Opening Keynote

Brig. Gen. Deydre Teyhen, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA

Director, Defense Health Network National Capital Region | 20th Chief, U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps

Brig. Gen. Deydre Teyhen, the first physical therapist ever promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army and a commanding general known for her remarkable leadership in health care, has dedicated her career to enhancing health care delivery, holistic health, and readiness. Her vast experience spans various significant roles, from commanding medical centers to leading research initiatives. She has extensive academic achievements, including a PhD in biomechanics and a doctoral degree in physical therapy, and she is a recipient of numerous military and civilian awards, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the field.

Closing Keynote

Marilyn Tam, PhD

President and CEO, Marilyn Tam & Company

Marilyn Tam is a former CEO of Aveda Corp., president of Reebok apparel and retail group, and vice president of Nike Inc. As a successful entrepreneur, she has built four profit-making companies, including a corporate consulting and training company, a web portal company, an online supply chain software company, and an integrated health and wellness company. Marilyn was also a two-term director on the national board of the SCORE Association, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Assistant Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, Duke University 

Tiffany Adams, a board-certified geriatric clinical specialist, stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion in the field of physical therapy. With a wealth of clinical experience and academic accolades, she tirelessly works to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in the profession. Her research interests, ranging from health equity to leadership development, reflect her commitment to advancing the field and ensuring quality health care for all.

Maria Cauilan Aguila, PT, DPT

Co-Owner and Managing Director of PT Practices, Multicultural Advocate

Maria Cauilan-Aguila, a first-generation immigrant and co-owner of physical therapy practices in New Jersey and New York, leads several multicultural services. As the first student council president in physical therapy school, she pioneered various roles in the profession. Her APTA volunteer journey began with the New Jersey chapter council. Co-founding FUTURE Foundation Global, advocating for Filipino PTs, and initiating the Multicultural PT Catalyst Group exemplify her leadership. She currently serves as the Global Health Special Interest Group programming committee chair of the APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation and is a member of APTA Private Practice.

Michelle Collie, PT, DPT, MS

CEO, Highbar Physical Therapy

Michelle Collie, CEO of Highbar Physical Therapy, leads a multisite practice in the Northeast, pioneering innovation and growth in the physical therapy profession. Serving as president of APTA Rhode Island and treasurer of APTA Private Practice, she has been instrumental in shaping industry standards and practices. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy, and her career is dedicated to elevating the role and value of physical therapists, particularly in primary musculoskeletal care, and bringing a global perspective to her leadership.

Gita Barry, MBA, BSBE

President, Immersive Healthcare, Penumbra, Inc.

Gita Barry serves as President of Immersive Healthcare at Penumbra, Inc., and has over 25 years of experience in medical device commercialization and development. Her extensive background includes key roles at renowned companies, such as Stryker Corporation and Penumbra. With a foundation in biomedical engineering and an executive MBA, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to her leadership role, driving innovation and success in the health care industry.

Sandra Billinger, PT, PhD

Professor and Vice Chair, University of Kansas

Sandra Billinger is professor and vice chair for stroke translational research at the University of Kansas Medical Center and assistant director of the Neuroimaging Core at KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Internationally renowned for her research in stroke recovery, vascular health, and brain aging, she was the lead author for the American Heart Association’s Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for People after Stroke. She has received numerous awards, including the AHA Stroke Council Lecture Award and recognition by the World Stroke Organization for her significant contributions to stroke and brain health. She is a fellow of the American Heart Association.

Sandra Cassady, PT, PhD

President, Rockhurst University

Sandra “Sandy” Cassady is the 15th president of Rockhurst University and the first lay and female president in its history. Her 32-year career in higher education includes roles at the University of Iowa and St. Ambrose University, where she served as director of physical therapy and vice president for strategic initiatives. Cassady is actively involved with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KC Common Good, and HERS, advocating for women leaders in higher education.

Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD

Dean, LSU Health, School of Allied Health Professions

Sharon Dunn was APTA president from June 2015 through December 2021. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. She is dean of the School of Allied Health Professions and an associate professor of rehabilitation sciences at Louisiana State University, Shreveport. She's been at LSU Shreveport for over 20 years, holding roles from chief physical therapist to program director and played a key role in developing and accrediting the LSU Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program.

Anita Halvorsen, MBA, MA

Senior Vice President, Executive Engagement, American College of Healthcare Executives

Anita Halvorsen brings a wealth of experience to her role as senior vice president at the American College of Healthcare Executives. With a background in hospital and health system leadership, her expertise extends across various domains, from operations to business development. She has a dedication to advancing health care through her contributions to national committees and her commitment to ethical leadership. She has a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and an MBA with a health care concentration.

Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC

Founder, Rizing Tide Foundation, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, WebPT

Heidi Jannenga is founder of the Rizing Tide Foundation, which seeks to inspire more diversity and inclusiveness in the physical therapy industry. She is also co-founder and chief clinical officer of WebPT, a nine-time Inc. 5000 honoree and the leading software solution for physical, occupational, and speech therapists. As a member of the board and senior management team, she advises WebPT's product vision, company culture, branding efforts, and internal operations, while advocating for rehab therapists, women leaders, and entrepreneurs on a national and international scale.

Heather Jennings, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Neurologic Physical Therapy Specialist

Heather Jennings, a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy, focuses her expertise on serving veterans in the New England region, ensuring continuous support throughout their lives. She also actively engages with educational institutions to shape the future of physical therapy education. Her leadership roles within APTA and her advocacy for universal health care underscore her commitment to advancing the profession and improving societal well-being.

Michelle Mason

Chief Executive Officer, American Society of Association Executives

Michelle Mason serves as president and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives, where she is focused on advancing the professional practice of association management. She currently serves on the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, Destinations International Foundation, and Tourism Diversity Matters. She is a Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence Honoree 2019; Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Honoree 2019; the CEO Update Professional Society CEO of the Year 2020; and Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame inductee 2022. She is a fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and a certified association executive.

Remi Wanjiru Onifade, PT, DPT, MEd

Co-founder / President, National Association of Black Physical Therapists

Remi Onifade is clinic director and partner at Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy. She recently received the first position of its kind at Team Rehab as director of equity and engagement of Georgia. She is an adjunct faculty at Morehouse College, South College, and Spelman College, and CEO of IDEAL Education and Consulting. She is chair of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for APTA Georgia and an ambassador for Black Health Connect.

Palak Shah, PT

Co-Founder, Head of Clinical Services at Luna

Palak Shah, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy, is a co-founder and head of clinical services at Luna, a leading provider of in-home, outpatient physical therapy services. She leads clinical vision and strategy, with a focus on operational excellence and patient experience. She excels in a data- and technology-driven approach for scalable clinical products and program design to improve accessibility to quality health care.

Carrie Stankiewicz

Executive Director, APTA Private Practice

Carrie Stankiewicz is the executive director of the Private Practice Section of APTA, with over 25 years of experience in association management. She guides strategic initiatives to uphold the association's mission and has served in many roles with other health care associations. Stankiewicz is experienced in program development, volunteer management, and charitable foundation donor engagement. She holds a bachelor's degree in interpersonal and public communication and is an ASAE-certified association executive.

Nichole Wilson, PT, DPT, MBA

Vice President, Community Health Operations, Indiana University Health

Nichole Wilson leads IU Health’s efforts to improve Indiana's health, focusing on behavioral, infant, and maternal health, hypertension, and tobacco and nicotine cessation. Her work addresses health equity and social determinants of health, particularly for patients who are vulnerable and community members. With a track record of pioneering innovations in health care settings, she has launched on-demand virtual care services and consumer-focused digital innovations. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.