About Us
Who is APTA Oncology?
APTA Oncology consists of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, student physical therapists, and student physical therapist assistants managing the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitative needs of patients living with and beyond cancer and other chronic illnesses including HIV. This encompasses acute secondary sequelae of treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy as well as long-term secondary sequelae of treatments and palliative care.
The Mission and Vision of APTA Oncology
Mission: Maximizing movement and wellness across the lifespan for persons affected by cancer and chronic illness through advocacy, engagement, education and collaboration.
Vision: Optimize movement and quality of life of individuals impacted by cancer and chronic illness.
Board of Directors
Laura Sheridan
President
PT, DPT (2:22-24)
Frannie Westlake
Vice President
PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic and Oncologic Physical Therapy (22-24)
Shounak Shah
Secretary
PT, DPT (22-24)
Lorna Griffin
Treasurer
PT (21-23)
Paula Stout
Member At Large
PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, LANA Certified in Lymphedema Management (21-23)
Special Interest Groups
Balance & Falls
- Rachel Hac, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy (22-24)
Hospice & Palliative Care
- Vacant
Committees
Advocacy
(Vice President)
Federal Affairs Liaison/Payment
- Jena Colon, PT, DPT, MBA (2:20-22)
Public Relations
- Andréa Leiserowitz, PT, DPT,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (21-23)
External Liaisons
Commission on Cancer
- Mary Lou Galantino, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Education
(Member-at-Large)
CSM Programming
- Jet Lee, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy (5:21-23)
Non-CSM Education
OncoReads
Publications
- Maggie Rinehart-Ayres, PT, PhD (2:19-21)
Residency
Journal
(President)
Editor
- Mary Fisher, PT, MSPT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (20-22)
Senior Editor
- Laura Gilchrist, PT, PhD (20-22)
Member Engagement
(Secretary)
Membership
- Scott Capozza, PT, MSPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, Chair (19-21)
Mentorship
- Alexandra Hill, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic and Women’s Health Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema Therapist – LANA (21-23)
Nominations & Awards
- Nancy Paddison, PTA, BA, LANA Certified in Lymphedema Management, Chair (20-23)
- Betsy Campione, PT, DPT,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, LANA Certified in Lymphedema Management (21-24) - Amy Compston, PT, DPT, CRT, LANA Certified in Lymphedema Management (22-25)
Student & New Professional Subcommittee
- Allison Lebwith, SPT, Chair
Outreach
(Secretary)
Social Media
Ashley Chandler, PT, DPT,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (21-23)
Research
(Vice President)
- Melissa Eden, PT, DPT, PhD,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, Chair (20-22) - Mary Fisher, PT, MSPT, PhD,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy,
Certified Lymphedema Therapist - Mary Lou Galantino, PT, PhD, FAPTA
- Laura Gilchrist, PT, PhD
- Shana Harrington, PT, PhD,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Columbia, SC - Elizabeth Hile, PT, PhD,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy - Linda Koehler, PT, PhD
- Kiri Ness, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Grant Coordinator - Andrew Ray, PT, PhD
- Bryan Spinelli, PT, PhD,
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Specialization
(Member at Large)
Specialty Council Chair
Amy Tible, PT, DPT (22-23)
Specialists Subcommittee
PTA Advanced Proficiency Subcommittee
Executive Director
Suzie Callan, IOM
140B Purcellville Gateway Drive
Suite 120
Purcellville, VA 20132
(202) 660-4460
(703) 785-7756 (c)
info@oncologypt.org
A Conversation with The Founding Members
In 2020, newly Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialists Scott Capozza and Kelly Reed sat down with the founding members of the Oncology Section. This video is just a preview of the 2-hour conversation that ensued.
Stay tuned to the APTA Oncology YouTube channel for the full conversation. We’re so grateful to our founding members and their initiative, the progress that we’ve made, and the momentum that has led us to where our Academy stands today within the APTA.
Member Awards
Know of a member who deserves recognition? Nominate them for an APTA Oncology Member Award! Deadline: October 1
Join the APTA Oncology ListServ
APTA Oncology's General Listerv is a very productive messaging system for answering your practice questions. In addition, we maintain specialized listservs for our special interest groups.
Resource Guide for Specialization
This document, prepared by APTA Oncology, is designed to help you in your preparation for the Oncology Specialist Certification Examination.
OncoReads
OncoReadsSM allows you to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the comfort of your own home or office. Begin earning today!
Partners Program
Any PT or PTA living in a country other than the US or a healthcare provider from another discipline, not eligible for APTA membership, can take advantage of our membership benefits by becoming a Partner of APTA Oncology.
APTA Engage
Want to get involved? Check out APTA Engage for the latest volunteer opportunities within APTA Oncology. Check back often as new opportunities arise!
Clinical Research Grant
A clinical research grant is available to APTA Oncology members to assist with a one-year research study that investigates a question(s) of importance to adult or pediatric oncology or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) physical therapy.
Internship & Mentor Opportunities
Oncology rehab facilities across the country that are willing to offer clinical affiliations, and mentors who have volunteered to share their time and expertise.
Host a Regional Course in Your Area
APTA Oncology has several course offerings looking for partners to host. Click here to learn more.
Look Inside the Oncology Toolbox
What's in your Physical Therapy Bag of Tricks? Find more and contribute some.
Sign Up to Become a Volunteer
This Academy survives and thrives on it's exceptional line of volunteers. From experienced to clincians; if you want to be a leader, we have a position.