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The APTA Association Leadership Scholars Program is an investment in the future of the profession. This innovative initiative fosters new, diverse leaders and thinkers by supporting the journey of APTA members as they prepare to lead the association in pursuit of its vision.
During the one-year program (January through December), scholars participate in a robust curriculum that covers association leadership and management topics, with activities that can include group projects and engagement opportunities. Graduates of the program come away with new understanding, new skills, and a personal leadership development program that they can put to use to benefit the profession.
2025 Scholars
Congratulations to the 25 PTs, PTAs, and students accepted as 2025 Association Leadership Scholars!
- Taylor Adkins, PT, DPT (Georgia).
- Fretche Blair, PT, DPT (Colorado).
- Jasmine Blocker, PT, DPT (Hawaii).
- Alyssa Bush, PT, DPT (North Carolina).
- Lindsay Clark, PT, DPT (California).
- Kaitlyn Cutler, PTA (North Carolina).
- Allison Daly, PT, DPT (Louisiana).
- Noah DeHart, PT, DPT (Alabama).
- Ruby Dixon, PT, DPT (North Carolina).
- Jon Duellman, PT, DPT (Minnesota).
- Kelley Farley, PT, DPT (Wyoming).
- Ebony Jackson Clark, PT, DPT (Maryland).
- Riley Luetkenhaus, SPT (North Carolina).
- Tyler Luke, PT, DPT (Colorado).
- Maria Elena Luna Espinoza, SPT (Texas).
- Carolina Marrero Rodriguez, PT, DPT (Pennsylvania).
- Silke Mildenberger, PTA (Arizona).
- Kassidy Pehrson, PTA (Alaska).
- Samantha Pietrzak, PT, DPT (Illinois).
- Glen Saldanha, PT, DPT (North Carolina).
- Shannon Scanlan, PT, DPT (Pennsylvania).
- Rachel Seals, PT, DPT (Georgia).
- Laura Siviter, PT, DPT, BS (Florida).
- Noah Watson, PT, DPT (Missouri).
- Christopher Wilson, PT, DPT (South Carolina).
Mentors
- Amber Gadow, PT, DPT
- Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA
- Karen McCulloch, PT, BSPT, MS, FAPTA
- Lori Pearlmutter, PT, MPH
- Kristen Vick, PT, DPT
Become an APTA Scholar
The application cycle opens August 1.
Eligibility
Any APTA member in good standing is eligible to be a scholar. Scholars must commit to participating in two in-person event (APTA will provide travel and lodging), monthly virtual meetings, and regular check-ins with APTA staff and mentors. The application for the program includes questions regarding leadership aspirations, early leadership experience, and commitment to being a future leader.
We kindly ask that members participating in the House of Delegates do not apply due to scheduling conflicts throughout the year.
Benefits of Participation
- Expanded awareness of issues and challenges facing APTA and the association community.
- Increased leadership skills and recognition of arenas to which unique contributions may be applied.
- Preparation for future leadership roles within the association and profession.
- Personal and professional networking opportunities with emerging and established APTA leaders.
Become an APTA Mentor
The application cycle opens August 1.
Eligibility
Any APTA member in good standing is eligible to be a mentor. Mentors must commit to participating in two in-person event (APTA will provide travel and lodging), monthly virtual meetings, and regular check-ins with APTA staff and scholars. The application for the program includes past leadership experience and interest in mentoring future leaders.
We kindly ask that members participating in the House of Delegates do not apply due to scheduling conflicts throughout the year.
Benefits of Participation
- Fostering future leaders of the association and profession
- Aiding participants in their leadership journey
- Assist participants in discovering their leadership qualities and potential
- Expanding participant community and network
Term
One year commitment. Not eligible for consecutive terms.
Mentorship cohort consists of one mentor with five scholars.