candidate statements for 2020-2021 student assembly board of … · 2020. 10. 8. · candidate...

Candidate Statements for 2020-2021 Student Assembly Board of Directors Election

©2020 American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents Position Descriptions ............................................................................................................................................ 1

Candidates for President ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Hannah Cook .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Lindsay Dolan .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Hannah Mathew ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Candidates for Vice President .............................................................................................................................. 4

Alyse Hausman ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Sydney Neumann .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Nathan Vassey .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Candidates for Secretary ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Abigail Anderson ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Olivia Kelly ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Nanami Mano .................................................................................................................................................... 7

Candidates for Director of Membership ................................................................................................................ 7

James Anderson ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Kate Lindemann ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Bridget Nolan ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Candidates for Director of Communication ........................................................................................................... 9

Ruben Cabrera .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Lindsay Durand ................................................................................................................................................. 9

Catherine Toews ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Candidates for Director of SPTA Relations ........................................................................................................ 10

Ted Compton ................................................................................................................................................... 10

Kevin Hazel ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Michelle Spindler ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Candidates for SPT Delegate ............................................................................................................................. 11

William James ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Chase Kuhn ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Caroline Lipic ................................................................................................................................................... 12

Candidates for Nominating Committee Chair-Elect ............................................................................................ 13

Olutayo Akinboboye ........................................................................................................................................ 13

Marino Bucci .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Jillian Watson .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Candidates for Nominating Committee Member................................................................................................. 14

Haley Anderson ............................................................................................................................................... 14

Sabrina Burri.................................................................................................................................................... 15

American Physical Therapy Association / 2

Patrick Seweje ................................................................................................................................................. 15


The 2020 election will occur Oct. 8 to Nov. 7 via online voting. All student members of APTA

will receive an email inviting them to vote. The positions up for election are as follows:

President

The President coordinates and oversees all actions of the SABoD and represents the Student Assembly to the

APTA Board of Directors, CEO, and staff.

Vice President

The Vice President oversees all activities and communications with Core Ambassadors and assumes the

responsibilities of the President if needed.

Secretary

The Secretary records the minutes for all meetings and conference calls and maintains the student assembly

archive and action tracker.

Director of Membership

The Director of Membership collaborates with APTA and the Director of Communications to educate and

spread awareness about membership benefits.

Director of Communications

The Director of Communications works with APTA staff to develop and facilitate Pulse content each month

along with other social media outreach.

Director of SPTA Relations

The Director of SPTA Relations manages initiatives to improve SPTA engagement, involvement, and

retention, while representing the interests of the SPTAs.

SPT Delegate

The SPT Delegate represents the Student Assembly at the House of Delegates and sometimes develops

policies or positon statements to present before the House.

Position Descriptions

There are nine different positions up for election. Each position has three candidates slated with one person to be elected per position.


Nominating Committee Chair-Elect (2-year term)

The NC Chair-Elect serves for two years and fulfills all general responsibilities of the Nominating Committee

and transitions to NC Chair in their second year.

Nominating Committee Member

The Nominating Committee Member fulfils all general responsibilities of the Nominating Committee.


Candidates for President

Hannah Cook

In order for any group or profession to continue progress in a positive and meaningful

direction, there must be an effective and efficient group of leaders put in place that

will listen to and act to benefit the people they are serving. As President of the

Student Assembly Board of Directors, I plan to do just that. I want to serve the APTA

Student Assembly and act as an intermediary between you and the APTA Board of

Directors. Over my previous two years as a DPT Student, I gained invaluable

experience in various leadership positions that transfer over into being a productive

President of the Student Assembly. I was honored to serve as the President of the

Connecticut Student Special Interest Group, the Student Chair of the APTA Pediatric

Section’s Students and New Professionals Group, and the PT Day of Service Social

Media Team Chair. On the international level, I am a Network Facilitator for the North

American/Caribbean Region of the World Confederation of PT Future Org.

As President of the APTA Student Assembly, I pledge to continue the incorporation and education of DEI in

our practice, maximize student involvement, amplify student voices on issues such as student debt, and more.

To quote President Barack Obama, “We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it.” This

sentiment is undoubtedly what the APTA Student Assembly is about. As students, we are here to grow,

educate ourselves and others, and shape the future of this profession. #BetterTogether

Lindsay Dolan

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, innovation, and change.” -Brené Brown

I am a white, straight woman in physical therapy. My perspective, though not the

priority at this time, is still essential. I offer a uniqueness with my ability to look at the

world with a thoughtful and curious mind. As Dr. Brown wisely put, my ideas and vision

for the future stem from feelings of vulnerability in this time of social unrest and looming

uncertainties. I am running for a position to serve the Student Assembly because I see

injustices from the sidelines and want to be on the frontlines.

I believe in the power of true human connection and education to promote change. And

that is the platform on which I am running as the SABoD’s President.

If given the opportunity to serve on the SABoD, I pledge to do what I do well: support, connect, and empower

our colleagues of all and diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives. I recognize that representation is

important which is why I want to ensure people of color are in the room. Starting with initiating a student of

color to stand on the newly formed APTA’s committee for DEI in order to offer their voice.

If elected, I promise to listen. I vow to continually ask for feedback to grow, to learn, and to evolve into the

leader we need. Our Student Assembly deserves leadership willing to be vulnerable since creativity,

innovation and change are required now more than ever.


Hannah Mathew

How many of you have felt like you didn’t belong in a room? What if I told you that

you have such a unique place to fit in within the APTA, your professional home? If

you don’t feel included here, let’s have that conversation of why, so that we can

work TOGETHER to find actionable solutions. One of the advantages of the APTA is

that there are so many components that make up this large system- whether it be

via the specialty sections, chapters, Special Interest Groups, DEI initiatives, and

many others. There is a perfect place for you here.

Over the last two years I was able to maximize my membership to learn how to use

theAPTA for my professional and personal development. I consider myself lucky to

find likeminded individuals with a passion for PT and service for community within

this organization. And now I want to help you maximize your involvement. My hope

is to embrace the different backgrounds and perspectives that we have, as a collection of the unique future

PTs/PTAs, and make us into a stronger association.

Especially as a student, it’s so easy to feel like our thoughts may not have an impact or value in the classroom

or clinic. I want you to know that the APTA is that place where your words matter. Your individual concerns

matter. So, let us turn that individual voice into our collective, professional voice through the APTA. I would be

proud to serve as your student leader.

Candidates for Vice President

Alyse Hausman

I always surmised that my greatest strength was my ability to listen to others. While I

still believe that this is an attribute I hold, I’ve found that since being in PT school my

ability to speak about the profession is an even greater asset. I’ve had the opportunity

to speak with students across the country about involvement and spoken with

politicians on Capitol Hill about how access to PT can help combat the opioid crisis. I

have had the pleasure of serving the APTA Student Assembly at the national level as

the Core Ambassador for the state of Florida in addition to serving on the Advocacy

Project Committee. The opportunities that I have gained thus far from being involved

within the APTA and the PT profession have inspired me to continue pursuing servant

leadership on the Student Assembly Board of Directors. We are experiencing

unprecedented times, and while we are not able to collaborate in-person in many

cases, now is the time to re-affirm why we have chosen to enter the healthcare

profession as students. If elected to serve in the role of Vice President, I hope to initiate strategies that drive

the profession forward by helping students recognize the benefits and potential from actively participating in

the APTA - just as previous student leaders have done for me.


Sydney Neumann

Leadership is more about passion for service and less about expertise.

When I first became an APTA member, I knew I wanted to help shape and grow the

profession but did not know where to start. I was overwhelmed by so many

seemingly big and important opportunities and felt as though I wouldn’t be good

enough in these roles. While I was so passionate about physical therapy, I

convinced myself I didn’t have enough knowledge or experience to be a leader

because I was “just a first year.” However, once I finally said yes to one opportunity,

more and more began to come my way!

Currently, I am serving as the Oregon Core Ambassador to the Student Assembly

Board of Directors (SABoD) and as Pacific University’s representative on the

Oregon Chapter’s Student Leadership Committee. Serving in these roles has taught me what it means to be a

leader and inspired me to pursue further opportunities in the APTA.

My primary goal if elected to the SABoD will be to help each student find their voice and sense of belonging in

the PT profession, just as APTA Oregon did for me. Students play such a vital role in the future of physical

therapy, and I want all students to feel included, valued, and heard in the APTA. I want to help empower all

PT/A students to get involved in shaping the PT profession, because everyone can be a leader if they are

passionate about what they are doing!

Nathan Vassey

I am running for the VP position in order to apply my leadership skills and the lessons

that I learned while working as a Core Ambassador within my state chapter to help

grow student involvement now and our profession in the future. Many associations

(ours included) recognize the importance of maintaining membership from a student

through the "New Professional" phase, hence why we have Early Career Starter Dues,

in the hopes to inspire them to become active, lifetime members. I believe this indicates

how sensitive and critical the time as a student and new grad are to the growth of our

profession. As VP, I want to help teach the next generation of therapists the

importance of professional involvement and advocacy so that in accordance with the

current APTA Strategic Plan, we can increase societal awareness of our profession’s

value in a time when healthcare is in the national spotlight and primed for change. I

believe this will help us fend off the threats of increasing student loan debt and

decreasing reimbursement while also assuming our role as primary care practitioners in a time when our

society needs help to recover from this pandemic.


Candidates for Secretary

Abigail Anderson

It is an honor, and I am extremely excited to be a candidate for Secretary. After

working with many patients during my Pilates career that were introduced to physical

therapy in rehab, I decided to further my education in physical therapy. When I

discovered the PTA program, it allowed me to combine both my previous training with

rehabilitation.

In many years attending the IDEA World fitness convention, it revealed to be a great

resource for my career. Last year was my 5th consecutive year as a captain in the

volunteer program, and my 17th year as a volunteer. In this role, I facilitated multiple

sessions and events with speakers and presenters, some of which brought

attendance of over 500 participants. At IDEA, every field of fitness was offered and

allowed anyone to discover special interests and further their profession.

Similarly, learning about APTA and the opportunity to participate as Secretary on the national level will give me

the ability to increase student involvement in legislation, advocate for patient issues, and promote student

contributions to physical therapy.

To help other students explore special interests in the field of physical therapy and what it has to offer is a role

I would love to hold. My passion for movement and recovery is what has led me to pursue a career as a PTA

and am fully dedicated to anyone who shares an interest in this field. What better way to do this than to be

elected as Secretary. Thank you for considering me for this position.

Olivia Kelly

My name is Olivia Kelly. I am a third-year student at American International College

(AIC), President of the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) and a tutor for

first year DPT students at AIC. I spend my free time volunteering for the State of

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in their universal access

programs and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I also enjoy informational lectures to keep

myself up-to-date on the field of physical therapy. I am running for Secretary on the

2020-2021 Student Assembly Board of Directors because I want to utilize my skills

from previous leadership experiences, combined with my commitment to student

involvement, while being a resource to others on a national scale. My strengths include

purposeful and effective communication, being detailed and timely, and having an

unwavering work ethic. If elected, my voice will be inclusive and collaborative on the

foundation of student advocacy paired with prompt meeting minutes, clearly outlined

meeting agendas, and organized scheduling. I believe my responsibilities as Secretary would go beyond

“secretarial” and I vow to earn your trust and confidence in all matters.


Nanami Mano

I intend to run for office, because I would like to take my energy and passion for

physical therapy to the national level and better advocate for our profession by

gaining further knowledge of APTA. I desire to connect with likeminded students

and professionals to gain new perspectives regarding physical therapy. As a

minority, it is important to me to increase representation in the field and amplify

voices of other minority students and clinicians, so social issues in healthcare can

be addressed as a professional entity. My strengths include being dependable and

goal oriented. These qualities instilled trust among my peers and faculty members,

allowing me to serve as Secretary in our program’s Pro Bono clinic, Research

Assistant, and Graduate Assistant for multiple courses. I have represented my

university by completing presentations for conferences and an out-of-state outreach

program. If elected, I hope to reach more students across the nation to increase

awareness and express importance of professional involvement at the state and national level. Also, I hope to

encourage implementing active training in diversity, equity, inclusion and courses on cultural competency in all

DPT and PTA programs to ensure students to be competent in caring for all patients through social inclusion.

It would be an honor to serve on the Student Assembly Board of Directors and connect with students as well

as clinicians across the country.

Candidates for Director of Membership

James Anderson

Hello everyone! My name is James Anderson, and I am a third-year student at the

University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am running to serve as the Director of

Membership this year on the Student Assembly Board of Directors (SABoD). My

experiences as the APTA NV Student Special Interest Group President this past

year have taught me a lot about leadership. I have found that humility and active

listening are two characteristics that are critical when serving others. I know that if

selected for this position, I will not have all the answers. I am confident in my ability

to connect with others to find the best solution. I want to hear from you and your

classmates. I have found that meeting other students at different schools, national

conferences, and through social media has helped me to grow professionally. We

all have a unique perspective to share. If I am elected to serve as the Director of

Membership on the SABoD, I will strive to increase connectivity and collaborative

opportunities for all students. Choosing to be a member of the APTA speaks to your professionalism and

desire to positively impact our profession. I want to ensure that all members are aware of the number of other

tangible educational, networking, and volunteer opportunities that go along with being a member. Thank you

for your consideration, and I look forward to meeting you all. Please feel free to reach out via Twitter and

Facebook if you have any questions! @JAnderson9505


Kate Lindemann

As people, as students, each moment matters and I want to focus on growing,

exploring, and flourishing all moments as an SPT for all individuals. As an SPT, I

have experienced my highest highs and my lowest lows. Flourishing for me occurred

while meeting other SPTs and becoming involved in various Special Interest Groups

(SIGs) as both a member and leader.

I understand being an SPT can be daunting, exhilarating, and shocking; I want to

create a community that connects SPTs/SPTAs. I will accomplish this by

constructing an APTA Student Assembly page to enable accessibility and

connectivity. This page will gather together contact information, student specific

information from all APTA sections/chapters including, but not limited to, SIGs,

scholarships, and advocacy movements. Additionally, the site will incorporate a

financial toolbox to help identify opportunities for funding membership dues and conference attendance. APTA

has so much to offer and my goal is to provide one location that empowers access and enables understanding

to ensure students meet their personalized goals with both APTA involvement and career aspirations.

Taking my goals of community and SPT/SPTA connectivity to the next level, I would incorporate PT Pen Pals

for student members to help connect those with similar interests, as well as create access to additional content

focused on key topics while continuing to enhance #PTFam on twitter and all Student Assembly social media

pages.

The opportunity to focus my time and energy on the goals above would be exciting, fulfilling, and an honor as

a student member of APTA.

Bridget Nolan

I can easily say I never could have imagined everything I would gain from joining the

APTA last fall. While I have loved what I have learned from attending conferences, I

want more. I want more students to see that joining the APTA is not just about

signing up so that you get the conference registration discount but an endless supply

of resources, opportunities, and connections waiting to happen. If I’d never attended

CSM I wouldn’t have had the opportunities to work at the research booth, learn about

the resources the Academy of Research has to offer, meet all the amazing PTs

there, and to solidify my internship with PT Pintcast. My work with PT Pintcast has

allowed me to help project the voices of the leaders in the PT field and spread the

work being done within the APTA but not everyone has these same opportunities. It

is time we start taking full advantage of social media to show everyone the full value

of an APTA membership and help students find where they fit in best so they view

their membership as nonexpendable and continue to stay involved after graduating. I’ve demonstrated my

ability to advocate for patients through my use of social media to share ASL videos for PTs to better

communicate with deaf patients, and now I want to expand my outreach and advocate for the advancement of

the profession through the APTA. If we, as students, want to be the leaders of tomorrow we need to get

involved with the APTA now and start working towards a future we can be proud of. Our profession has its

flaws, all professions do, and the only way we can work on improving them is through working together and

using our voices for change, and that all starts with signing up.


Candidates for Director of Communication

Ruben Cabrera

As the Director of Communications for the APTA Student Assembly Board of

Directors (SABoD), I intend to encourage greater involvement of assembly members

in APTA activities. I believe that any individual and any action, whether big or small,

can help bring our profession forward. Together, we can advocate for physical

therapy and help make a difference in our communities that will affect so many lives

for the better. Additionally, I intend to provide education and value to our assembly

through the established Facebook Live events. By talking with different individuals

about a variety of topics, viewers from the assembly will learn more about the

profession and hopefully discover things that will lead to their success as a clinician!

I believe that one of my biggest strengths is that I am passionate about anything I do,

and that passion is not inclusive to just physical therapy! I believe that people should

pursue their passions, stay eager, and live out the life that makes them the happiest. I believe my passion for

improving myself and the field make me a great candidate for the SABoD and I hope to be elected so that I

can help make difference.

Lindsay Durand

My name is Lindsay Durand and I am running for the Student Assembly Board of

Directors because I believe that APTA student engagement is essential to the future of

our profession. My main goal as a member of the board would be to increase student

representation and involvement within the APTA by creating more engaging and diverse

opportunities for students to meet and interact. As Director of Communications, I will

use my leadership experience, marketing background, and my passion for advocacy to

increase active efforts to create space for students from all programs and backgrounds

to become more involved in the conversations within the APTA. Students should not be

limited to APTA community based on their ability to attend conferences, but rather all

students should be given the chance to find their place and be a part of the organization

that is working to better the profession. Additionally, I will work to increase transparency

and communication so that students understand the value of APTA membership, ways

to get involved at a local or national level, and how they can best serve their community and the profession. In

taking these steps, I hope to create an environment where more individuals of varying backgrounds,

ethnicities, races, and experiences feel comfortable to step into leadership roles so that we can continue to

increase the overall diversity, representation, and strength of the profession.

Catherine Toews

As a passionate SPT with leadership experience in my state's Student Special

Interest Group and in undergrad in communication, my main goal is to empower

students to realize all of the opportunities Physical Therapy has for them. School can

be demanding, and a strong community can help to energize students and motivate

us to take on leadership roles. If elected, I will serve the student body by helping

equip students with the knowledge and tools to communicate their value to others,

both as individuals and on behalf of our profession, and be a driving member of the

community of SPTs and SPTAs across the country. I look forward to interacting with

as many of you as possible.


Candidates for Director of SPTA Relations

Ted Compton

My name is Ted Compton. I am a 42-year-old husband and father of two. A couple of

years ago I decided that 18 years as an auditor and consultant in public accounting

and financial management was enough and it was time for a change. During my time

consulting, I found that being involved with a professional association impacted not

only my personal professional development, but also enhanced the service I provided

to my clients. Once I decided to change careers, I knew I wanted to remain involved in

a national organization and volunteered to be Northern Virginia Community College’s

SPTA representative with the APTA-Virginia Student Special Interest Group (SSIG). A

couple of months later, I was elected as the SPTA representative to the SSIG

Executive Steering Committee. These opportunities opened the doors for me to attend

APTA-Virginia’s Student Conclave and Lobby Day. At Lobby Day, I realized that

getting involved was not so much a choice but an obligation. I am extremely fortunate

to have successfully navigated a full career before returning to a life as a student. This experience has given

me a foresight that extends beyond the classroom and into the opportunities that exist for young professionals

to make a meaningful impact on their industry. I would love to use my experiences to highlight opportunities for

students to be engaged in their future profession and begin their careers with the momentum of advocacy to

promote the physical therapy profession.

Kevin Hazel

My career path choice of becoming a physical therapy assistant has been fueled by

my strong desire to be a part of the progression of healing and to help those in need

overcome adversity. However, in the beginning stages of my career-seeking journey,

there were many “twists and turns” along the way. My wide range of experience and

skill sets stem from many diverse professional positions held thus far. It is this

combination of opportunity and exposure to various environments, people, and

expectations that have helped me get to where I am today.

As a Division 1 student athlete, I learned to overcome hardships and manage

difficulties associated with having to balance a full time schedule of coursework along

with the hectic schedule of training my body to properly perform at the highest level of

my sport while minimizing the risk of injuries. In addition, holding the position of

corporate college recruiter and most recently, a traveling physical therapy recruiter, my skills have been

extended to include effective networking and developing and cultivating relationships that have created

solidarity and positive results. Although these positions are not related to patient care, these experiences have

certainly facilitated my confidence and shaped my leadership skills, giving me the ability to effectively

communicate with a diverse population. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to participate in the APTA

Geriatrics Diversity Task Force, and currently serve on the PR Committee for the California Physical Therapy

Association. These volunteer experiences have allowed me to identify areas where the student’s voice can

truly be heard and bring value to affect change not just for our profession but for our immediate communities

as well.

My journey has now brought a great opportunity for me to utilize my experiences and skill set to help aid in the

advocacy of our profession, and to bring awareness and exposure to so many who are directly and indirectly

affected by our profession – present and future. If elected as Director of SPTA Relations, my main goal would

be to advocate for an increase in student level involvement in APTA, as well as to heighten the awareness for


the need of diversity and inclusion across all levels of our profession. There is a need for more communication

at the academic level with PT and PTA programs and finding ways to engage the two disciplines at an earlier

onset would be one of my objectives. Finally, and most importantly, it is the voice of future students that needs

to be heard, and finding opportunities or a platform for students to voice their ideas and views to those in

leadership within APTA would be my ultimate mission.

Michelle Spindler

As a student PTA, I know how important it is to be involved, to improve our

profession, and to improve myself as a future licensed clinician. As the recipient of

the APTA Oregon Emerging Student Leader Award I was able to attend the 2020

virtual HOD. I currently serve on the Student Leadership Committee as the Lane

Community College Representative and was selected to be the group secretary.

These experiences have helped me grow professionally, broadened my knowledge,

and opened up many doors for me. This has enabled me to be an advocate for our

profession.

One of the things I've learned from being involved is the power of our voices in the

advancement of our profession and the well-being of our patients. As Director of

SPTA Relations, I will work to develop and improve the engagement opportunities

for students, bringing their insights and perspectives to the conversation. Through the use of current

technologies, including virtual platforms, I can reach students to address their concerns, and enhance

networking options and involvement opportunities.

The enthusiasm and passion I have for our profession empowers me to inspire others. My optimism allows me

to tackle new ideas and learn from past experiences. Lastly, my personable and empathetic attitude enables

me to engage with others as we move along our educational path towards full inclusion in the physical therapy

profession. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me and meeting many other student members

who are just as passionate about our profession.

Candidates for SPT Delegate

William James

I would be honored to give back to my profession by serving as a Student Assembly

Board of Director member. Having served as the Director of Membership, I

developed a unique perspective into our professional association and how those

involved seek to serve students. The opportunities to improve the student DPT and

PTA experience are immense with the APTA! I am incredibly excited to continue my

service to you all and believe the past year has prepared me to support and guide

your new board. The qualities that make me well suited for this role include initiative,

compassion, optimism, being an effective listener, and idealistic thinker who works

to be practical. I consider myself an active member in the Georgia Chapter of the

APTA where I utilize these qualities to stay engaged by working with the state

delegation and the Student Special Interest Group. Within Emory University I served

two years as a Legislature to the Student Government, currently work as a Vice

President of Special Projects in the Executive Student Government, and aspire to connect the Emory DPT


program with both the Georgia Chapter and national association. I fervently seek to continue my participation

within our professional organization. My experience serving in the House of Delegates and on the SABoD has

not only inspired me to continue working but has also shown me the value of the student voice! If you choose

to elect me to this role, I will strive to represent the Student Assembly and the APTA with professionalism,

courage, and humility. Thank you for your consideration.

Chase Kuhn

If 2020 taught me anything (beyond functional goal writing and the importance of

handwashing), it taught me that physical therapists (and assistants!) are resilient.

We rallied against injustice, pivoted to new models of care delivery, solved how to

gather virtually, and established ourselves as essential for COVID recovery. These

victories were no accident. The strength of our profession starts by developing

those who will eventually lead it. As we enter this exciting centennial milestone and

critical HOD bylaws year, it is time to amplify the student voice.

With my years of healthcare experience, I have developed the ability to clearly

communicate my beliefs while remaining open to and respectful of differing

viewpoints. Through attending multiple national conferences and working on the

Advocacy Project Committee, I have seen firsthand the grit and determination

required to champion our profession. As Ohio’s 2020 Student Delegate, I worked closely with the Ohio

Delegation, gaining valuable experience in policy language and motion crafting.

The engagement and depth of conversation I had with other student participants during the Virtual 2020 HOD

was electrifying. These interactions revealed the need to prioritize policy understanding so that all students

feel empowered to make their opinions known. As your SPT Delegate, I will utilize the APTA’s digital

resources to foster this understanding and collaboration across our diverse student assembly. Virtual

conferencing has facilitated everything from game nights to practical exams and with it, we have the means to

stand digital deltoid-to-digital deltoid and show that we are unquestionably better together.

Caroline Lipic

My name is Caroline Lipic, SPT at Saint Louis University. I am running for Student

Delegate because I want to ignite a passion for student awareness of policies, benefits,

and health care disparities. I am a firm believer of learning outside of the classroom and

applying the skills we have as SPTs and SPTAs within our own communities through

personal relationships. I have leadership experience serving locally, nationally, and

globally. I have organized lobby days, served as the Missouri Core Ambassador, attended

House of Delegates 2020, led National Advocacy Dinners and global public health

initiatives. Through these experiences I have had the privilege of working with many

SPTs, SPTAs, PTs, and PTAs. Through connections with other people we grow and learn

with more intention. There are many health disparities that exist here in the United States.

The APTA has started moving in the right direction, but we need to maintain the

momentum. The earlier we educate our students on the House of Delegates, the sooner

we will be able to become leaders within our profession. We need the majority of our members, who are

students, to be aware of policy that will allow them to advocate for our patients, our expertise, and our mission

in order to advance our profession. I will increase student awareness of House of Delegates through monthly

trivia games, social media, interactive forms, and GroupMe. We will have fun and learn too--salience matters,

right?! Let me help you become the leader you were destined to be. Thank you for your consideration, and I

hope to be serving you on the 2020-2021 APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors.


Candidates for Nominating Committee Chair-Elect

Olutayo Akinboboye

My name is Olutayo (Tayo) Akinboboye and I am a second year DPT student at Ithaca

College. I am passionate about helping others, which is why it would be an honor to

serve on the Student Assembly Board of Directors. I believe in working hard, building

great connections, and teaching and serving others. I would not be where I am today

without the help of great leaders which is why I strive for excellence and lead others

toward their greatest potential. I believe my biggest strengths are my listening,

communication, and time management skills. I proved to have great time management

as I double majored in Clinical Health Studies and Spanish, while also playing football

during my undergraduate career. In the 2019-2020 academic year, these strengths

were integral to my role in the creation of a new organization at my college, Ithaca

College Physical Therapy Students of Color (ICPTSOC). The mission of ICPTSOC is to

connect current and incoming students of color across ethnic, cultural, and

socioeconomic backgrounds and provide resources that will allow students to excel in the program at Ithaca

College. I served as the Outreach Coordinator, and the skills I developed in this role can be directly translated

to a role on the Nominating Committee for the Student Assembly Board of Directors. I aspire to bring change

to the physical therapy profession, starting with improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, just as our Strategic

Plan aims to “model principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion within the Student Assembly.”

Marino Bucci

With an emphasis on collaboration, I envision the expansion of an inclusive and inviting

environment, where all students are assured of their individual significance and

capability to contribute to the profession as a whole. As prospective clinicians and

active members of the APTA community, we assume responsibility for contributing to

the continued efforts to improve the health of society through the advancement of our

field. The APTA is a web of local, state, and national opportunities for students to

develop an understanding of how we can effectively contribute to the progression of the

profession.

My experiences on the APTA Advocacy Project Committee, as the Florida Physical

Therapy Association’s Student Special Interest Group Chair, and Vice President of my

program’s cohort, have provided a first-hand look at how individual components of a

collective passion can create a powerful voice for the profession. As a leader, it is essential to practice open-

mindedness and engender collaboration, promoting initiatives which demonstrate the strength of incorporating

a variety of perspectives prior to approaching any situation.

Through generating lasting relationships and enhancing nationwide interconnectivity, I plan to encourage

others toward opportunities they will not only enjoy but will also contribute to their professional development. I

aim to be approachable and an accessible avenue of communication for all students through one-on-one

conversations, group meet-ups, and virtual informational sessions. With growing interests in participation, the

necessity for facilitatory roles intensifies, and I would be honored help meet this need as Nominating

Committee Chair-Elect.

Whether it be through establishing meaningful relationships, encouraging involvement or conveying student

sentiments to the board, I am eager to contribute to the success of the APTA Student Assembly as a member

of the Board of Directors.


Jillian Watson

Fellow students, I am honored to have the opportunity to speak with you and to

serve you as your Nominating Committee Chair-Elect candidate. As a physical

therapist assistant and now a student physical therapist, I aspire to utilize my

unique perspectives to provoke encouraging and productive conversations that will

promote increased engagement from students from coast to coast. Previous

experiences, a national network of colleagues and friends, and a long-time

dedication to service to our profession make me well-equipped to assist you in your

journey for leadership development. As your Nominating Committee Chair-Elect, I

will be dedicated to well-rounded leadership and promise to be present with you,

listening respectfully and excitedly as you express your concerns, your ideas, and

your ambitions. Inclusivity and “plugging people in” to opportunities that spark their

interest and suit their strengths will be my utmost priority. I believe that each

student that wants to get involved has a place where their voice can be heard, and their talents can be utilized.

We are the future of the APTA, and our patients depend on our collaboration, advocacy and dedication to

excellence. By entrusting me with this position, I pledge to be an advocate and a resource for anyone who is

seeking an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to maintain the sustainability of our association. It is

with the humblest heart that I thank you for your consideration. I can assure you that if elected, I will devote

myself to the position and to you.

Candidates for Nominating Committee Member

Haley Anderson

I am running to sit on the APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors in order to

collaborate with diverse voices across the country over a shared passion of integrating

multiple levels of advocacy. My vision for the role as Nominating Committee Member is

to seek more accessible, diverse, and inter-professional voices and strategies to

cultivate student engagement that lasts in years to come and is reflected in future Board

applicants. I have utilized strong communication skills not only to amplify my own voice

and projects, but to a greater extent to help amplify my peers’ voices and goals. This

year, I held a virtual event as the 2019-2020 APTA Colorado Core Ambassador called

PT Power Hour and held a conversation with current clinicians of color to address racial

disparities at multiple levels in our profession. It is an event like this that not only

highlights my organizational skills and drive to move the profession forward, but my

desire to create and hold spaces for these vital conversations. In order to continue to

substantiate the importance of social justice in physical therapy, I would strive to develop continuing education,

conversational events, and inter-professional relationships alongside my fellow Board members in order to

create meaningful and actionable change in our profession.


Sabrina Burri

Nothing would make me happier than to see all 33,000 APTA student members feel a

sense of belonging and find a place where they can thrive as the leader they are. I

am for empowering students and call for representation and inclusion of all programs,

states, and backgrounds. My experience as North Carolina’s Director of Student

Involvement and as an active committee member for the California Student Special

Interest Group, as well as involvement in the Academy of Neurologic Physical

Therapy, has shown me the true value in APTA membership and engagement across

the nation. My goal is to maximize the variety of opportunities for students to follow

their passions, connect, and shine outside of the classroom.

We are so much more than “just” students, and I hope to share my enthusiasm and

motivate anyone who feels a calling, or who may need a friendly face to help them

realize their full potential, to do more and come together as a unified force of PT and PTA students to move

our profession forward. As we celebrate APTA’s Centennial, let’s build upon our strong legacy and make this

moment a movement to reaffirm our commitment to transforming society and improving the human

experience, beginning with us students. I would be honored to represent the Student Assembly as a

Nominating Committee Member to serve and support the students who make the APTA a powerhouse. I

promise to lead with positivity, diligence, collaboration, and compassion to ignite action aligned with our

collective vision.

Patrick Seweje

As a third-year student at Sacred Heart University, I am devoted to creating a

positive and embracing community within the APTA. As a Nominating Committee

Member, my focus would be to connect and encourage other students to get

involved. My goal is to promote growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion for our

profession.

My previous experience attending CSM, NEXT, and NSC has increased my

awareness of how important student involvement can be. I came to realize my

greatest strengths were connecting with new people and creating an environment

where everyone feels welcomed. Nominating Committee Member allows me to use

my strengths to play a role in progressing our profession.

As physical therapy students, we are the voice of the future and we have to work together to maximize the

strength of our voice. As Nominating Committee Member, I would be committed to networking and

encouraging students to be leaders of our profession.

Last Updated: 09/23/2020 Contact: [email protected]

candidate statements for 2020-2021 student assembly board of … · 2020. 10. 8. · candidate...

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