PTA Focus - January 2021
When asked if I was interested in writing for the APTA Pennsylvania PTA Focus, my first thought was “Why would anyone want to read about my journey?” This thought was immediately followed by, “Why not?” I’ve enjoyed an amazing career as a PTA, and maybe my story will encourage others on their path as well. Where to begin…this has been a long journey, spanning nearly 37 years, with a number of twists and turns, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. My career in physical therapy began a long time ago in a galaxy not far away at Lehigh County Community College (now Lehigh Carbon Community College) back when there were only three PTA programs in the state. I couldn’t have made a better choice, both in terms of what path to take, and what school to attend. My first PTA position was at a premiere brain injury rehab facility in Erie, Pennsylvania (Lake Erie Institute of Rehab, or LEIR). While the facility no longer exists, the experiences, relationships, and knowledge gained remain with me to this day. My start at LEIR lead to an opportunity to open a sister facility in San Diego, California. This experience continued to shape my perspective and reinforce my love for this amazing career I had chosen. It also enriched my personal life, as this is where I met my husband of 30 years. Subsequently, we moved to be closer to family, landing in Illinois near my husband’s family. This was also a very pivotal moment in my journey. The facility where I was working introduced me to an amazing mentor which also altered my path from clinic to academia. What a blessing that turned out to be! She invited me to serve on an advisory board for a developing PTA program, which turned into accepting a position as clinical coordinator for that program. This simple beginning of serving on an advisory board has afforded me an opportunity I never thought possible. While working at this community college in Illinois I attended a conference where I reconnected with one of my first mentors from LEIR who held a comparable position in a PT program. Dr. Kristine Legters encouraged me to consider a position “back home” in Erie when I told her we were thinking about moving back to Pennsylvania. The rest is history. I have considered Mercyhurst University my home since 1997. The experience of serving the profession through educating each new generation of physical therapist assistants has been more than I could ever have hoped. While I loved patient care, this is where I belong. Being at Mercyhurst has also provided an opportunity to further my education, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in organizational leadership. Moving further along on this journey, I took a step I never imagined, becoming program director in late 2002. Being program director was not something I ever envisioned for myself. When asked why I never went on to become a PT, my first response was always not wanting the responsibility that comes with being a PT. So, taking on the responsibility of being program director was somewhat out of character, and something that I have definitely grown in to. Is it sometimes difficult? Of course it is, but there are so many blessings along the way that the difficult moments are lost in the shadows. Being in physical therapy education has opened other doors along the way as well. I have had the privilege of working with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) in a variety of roles over the past fifteen years, including serving as co-chair of the Exam Development Committee. I highly recommend volunteering with this organization. I have met some fantastic colleagues and learned a great deal along the way. I have also served on committees with APTA and APTA Pennsylvania, and more recently, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). My experiences with CAPTE have included serving as a site visitor for PTA Programs seeking accreditation or re-accreditation and completing a four-year term as a commissioner on the PTA Panel for CAPTE. I’ve recently been re-appointed to the commission for another four-year term. Working with these organizations furthers to enrich my knowledge in physical therapy education and continues to fuel the constant need to be better, do better, contribute, serve. To say that I have loved my career as a PTA is an understatement. Our profession, our community of PTs and PTAs, are nothing short of amazing. This journey isn’t over and I look forward to any new experiences waiting for me around the corner. |
