finding the most qualified candidates, while using the guiding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to work towards the beSerment of our profession.
Delegate at Large (Select 6)
Michael Braitsch, PT, DPT
Present Employment: Tribe Wellness Posi<on: Owner, Lead Therapist City: Dallas
APTA Member: 5 years TPTA Member: 5 years
I am a private prac<ce owner, an advocate for our profession to inter-professional organiza<ons, an ac<ve board member in community organiza<ons, and try wherever possible to spread the word about our movement exper<se. I’ve served on TPTA nomina<ng commiSee, worked with the APTA geriatrics sec<on, consulted members of congress about our profession, served the Interna<onal Parkinson & Movement Disorders Society, served on medical advisory boards, performed community wellness research, ofen spoken at na<onal and interna<onal conferences about PT, and regularly work with graduate students, PTA students, and pre-PT students in the hope of keeping our future bright. I want to find as many ways as possible to make it easy for pa<ents to see us and for us to be highly regarded experts in the eyes of our healthcare peers as well as in the opinion of the general public. In recent years, I've gleaned a greater understanding of opportuni<es we have to make a difference in how PTs prac<ce in Texas. I would be honored to play a role as a delegate in suppor<ng these changes and represen<ng PTs in Texas at the House of Delegates.
Derrick Campbell, PT, DPT, ScD, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: University of St. Augus<ne for Health Sciences, DPT Program
Posi<on: Associate Professor, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Educa<on City: Aus<n
APTA Member: 8 years TPTA Member: 5 years
It is an honor to be slated as a candidate for a TPTA Delegate at Large Posi<on to the APTA House of Delegates. The House sets policy and elects the APTA Board of Directors and members of the APTA Nomina<ng CommiSee. As your delegate, I will bring a robust passion for service to the physical therapy profession. As a clinician of 28 years with experience in diverse se\ngs, I am very aware of the needs of our pa<ents and clinicians, and the many diverse factors that face clinical prac<ce. As an Academic Coordinator of Clinical Educa<on, Assistant Professor, and current chair of the Texas
Consor<um for Physical Therapy Clinical Educa<on, I am acutely aware and involved with the issues in higher educa<on and the challenges our DPT students and clinical stakeholders face. I will bring the
collabora<ve voice and spirit of these individuals to the Delegates and serve as a liaison to facilitate discussion with students, clinicians, academic ins<tu<ons, and clinical partners.
As a strong collaborator and team player, my colleagues would describe me as a compassionate and efficient individual who values student-first engagement, excellence, and professionalism. As an educator and lifelong learner, I bring knowledge and talents of engagement with stakeholders on topics of advocacy, clinical educa<on, and ethical considera<ons. My engagement in APTA, ACAPT, CAPTE, and the Texas Consor<um for Physical Therapy Clinical Educa<on has helped me to learn more about the policies faced by our profession at the local, state, and na<onal levels. As your delegate, I will bring a collabora<ve spirit to facilitate discussion to advance the profession forward and to be a voice to ensure that our cons<tuent membership is well represented. I am enthusias<c about the opportunity to serve and humbly ask for your vote to allow me to represent you as a TPTA Delegate at Large.
Michael Connors, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT, Board- Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: Athle<co Physical Therapy City: Arlington
APTA Member: 20 years TPTA Member: 17 years
I am honored to be nominated for the TPTA Delegate-At-Large posi<on. I have been a PT for 18 years in the outpa<ent realm. I have prac<ced in a mul<tude of se\ngs in my career, from acute care to academia, home health to outpa<ent orthopedics. At present, I serve as the Vice President of Clinical Opera<ons for Texas and Arizona for Athle<co Physical Therapy.
In my past professional service, I have been involved at the local, state chapter, and na<onal levels with APTA and TPTA. In my past role as Chapter President, I had the pleasure of serving as a Delegate to the House of Delegates. I have a passion for governance and helping to set the future op<cs of our prac<ce through the process. As a delegate for 4 years, I thoroughly enjoyed the collabora<on I was able to par<cipate in with our Texas delega<on as well as the other Delegates.
As a PT with almost two decades of experience, I feel I bring a wealth of knowledge combined with a passion for our profession that can help shape the future of PT through the governance process. In my current posi<on, my passion is to help create opportuni<es for our colleagues to achieve their
professional goals in their desired <meframe.
Katherine Franklin, PT, DPT
Present Employment: Bap<st Health System San Antonio Posi<on: Neonatal/Pediatric ICU Physical Therapist City: San Antonio
APTA Member: 7 years TPTA Member: 7 years
Katherine A. Franklin, PT, DPT is a physical therapist in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at Bap<st Health System in San Antonio, Texas. Ka<e received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas State University. She is currently a PhD student in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University with research interests in the intersec<on between disability studies and physical therapy prac<ce. Outside of clinical prac<ce, Ka<e works as a Cer<fied Aging-in-Place Specialist focused on designing and crea<ng beau<ful, func<onal spaces that can be enjoyed by those of all ages and ability levels.
I have had the privilege of serving as a delegate over the past year, and am eagerly looking forward to my first in- person HOD in Washington DC in September. Under the guidance of some incredible mentors, I have learned so much about the behind-the-scenes work that goes on at the na<onal and state levels to enact change within our professional organiza<on. Outside of my work as a delegate, my professional focus and future goals center around improving the future of the PT profession through a commitment to beSering myself (currently pursuing a PhD in physical therapy) and giving back to future PTs (currently working as a clinical instructor and adjunct faculty member with the long-term goal of becoming a full-time PT educator). An opportunity to con<nue my service with the HOD in the upcoming years would be a big step toward
accomplishing that goal of helping to improve the future of our profession.
Over the past nine months, I've had a small taste of what it means to serve as a representa<ve member of this year's HOD, and I have really enjoyed the process. It has been a meaningful learning opportunity, and I would welcome the chance to increase my involvement in future years. Thus far, I've made it a priority to jump in and learn as much as I can along the way as an ac<ve member of the Texas delega<on. I have some ideas for future mo<on concepts that I would love to share if offered the ability to serve again. I would welcome the opportunity to represent Texas as a delegate to the APTA HOD, and would greatly appreciate your support.
Denise Gobert, PT, MEd, PhD, CEEAA, Board-Cer<fied Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: Texas State University Posi<on: Professor
City: Round Rock
APTA Member: 24 years TPTA Member: 22 years
I would be honored to serve as a Delegate at Large to represent our chapter at the upcoming APTA House of Delegates. I currently hold the posi<on and would like to con<nue an effort to represent our chapter during a very special <me. My recent service at both the state and na<onal levels therefore I feel very capable of represen<ng the interests of our chapter. My experience includes I have service for over 5 years as TPTA Speaker of the Assembly which has allowed me to work with the Execu<ve CommiSee in addi<on to the Government Affairs, Public Rela<ons, and Professional Development commiSees. Last of all, also serve proudly as Chair of the Tom Waugh Leadership Development Program CommiSee which has spearheaded the leadership careers of several members at both the state and na<onal levels.
Based on the afore-men<oned past service, I would love to con<nue working in behalf of our Chapter as we strive to support and protect physical therapy prac<ce in an ever-changing healthcare climate in Texas. The APTA’s HOD is going to decide on several proposed by-law changes includes the following:
• Con<nue to develop “Grassroots” Communica<ons. Through communica<on links including wriSen, verbal and digital (i.e. internet social media), we need more innova<ve ways to increase member and non- member informa<on sharing about current prac<ce paSerns and needs at both the district and state levels. The recent challenges of the epic CoVID Pandemic have revealed some weakness and also some opportuni<es which we can now use to our advantage. This could help to “add value” to membership and support recruitment and reten<on of valued members.
• Support Our Chapter Efforts in Public Healthcare Policy: It is quite evident that physical therapy prac<ce is being challenged to provide effec<ve, efficient pa<ent services. The financial conundrum con<nues as we seek beSer reimbursement payment models to improve pa<ent access to physical therapy services. It is <me for us to sit at the na<onal table to share a competent voice to help shape and support clinical prac<ce paSerns for the good of our pa<ents in Texas.
• Support Our Chapter’s Strategic Plan: Last of all, I would like to con<nue working diligently to develop and promote resources to help our goal champions complete the TPTA’s Strategic Plan which includes fair representa<on of all members including our physical therapy assistants and increased member engagement at all levels.
In conclusion, I feel that my long-term ac<ve involvement in our professional organiza<ons has helped to qualify me for the posi<on of Delegate at Large. Therefore, I ask for your vote and stand excited about the opportunity to possibly represent and support the interests of Texas physical therapists on a variety of levels. If elected, you can count on me to build on our excellent legacy of past leaders to con<nue our outstanding Texas tradi<on!
MaS Huey, PT, MPT, Dip MDT, CCI, CMTPT, FAAOMPT
Present Employment: Premise Health Posi<on: Physical Therapist
City: Coppell
APTA Member: 14 years TPTA Member: 3 years
I am honored to have served for the past 2 years as a Delegate at Large for the TPTA. Texas has provided me the opportunity to finish my Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy along with my Fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. The North Texas District accepted me to serve on their board as treasurer as well.
I have seen how Texas is a leader for the physical therapy profession and want to con<nue this into the future. I believe that the best way that Texas will con<nue to help the profession is to listen to the voices of everyone, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, APTA/TPTA members and especially non-members of the associa<on.
I also believe that it is very important to listen to the next genera<on of therapists joining us. They are facing issues in the profession now, that if not addressed, will greatly diminish the work that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants perform. I believe that we need to address the issue of student loan debt because if the cost of physical therapy school con<nues to rise, fewer people will go into it. The younger therapists are screaming for direct access and have all the tools and knowledge to be primary care providers. All therapists deserve to have their voices heard and that is what I want to bring to the House of Delegates.
Mark Lester, PT, DPT, PhD
Present Employment: Texas State University Posi<on: Associate Professor
City: Georgetown APTA Member: 20 years TPTA Member: 11 years
I am honored to be considered to serve as the Delegate-at-Large for the Texas Physical Therapy Associa<on. I’ve been an ac<ve associa<on member since I was a PT student nearly 20 years ago. Over the course of my career I’ve been an ardent supporter of and advocate for our profession as a clinician, administrator, researcher, educator, and mentor. I am excited about the opportunity to give a voice to policy and leadership decisions our na<onal body on behalf of the TPTA. This is a responsibility, that if selected, I will take seriously and will do my utmost to represent the best interests of the Texas Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants.
Having begun my career nearly 30 years ago as a Physical Therapy aide, comple<ng my PTA degree, aSending PT school and subsequently comple<ng my transi<onal DPT and a PhD in Rehabilita<on Science, I have developed a unique perspec<ve of our profession which I feel will allow me to serve the interests of students, Physical Therapy Assistants, and Physical Therapists well.
In addi<on, during my 26 years in the military, I’ve had the opportunity to develop first hand experience in mul<ple areas of prac<ce to include outpa<ent orthopedics and sports medicine, primary care and direct access, adult neurological rehabilita<on, acute and outpa<ent burn and polytrauma rehabilita<on and establishing prac<ces in austere se\ngs. I believe with this experience I can bring a unique voice to the discussion of advancing PT prac<ce across mul<ple se\ngs.
As a research scien<st and educator, I am acutely aware of the tremendous advancements we have made in evidence based prac<ce, but also recognize our con<nued need to improve quality of care for our pa<ents. I am equally aware of the burdens faced by our students as educa<onal costs con<nue to soar and reimbursement for pa<ent care plateaus or is threatened by cuts, crea<ng an untenable situa<on for young professionals. Finally, I recognize the need for greater diversity, inclusion, and equality within our professional ranks that will not only enhance our professional culture, but ul<mately improve the services we provide and outcomes for our pa<ents. These issues are a few of those that I would advocate for if chosen for this posi<on.
I’m a strong team player and have served in mul<ple posi<ons at the local and federal level to include steering commiSees for the Department of Defense and Na<onal Ins<tutes of Health which I believe will serve to help me advocate for our Texas Chapter members and champion policy decisions that will enhance our profession and the future of Physical Therapy.
David Norris, PT, MS
Present Employment: Greater Therapy Centers Posi<on: Regional Director
City: Fort Worth
APTA Member: 32 years TPTA Member: 5 years
It is an honor to be slated to con<nue serving as one of your delegates to the APTA House of Delegates.
The House of Delegates is responsible for elec<ng the na<onal leadership for the Associa<on and se\ng policy. As a current delegate, I have taken both of those roles very seriously and have worked to make the most informed decisions possible to move our profession forward.
I have been an ac<ve member of the APTA for over 30 years at the district, state, and na<onal levels.
For the last 4 years, I have served as one of your TPTA Delegates and am currently the Assistant Chief Delegate. Prior to moving to Texas, I was as a delegate for 15 years in the State of Indiana, including 4 years as Chief Delegate. In addi<on, I also served as the Vice President, Chair of the Nomina<ng and Membership commiSees and as a Regional Director at Large. Na<onally I have been the Chair of the HPA Sec<on’s Nomina<ng CommiSee as well as the Tech SIG Nomina<ng CommiSee and currently serve as a PT PAC Ambassador.
As a delegate, I can con<nue to help shape the future of our profession by represen<ng the views of Texas Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants at the na<onal level. I have previously been successful in listening to and represen<ng various viewpoints of colleagues and will con<nue to work diligently to make sure that their concerns are voiced. Through my many years in the House of Delegates and other leadership posi<ons, I have developed a na<onwide network of contacts. My
ability to gather and express Texas views effec<vely, combined with access to a broad network of na<onal contacts, would allow me to help the Texas delega<on con<nue to influence changes in APTA policies that affect us all at a local, state, and na<onal level.
I humbly request your vote so that I may con<nue to represent you and help to advance the “Texas Perspec<ve”. Thank you.
Erica Parazo, PT, DPT, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Present Employment: Liberty Rehabilita<on Specialists, Inc.
Posi<on: Physical Therapist City: Fort Worth
APTA Member: 6 years TPTA Member: 6 years
I am truly honored to be slated to con<nue to serve as a Delegate- at- Large for the state of Texas. I have been an ac<ve member in the APTA and TPTA since my <me as a physical therapy student and I have a strong ongoing record of service to the profession. I am currently comple<ng my first term as a Delegate- at- Large in Texas. During this <me, I navigated our
Associa<on’s first virtual House and I am currently a co-maker of RC 9-21 Adopt: American Physical Therapy Associa<on’s Commitment to Being an An<-Racist Organiza<on. I have undoubtedly received incredible mentorship from experienced House members and have strengthened my familiarity with parliamentary procedure, House rules, mo<on language, The Hub, and the process of governance at the na<onal level. In addi<on, I currently serve as the chair of the TPTA Nomina<ng CommiSee, Co- Chair of the TPTA Membership CommiSee, TPTA Central District Secretary, and an APTA Centennial Scholar. These elected and appointed posi<ons and experiences have allowed me to work with House delegates and other leaders in our profession across the state of Texas and the na<on. I also offer my unique perspec<ve as a Filipino- Mexican American and new graduate in my various roles. If elected, I will be a con<nued asset to the Texas delega<on.
I humbly ask for your vote and con<nued support. Thank you for your considera<on.
Adam Roggia, PT, MS, Board-Cer<fied Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Present Employment: Texas Physical Therapy Specialists Posi<on: Director
City: San Antonio APTA Member: 11 years TPTA Member: 3 years
Thank you for your considera<on for delegate at large. I believe this role to be vital part of keeping our profession's voice alive. I have been an ac<ve APTA member for almost 12 years. During that <me, I served in APTA state posi<ons as HOD alternate delegate (Texas 2019-2021);
Alternate HOD Delegate (WA state 2016-2017), and district co- chair (WA state 2016-2018).
My roles in managing and direc<ng private prac<ces have included being a Vice President of
Opera<ons, mul<-site clinic director, and clinic manager. I currently serve as a mul<site director in San Antonio.
I am currently comple<ng an MBA from Texas A&M Interna<onal University. I earned my DPT from Marymount University, have a Master’s degree in Sports Condi<oning and Performance from Southern Utah University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University.
I look forward to serving our state again in a delegate capacity.
Dana Tew, PT, DPT
Present Employment: Op<m Posi<on: Owner/Program Director City: Houston
APTA Member: 15 years TPTA Member: 15 years
It is my honor to be slated for the posi<on of TPTA Delegate-At-Large representa<ve for the APTA House of Delegates. Throughout my career as a physical therapist I have devoted my professional and personal <me to advancing the profession that I love.
I am the owner of OPTIM Physical Therapist, an outpa<ent private prac<ce in Houston, and the Program Director and owner of OPTIM Manual Therapy, a con<nuing educa<on program.
As a small business owner, we have grown OPTIM Manual Therapy from a single loca<on with 6 par<cipants, to 6 loca<ons serving over 400 PT’s and PTA’s. I take great pride in the growth of the program and know first hand how important communica<on, leadership development, organiza<on, planning, and prudent financial management is to the success of any business enterprise. As a private prac<ce PT I also understand the importance of priori<zing what we do as a profession. I believe the APTA should priori<ze the basics of what makes us successful as physical therapist, physical therapist assistants, and students. I hope to assist in bringing mo<ons and vo<ng for mo<ons to the APTA that priori<ze legisla<on that improve pa<ent access, improve reimbursement, improve awareness, and get a handle on student debt.
My past service to the profession includes: Southeastern district Treasurer, 8 consecu<ve years as a delegate to the APTA House of Delegates (including 2 years as Assistant Chief Delegate), APTA
Residency and Fellowship Creden<al Council, as well as AAOMPT external reviewer. I currently serve as TPTA- Vice President, TPTA Governmental Affairs Chair, and TPTA-PAC Board member, APTA- Private Prac<ce Sec<on- Key Contact, and AAOMPT Council Advisory CommiSee. I serve as an ac<ve advocacy voice for the profession and have spoken at the state capital, mul<ple district mee<ngs, universi<es, federal advocacy dinners, and started a Facebook group to help other PT’s engage with the
organiza<on. In 2018 I assisted the TPTA-PAC increase fundraising from an all <me high of 39,000 to over 120,000. In 2019, I was honored to assist the TPTA staff, TPTA lobbyist, and the governmental affairs team to bring direct access to Texas.
The diversity of my professional roles and experience has provided me with knowledge and awareness of the work required keeping our professional organiza<on strong, efficient, forward thinking, and
secure. I would consider it an honor and privilege to con<nue my service as a delegate. I humbly request your support in my bid to con<nue to serve you.