PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

Katie Sutton and Jimmy McKay dive into the major shakeups coming in rehab therapy:

- The PT/PTA/OTA workforce shortage and why high schoolers are choosing other paths

- The power of *unpacking* a career before diving in

- 5–10% innovation boosts that actually stick—no panaceas

- Why PTAs and digital tools are set to shoulder more care (and business!) load

- The importance of leaning into *unsafe* zones first — “luck favors the bold”

Tune in from DC as we head to the summit—expect insights, surprises, and actionable predictions!

In this empowering episode of the PTA Plus Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Sanaz Holcomb, a Physical Therapist Assistant from Ohio who has navigated a powerful leadership journey—from local meetings to influential positions within state and national physical therapy organizations.

If you’re a PTA, student, or clinician thinking, “Is leadership for me?”, this is your episode.

You’ll learn:

• How to get started in PT and PTA governance roles
• What it’s really like to run (or be appointed) to positions at the state and national level
• The surprising way Sanaz got involved—and why saying YES can change your career
• What positions are available to PTAs and how to find them
• Why representation and visibility for PTAs in leadership really matters

Sanaz also shares her unique personal story, including how Taekwondo (yes, she’s a second-degree black belt

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, host Katie Sutton sits down with Briana Drapp, DPT, PTA — founder of PTA Elevation, a study platform that has helped nearly 2,000 PTA students pass the NPTE. Briana opens up about her personal journey from PTA to DPT, the real costs and tradeoffs of PT school, and what most students get wrong when prepping for boards.

If you’re considering the next step in your career — or wondering whether PT school is worth it — this episode is packed with honest insights, tactical advice, and inspiration from someone who’s done it all.

In this episode, Katie Sutton sits down with Sarah Owens, PTA, a clinician, educator, and program director at Evidence In Motion (EIM) to discuss how PTAs can pursue orthopedic specialty certification, the evolving PTA–PT team dynamic, and what it takes to build a strong therapeutic alliance with patients.

From running a busy clinic in Morton, Illinois (aka the pumpkin capital of the world) to serving as the Illinois PTA Director, Sarah shares how certification, leadership, and good-old passion for Batman shape her professional journey.

In this honest and energizing conversation, John Cooper, a seasoned PTA and newly certified ASTYM practitioner, opens up about the regrets he’s overcome, the power of lifelong learning, and how he found new purpose through limb-loss rehabilitation.

Host Katie Sutton guides the conversation with transparency and encouragement as they unpack:

• CEU regrets and how to course-correct
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a healthcare provider
• Advocating for advanced training (like ASTYM)
• The importance of saying YES to opportunity (Space Jam quote included!)
• Getting started with specialty certifications like EIM’s orthopedic program
• The growing need for PTAs in prosthetics & phantom limb care

Whether you're a new grad or 10+ years in, this episode offers motivation, tactical advice, and the real-life perspective every PTA needs to hear.

In this episode, we dive into the PTA Council’s mission—to ensure every PTA voice is heard in APTA. Alyssa Thompson shares how her journey from professional dance to outpatient PTA, educator, and PTA Council chair has shaped her leadership. Discover how the Council links PTA chapters (states), specialty sections, and academies to APTA’s national advocacy, policy, and engagement efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Structure & History: The PTA Council, launched Jan 2024, includes reps from 50 state chapters + Washington, D.C., plus reps from 18 specialty sections/academies.
• Priorities: Moving beyond governance to engagement—connecting PTAs to advocacy, research, community, and professional development opportunities.
• Getting Involved: Open to PTAs at any career stage—reach out to local chapter or section reps, APTA’s [email protected], or follow PTA Council on social media.
• Real-World Impact: Examples from NC, Illinois, and advocacy wins like reversing BCBS differential in Iowa/South Dakota.
• Upcoming Events: Quarterly virtual meetings + annual in-person at House of Delegates, July 13–14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Steering Group meets July 11).

Resources & Links

• APTA Member Engagement: [email protected]
• PT Moves Me program (ambassador outreach)
• PT Foundation grants & research opportunities
• Advocacy tools for contacting policymakers
• Celebrating Alyssa’s recent social media campaign: “PTAs Are More Than…”

Guest Profile in Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-thompson-b46429277/

Alyssa Thompson, PTA



• PTA Council Chair, American Physical Therapy Association
• Former PTA clinician (orthopedics, neuro, aquatic therapy), educator
• Contemporary dancer & instructor, Iowa dance company performer
• Passionate about mentorship, PT education, community outreach

What happens when a physical therapist assistant with decades of clinical experience gets sidelined by long COVID — and decides it’s time to rewrite her career?

In this inspiring episode, Gina Vitale shares how she transitioned from being a dedicated clinician, Pilates instructor, and home health provider into a thriving healthcare content writer — without going back to school, without a writing degree, and without losing the essence of what made her a great PTA.

Gina opens up about:

• Recovering from the brain fog and emotional toll of long COVID
• How home health care uniquely shaped her communication and observation skills
• The transferable skills from patient education that helped her succeed in writing
• Getting her first (underpaid) writing gig — and why it was still a win
• How LinkedIn became her most valuable professional tool
• Her advice to healthcare professionals who are burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck

If you're a healthcare provider thinking about your next step — or curious how others are reinventing themselves without leaving their identity behind — this is a must-listen.

Katie sits down with new grad PTA and leader Russ Burns for a vibrant discussion about advocacy, innovation, AI, and what it means to be a modern PTA in 2025. As they prepare to attend the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit at APTA HQ, they reflect on career transformation, the importance of in-person connection, and why PTAs need to see themselves as both contributors and leaders.

Guest: Russ Burns, PTA, military police platoon sergeant, Ohio Physical Therapy Association early professional leader | Instagram

Topics Covered:

• First year as a PTA: what Russ has learned
• AI in clinical workflows and education
• Multidisciplinary advocacy at the APTA Summit
• Non-linear career paths for PTAs
• Leadership and professional growth for early professionals
• Speed round: bold takes and buzzwords

Links & Resources:

• Future of Rehab Therapy Summit (APTA)
• Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
• Katie Sutton on LinkedIn
• PTA Plus Podcast YouTube

In this insightful episode, host Katie Sutton sits down with Drew Contreras of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to unpack the five biggest reasons PTAs (and other rehab professionals) must pay attention to the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit, happening July 9–10 in Washington, DC.

This is not just another conference—it’s a pivot point for the entire rehab profession.

If you're a PTA, PT, OT, SLP, or healthcare innovator, this summit is where you'll find the conversations that are shaping the future of rehab. From tech innovation to interprofessional collaboration, it’s all covered here.

Original Airdate:Aug. 3, 2023

Welcome to the PTA+ Podcast! In this episode, host Katie Sutton has a captivating conversation with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a remarkable leader in the physical therapy field. Amy, the Regional Director of Operations at Restore Therapy in Alabama, shares her journey into leadership, the power of seizing opportunities, and the profound impact of mentorship and service. Join us as we explore Amy's advice on developing yourself in the field of physical therapy and beyond, including leading through adversity and weathering storms in leadership. Amy is not only a leader but also an avid mountain biker, wife, mom, and more!

Episode Highlights:

• Introductions and backgrounds with Amy Smith Hamel
• Discovering Amy's PTA+ _____
• Developing your leadership style
• "Plus Point" segment featuring Amy