Welcome to PTA+, where the conversation is for PTAs, by PTAs!

Episodes

It’s Never Too Late: One PTA’s Path to Purpose & Passion
June 22, 2025

It’s Never Too Late: One PTA’s Path to Purpose & Passion

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...

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How PTA Council Drives Change for PTAs Nationwide
June 19, 2025

How PTA Council Drives Change for PTAs Nationwide

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 ...

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From PTA to Writer: Gina Vitale’s Career Shift After Long COVID
June 13, 2025

From PTA to Writer: Gina Vitale’s Career Shift After Long COVID

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 transition...

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Fresh Out, Fired Up: A New PTA’s Take on the Future of Rehab
June 10, 2025

Fresh Out, Fired Up: A New PTA’s Take on the Future of Rehab

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 AP...

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PTAs, Here's Why the Future of Rehab Summit Matters for YOU
June 5, 2025

PTAs, Here's Why the Future of Rehab Summit Matters for YOU

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...

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Inspiring Leadership Lessons with Amy Smith Hamel
June 5, 2025

Inspiring Leadership Lessons with Amy Smith Hamel

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 Dire...

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The Skills Every Healthcare Provider Needs by 2030!
May 23, 2025

The Skills Every Healthcare Provider Needs by 2030!

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: ...

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The Skills EVERY PTA needs by 2030!
May 19, 2025

The Skills EVERY PTA needs by 2030!

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: ...

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4 Questions to Reinvent Your Career
May 8, 2025

4 Questions to Reinvent Your Career

Many physical therapists and PTAs hit a career crossroads—burnout, stagnation, or the itch to try something new. In this episode, Jimmy and Katie Dwyer walk through a 4-question framework inspired by James Clear to help you r...

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Episode 20- Perceived Stress in PTA Students: Dr. Drew Wilcox Breaks Down the Research
May 5, 2025

Episode 20- Perceived Stress in PTA Students: Dr. Drew Wilcox Breaks …

In today's episode, Katie interviews returning guest, Dr. Drew Wilcox, who is a PTA and PTA educator at Utah Tech. Drew talks about the reason he pursued a Ph.D. and then breaks down the groundbreaking research he performed f...

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Episode 19- Advocacy 101: How PTAs can Influence Lawmakers and Change the Profession
April 7, 2025

Episode 19- Advocacy 101: How PTAs can Influence Lawmakers and Change…

In today's episode, Katie interviews Elizabeth Simmons, PTA, Federal Affairs Liaison to the PTA Council, and PTA Council Representative/Board of Directors member in Indiana. Elizabeth is well-versed in all things “advocacy” a...

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Episode 18- Health Education Transformation Podcast-PTA+ Podcast Mash-up!
March 6, 2025

Episode 18- Health Education Transformation Podcast-PTA+ Podcast Mash…

In today's episode, Katie and Sean Bagbey, PTA and Co-founder of Rehabilitation and Performance Institute (RPI) and recent Co-Host of the Health Education Transformation Podcast (HET Podcast) interview each other in a mash-up...

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Episode 17- PT-PTA Student Collaboration: Building a Lasting Foundation
Feb. 3, 2025

Episode 17- PT-PTA Student Collaboration: Building a Lasting Foundati…

In today's episode, Katie interviews Drew Wilcox, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Utah Tech. Drew has a strong professional background in PTA education, and is an advocate for PTA advancement, student collaboration...

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Episode 16- Service and Volunteerism: Using Your Skills to Serve Others
Jan. 6, 2025

Episode 16- Service and Volunteerism: Using Your Skills to Serve Othe…

In today's episode, Katie interviews Rachel Foltz, Assistant Director at Central American Medical Outreach, also known as CAMO. Rachel previously worked as a PTA prior to transitioning to her current role at CAMO. Katie and R...

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Episode 15-Becoming a Clinical Instructor: Part II
Dec. 23, 2024

Episode 15-Becoming a Clinical Instructor: Part II

In today's solo episode, Katie explores developing yourself as a Clinical Instructor with the audience. While it is fully recognized that developing as a CI varies across the spectrum regarding school and facility policy and ...

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Episode 14- Becoming a Clinical Instructor: Part I
Dec. 16, 2024

Episode 14- Becoming a Clinical Instructor: Part I

In today's solo episode, Katie explores becoming a Clinical Instructor with the audience. While it is fully recognized that this can be a broad and multifaceted conversation, she reviews three basic topics in today’s show: kn...

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Creating New Career Pathways as a PTA
April 15, 2024

Creating New Career Pathways as a PTA

In today's episode, we are thrilled to feature Shannon Carillo, a dynamic and innovative PTA from Virginia, who has carved new paths in the realms of billing, insurance, and risk management. Currently, Shannon is a Solution A...

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Navigating the Sea of Opportunity: A CSM Encounter and the Value of Continuous Learning in PT/PTA Roles
March 11, 2024

Navigating the Sea of Opportunity: A CSM Encounter and the Value of C…

With over 15,000 Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and students in attendance, our podcast host and guest share a unique connection forged at the APTA's Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston. Today, we h...

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Mastering Conference Prep: A Guide to APTA's CSM in Boston
Feb. 7, 2024

Mastering Conference Prep: A Guide to APTA's CSM in Boston

Welcome to another episode of PTA+ Podcast! Feeling lost in the whirlwind of conference preparations? You're not alone! In today's episode, we've got your back. Join us as we unravel the secrets of conference prep, focusing o...

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6 HOD Nuggets of Knowledge all PTAs Should Hear
Dec. 27, 2023

6 HOD Nuggets of Knowledge all PTAs Should Hear

In this episode you will learn about the historical changes in our profession, that help propel the PTA forward. In this discussion with PTA Council Delegates Brenda Dorman, Jeannie Thompson, and David Harris, you will hear a...

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Sky High Healing: Sigourney Weathers on Elevating PT with Rebound Therapy
Nov. 13, 2023

Sky High Healing: Sigourney Weathers on Elevating PT with Rebound The…

This episode of PTA+ Podcast showcases Dr. Sigourney Weathers, a trailblazing Physical Therapist from Carrollton, Texas, who has married her passion for gymnastics with her dedication to physical therapy. Sigourney specialize...

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Shaping the Future of Home Health: Margie Nguyen's PTA+ Mission
Nov. 6, 2023

Shaping the Future of Home Health: Margie Nguyen's PTA+ Mission

Join us in an empowering conversation with Margie Nguyen, a pioneer in the PTA realm, as we delve into her multifaceted career in home health. Margie isn't just pioneering treatments in the greater DC area; she's revolutioniz...

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Exploring the Unknown: PTAs in Research” with Sara Davidson
Oct. 26, 2023

Exploring the Unknown: PTAs in Research” with Sara Davidson

SUMMARY OF EPISODE In this episode, we talk to Sara Davidson, PTA. Sara is a PTA working for the Cleveland Clinic in the Neuro Control Lab. Sara breaks perceived barriers in the realm of physical therapy research as a Physica...

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