Hannah Baker, PT, DPT, GCS, PhD, obtained her DPT from Concordia University Wisconsin, became GCS in 2016 and earned her PhD from Northern Illinois University (Interprofessional Health Sciences). She practices in Wisconsin with over 9 years of clinical experience including home health and skilled nursing facilities. Hannah also has over 6 years of educator experience and is an assistant professor of physical therapy at CUW at their bridge and traditional cohorts with courses spanning neuroscience, psychosocial aspects of PT, movement analysis, therapeutic modalities, integumentary disorders, and evidence-based practice. Her primary research and educational interests include dementia, long-term care, fall prediction, and student study strategies.
Virginia Bowen, PT, DPT, is a Rehab Education Coordinator for a multistate provider with 9 years of experience as an educator and 20 years in home care as a PT case manager, PT supervisor and clinical manager. She has developed programs to enhance patient care and provide up-to-date home health regulations. She has presented courses pertaining to pharmacology, home health practice and chronic disease management for national CEU platforms and universities. Virginia is committed to helping therapists enhance their role in their current position and profession. She received her PT degree from University of Wisconsin and her DPT from College of Saint Scholastica.
Blair Bundy, PT, DPT, SCS, is currently serving the Milwaukee Brewers as the Vice President – Health and Performance. He oversees all medical, strength and conditioning, sports science, and performance psychology personnel within the organization and aims to deliver a comprehensive player-centric model of development while striving to maximize the health and availability of each Brewers player. Prior to joining the Brewers, Bundy worked at Houston Methodist as a clinician and faculty member in the sports physical therapy residency program. A Native Texan, Blair currently resides in Milwaukee, WI with his wife, Lauren, and four children – Beau, Walker, Colton, and Ava.
Ben Contino, DPT, is the current orthopedic resident of the Clement J Zablocki Orthopedic Residency in Affiliation with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He completed his physical therapy education at Concordia University Wisconsin. During his undergraduate and graduate studies, Ben worked as a certified personal trainer and developed an enthusiasm for helping clients reach their unique goals. Ben is interested in manual therapy and has taken coursework specifically geared toward joint mobilization and manipulation skills guided by current evidence. Ben is passionate about expanding his reach as a physical therapist, specifically in the orthopedic realm.
Kyle Ebersole, PhD, LAT, is currently a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology where he also serves as Director of the Human Performance & Sport Physiology Laboratory. His research focuses on developing high performance through training and recovery strategies with an emphasis on the occupational worker and professional baseball pitchers. He is entering his 13th year of a research and service partnership with the City of Milwaukee Fire Department and as a Sport Science Consultant with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mary Beth Geiser, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, is active in her profession as an educator (multiple universities), a clinician (Aurora Sports Health & SCORE Advantage LLC), a volunteer (APTA CPG Group, AAOMPT SIG officer, and Marquette’s ComMUnity Clinic), and as an advocate (for state/national issues, and the underserved). She has 33 years of clinical practice and 25 years of experience in various academic roles (working in DPT, Residency, and Fellowship programs. As a Fellow (2014) and a board-certified specialist (OCS 1999-Present) Dr. Geiser has received recognition or awards from several institutions (AOPT/APTA Centennial Scholar, APTA Wisconsin, Regis University, and Aurora Healthcare).
Erik Gregersen PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, is a fellowship trained board certified orthopedic clinical specialist. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and CrossFit Level 1 trainer. Erik works at Froedtert Health in an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine setting. He splits his time between patient care, program development, and mentoring in their residency and fellowship program. He also is an owner of an out of network private practice where he primarily sees athletic/active individuals that compete in CrossFit, Olympic Lifting, and other sports.
Kate Grohall has over 20 years of healthcare experience across all aspects of healthcare: provider, payer and patient. Healthcare is a complex, expensive and fragmented industry that Grohall has dedicated her career to simplifying and infiltrating quality throughout. She consistently and steadfastly demonstrates her expertise in bridging clinical care delivery and value driven financial models to bring forward a seamless, high value healthcare experience.
Kate holds a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and Quality. Over the years, she and has delivered CE accredited keynote sessions for several state and national healthcare quality conferences. Kate has a talent for sharing her experience and expertise in a way that resonates with her audience and excites them to take action.
Kate’s most significant accomplishment to date is the start-up of Holista; an organization founded on the application of quality principles to the healthcare experience for all stakeholders. Since the company’s start in 2019, Kate has served as Holista’s Vice President of Value-based Solutions. Holista Value-based Solutions delivers value-driven episodes of care (“bundles) to self-funded employers in WI and North Carolina.
Carleen Jogodka, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, is a 2004 DPT graduate of Regis University with 19 years of experience as an emergency PT. Beginning with the first U.S. hospital with PTs embedded in the ED in Tucson, AZ, and expanded to clinical research, publications, numerous presentations, clinical and course instruction to medical communities. She serves state and national organizations and various task forces, including the 2012 and 2020 APTA HOD motions. Carleen serves as chair for the AACPT EPT Focus Group and the Society of Emergency Physical Therapists founding chair. She is a co-founder/owner of Novus HealthWorks, hosting annual international Emergency PT conferences.
Joe Kucksdorf, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, has over 14 years of clinical experience. He is fellowship trained and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist maintaining an active outpatient orthopedic clinical practice. He oversees quality and professional development for Bellin Health’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedic service line. He is adjunct faculty with Bellin College DPT and OMPT Fellowship programs, Evidence in Motion, and currently completing his Doctorate of Clinical Science in physical therapy with Bellin College. He has served multiple leadership positions with APTA Wisconsin.
Sarah Nechvatal, PT, DPT, graduated from the University of Iowa with her DPT in 2006. She started as a new graduate at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI where she established the EPT consultation service in 2010 until 2022. She spent a year working with the EPT team at UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital in 2022. She has been a per-diem PT at UW Hospital since 2012 and is now full-time as an EPT and acute care clinician at UW Hospital. She has led the APTA WI Early Access PT Coalition since 2019 and is the vice-chairperson of the Society of Emergency Physical Therapists.
Brenda Neumann, CPA, has 30 years of financial and operational experience in the healthcare industry. Her career spans claims administration and finance at an insurance company, accountant and consultant specializing in healthcare, practice management, and Director of Finance & Operations moving into her current role as Practice Administrator for Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine.
Brenda understands the challenges physical therapy practices face providing superior quality services to patients while maintaining efficiency and cost effectiveness. Her focus includes developing practice processes for mitigating administrative costs while still maintaining a high level of value for direct contracted employers and their employees.
Samuel Park, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CMTPT, is a board-certified Orthopedic Specialist practicing in the outpatient orthopedic setting at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a degree from the University of Kansas. Sam has taught continuing education courses through the American Physical Therapy Association, PhysicalTherapy.com, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Ascension Healthcare System, and the Midwest Orthopedic Sports Symposium. Sam currently serves as the Residency Clinical Coordinator for Clement J Zablocki Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency in affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Physical Therapy Department.
Rob Worth, PT, DPT, LAT, has been in private practice since establishing Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in 1998, with 28 clinics in northeast/central Wisconsin and provides on-site care for 60+ companies and municipalities. Rob has served in many volunteer and leadership roles within the APTA over the past 30 years and is currently a Wisconsin Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association and also serves as Vice-President on the APTA Private Practice Board of Directors. Dr. Worth has received the Outstanding Service Award from APTA Wisconsin and the IndUS International Award for cross-cultural contributions in healthcare.
Rob has collaborated with several employers, consultants, third party administrators, insurance companies and other healthcare providers to create opportunities for physical therapists to be integrally involved in providing direct contract cost-effective care for musculoskeletal conditions.
Virginia Bowen, PT, DPT, and Hannah Baker, PT, DPT, GCS, PhD
This course explores the dimensions of a physical therapist’s and assistant’s role in keeping patients under their care from being rehospitalized. In the context of the Geriatric 5Ms Model, presenters will explore common medical conditions, absolute versus relative stability, pharmacological and mental health considerations, and interdisciplinary communication. Learning strategies may include think-pair-share, guided reflection, and case study discussion for both newer and more experienced clinicians. A special focus will be placed on home health, and participants will be asked to reflect on how the information can be applied to their own treatment settings.
Kyle Ebersole, PhD, LAT, and Blair Bundy, PT, DPT, SCS
This course will provide a current perspective on the use of technology and other tools to support the development of high performance in the traditional athlete and occupational worker through strategic preparation and recovery strategies. Discussion will include considerations for selection of technology, data management, and potential pitfalls to avoid.
Samuel Park, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CMTPT and Ben Contino, DPT
A vital component within evidence-based medicine is therapeutic alliance, which has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes by as much as 20%. This course is designed to assist clinicians in enhancing therapeutic alliance with their patients, particularly in challenge social contexts where patient may possess divergent values and beliefs.
Spend some time catching up with your colleagues or meeting new ones!
Various Speakers
This is a great opportunity to hear about updates in the Association and the profession. Our lobbyists, payment specialist, federal government affairs and PAC chair will present on the current state of the Association, where we're going and how we're going to get there. This is a chance for you to get your questions answered and discuss what matters to you most for moving the profession forward.
Joe Kucksdorf, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, and Erik Gregersen, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
This two-hour session will use case-based learning, covering a real-world, outpatient orthopedic shoulder case, specifically a patient presenting with shoulder pain to an outpatient physical therapy clinic after a fall on an outstretched hand. The active learning experience will use peer and team-based learning strategies in an interactive environment. Application of patient-centered and evidence-informed practice will be included with an emphasis on clinical reasoning and meta-cognitive processes. A short, case-specific lab will be incorporated into the session as well.
Enjoy a buffet lunch and networking at your table while listening to members from the Association leadership team provide updates on the Association. Members are welcome to bring forth motions for discussion and vote on any motions presented.
Sarah Nechvatal, PT, DPT and Carleen Jogodka, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
The emergency physical therapist (EPT) role continues to grow and evolve in a healthcare system that desperately needs PT expertise to better manage patients in the hospital emergency and urgent care (UC) settings efficiently and knowledgeably. Speakers will discuss basic and bonus skills necessary to be an EPT. They will review the different staffing models of the emergency department (ED), including inpatient PT vs outpatient PT vs. hybrid, and the advantages of each skill set. UC facilities could also benefit from PT staffing, and the presenters will highlight different UC models. They will cover a typical ED workflow and the appropriate follow-up care for patients evaluated in the ED and UC. Historically, PTs have been “typecast” in a role focusing on discharge planning and mobility training. The presenters will discuss the importance of breaking out of that stereotype as we move forward to be a part of the team of emergency and UC providers as well as effective clinicians who can manage acute and/or severe symptoms.
Kate Grohall, MS, Brenda Neumann, CPA, and Rob Worth, PT, DPT, LAT
Panel discussion with 3 experts and experienced practice owners on the hot topic of contracting directly with self funded insurance plan employers. This session will touch on real examples of how and why physical therapy practices seek to contract with employers directly. Discover opportunities to improve health care fund expenses for employers, improve access to care and directing patients to your practice, and various complexities to consider as health insurance reimbursement declines, and as private practices see a fraction of reimbursement for PT care when compared to a corporate physical therapy setting.
Mary Beth Geiser PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
According to recent data from the CDC, one in five US adults experiences chronic pain.. It’s easy to recognize the cases where pain is all-consuming and completely limits a person’s entire life. However, many clinicians fail to recognize clinical signs and symptoms that are linked to complex pain patterns or conditions. We need to use all of our senses, especially sight, hearing and touch to decipher the patient’s story. Learn from an expert and attend this course. Use your thinking caps to find subtle, obscure, strange or unusual signs that reveal your patients need help. What should you believe? What cues were missed along the way? When is additional interviewing or testing needed? Participants in the course will navigate through a series of clinical based cases to find the correct answers. Don’t be fooled, this course covers a wide spectrum of patients from orthopedics to geriatrics, athletes, sports injuries and weekend warriors.
Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while recognizing the winners of the PT of the Year and Peer Awards, along with networking with your fellow PTs and PTAs.
