Public Announcements
Volunteer Opportunity: NE Senior Games in Kearney
Hello Nebraska Physical Therapy community,
We hope this email finds you well and enjoying the summer months. We’ve got an exciting event coming to central Nebraska...
Have you heard about the Nebraska Senior Games? This event has been giving seniors the opportunity to achieve greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit – and it’s been hosted in Kearney since 1989!
Hundreds of adults 50 and over will be converging on Kearney, NE August 5-9 to participate in the 2026 Nebraska Senior Games!
Physical Therapy professionals and students from across the state will be coming together to provide the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) for the Games participants – and we need YOU!
To volunteer to help with the SAFE, please sign up on SignUp Genius at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044DADAF22ABFB6-62825696-nebraska#/.
1-2 hour slots are available August 6 and August 8.
If you can’t make it to interact with the athletes but still want to help with this amazing event, we’ve got some additional needs for supplies and healthy snacks.
If you’d like to contribute in this way by supplying any of the needs listed below, please use the sign-up link above. You may also reach out to Tessa Wells at (308) 440-2447 to coordinate the pick-up/drop-off of supplies.
· Any amount of financial sponsorship to cover printing costs for data sheets and SAFE Report Cards
· Portable treatment tables (needed at KHS or Kearney SportsPlex)
· Healthy snacks
o Protein bars, Lara bars, packages of mixed nuts, fruit strips, electrolyte packets, bottles of water or Gatorade, etc.
Sponsors and donors will receive FREE advertising at the SAFE screening events, including an 8.5x11 flyer at the SAFE Registration and check-out tables.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
To good health,
Tessa & Betsy
Tessa Wells and Betsy Spieler
SAFE Co-Coordinators at Nebraska Senior Games
Membership SOAP Note: May 2026
We’re excited to announce that the new edition of the Membership SOAP Note is now available! Visit the link below to read the latest updates, including a warm welcome to new members, key advocacy efforts, and upcoming educational opportunities. Stay informed and connected—check it out today!
SoAp note
Join Us for the EPSIG Spring Social!
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming EPSIG Spring Social—an opportunity to connect, unwind, and build relationships within our physical therapy early professional community.
Who: EPSIG members, graduating students, and EPSIG mentors
When: April 30 | 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: Sonny’s (1905 S 67th St, Omaha, NE)
Come enjoy great conversation, expand your network, and connect with peers and mentors in a relaxed setting. Pizza will be provided by EPSIG for all attendees!
We hope to see you there!
Membership SOAP Note: March 2026
The March 2026 issue of the Membership SOAP Note is now available! This month, you’ll find key updates, including important information about the upcoming annual conference. Click here to stay informed and get all the details!
Episode 21: From The Treatment Table To The Corner Office
E21 - From Treatment Table To Corner Office
What happens when clinicians run health systems? We sit down with two Nebraska hospital CEOs who started as physical therapists and built their leadership playbooks on the habits they learned in the clinic: listening hard, loading problems just enough to adapt, and trusting teams to grow. Their stories span cross-country moves, imposter syndrome, and the moment mentorship nudged them from “department head” to “you’ll be sitting in this chair someday.”
Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/18799511
APTA’s Annual All-Member Meeting is April 16 - Register Today
Join APTA’s Annual All-Member Meeting to hear directly from association leadership about the state of the profession and the work of your association.
What You’ll Gain
- A direct update from the President on where the association is headed
- Clear insights into APTA’s financial health and investments in member impact
- Learn about APTA's strategic priorities from the Board of Directors, focusing on advancing payment, empowering members, and evolving practice
- Highlights of major wins and milestones from the past year
- A first look at upcoming initiatives, programs, and opportunities you can take advantage of
Whether you are a long-time member or new to APTA, this meeting is your front-row seat to the future of physical therapy and your role in shaping it. Click the button below to submit your questions.
Event Details
Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET
Cost: Free for members and non-members
Recording Availability: This webinar will be available for on-demand viewing after the live event
Don’t miss these critical discussions. Register today.
Episode 20: From Clinics To Community
Episode 20
From Clinics To Community: How Two Physical Therapists Lead, Serve, And Grow Care In Rural Nebraska
Ever wonder how small-town hospitals deliver big-impact rehab? Hear Holly and Brittany share frontline stories, advocacy wins, and why central Nebraska is a PT powerhouse. Listen now and tell us: what surprised you most?
https://lnkd.in/g99itzvk
Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Association.
APTA Nebraska members — it’s time to cast your vote!
Elections for APTA Nebraska and the EPSIG (Early Professional Special Interest Group) are now open. This is your opportunity to help shape the leadership and direction of your professional community.
We encourage every member to participate and make their voice heard.
🗳 Elections Close: March 31
✍️ Write-in candidates are welcome for open positions
📄 View candidate statements, see all open positions and VOTE here.
Strong leadership starts with engaged members. Take a few minutes today to review the candidates and submit your ballot.
Thank you for investing in the future of APTA Nebraska!
SOAP Note: January 2026
The January 2026 SOAP Note is here! APTA Nebraska President Nick Weber has shared the latest updates, insights, and news to keep you connected and informed as we kick off the new year.
Take a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening across APTA NE and what’s ahead for our community.
👉 Read the January 2026 SOAP Note
Foundation Seeks Input on Silent Auction - Take The Brief Survey
The Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy is exploring the possibility of hosting a silent auction at the APTA NE Annual Conference, and we’d love your input.
Your feedback will help us understand interest, preferred formats, and how a silent auction could best support the Foundation’s mission. The survey is brief and should take just a few minutes to complete.
👉 Take the short survey here.
Your responses will directly inform planning decisions and help ensure any fundraising efforts align with what members find valuable and engaging.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and support the Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy.
Sincerely,
Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy
in partnership with APTA Nebraska
Call for Nominations: 2026 APTA NE Awards
APTA Nebraska is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Annual Association Awards. These awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the physical therapy profession and to APTA Nebraska.
Nominations are reviewed and voted on by the Board of Directors, and award recipients will be honored at the APTA Nebraska Annual Conference in April.
AWARDS:
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Achievement in Education Award
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Clinical Excellence Award – PT
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Clinical Excellence Award – PTA
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Friend of Physical Therapy Award
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Mary Ellen Sacksteder Award
For detailed information on each award, click here.
Submit a nomination online.
The nomination deadline is February 22, 2026.
Questions may be directed to the Nominating Committee Chair, Jake VanLaningham:
Call For Candidates: Shape the Future of APTA Nebraska. Run For Office.
2026 Call for Candidates for Office
The APTA-NE Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for the Executive Board, House of Delegates, Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy, Nominating Committee, and Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG). If you are interested in running for a position or would like to nominate a colleague, please complete the nomination form by February 22, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
Physical therapist, physical therapist assistants, and students must be an APTA member immediately preceding the election.
Nominations are now being accepted for the following positions:
APTA NE: Executive Board
- President (1 open position) 2-year term
- Secretary (1 open position) 2-year term
- Chief Delegate (1 open position) 3-year term
- Delegate (2 open positions) 2-year term
- New Special Delegate (1 open position) 3 year term
- Nominating Committee (1 open position) 1 year term
- Nominating Committee (1 open position) 2 year term
- Nominating Committee (1 open position) 3 year term
- Eastern District Chair (1 open position) 2 year term
Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy
- Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy - Board of Directors (2 open positions) - 4 year term
NOTE: This is for APTA NE & Foundation positions only. See below for EPSIG positions.
EPSIG (Early Professional Special Interest Group)
- Vice President (one position available) 1-year term
- Treasurer (one position available) 2-year term
NOTE: This link is for EPSIG positions only. See above link for APTA NE & Foundation positions.
Elections Timeline:
- Submissions are due by February 22, 2026.
- The election will take place March 2-31 2026.
- Voting will be electronic via email or the APTA Nebraska website
- Results announced at the business meeting on April 11, 2026.
All positions listed are a 2-year term unless otherwise noted. Click on a position for full description, or reach out to the Nominating Committee with questions.
Wishing you all the best,
APTA Nebraska Nominating Committee
Jake VanLaningham, Chair ([email protected])
Episode 18 Available Now
APTA NE Podcast Episode 18
Inside APTA's 2040 Plan and Nebraska's push For Fair Reimbursement
Reimbursement won’t fix itself. We break down APTA’s 2030 strategy, NE’s LB1012 medical lien push & why young PTs are powering real change. Join the movement & bring your questions—are you in?
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts,
APTA NE Legislative Day is Feb 28 - Plan To Attend
You’re invited to join us for APTA Nebraska Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Lincoln.
The day will begin with breakfast and conversation before heading to the Nebraska State Capitol to meet with state senators and advocate for issues impacting the physical therapy profession.
Schedule
• 7:30–8:45 AM – Breakfast at Billy’s Restaurant, Lincoln
• Following breakfast – Walk to the Nebraska State Capitol to meet with senators
Legislative Day is an important opportunity to connect directly with policymakers and ensure the voices of PTs and PTAs are heard. We encourage all members to attend.
Plan to attend and represent our profession at the Capitol.
EPSIG Pub Night - Jan 29
APTA Nebraska Early Professionals Pub Night Social
The APTA NE Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) invites you to join us for a Pub Night Social. Come enjoy a casual evening of networking, conversation, and connection with fellow early-career physical therapists, PTAs, and experienced PT mentors.
This meet-up is a great opportunity to:
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Connect with other early professional PTs and PTAs
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Build meaningful professional relationships and expand your network
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Learn from PT mentors in an informal setting
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Enjoy FREE food
Event Details
🗓️ January 29, 2026
⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 DJ’s Dugout, 777 N 114th St, Omaha, NE
Whether you’re new to the profession or looking to grow your connections within APTA Nebraska, we’d love to see you there!
Welcome 2026 NSSIG Executive Board
APTA Nebraska is pleased to announce and welcome the newly elected Nebraska Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) Executive Board. We extend our congratulations and appreciation to these student leaders for their commitment to serving Nebraska’s PT and PTA student community.
Please join us in welcoming the 2026 NSSIG Executive Board:
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Anna Walter, President
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Brianna Johnson, Vice President
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Aidan Gantenbein, Secretary
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Seanna Patterson, Treasurer
NSSIG has seen tremendous growth and impact in recent years thanks to the dedication, creativity, and advocacy of its student leaders. We are confident this new Executive Board will continue that strong momentum while bringing fresh ideas, perspectives, and energy to the organization.
The Executive Board will participate in a formal transition process, including a transition meeting later this month to ensure a smooth and successful start to their term.
Thank you to each of these students for stepping into leadership roles and for their continued commitment to advancing the student voice within APTA Nebraska. We look forward to supporting the NSSIG Executive Board as they lead the organization into its next chapter.
Vote Now: NSSIG 2026 Officer Elections Open
APTA NE NSSIG Members,
The Nebraska Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) 2026 Officer Elections are approaching, and we encourage all NSSIG members to participate.
Voting is open through December 31. All current NSSIG members are eligible to cast a vote.
Please review the candidate statements here and then cast your vote at the link below.
Your participation helps shape the future leadership and direction of APTA NE's NSSIG. Please take a few moments to review the candidates and submit your ballot during the voting period.
Thank you for your engagement and continued support of NSSIG.
Episode 16 Available Now
APTA NE Podcast Episode 16
Inside APTA Nebraska: Strategy, Seats, And Advocacy Wins
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/18003723
Episode 15 Available Now
APTA NE Podcast Episode 15
From Tortilla Chips To Tough Truths: Why PTs Feel Fried And What Actually Helps
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/18003723
Episode 14 Available Now
APTA NE Podcast Episode 14
How Pain Science, Community Roots, and Grit Reshape Care on Nebraska's Western Edge
A veteran trading a cane for deadlifts. A town rebuilding after Cabela’s. A PT redefining care with science and heart. Curious how belief change fuels recovery? Listen and tell us the one myth about pain you want retired next.
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/18003723
ATTN: Central & Western District Members - PT Day of Service - Donate To The Food Pantry
Global PT Day of Service Opportunity
Join APTA NE To Fill the Food Pantries In The Western & Central Districts
The Executive Committee of the APTA-NE is challenging the Western and Central districts to get involved in the Global PT Day of Service. And is so simple. This year, we are asking each clinic/facility to collect non-perishable items and donate them to your local food pantries on or around October 11th. We have created a list of food pantries for the Western and Central districts including contact information. You are also welcome to donate to other entities that are not listed.
THEN, we encourage each clinic/facility to snap a photo of the total number of items collected and send it to us (the email addresses are below) so that we can highlight the great impact we're having on Nebraska communities through this event!
Click the links below to see the list of food pantries in the Western and Central Districts!
OR
If you decide to volunteer in another way in your community, we would love to hear from you!
Email your activity/photos and details to one of the following listed below.
Let’s join the over 23,000 volunteers that have been brought together by PT Day of Service since 2015, by making a difference in our communities!
Episode 13
APTA NE Podcast Episode 13
What happens when physical therapists fund research in their own backyard?
The Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy serves as the research engine powering innovation in physical therapy practice throughout our state. In this enlightening conversation, Foundation President Rochelle Hoffman reveals how this vital organization supports practitioners and students alike in advancing our profession.
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/17846337
Episode 10 Available Now
Behind the Scenes at APTA's House of Delegates: How Nebraska Shapes National PT Policy
Nebraska delegates share key APTA policy changes that affect YOUR practice. From unified PT/PTA Code of Ethics to PTAs gaining board positions, these decisions shape physical therapy's future. What changes are you most excited about?
hashtagptpolicy hashtagphysicaltherapy hashtagHealthcareInnovation
Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gqdDzUwV
Episode 9:
APTA NE Podcast Episode 8
PT Journeys Beyond Clinics: Mobile and Geriatric Care
Episode 8:
APTA NE Podcast Episode 8
Two Therapists Return to Their Roots and Find Professional Fulfillment
Episode 7:
APTA NE Podcast Episode 7
President's Update - Big Beautiful Bill: Impact on Physical Therapy & Healthcare
Podcast Episode 6 Is Live
APTA NE Podcast Episode 6
Behind the Scenes: Meet APTA Nebraska's Membership Committee
Curious about the faces behind APTA Nebraska? Meet the membership committee passionate about connecting PTs across urban and rural settings. They're building a stronger community one conversation at a time. How are YOU engaging with your state association?
Membership Soap Note - January 2025
We are happy to share the January 2025 Membership SOAP Note. This issue is packed with valuable updates, insights, and timely information about elections, advocacy and more.
We encourage you to take a few moments to read through the SOAP Note and stay up-to-date with the dynamic activities and initiatives of APTA NE.
Warm regards!
