John O. Barr, PT, PhDJohn O. Barr, PT, PhD , President
term expires: 2012

Current Employment

  • Professor, Physical Therapy Department, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA
 Education and Credentials
  • BS (PT) - SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY (1973)
  • MA (PT) -The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (1980)
  • PhD (Exercise Science)- The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (1989)
  • Fellow - Iowa Geriatric Education Center, University of Iowa (1989-90)
 Service to Section on Geriatrics & APTA
  • Chair, Research Committee (1990-95)
  • Member, Editorial Board, Issues on Aging (1993-2001)
  • Member, Board of Directors (1995-98; 2004-06)
  • Chair, Distance Education Committee (1998-2006)
  • Vice-president (1999-2000)
  • Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2001-  )
 Personal Goals for My Position
  1. Enhance the number of SOG members (PT/PTA; active/associate/student) to improve section funding and increase visibility for aging / geriatrics-related issues within the physical therapy profession.
  2. Provide quality professional development opportunities for members (e.g., conference programs / workshops; home / online study; residency programs)
  3. Increase funding of and recognition for research in aging / geriatric physical therapy.
  4. Increase member involvement in attaining direct access to physical therapy under Medicare.
  5. Enhance interaction between the SOG and the international physical therapy community.
 Research or Area of Geriatric Interest
  • Conservative management of pain experienced by older persons
    The placebo effect in physical therapy
 Awards
  • Mary McMillan Scholarship Award (Doctoral), APTA, 1987
  • Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award, APTA, 1987
  • Olive C. Farr Distinguished Service Award, Iowa Chapter - APTA, 1989
  • Lucy Blair Service Award, APTA, 1994
  • Joan Mills Award, Section on Geriatrics, APTA, 2000

 Contact - BarrJohnO@sau.edu

 

 

Alice Bell, PT, GCSAlice Bell, PT, GCS , Vice President
term expires: 2012

Current Employment        

  • Director, Clinical Services, Physical Therapy: Genesis Rehabilitation Services (Kennett Square, PA)
 Education and Credentials         
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy, Northeastern University (1982)
  • Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy (1994)
  • Recertification (2003)
 Service to Section on Geriatrics & APTA
  • State Advocate Section on Geriatrics, APTA
  • Membership Committee Chair, Section on Geriatrics, APTA
  • Board of Directors, Section on Geriatrics, APTA
  • Assembly Representative, Western District, Massachusetts Chapter, APTA
  • Former Secretary, Western District, Massachusetts Chapter, APTA
  • Former Item Writer, Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialty Exam, APTA
  • Adjunct Faculty, Springfield College, Springfield Massachusetts
  • Professional Presentations and Published Articles
 Personal Goals for My Position 
  • Continue to expand educational offerings and opportunities for therapists working with older adults, promote the practice of physical therapy with older adults through education, membership, and public relations activities.
 Research or Area of Geriatric Interest             
  • Balance and falls, frailty, cardiopulmonary, comprehensive assessment, exercise prescription for the older adult
 Section Members: Contact Me about the Following Volunteer Opportunities             
  • Membership committee, education committees, speaker/presenters for regional education courses

 Contact - Alice.Bell@genesishcc.com

 

 

Rubye Walker, PT, MS, GCSRubye Walker, PT, MS, GCS , Secretary
term expires: 2011

Current Employment

  • Rehab Pro (Tyler, Texas)
Education and Credentials
  • BS Physical Therapy, University of Texas Health Science Center, Galveston, TX
  • MS Health Care Management, University College, University of Maryland, College Park Maryland
  • Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Service to Section on Geriatrics & APTA
  • Secretary, Board of Directors
  • Minnesota State Liaison
  • Treasurer, East Texas District, Texas Physical Therapy Association
  • Board of Directors, MN Chapter, APTA,
  • Peer Review Committee, MN Chapter, APTA
  • Geriatrics Functional Outcomes Committee, MN Chapter, APTA
  • Membership Committee, MN Chapter, APTA
  • Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates, MN Chapter, APTA

Contact - rubye.kendrick@gmail.com

 

 

Bill Staples, PT, DPT, GCSBill Staples, PT, DPT, GCS , Treasurer
term expires: 2010

Current Employment

  • Assistant Professor, Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227
 Education and Credentials
  • Matriculating in Doctor of Health Science (DHS) Program, University of Indianapolis, 2006
  • University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana., Doctorate of Physical Therapy, 2005
  • Recertified as Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS). 2005
  • Original certification 1995.
  • Columbia University, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy. M.S. in Physical Therapy, New York City, NY, 1984      
  • Columbia University, New York City, NY, Certificate in Physical Therapy, 1979
  • Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, B.A. Major: zoology, Minor: Psychology.  Cum Laude 1978
 Service to Section on Geriatrics
  • Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, Section on Geriatrics, 2/21/04 – present
  • Board of Directors, Section on Geriatrics, 2/11/01- 2/21/04
  • Co-Chair sub acute/Rehab SIG 1/1/96-12/1/99
  • Section on Geriatrics, Finance committee member 6/99-present
  • Editorial Board, GeriNotes 6/98- present
  • Section on Geriatrics, Government Affairs Committee 6/97-6/02
  • Section on Geriatrics, Awards Committee member 2/96- 2/01
 Service to APTA & Indiana Chapter
  • Advisory Council, Center on Aging, Anderson, IN 9/96-6/02
  • American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Board member, 7/1/99-6/30/03.
  •  Representing Geriatrics -- Served as chair 2001-2002.
  • American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Geriatric Specialty Council 1/1/97-1/1/99
  • Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) 1/1/96-1/1/97
 Personal Goals for My Position
  1. To present a balanced budget annually to the Board and membership.
  2. To enhance our financial stability and viability for the future.
  3. To raise enough money to allow the section to make a substantial donation to the Foundation for Physical Therapy in order to research topics specific to geriatric physical therapy
 Research or Area of Geriatric Interest
  • Utilization of physical therapy with people with Alzheimer's Disease
 Awards
  • 2006 Distinguished Educator Award in Geriatrics, presented by the APTA.
  • 2005 Who's Who Among America's Teachers (nominated through Phi Theta Kappa)
  • 1996 Outstanding Faculty Award, Ivy Tech State College
  • 1992 Who's Who among Human Services Professionals
 

Contact - Stapleswh@uindy.edu

 

 

Violet Acuna-Parker, PT, MBAViolet Acuna-Parker, PT, MBA , Director
term expires: 2010

Current Employment

  • Aegis Therapies

Education and Credentials

I am foreign-trained PT. I graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1975 and quickly helped establish the second school of PT at the University of Santo Thomas. Upon arriving to the United States, I noticed how the entry of foreign-trained PTs was easy by getting temporary license.  I became involved in programs that will assure that we only allow foreign-trained therapists to not only be competent in clinical practices, but, also able to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language.

Service to APTA

  • Vice President, Section on Licensure & Examination (now Health Policies & Administration)
  • FPTA, West Central District as Treasurer and Assembly Representative
  • Texas Chapter, Secretary (Houston district)
  • Member, Exhibitors Advisory Board, APTA

Contact - violet.parker@aegistherapies.com

 

 

Jill Heitzman, PT, DPT, GCSJill Heitzman, PT, DPT, GCS , Director
term expires: 2010

Research Interests:

  • Functional outcome tools as related to the aging special needs population; PT assessments and interventions as related to osteoporosis, posture/postural changes, and injury prevention
Practice Interest:
  • Geriatric wellness and fitness, injury prevention, balance and falls, home safety, wound management, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer related impairments/lymphedema
Goals for the Section:
  • Assist the section in taking the lead on direct access for the elderly, autonomous practice in all geriatric settings, and prevention and reimbursement of prevention interventions in the field of geriatrics. Increase membership of the section through recruitment and retention. Increase involvement of the PTA in the section and in the practice field of geriatrics
Bio:
  • Dr Heitzman graduated from St. Louis University with her PT degree in 1978 and returned to get her DPT degree at Creighton University as one of the first members of their t-DPT graduation class in 2002. She is board certified by ABPTS in Geriatrics with recertification in 2008, and certified as a wound specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management, with recertification in 2007. Dr Heitzman had lived in 13 different locations across the United States and worked in the areas of acute care, outpatient, SNF, HH, nursing homes academic settings and schools and has served as ACCE, CCCE, geriatric wellness resource clinician, supervisor of the wound and outpatient clinics and developer/director of the geriatric clinical residency at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA. She also has been a guest lecturer on wound care for Creighton University and Northern Iowa Community College. In the summer of 2008, Dr Heitzman moved to Auburn, Alabama and started her own company, Physical Therapy Services and contracts to local clinics for PRN coverage, serves as consultant to companies developing programs and clinical residencies ,and continues to guest lecture/teach for various universities and continuing education programs. She teaches online classes for Iowa State University's Department of Gerontology and the College of St. Scholastica School of PT.
Outside interests:
  • Her 4 kids (and their dad), soccer, dance, outdoor activities, reading.

 

 

 

Greg Hartley, PT, MS, GCSGreg Hartley, PT, MS, GCS , Director
term expires: 2011

Current Employment

  • Director of Rehabilitation and Geriatric Residency Program Director at St. Catherine's Rehabilitation Hospital and Villa Maria Nursing Center in Miami, FL.
 Education and Credentials
  • 2007- Doctoral student in the PhD program in the Department of Physical Therapy in the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. 
  • 1990 -Master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami 
  • 1999- Board certification in geriatrics
 Service to Section on Geriatrics & APTA
  • Board of Directors of the Section on Geriatrics (2005-2008); Chair, Task Force on the Development of Geriatric Clinical Residencies, Section on Geriatrics,(2003-present); Chair, Advanced Clinical Practice Committee, Section on Geriatrics, (2007-2010); Member, APTA Clinical Residency and Fellowship Program Credentialing Committee, (2005-2009).
 Personal Goals for My Position
  • Develop and expand the Advanced Clinical Practice Committee; promote development of residency programs in geriatrics, expand member benefits of belonging to SIG's including development and publication of evidence-based resources for members.
 Research or Area of Geriatric Interest
  • Healthcare economics, functional outcomes, and cost-benefit analysis in physical therapy utilization and intervention.
 Awards
  • Signe Brunnström Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, APTA, 2005;
  • McMillan Doctoral Scholarship, Foundation for Physical Therapy, 2004-2005
Section Members: Contact Me about the Following Volunteer Opportunities
  • There are volunteer positions available in all three SIG's and on the Advanced Clinical Practice Committee.
 Contact - ghartley@chsfla.com  

 

 

 

Ellen Strunk, PT, MS, GCSEllen Strunk, PT, MS, GCS , Director
term expires: 2012

Current Employment

  • Director of Restore Staffing Solutions & Restore Outpatient Services, divisions of Restore Therapy, LLC in Birmingham, AL
 Education and Credentials
  • 1999 - Board certification in Geriatric physical therapy
  • 1991 - M.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
  • 1989 - B.S. in Kinesiology & Biomechanics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
  •  Service to Section on Geriatrics & APTA
  • Board of Directors of the Section on Geriatrics (2005-2009); APTA Governmental Affairs Committee (2005-2008); Federal Affairs Liaison for Section on Geriatrics (2003-2006)
 Personal Goals for My Position
  • Facilitate member's utilization of best practice strategies in physical therapy for optimal aging (including utilization, documentation, collaboration, problem solving).  Advocate for appropriate health policy and reimbursement issues related to the aging adult.
 Research or Area of Geriatric Interest
  • Functional outcomes, healthcare policy, studying different models for the delivery of physical therapy
 Awards
  • Section on Geriatrics' Clinical Excellence in Geriatrics Award (2006)
 Section Members: Contact Me about the Following Volunteer Opportunities
  • Volunteer positions available on the Federal Affairs Committee, Research Committee, GeriNotes Editorial Board
 

Contact - erstrunk@bellsouth.net

 

 

Cathy H. Ciolek, PT, DPT, GCSCathy H. Ciolek, PT, DPT, GCS , Delegate
term expires: 2012

Current Employment

  • University of Delaware Neurologic and Older Adult Physical Therapy Clinic
Service to Section on Geriatrics and APTA
  • Listserv Moderator: 2000 to present
  • Nominating Committee 2002-2005(chair 04/05)
  • Secretary 1999-2001
  • Program Committee 1997-2004
  • State Liaison 1995-2002
  • President DE Chapter 2002-2006
  • Delegate 2002-2006
  • Chief Delegate 2000-2002
  • Membership Chair 1996-2000
  • Continuing Education Coordinator 1998-2003, 2005
  • APTA Advisory Panel on Practice 2002-2005 (chair 04/05)
  • Hooked On Evidence Geriatric Clinical Scenarios 2006-2007
  • APTA Member Representative to the Technical Advisory Panel for Strive Task Force 2005-2007
Education and Credentials
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy, Ithaca College (1989)
  • University of Delaware Gerontology (1994)
  • AT Still University DPT (2007)

Clinical Interests Dr. Ciolek has worked extensively in the area of geriatric physical therapy – through the continuum of acute care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, home health and outpatient in several local facilities. Her areas of interests are throughout geriatrics, including balance and falls assessment and prevention.

Honors/Awards

  • Joan Mills Award from Section on Geriatrics , Awarded Feb 2008 for outstanding dedication and continuous time and efforts towards the development of the SOG.
  • President's Award, Section on Geriatrics/APTA. , February 2006, presented for service to the Section on Geriatrics
  • Clinical Educators Award, Section on Geriatrics/APTA. , Awarded Feb 2006 for outstanding clinical education to students in Physical Therapy
  • Lynn Phillippi Award: Advocacy for Older Adults, Section on Geriatrics/APTA., February 2001 in recognition of advocacy for older adults through publications, teaching, and practice
Awards
  • Geriatric Clinical Educator Award 2006
  • Presidents Award 2006
  • Lynn Phillipi Advocacy Award 2001

Contact Information - ciolek@comcast.net

 

 
 
 
 
 

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