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.

Gita Barry, MBA, BSBE

President, Immersive Healthcare

Gita Barry is president of Immersive Healthcare 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.

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.

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.