MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Kristin Mende PT, DPT

 Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Marist College; Clinical Assistant Professor

June 2020

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Kristin Mende is a relatively recent addition to APTA New York’s membership, only joining us 4 years ago. Even in that short time, Kristin has shown how valuable she is to our chapter, now serving as a district chair for the Catskill District. Kristin is a passionate clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and brings her expertise in this field to physical therapy students at Marist College. Kristin talks more about her experience as an educator and how her grandmother, her personal role model, inspired who she is today. Read more about Kristin in this month’s member spotlight

Take a few minutes and get to know more about this month's member spotlight with us!  Enjoy the Q&A with Kristin below.

1. How Long have you been a member of APTA New York?

I have been a member of APTA New York since I moved here almost 4 years ago.

2. What do you enjoy most about APTA New York?

I enjoy the opportunity to network and meet others within the profession. My involvement with APTA New York has also given me the opportunity to learn more about the lobbying and legislative processes that occur at the state level.

3. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are today.

After graduating from Drexel University, I moved to the Baltimore area where I worked in an outpatient clinic treating patients in both the orthopedic and neurologic populations. While working in this particular clinic, I really came to enjoy the challenge of treating patients who had conditions that affected multiple body systems. I also discovered that I really enjoyed working with students in the clinic, leading me to begin teaching as adjunct faculty in a local PTA Program. I eventually transitioned to a full-time teaching position in that program. In 2018, I moved to New York to join the faculty of the Marist College DPT Program. I have been a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist since 2019. Within the Marist DPT Program, I primarily teach content related to the musculoskeletal system, vestibular system, and differential diagnosis. My scholarly interests include cervicogenic dizziness, concussion, and factors related to DPT student success such as academic entitlement and locus of control.

4. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?
It is very rewarding when I actually see a student have an “aha” moment during class or lab, as well as seeing students develop an overt enthusiasm for any aspect of the profession.

5. What is a typical day like for you?

My typical day varies quite a bit, but I spend some portion of nearly each day in the classroom or lab teaching. I usually treat patients a few hours each week, mostly Marist students, faculty, or staff who happen to have a need for vestibular or orthopedic PT. Some days are full of meetings with students, other faculty, or both. I try to commit at least one day to research development and data collection. The one consistent thing is getting in a lot of playtime with my 11-month-old puppy!

6. Who is one of your role models and why?

My grandmother was one of my key role models. She was true to her ideals and never afraid to speak her mind, but did so in a way that charmed everyone around her. Her greatest quality was that she always saw the bright side to any situation and would never allow any of her time to be wasted on negative thinking.

7. What’s the most important trend you see today?

The trend toward the role of PTs as preventative health care providers is very important. I hope that we will see the annual PT “check-up” exam become the norm within the profession in the coming years.

8. What advice would you give APTA New York members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?

I encourage new PTs and PTAs to take advantage of as many continuing education courses or conferences as possible. The profession is constantly evolving and keeping up with the current research is essential. The APTA and APTA New York have so many great continuing education opportunities available to its members.

9. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you’re involved with?

I find that incorporating volunteer opportunities into my role as a faculty member helps to show students the importance of service. By engaging in volunteer work alongside our students, we can give back to others while also creating a sense of community within the DPT Program.

10. What else would you like your fellow APTA New York Members to know about you? (Feel free to tell us a little about yourself here, whatever you’re comfortable sharing – family, hobbies, pets, fun facts about you, etc.)

I am a bit of a nerd and love writing exam questions! I’ve written for the NPTE, as well as for some of the licensure exam prep companies. Writing a quality exam question is very time consuming but I find it very satisfying. I am originally from Michigan and that makes me a Detroit Lions fan. They aren’t an easy team to cheer for, but I am still devoted to them! My husband and I are avid hikers and spend a lot of time in the Catskill Mountains along with our dog, Odin.

Would you or do you know someone who should be a Member Spotlight? Email aabdulmatin@nypta.org.