Student SIG presents:

Annual Advocacy Brunch & Networking Event

September 19, 2026 at 11:00AM - 3:00PM 

Location: University of Pittsburgh AND DeSales University

Hosted by the Student SIG

Join the Student SIG for our annual Advocacy Brunch--a statewide gathering designed to empower the next generation of physical therapists. Connect with PT and PTA students and clinicians from across Pennsylvania while diving into the important legislative and advocacy topics surrounding physical therapy. Hear from a diverse panel of guest speakers as they share their perspectives on advocacy and learn strategies to strengthen your voice in shaping the future of our profession. Enjoy brunch, test your knowledge with physical therapy themed trivia, and contribute to a hands-on community service project as well!

University of Pittsburgh Speaker Details:

Speaker: Natalie Novak, PT, ATC, CSCS. Natalie Novak is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with a focus on the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). In the APTA Pennsylvania (PA) Chapter, Natalie serves as the PA Political Action Committee (PAC) Chair. Within the APTA Academy of Leadership, she serves as the Director of Membership on the Board of Directors. Natalie also serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Therapy, assisting with anatomy and musculoskeletal coursework related to the TMJ.

Kenny Erb is the co-owner of Erb Physical Therapy, a three-location private practice serving the South Hills of Pittsburgh, where he and his team have built a culture centered on exceptional patient care, professional growth, and meaningful work. An educator at heart, Kenny serves as Principal Instructor of several courses at Duquesne University, having taught Private Practice, Ethics, soft skills, and Leadership & Management. Kenny has served APTA Pennsylvania as Southwest District Director, Member-at-Large, and since 2021, as Vice President. He also represents APTA Pennsylvania in collaborative advocacy efforts with Highmark to improve payment and reduce administrative burden for rehabilitation professionals across the Commonwealth. Kenny believes leadership is ultimately an act of stewardship—leaving every organization, every student, and every profession stronger than it was found.

Tony Sanks, PT, ATC, CSCS, is an alum of University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy and Pitt Athletic Training. He serves as the Vice President of Operations for UPMCs Center for Rehab Services and as an adjunct faculty member at University of Pittsburgh.

DeSales University Speaker Details:

Speaker: Jasmine Edwards, PT, DPT, NCS is an assistant professor in the hybrid option of the DPT program at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her DPT from Temple University in 2013, completed Moss Rehab's neurologic physical therapy program in 2015, and received her NCS in 2016. Jasmine received the APTA/ANPT Emerging Leader Award in 2021. She is active in the ANPT Vestibular SIG, ABPTS as a member of the Neurologic Specialty Panel, and APTA PA through her role as Chair of the Minority Affairs Committee (MAC).

Colleen Chancler, PT, MHS, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Widener University in Chester, PA. She graduated from the University of Scranton in 1986 with a BS in Physical Therapy, from Drexel University in 2005 with a Master of Health Services and from Seton Hall University in 2017 with her PhD. She currently serves on the APTA Board of Directors. Dr. Chancler has received the APTA Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award, the Lucy Blair Service Award, the Outstanding PT Alumni Award from the University of Scranton and the Outstanding Service Award from Widener University.

Jazmine Tooles, PT, DPT, is an associate professor of instruction at Temple University and a licensed physical therapist who specializes in traumatic brain injury and vestibular dysfunction. Her passions include mindfulness, addressing disparities in health outcomes and improving representation and interprofessional collaboration among health care providers. An alumna of Temple, she received her BS in Kinesiology in 2011 and in 2013 completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. Dr. Tooles currently serves as the APTA Pennsylvania Chapter President.

Registration is free for members and a $10 fee for non-members. After registering, be sure to save your confirmation email, as it contains the address for both locations.