Member Spotlight

Learn about exceptional achievements in pelvic health as we shine the spotlight on our dedicated members, sharing their experiences, expertise, and passion to empower and educate the public about the benefits of physical therapy. If you are an Academy member, share your story with us by submitting a blog post or a shoutout! Review article guidelines here.

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Meet Meghan Ramos, PTA
Meet Meghan Ramos, PTA

My journey to specializing in pelvic health as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) has been unconventional, but really rewarding. As an older, non-traditional student of physical rehab, my story and perspective may be helpful for anyone out there considering a mid-life career change.   Continue Reading

Date posted05/6/2021


Meet Kianna Stiffler, SPT
Meet Kianna Stiffler, SPT

I am a small-town girl from a tiny village called “Barker, NY” about an hour away from Buffalo, NY. In terms of what I wanted to do as a career, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare profession, and I knew I wanted to help.. Continue Reading

Postedby Kianna Stiffler
Date posted04/30/2021


Meet Dr. Shoshanna D. Lewis, PT, DPT
Meet Dr. Shoshanna D. Lewis, PT, DPT

It was my own rehabilitation experience that not only opened my eyes to the benefits of pelvic floor rehabilitation as a patient but sparked my passion for this area of our profession. I learned that pelvic health is so much more than helping with bowel and bladder dysfunction. Continue Reading

Postedby Shoshanna D. Lewis
Date posted04/7/2021


Volunteering for APTA Pelvic Health – What I Didn’t Know I Needed
Volunteering for APTA Pelvic Health – What I Didn’t Know I Needed

As I began my volunteer path with the Academy of Pelvic Health, the driving factor for serving was having a positive impact on the type of patients we treat.  As both a volunteer with the Academy and as a Pelvic and Abdominal specialist, undertaking roles for the betterment of the community fuels my Continue Reading

Postedby Kristi Lynn Kliebert
Date posted04/2/2021


Meet Kayla Koren, SPT
Meet Kayla Koren, SPT

From the time I first discovered physical therapy back in high school, I was convinced that I wanted to work with athletes and specialize in sports. I had a background in training full-time at a tennis academy in Florida, which ultimately led to my curiosity and passion for learning more about the h Continue Reading

Postedby Kayla M. Koren
Date posted04/2/2021


How Can You Learn More About Pelvic Health as a Student?
How Can You Learn More About Pelvic Health as a Student?

Pelvic health is one of the many specialty fields of physical therapy, yet as a student it may seem hard to find more about it. When I became interested in pelvic health, I started doing research, but what helped me the most was talking with different pelvic health physical therapists and hearing Continue Reading

Postedby Lindsay Lee Durand
Date posted03/21/2021


Congratulations to the Academy's 2021 Award Recipients
Congratulations to the Academy's 2021 Award Recipients

The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 8, 2021 to recognize  many of its volunteers and active physicals therapy professionals that have made a big impact in the Academy and the profession. You may watch the full awards presentation below or Continue Reading

Date posted03/10/2021


Meet Katelyn Hickey, SPT
Meet Katelyn Hickey, SPT

Katelyn already was enrolled in a direct-admit physical therapy program at Carroll University in Wisconsin, however she did not know exactly where she saw the career taking her. It was during this time that Katelyn realized this would be the perfect path. Continue Reading

Postedby Katelyn Nicole Hickey
Date posted02/5/2021


How My Experience With Endometriosis Led Me to Pursuing a Career in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
How My Experience With Endometriosis Led Me to Pursuing a Career in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Many physical therapists started as patients themselves. This is how my experience with endometriosis led me to pursuing pelvic health physical therapy. Continue Reading

Postedby Katelyn Nicole Hickey
Date posted01/27/2021


Meet Rita Gillan, DPT, JWHPT Digital Media Coordinator
Meet Rita Gillan, DPT, JWHPT Digital Media Coordinator

My goal is to improve the quality of women’s healthcare globally by bridging the gap between evidence and practice. Promoting research and supporting efforts like the JWHPT Journal club help to do just that. Getting involved with the Academy and the Journal has been a wonderful way to collaborate wi Continue Reading

Date posted07/9/2020


Meet Patricia Nelson, PT, ScD, FNAP, OCS, Associate Editor
Meet Patricia Nelson, PT, ScD, FNAP, OCS, Associate Editor

Moving abruptly to online teaching in a profession where performing physical exam skills is routine was certainly a challenge. One from which I, and my students, have learned a great deal. Zoom fatigue is a real thing- as I’m sure others have found. Continue Reading

Postedby Patricia R. Nelson
Date posted07/8/2020


Meet Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD, Editor-in-Chief
Meet Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD, Editor-in-Chief

I began my academic career by first teaching labs and moving on to full time teaching research, therapeutic exercise and orthopedics at Long Island University as well as coordinating the student research program. I have been Columbia University for over 30 years primarily teaching kinesiology... Continue Reading

Postedby Cynthia Michelle Chiarello
Date posted07/8/2020