A Season of Connection, Action & Recognition
Spring has brought fresh momentum to APTA New York. In this issue, we highlight the voices shaping our profession from engaged student leaders to seasoned advocates and celebrate the milestones that are strengthening our chapter.
We recap an energizing Delegate Assembly, preview our upcoming Access to Health campaign, and showcase award winners who exemplify excellence across the state. With a renewed focus on inclusion, advocacy, and public awareness, we’re building a future rooted in service, leadership, and impact.
In This Issue
ALetterfromthePresident
MichaelTisbereflectsonrepresentation,equity,and thepathaheadforAPTANewYork
DelegateAssemblyHighlights
Howmembervoicesaredrivingstatewidepriorities andmeaningfulpolicydecisions
2025ChapterAwardWinners
“MeetthePTs,PTAs,students,andmembersmakinga differenceintheircommunitiesandourprofession
AccesstoHealthReturnsOctober25
Learnhowyourcliniccanparticipateinthispublic educationandoutreacheventpromotingdirectaccess
LeadershipOpportunitiesAvailable
Stepintoarolethatshapesourprofession applybyJuly3 toserveonanAPTANewYorkcommittee
EventRecap&Reels
FromDelegateAssemblytothe2025Conference,relivethe weekendhighlightsandseewhowasfeaturedonsocial
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
State of the Chapter AddressAs Read at Delegate Assembly
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
“Our association thrives when every district is fully represented—when we have a diversity of voices helping us navigate open, active, and honest debate.”
Midway through the journey of our life, I found myself in a dark forest, for the straightforward path had been lost
This rough translation of the opening verse of Dante’s Inferno the epic poem, not the movie plays through my mind whenever I’m faced with difficult decisions As our profession moves forward, we, too, are often faced with ambiguity and uncertainty. But those of you here today, participating in our Delegate Assembly, are the voice of our profession.
For some of you, this may be your first time thank you for taking that first step Others may have been here ten times or more. To all those who came before, you were the trailblazers the ones who embodied Ralph Waldo Emerson’s challenge: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” It is thanks to you that we are here today still journeying through the dark forest, still clearing the path, or perhaps even blazing new ones
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
As we strive to fulfill our mission to empower and support our members in advancing the practice and profession of physical therapy through advocacy, education, and research we must ensure as many voices as possible are in the room To those of you who are here for the first time: bring a friend next year. To those who already make a habit of doing so: thank you Our association thrives when every district is fully represented when we have a diversity of voices helping us navigate open, active, and honest debate about the paths we should pursue
“By removing barriers and bringing more voices to the table, we’re not just shaping policy— we’re shaping the future of physical therapy.”
With this in mind, the Board of Directors held open and honest discussions yesterday about the challenges our profession faces In recognition of the need for broader representation, they voted to fund all delegates for next year’s Delegate Assembly removing a significant financial barrier and making it possible for more voices to be heard
Over the past year, we’ve also worked to strengthen our relationships with prominent associations, government entities, and community stakeholders Through new collaborations with organizations like Special Olympics and Buffalo Adaptive Sports, our members have gained more opportunities to give back through volunteerism supporting local communities while highlighting the benefits of physical therapy.
This strategy began with last year’s first annual Access to Health events, aimed at educating both the public and lawmakers about direct access to physical therapy and its positive impact on community health. As a result, some of our members have spoken at major conferences, such as the New York State Association of Sheriffs, while others have participated in radio and TV interviews amplifying our message.
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michael Tisbe, PT DPT CSCS WCC
As a board, we’ve also updated our reporting structure to better visualize district activities, align them with our strategic plan, and inform the development of a new one
One major project our office staff has worked on diligently is the overhaul of our website. This effort has paid off significantly. In 2023, we saw 21,241 total page views In 2024, that number more than tripled to 68,568 And already in the first quarter of this year, we’ve surpassed our 2023 total with 23,896 page views putting us on pace for more than 90,000 by year’s end
As we look ahead to next year, I encourage each of you to stay engaged in your communities, answer the calls for volunteers, and bring even more voices to Delegate Assembly Alone, Dante’s dark forest may seem daunting but together, we can clear the path and help blaze the trail for the future of our profession
2025 - 2026 Elected Officials
Treasurer:
Kyle Adams DPT, DSc, PT
Secretary:
Chief Delegate:
Nominating Committee:
2026 House of Delegates: Cathy Zacher DPT, PT
Lynn Rivers
Nanette Hyland
Jacob McPherson
Lori Hochman
Peggy Lynam
Jeremy Crow Tracy, Hardes
Theresa Marko DPT, MS, PT
Lori Hochman, PT, PhD
Marilyn Moffat
Adam Rufa
Mary Libutti
Member at Large:
Jacob McPherson DPT, PhD, PT
1
2
3
4
Create a mechanism for recognizing individuals who have served the chapter and profession of physical therapy.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Prepare the chapter budget and to advise the Board on matters pertaining to the chapter's financial program.
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Encourage new and continued leadership involvement at the district and chapter levels
MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Promote Chapter membership recruitment and retention activities. Coordinate District membership activities.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
5 AWARDS COMMITTEE
Develop the content (speaker/ topic) of chapter conferences and chapter-sponsored continuing education (both on-site and audio conferences).
This is your chance to help shape the future of our profession and make a meaningful impact. To qualify, you must be a Member in good standing of APTA New York Interested? Email a brief statement of interest to Executive Director Eileen Renaud at erenaud@aptanyorg by Thursday, July 3, 2025.
2025 APTA NEW YORK AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award
Congratulations to Lynn Rivers, PT, PhD, recipient of the Dr Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award! This award honors consistent and extraordinary service to the physical therapy profession through contributions in education, clinical research, advocacy, and community leadership
Thank you, Dr Rivers, for your unwavering dedication to our profession
APTA New York Lifetime Service Award
We’re proud to honor Cheryl Ann Gillespie, PT, DPT, MA with the 2025 Lifetime Service Award!
This award recognizes a career of consistent service to APTA New York and our profession Cheryl’s impact and commitment to excellence have inspired generations
Thank you for your leadership and legacy!
Tracy Sawyer Public Relations Award
Congratulations to Anna Len, PT, DPT for receiving the Tracy Sawyer Public Relations Award! This award celebrates those who elevate public awareness of the physical therapy profession through media, community events, and advocacy
Your voice helps amplify our field thank you, Dr Len!
PTA Excellence Award
Congratulations to Tracy Hardes, PTA, winner of the 2025 PTA Excellence Award!
This award honors a PTA who serves as a role model and strives for excellence in patient care, peer collaboration, and professional growth
Your dedication sets the standard, Tracy!
Outstanding Service to District Award
Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Service to District Award!
These individuals have made remarkable contributions to their local districts and to the profession statewide: Amanda Rotondo, PT, DPT – Brooklyn/Staten Island, Francine SageKing, PT, DPT – Catskill, Kyle Adams, PT, DPT, DSc – Central, Sushant Abrol, PT, DPT, MS – Greater NY, & Scott Swanson, PT, DPT – Western
New York Chapter Appreciation Award
Join us in thanking Matthew Smith, PT, DPT, recipient of the Chapter Appreciation Award!
This honor is presented to individuals regardless of membership status who advance the ideals and ethics of physical therapy through meaningful service to APTA New York
We appreciate your lasting contributions!
PT of the Year Award
Let’s celebrate Corey Hazama, PT, DPT, the 2025 PT of the Year!
This award recognizes an outstanding physical therapist who has made a lasting impact on the lives of their patients through exceptional care and compassion
Thank you, Dr Hazama, for the difference you make every day!
Student Participation Award
Shout-out to the future of our profession these student leaders exemplified dedication and engagement: Brooke Peters – Clarkson University, Sarah Lahr – Daemen University, Irena Rosenberg – Ithaca College (featured), Ayanna Moonah – Long Island University, Sarah Malhotra – Mercy University, Matthew Droney – Nazareth University (featured), Heather Gelleny – New York University, Adriana Saab – Stony Brook University, & Eliza Ericson – Utica University
From impactful conversations at Delegate Assembly to inspiring sessions at the 2025 Conference, APTA New York members came together to shape the future of physical therapy in our state. Check out some of our favorite moments, catch the energy in our social media reels, and relive the highlights of a truly memorable weekend.
Check out the weekend on our social media!
ACCESS TO HEALTH 2025
To let patients know: You can see a physical therapist without a referral!
Oct. 26, 2025 | 10 AM - 12 PM
At your clinic or facility
Join APTA New York’s Access to Health campaign and help spread the word: New Yorkers can see a physical therapist without a referral. Volunteer your clinic and your time to provide free health assessments and educate your community on the power of PT Sign up by August 1 and make a difference across the state!
Publisher
APTANewYork
PO Box592
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5184594499
wwwaptanyorg
EditorialBoard
LeahTalbot,PT,MSPT
ChapterOfficers
President VicePresident
Treasurer
Secretary
ChiefDelegate
SpeakerofDA
Editor/Designer
JulietBarney
TheAPTANewYork Newsletterispublished6 timesperyear
MichaelTisbePT,DPT
MichaelMasaracchioPT,DPT,PhD
MichaelHusonPT,DPT
CatherineZacher,PT,DPT
NannetteHylandPT,PhD
AudreyPaslow PT,DPT
ChapterDirectors
Brooklyn/StatenIsland
Catskill
Central
Eastern
FingerLakes
GreaterNewYork
HudsonValley
LongIsland
SouthernTier
Western
ChapterOfficeStaff
ExecutiveDirector
CommunicationsManager
AnnaLenPT,DPT
YvonneEgittoPT,DPT
AdamRufaPT,DPT
AudreyPaslowPT,DPT
JenniferFay,PT,MSPT,EdD
RosaTorres-PanchameDPT,PT
MaryLibutti,PT,DPT,MSPT
EricGreenbergPT
JoelVanSlyke,PT,DPT,MS
JacobMcPhersonPT,DPT,OCS
ContinuingEducation&EventsCoordinator
EileenRenaud
JulietBarney
ErinStack