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June 2023
Jennifer is a long-time members of APTA New York and has spent much of her time making a difference for the profession.
In her own words: "My years serving the profession through being involved in APTA NY were some of the best of my professional years!"
Learn more about Jennifer below!
How long have you been a member of APTA New York?
I have been a member of the APTA of New York for 48 years.
What brought you to PT? Share your journey with us.
I became a physical therapist after working at summer camps for children with disabilities. At those camps, I became motivated by the kids' perseverance and drive. I wanted to assist them in meeting their goals.
What is a typical day like for you?
My days always start with reading the news, then a 2-3 mile walk. After that, they are comprised of a variety of activities around my various roles. I still do some consulting for PT Education programs, so may work on those commitments. Additionally, I have authored my two novels and am working on my third. Finally, I'm privileged to manage a family business with my son, so spend time doing that as well.
What was the exact moment you decided to join the PT profession?
As mentioned above, the summer of 1972, when working at a camp for kids with disabilities.
What would you tell your student self about the profession?
I would tell my student self, and often told PT students while teaching, to be open to new possibilities. While I started in pediatrics, wonderful opportunities also came along in Home Care, working with elders, and entry-level education. Not at all what I expected when I started, but all contributed to a long and rewarding career.
What is the most rewarding part of your profession?
The most rewarding part of the profession is becoming a partner in helping people achieve their goals. Helping clients to identify what parts of daily life and function are most important to that individual's quality of life, or helping students meet their career goal is a privilege.
What is the one of the biggest challenges to your profession?
I think the biggest challenge for physical therapy is a lack of information and understanding amongst the general public of the value of physical therapy. This has been a problem for as long as I can remember and continues today.
What is the most important trend you see in the industry?
Other practitioners who claim to provide pieces of physical therapy, and are able to market themselves such that they are chosen over physical therapy.
Who is one of your role models and why?
Nancy Farina, PT, EdD. Nancy was the program director of my B.S.P.T. at Russell Sage in 1974. She was enthusiastic about her profession and set high expectations. Almost thirty years later, I had the privilege to work with her as Co-Directors at an entry-level program and help that program transition to a DPT. I learned from her for decades!
What are 3 fun facts about you?
I split my time between Upstate New York and Hutchinson Island, Florida and love to be outdoors in both locations I am enjoying being an author and learning more about writing every day I had the pleasure of being Vice President of NYPTA alongside one of my former students (Matt Hyland) who was serving as President.
What do you love the most about being a part of APTA New York?
The large number of dedicated professionals!
What would you tell someone who is interested in joining APTA?
I would tell them to join! There are so many initiatives to become involved in, and so many interesting people to meet.
Pitch the benefits of APTA New York in one sentence.
The old saying: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem!"
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