Below is the list of 2025 candidates running for office and their statements. Please review the statements and submit your electronic vote no later than March 20, 2025. (Students are not eligible to vote for APTA Executive Board positions or NE Foundation for Physical Therapy positions.)

CANDIDATE: Monica Dial

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I am honored to be running for a second term as Vice President of the APTA Nebraska Chapter. Over the past term, I have worked alongside our leadership team to enhance professional development opportunities and strengthen advocacy efforts for our members. One of our key accomplishments has been improving the annual education conference, with a focus on increasing opportunities for Nebraska-based presenters to be selected and represented on a larger stage.

With a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Vanderbilt, I bring expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational leadership. My background in education and mentorship has allowed me to support students and clinicians in their professional growth, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within our profession.

Beyond education, my leadership experience includes serving on professional committees and collaborating with stakeholders to advance APTA Nebraska’s mission. I am passionate about expanding engagement, advocating for our profession at the state and national levels, and ensuring that our chapter continues to evolve to meet the needs of our members.

If re-elected, I will continue working to elevate Nebraska’s presence in national discussions, enhance professional development initiatives, and support policies that strengthen our field. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing our progress together.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

If re-elected as Vice President of the APTA Nebraska Chapter, my goals will focus on strengthening member engagement, enhancing professional development, increasing the value of membership, and advocating for our profession at both the state and national levels.

First, I will continue to expand opportunities for engagement within the chapter by fostering connections between students, early-career professionals, and seasoned clinicians. Strengthening mentorship initiatives and networking opportunities will help members feel more connected and invested in our shared mission.

Second, I aim to further improve the annual education conference by increasing opportunities for Nebraska-based presenters to gain visibility and ensuring our programming reflects the evolving needs of our profession. By refining the selection process and curating high-quality sessions, we can continue making our conference a valuable resource for all members.

Third, I will focus on improving the value of membership by enhancing professional development resources, expanding leadership opportunities, and ensuring members see tangible benefits from their involvement. A stronger, more engaged membership will allow us to grow and sustain our impact within the state.

Finally, I am committed to maintaining consistent and transparent advocacy efforts for state and national policies affecting physical therapy. By keeping members informed and engaged in legislative discussions, we can strengthen our collective voice and ensure Nebraska remains at the forefront of policy advancements.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving and working toward these goals.

Treasurer

CANDIDATE: Mike Wellsandt

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

Delegate (2 open positions)

A delegate is an elected representative from our state to serve in the APTA House of Delegates. The HOD is the policy making body for our profession and sets the direction for the future of the profession. 

CANDIDATE: Tiarra Rouse

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I am currently nishing my rst 2 year term as a delegate for Nebraska. I have learned a lot from this rst term and hope to continue to serve the therapist in the state of Nebraska. I have been a physical therapist for almost 13 years working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Currently I am working in an outpatient clinic in Kearney, NE. In March of this year, the company I work for is opening a specialty clinic for the Kearney community and surrounding area focused on women’s health and vestibular rehabilitation. I have had the great opportunity for developing this clinic and am extremely excited to bring this new space to the women/people of Kearney. In 2017 I sat for my geriatric boards to continue to advance my ability to serve the geriatric  population. Soon after my boards, I developed a program specific for osteoporosis. I am happy to tie this into the new specialty clinic melding my love for treating women and geriatric patients. 
Also in 2017, I became a lab instructor for the UNMC physical therapy program in Kearney. I have had the opportunity to assist with a multitude of classes since that time giving me insight on how new therapists are being developed as well as students' struggles. All of these experiences have allowed me to see the unique needs of patients in central Nebraska and rural Nebraska as well as the challenges that therapists face. Increased
education cost, decreased reimbursement, and increased demand for physical therapy services has led to unique challenges. I hope to continue to work with the APTA to help create and implement meaningful change to solve these issues.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I hope to continue to be available for therapists in the states to share with me their individual and business issues and needs. Representing Nebraska requires learning what the problems are for therapists in the state. I hope to represent Nebraska well and yield my voting power for the good of the therapists in Nebraska. I also hope to continue to work with therapists from around the country to brainstorm and solve the issues that are facing
therapists. Improving quality of care for patients is extremely important but that cannot come at the cost of increased insurance oversight and decreased reimbursement leading to more and more therapist burn out. Working to nd ways to resolve these issues will continue to be on the forefront of my mind when voting to represent the therapists in the state of Nebraska.

CANDIDATE: Mike Moravec

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I believe the key skills I possess in order to appropriately represent this great state in the APTA House of Delegates are my ability to listen, learn and glean information and make good decisions that will make a positive impact on this profession in our state. I am not afraid to ask hard questions, but also collaborate very well with others when the need arises. There are many issues coming down the pipeline in our profession and I want to make sure we make the best decisions possible that not only elevate our positions in the healthcare community, but ensure its stronghold in our system for  generations to come.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

As I have noted since running for the delegate position initially, I see a need to open our own practice act at home, but in order to feel comfortable with this action at the state level, I want to feel secure from the national level first. I want to ensure that we have the backing of the APTA and its stance on the future of our practice, and feel that there is no better way to do this than to be directly involved. If we make the right decisions at the highest level, it should make that easier or at least build a roadmap on how to do this at the state level. Our profession is at a point that I believe we will skyrocket  forward with direct access and our ability to diagnose, and this pivotal point in our existence is one that should not be taken lightly. I will not take the weight and importance of this position lightly and will work hard to keep the interests of our state in mind with every decision I make.

PTA Council Representative 

CANDIDATE: Ian Thompson

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I have been the PTA Council Rep for the last 3 terms, seeking election for a 4th.  I can connect with others and build networks that help me to act as a competent and excited representative of the physical therapist assistants in the state of Nebraska.  I have also been an active voice with the Nebraska Chapter of The American Physical Therapy Association as well as the delegation  to the House of Delegates and continue to be a liaison with the 2 voting PTA Council Delegates at the House.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I will continue to advocate for physical therapist assistants in the state and for the profession of physical therapy.  I will continue to look for ways to be an advocate and engage others in our profession.

PTA Council Representative Alternate

CANDIDATE: Wyatt Scott

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I am a confident and self-motivated individual who is already very involved in the small community that I work in. I like to think creatively to find solutions to problems and I am persistent with creating change in a positive way. I began my PTA journey working to help rural underserved communities  while I was in school as an AHEC scholar and I was also the APTA representative for our school while I was getting my license to be a PTA. 

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I am hoping to further that involvement into a larger scale to give a voice not only to PT's and PTA's as a whole but also to rural and underserved communities which are plentiful in Nebraska. I would like to play a part in changing Physical Therapy for the best to improve things from reimbursement rates to decreasing burnout in the workplace while maintaining quality of care for people who need it.

Nominating committee (Vote for 2)

CANDIDATE: Write-In's Welcome!

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

TBD

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

TBD

WESTERN District Co-Chair (vote for 2)

CANDIDATE: Rebecca Wellnitz

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

During my career working at BBGH, I have spent time assisting with sports rehab providing game coverage and training room coverage. I have educated staff on use of BFR training and devices. I assist with annual sports physicals. I  volunteer with educating students. I enjoy time assisting the community for game coverage. We have worked to expand our services to address needs in the community needs and expand PT impact on the Alliance and surrounding community with bike days and community service events.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I have assisted with community events such as Arthritis Foundation and the Blade 5K in eastern Nebraska during PT school and hope to bring ideas to this aspect of the state and increase our community impact. I also hope to connect the rural providers to help and support each other. 

CANDIDATE: Abigail Grosse-Rhode

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I have lived and worked in the western district for 13 years at Box Butte General Hospital. I have been employed at a critical access hospital with inpatient, outpatient, orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric, women's health, and school-based therapy. I started a women's health physical therapy program that was not provided previously at this location. I am the site coordinator for clinical education. I have a certificate through the APTA Pelvic Health section as a CAPP-pelvic therapist. I have completed all coursework for CAPP-OB certification and looking to submit a case study for consideration of this certification. I am board-certified in orthopedics. I have assisted and implemented several community projects including a kids’ bike rally, Carfit, pediatric aquatic therapy, pediatric fun days in the park, pelvic floor classes, annual sports screening physicals, and Kids Fitness and Nutrition day. As a candidate, I would be excited to be a local resource who would bring new ideas and support to this rural area.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

1. Host local meetings

2. host pub night

3. organize a continuing education course

CANDIDATE: Katelyn Obermiller

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

Although I just recently graduated last year, I have many skills that make me a qualified candidate. I am organized and love to contribute new ideas to better our field. I am always striving to learn and grow as a therapist. I have lived in Nebraska for all of my life and bring a native perspective on community needs and areas for growth.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I hope to bring continuing education opportunities that best fit our community needs to the area. I hope to meet and talk with other therapists on current issues we are facing as a profession and bring this issues forward. I hope to help advance our profession in any way I can through this position.

CENTRAL District Co-Chair (vote for 2)

CANDIDATE: Brittany McClary

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I was a clinic manager in a rural outpatient setting for 8 years and continue to practice in a small-town community. I understand the challenges facing rural healthcare, from patient access, to patient-provider ratios, recruitment and retaining staff, to work/family life balance. While a manager, I was responsible for the financial health of our clinic, which included an in-depth analysis of our day-to-day operations and monthly metric reports, as well as involvement in marketing and volunteer work for our clinic. I am a strong advocate of hosting PT students, to support our future generation of clinicians. I will use my past experiences and ongoing work as a practicing clinician to help increase involvement and participation in the APTA-NE in the Central District. I also continue to promote the physical therapy profession through both work and personal events, such as health and career fairs, coaching my children in their sports, school alumni meetings, and church services. All of these roles in my work and personal life lead me to be exceptionally organized and motivated, as well as have a desire to learn more about the governing board of our organization.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I hope to create more interest in the APTA-NE and recruitment of PT/PTAs in the Central District. I would like to get back to in-person district meetings for better networking opportunities. Other goals include 1) helping to organize events in the communities for PT Day of Service and 2) bring more awareness of the option of direct access for all clinical settings.

CANDIDATE: Alysia Clark

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

15 years experience as a PT in Outpatient, acute, LTC, and home health. OCS and level 3 pelvic floor certified.  Adjunct professor for Anatomy & Physiology and General Biology at York College. 

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

Bring quality continuing education courses to our area and increase membership. 

CANDIDATE: Holly Bower

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

Central Nebraska is where I was first introduced to physical therapy, where I began my education, and where I have settled into my career. I have always been passionate about rural healthcare and bringing the luxuries of urban advancements to rural settings. I am new to my career, a 2021 UNMC graduate, but have numerous experiences in this time that will enhance my ability to ll this position. I have worked in two different critical access
hospitals, beginning in a very rural northeast Nebraska hospital where I began my career seeing the full continuum of care. I served on several  committees within the organization and learned the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and effective communication. I advocated for community wellness, starting a group exercise class at our local assisted living facility. I have since transitioned to a larger critical access hospital back home in
central Nebraska. Here, I have created an inpatient physical therapy program, am the lead therapist at our skilled nursing facility, and have experience in outpatient and assisted living settings. This diversity is what makes rural healthcare fun and what I love most about central Nebraska. I have sought growth early on in my career and am a founding member of our organization's ‘Leadership Ambassadors’, a program to develop future leaders in our
organization and community.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I am running for Central Nebraska’s Co-Chair to represent and engage newer therapists in our profession with APTA. My passion for rural healthcare extends to a desire to expose students and new graduates to all of the aspects of rural healthcare we love. I believe mentorship and education are vital to the growth of our eld and I am committed to providing guidance and support to up-and-coming professionals. My goals are to provide support and networking opportunities for new as well as seasoned therapists in rural communities to develop professionally.

Nebraska Foundation for physical therapy (4 open positions) 4 year term

CANDIDATE: Cole Meadows

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I am a physical therapist in Omaha where I practice in a private outpatient orthopedic group, Rock Valley Physical Therapy for the past 1.5 years. I am originally from Omaha and graduated from UNMC in 2023. I enjoy working with a variety of patients but really enjoy working with overhead athletes, ACL rehab, and geriatric patients. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy staying active and spending time with family and traveling with my fiancé!

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I feel that I would be great fit as an ESPIG candidate due to past experience in working with other members of EPSIG and helping out on the board of directors over the last year. I have a passion for continued growth of our profession and feel that it does all come down to the development and growth of physical therapists within the first 3-5 years of the practicing. I would like to see EPSIG become a key resource in the development and growth of physical therapists in Nebraska.

CANDIDATE: Jaclyn Taylor

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I graduated from Creighton University in 2023 and from Creighton's Sports residency in 2024. I am now employed with Children's Nebraska-Sports PT. My clinical interests include the lower extremity, volleyball athletes, and return to sport after ACLR. I am also involved in research examining the effects of bone mineral density in development of osteoarthritis after ACLR and return to sport after ACLR.  

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

I believe I will be a good fit for the position because I am an efficient team player. I recognize the importance of clear communication to ensure time efficiency as well as productive dialogue. I also have previous experience as a secretary which allows me to fill the position to the best of my abilities. 

CANDIDATE: Alexandra Benson

Please identify your key skills, abilities and experiences that make you a qualified candidate for the position you're running for.

I'm a non-traditional 2nd year DPT student at UNMC with a BA in Psychology and Human Rights Law, currently serving as NSSIG President. My background spans nonprofit management, event planning, social work, and leadership in health and fitness. I'm passionate about interprofessional, patient-centered care, mental health, and advocating for those facing healthcare barriers. I live in Omaha with my husband and two cats. I enjoy Olympic weightlifting, national parks, fantasy fiction, and live music.

If elected, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

As NSSIG President, I have led efforts to improve communication with program representatives and students, hosted a successful student conclave, and initiated plans to enhance our website and social media. Leveraging my background in nonprofit management and leadership, I strive to make NSSIG a unifying platform that fosters collaboration, raises awareness, and empowers Nebraska PT/PTA students. My vision is to prepare future professionals through education, resources, and meaningful engagement.

vice chair

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall promote quality leadership for the Chapter by providing quality candidates for the positions of the elected offices of the Chapter.
The Nominating Committee shall:

1. Assist the Chapter by providing candidates for:
    (a) Elected offices of the Chapter
    (b) Special awards
    (c) National office

2. Check candidate qualifications

3. Conduct chapter elections:
    (a) Prepare ballots
    (b) Count the votes
    (c) Announce the results

4. Meet at least one (1) time per year and correspond frequently through the nominating process and during the year via telecommunications.

Jake VanLaningham

Nominating Committee Chair

Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy

 

Dawn Marie Venema

Nominating Committee Chair

University of Nebraska Medical Center