Clinical Faculty Award Winners
Every year the New England Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium (NEPTAC) recognizes one Clinical Educator from each member school with a Clinical Faculty Award. Recipients are selected for their commitment to providing high quality PTA student clinical education through innovation in design and delivery of learning experiences, excellence in clinical teaching, promotion of student excellence, and/or participation in student mentoring activities. Congratulations to all of the amazing professionals who support our programs!
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Julie Charron [Show Biography]
CT State Norwalk - Eleni Soures [Show Biography]
Mount Wachusett Community College - Samantha Hutt [Show Biography]
Samantha Hutt is a graduate of the MWCC PTA Program. She has been outstanding as a Clinical Instructor at Life Care Center of Leominster and is open to take students whenever possible. Samantha has mentored students during their part-time and full-time rotations. She goes the extra mile with students who are struggling, and also volunteered to take 2 students at once when additional clinical sites were unavailable. Samantha has been an asset to our clinical education program and we are very appreciative of her commitment to our students.
Springfield Technical Community College - Larry Scafuri [Show Biography]
Larry Scafuri is a long time and consistent clinical instructor for Springfield Technical Community College. He continually garners exceptional reviews from the students placed with him and has demonstrated excellent education skills which are above our expectations. His consistency in both availability and quality of instruction is an incredibly valuable asset for us at STCC.
Berkshire Community College - Cheryl Reynolds [Show Biography]
Cheryl has been a PTA clinician for 39 years and a CI for 30 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, MA. She has worked with over 12 of our PTA students throughout the years. Cheryl has consistently enhanced the quality of clinical education for Berkshire Community College PTA students by providing meaningful and challenging clinical experiences, adapting to the specific learning needs and level of each student. She has guided students at each level of clinical education and excels in matching the expected performance to the individual student--meeting the student where they are at and providing a progression towards success. Cheryl states that “I find it rewarding to be part of the PTA’s learning experiences. As a PTA in both acute care and the hospital’s outpatient clinic, Cheryl provides opportunity for students with a variety of patients as well as opportunity for students to work alongside our acute care OT’s and in outpatient clinic, observe and assist with patient treatments with PT’s. This fall, Clin Ed II, Cheryl provided opportunity for the student to share related professional expertise as a Pilates Instructor as a presentation to the clinical staff. This is a great example of what students may bring with them.
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Joan Alice-Taylor [Show Biography]
Joan Alice Taylor PT, Psy.D, is a practice owner of an outpatient physical therapy facility and has been a therapist for 52 years. She has dedicated her career striving to teach others and has had approximately 48 students over her career, of which 38 have been PTA students. Joan is passionate about serving her community and promoting the field of physical therapy. Joan has served as the President of the CT Chapter of the APTA and continues to dedicate her time to the advancement of the profession. She continues to be a voice for the profession with regulatory agencies and commercial payers. Joan continues to be on NVCC's Advisory Board and continues to support the program's growth. Joan provides a very supportive welcoming learning environment for the program's PTA students. She takes the time to truly get to know the students and assist in their growth as an individual and a clinician to better prepare the students as a future entry-level PTA.
CT State Norwalk - Amber Bjerke, PTA [Show Biography]
Springfield Technical Community College - Irina Zuev [Show Biography]
Irina was my clinical instructor for my first clinical rotation. From the very first day, she has been committed to creating an environment conducive to my hands-on learning. I was given explanations and reasoning for most decision-making which in turn progressed my critical thinking skills. Irina went above and beyond when trying to progress my skill in the areas that interested me most. She forced me to be creative with a variety of patients and always appreciate continued learning. As a student, it was inspiring to see someone so eager to learn even years after graduating. Irina is a true professional and taught me how to interact with all patients in an appropriate manner and how to handle difficult situations if one were to arise. Irina always made me feel like a welcomed and useful addition to the Physical Therapy team at Rehab Resolutions and future students would be lucky to gain the knowledge she has to offer.
Berkshire Community College - Connie Jansen [Show Biography]
BCC and Noble Hospital have had a clinical agreement since 2014 and Connie has been a PT, Clinical Instructor, and the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education the entire time. Connie has consistently accepted placement for BCC PTA students and has directly worked with our students as a CI. She has always been an advocate for students, providing learning experiences that are challenging, providing opportunity for growth as a developing PTA student, whether first or final rotation.
During the summer of 2020, student placement was exceptionally challenging due to the restrictions from Covid-19 pandemic. Facilities were cancelling their student programs, and cancelling clinical rotations. Noble Hospital was able to maintain their student program and Connie met the need of providing additional clinical placements, so that students from Springfield Technical College and Berkshire Community College could continue on track with clinical education. For the BCC PTA student Connie accepted, Connie took on the added responsibility of CI. As CCCE, Connie coordinates clinical rotations for other disciplines than PTA. Synchronizing placements for multiple students of different disciplines requires balance—balance of clinician schedules and specific clinical rotation duration. It takes a special person with commitment to investing in PTA student education. Connie is such a person.
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Frank Krasowski [Show Biography]
Frank Krasowski has been dedicated to clinical education for over 15 years, as a clinical instructor and site coordinator for clinical education. He has been extremely supportive to NVCC and its students consistently over the pandemic. Frank went above and beyond to alter how he accepted students to provide students with experiences necessary for graduation. Frank has highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice and how clinicians utilize this on a daily basis. Students attending his clinical site have been energized to search for and utilize evidence-based practice in their clinical career. His passion for education and the field of physical therapy is evident by clinical faculty and students. Frank provides a very supportive learning environment, in which students consistently have gained a wealth of knowledge, skills, and confidence.
CT State Norwalk - Siobhan Morin [Show Biography]
Siobhan is a graduate of our program. Upon graduation, she was immediately higher by Bridgeport Hospital to join their Rehab Team. Over the past few years, Siobhan has become one of Bridgeport Hospital's top Physical Therapist Assistant. Because of her excellent clinical decision making skills, Siobhan was encouraged by her supervisors to become a Clinical Instructor. She accepted the challenge and hosted two students during the same semester, but on different days. She gives her time equally to both students to ensure they are getting an excellent clinical experience. Siobhan has also gone out of her way find a way to get her students into an operating room to observe a surgery. In addition, she has worked with her students outside of her scheduled times and is always there for them if they need her. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Siobhan Morin for this award.
Kennebec Valley Community College - Michelle Ervin [Show Biography]
Michelle comes with a history of inpatient acute care at EMHS in Bangor and relocated to EMHS in Dover-Foxcroft. I was approached by her past student, Ron, who asked that Michell be honored with the clinical faculty award. Michelle not only provided an incredible clinical opportunity for Ron with both outpatient and inpatient experiences, but she also provided all our PTA students with a unique volunteer opportunity. Michelle teams with an occupational therapist in providing hippotherapy/horse-based therapy with kids. She created a community day event inviting the public to gain knowledge and experiences with the horses. She also created craft tables, obstacle courses, and activities which then required volunteers and incorporated our PTA students who had difficulty in finding volunteer opportunities due to the pandemic. Michelle is smart, funny, and kind however, don't mistake her small pint size with being a push over. Michelle has provided the supportive documentation to require students to repeat clinicals when necessary and at the end the students thank her for her constructive feedback and leave with a smile on their faces feeling more confident than if they would have just been handed a passing grade. She is dynamic and able to work with students of all exceptional levels and provides an amazing resource for our students in and outside of clinical. An amazing person, an exceptional therapist, role model, a mentor, and a passionate leader for our students.
Mount Wachusett Community College - Daniel Levasseur [Show Biography]
Daniel Levasseur is the lead PT at UMass Memorial/Marlborough Hospital's outpatient clinic, The Center for Sports and Physical Therapy. Daniel has been instrumental in mentoring and teaching our PTA students during their clinical experiences. During the COVID pandemic, many outpatient PT clinics were not able to take our students, and Daniel agreed to take any students that still needed placement so that they would be able to complete their course and progress in the program.
North Shore Community College - Kim Prentice [Show Biography]
Kim Prentice graduated from NSCC in May 2012 and began working as a PTA at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston in October 2012. Kim is now a PTA II and Kim primarily treats patients with orthopedic and cardiopulmonary pathologies in the outpatient department. She is a valued member of the outpatient team, and has been a dedicated clinical instructor for the past 9 years.
River Valley Community College - Shaun Gross [Show Biography]
Thank goodness for Shaun. During a trying time for finding clinical education sites, Shaun went above and beyond to help our students at River Valley Community College, not only complete their clinical education experience, but to excel and shine clinically. He was always positive during the clinical experience and works so well at getting the students to challenge themselves during the experience. Shaun's commitment to our clinical education program has been unmatched. In an 8 month time span, Shaun mentored 4 different students with varying needs and strengths. The students always evaluate him highly because his energy and skill allows for a fulfilling clinical experience for all of the students who have the privilege of working with him. Enthusiastic just cannot describe Shaun. He is a joy to work with for both myself and the students. His upbeat attitude during a global pandemic is refreshing.
University of Maine at Presque Isle - Sonja Hall [Show Biography]
Sonja Hall is a PTA who has volunteered her time to take several students from UMPI over the last several years. Each time, her students have come back to the classroom with an incredible boost in confidence and brag to their classmates about the exemplary model behaviors she demonstrates in her patient care.
Sonja always goes above and beyond with each student, taking the time to meet them where they are at academically and professionally, and progressing them to become the best clinicians they can. She has a true passion for teaching, and clearly enjoys what she does. She always makes herself available to the students, whether it be downtime or after hours.
A recent student of hers submitted her for this award, as they felt she deserves special recognition for the incredible learning experience she provides. It is an honor to nominate Sonja for this award, and we look forward to continued collaboration with her to provide the most excellent clinical education experience.
Berkshire Community College - Jamie Bannon [Show Biography]
Jamie has been a longstanding clinical instructor for BCC PTA students and is well-deserving of recognition for her commitment, ingenuity and clinical instruction. Jamie creates dynamic learning experiences by balancing challenge, encouragement, and clear learning expectations. This summer, 2020, Jamie accepted a student for clinical education I placement. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the PTA student was required to participate remotely. Jamie, provided learning opportunities that exceeded clinical expectations. She made the most of developing critical thinking and clinically-based treatments/activities for this student. Jamie organized all of this with a short lead-in time. Though a very atypical learning experience, Jamie provided a highly organized and focused clinical learning environment.
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Mary Pesce [Show Biography]
CT State Norwalk - Ajaunie Silpot [Show Biography]
Kennebec Valley Community College - Amanda Faucher [Show Biography]
Springfield Technical Community College - Charly Murphy [Show Biography]
Charly Murphy is a long time clinical instructor who began taking students soon after she was eligible. She has been consistently available for both our part time and full time clinical placements and has been remarkably professional and communicative. Recently, during the onset of the pandemic when our model changed to "rolling affiliations" she agreed to take one student after the next, performing a total of 3 7 week affiliations for us. This remarkable effort along with being so consistently available for us makes her a very deserving recipient of the Clinical Faculty Award.
Berkshire Community College - Linda Caesar [Show Biography]
Linda repeatedly goes above and beyond for clinical education. She has taken two students at a time and accepts a student for each rotation. She works very hard arranging CI and student schedules in the home care setting and also works very hard progressing students within a well-planned process in the home care environment. No matter the situation and environment, she makes the PTA students a priority.
CT State Norwalk - Gina Colgan [Show Biography]
Gina Colgan has been a Physical Therapist for over 16 years. She graduated from University of Connecticut in 2003 with her Masters in Physical Therapy. She has worked on an acute rehab floor her whole career, starting at Bridgeport Hospital and now for Yale New Haven Health on the Yale Rehab and Wellness Unit in Milford Hospital. She specializes in treating patients that have suffered stroke. She is an APTA certified Clinical Instructor and has been working as a CI for 15 years. She held the title of CCCE when at Bridgeport Hospital, and has been a CI for countless students in her career.
Kennebec Valley Community College - Jennifer Griffith [Show Biography]
Jennifer is a KVCC PTA graduate and has committed to paying it forward ever since graduating. She recently took 4 students back to back to ensure on time graduation with clinical completion. She is selfless and puts patients and students needs first. As a home health PTA she offers a diverse and complex clinical setting for students.
Springfield Technical Community College - Jennifer Tryon [Show Biography]
Jennifer Tryon graduated from Bay State College in Boston MA in 2007, earning her associates in science - Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She has worked in outpatient private practice, school based programs, and acute rehab hospital settings. For the past 9 years she has settled into the acute care setting at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA where she has worked with several students. Jen is always excited to work with PTA students and assist them in becoming confident and independent therapists.
Community College of Rhode Island - Norm Provost [Show Biography]
Norm Provost has 32 years of experience as a PTA. He graduated from the Military school of Health Science in 1987. He was employed as a Naval Hospital corpsmen for 10 years, as a Laboratory Assistant at CCRI for 12 years, and has been working for University Orthopedics for the last 24 years. Norm has also been serving as a Clinical Instructor the last 25 years. He builds confidence in students through constructive feedback and an unfailing positive attitude. This combined with his high standards and dedication to clinical teaching promote the development of successful and skilled PTA students.
Kennebec Valley Community College - Beth Froman [Show Biography]
New England Institute of Technology - Brian Camara [Show Biography]
Brian has been a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2002, and works at National Physical Therapy in their Fall River Office. He studied at UMASS/Amherst and with his wife Lauren owns the Cycology Studio Inc. in Tiverton, RI.
Springfield Technical Community College - Desiree Scheinost [Show Biography]
University of Maine at Presque Isle - Dana Boardman [Show Biography]
Dana Boardman is a 2015 graduate of the PTA program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A non traditional student, he decided to go back to school in his early 40s and change career paths. He wanted to get into a profession where he could continue to grow and learn while helping people with physical impairments. He thought the PTA program was the perfect fit for himself and his family. Once, I graduated I was fortunate to be hired by Northern Light Hospital-A R Gould where he began his career as an inpatient PTA. From there, he was introduced to the outpatient world of physical therapy and skilled nursing. Today, he works a mix of all three settings which gives him a variety of patients to work with. Dana loves people which he says makes his job easy. He also states it is very rewarding to see the progress individuals make with the care that they are provided.
Berkshire Community College - Jessica Hochberg [Show Biography]
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Community College of Rhode Island - Jennifer Wentworth [Show Biography]
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CT State Norwalk - Dorota Boltruczuk [Show Biography]
Kennebec Valley Community College - Susan Griffin [Show Biography]
New England Institute of Technology - Bradley Pike [Show Biography]
Springfield Technical Community College - Nancy Densmore [Show Biography]
University of Maine at Presque Isle - Steve Faria, PTA [Show Biography]
I graduated from River Valley Community College in 2011. I started my PTA career working in a skilled nursing in Biddeford, ME. I have been with Back in Motion since 2013. I have taken several Maitland Australian Physiotherapy seminars, as well as the TRX sports medicine course. I enjoy working with athletes and I specialize in manual therapy. I am very active and enjoy spending my free time taking part in Spartan races and scuba diving.
Berkshire Community College - Kim Kondek [Show Biography]
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Community College of Rhode Island - Steven Clauson [Show Biography]
Steve is a graduate of CCRI's PTA program (Associate in Applied Science), May 2008, with highest honors and recipient of the Academic Excellence award; Recipient of The Miriam Hospital Jerome R. Sapolsky award (Employee of the month) July 2012; Recipient of The Miriam Hospital Jerome R. Sapolsky award (Employee of the year) for 2012; HARI (Hospital Association of Rhode Island) Award for Excellence in Hospital Care 2013; APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. He is currently working with a primarily geriatric population most often with total joint replacement patients in The Miriam Hospital Total Joint Center of Excellence, and has been actively involved with providing clinical education for PTA students since 2010.
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Frank Krasowski [Show Biography]
CT State Norwalk - Brian Elmo, PT [Show Biography]
Mount Wachusett Community College - Mary Sweeney [Show Biography]
Mary Sweeney grew up in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She pursued her PTA education after her daughter was born with Cystic Fibrosis, and Mary was required to perform chest PT with her daughter four times a day. She went to school at night and graduated with her Associate's Degree in Science from Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA all while being a caring mother to her daughter with CF (aged 5) and her 2 sons (aged 8, and 11 years old), as well as her beloved horses and dogs. She has been working as a PTA for 21 years, initially focusing in Pediatric Care, before transitioning to Home Care, and finally finding her niche for the past 10 years in long term care at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility in Northbridge. She has been educating PTA students in the clinical setting for 7 years. Her compassion and caring nature she has developed with her own children and animals has followed her with her PTA students and facilitated their successful placements despite their challenging circumstances.
Springfield Technical Community College - Ian Braithwaite [Show Biography]
University of Maine at Presque Isle - Todd Magliozzi [Show Biography]
Todd Magliozzi graduated from Mass Bay Community College, Wellesley, MA in 1997 with High Honors. He began his career working for the LABBB Collaborative in Lexington, Massachusetts and since then has worked in hospital, outpatient and skilled nursing facilities. Over the course of his career he become a credentialed Clinical Instructor through the APTA. In 2015, he became a Certified Kinesio Taping Practioner through Kinesio Taping Association International. Presently, Todd works at the Maine Veterans' Homes in Bangor, Maine where he was the Employee of the Year in 2011 and 2015. “It is my privilege to help students gain the knowledge, experience and confidence to work with patients, as they strive towards becoming licensed healthcare professionals.”
CT State - Naugatuck Valley - Gretchen Pond [Show Biography]
Ms. Pond received her AA in Accounting from Broward Community College in Davie, Florida in 1986 and her AS in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT in 1993. She currently works at Apple Rehab of Farmington Valley for 13 years and Countryside Manor for 4 years as a per diem staff member. In her past, she worked at The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, CT treating patients rehabilitating from diagnoses such as CVA, TBI, SCI, and orthopedic injuries. She also has experience with working on the cardiopulmonary unit, amputee rehab, and aquatic therapy. Ms. Pond has been a clinical instructor for students since 1995.
CT State Norwalk - Amanda Agalar, PT [Show Biography]
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Kennebec Valley Community College - Linda Wilson, PT [Show Biography]
RSU 18 and Waterville, Maine Public Schools
A 1985 graduate of University of Vermont, Linda currently works as a school-based physical therapist for RSU 18 and Waterville, Maine Public School System. She has a background in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, sports medicine, orthopedics, athletic training and occupational medicine. She holds her Assistive Technology Professional certification to better serve her students with power mobility and accessibility. Linda loves to share her knowledge, experience and love for physical therapy as a clinical instructor.
Mount Wachusett Community College - Amy Jackson, PTA [Show Biography]
Amy is a graduate of MWCC PTA program and has many years experience in outpatient orthopedics. She treats patients with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and specializes
in manual therapy techniques. Amy brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the clinic each day and enjoys sharing her expertise with the students.
Springfield Technical Community College - Glenna Masi [Show Biography]
Glenna Masi, PTA, WCC, WTA – is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College, a recipient of the Lucille Hood Award for clinical excellence, and Phi Theta Kappa award. Glenna is also an APTA Crdentialed Clinical Instructor and is a very active clinical faculty member for the STCC PTA program. Her clinical focus has been in geriatrics with certifications in many areas including vestibular, lower limb prosthetics and wound care. She is currently employed at Life Care Center of Wilbraham where I am part of the wound team and the modality leader and educator. I have been an APTA member since 2002 as a student and most recently active in the APTA of MA Chapter Western MA District as an Assembly Representative since 2012 and the newly formed PTA special interest group.
University of Maine at Presque Isle - Susan Sjoberg [Show Biography]
Susan is a graduate of the University of New England in 1987. Currently she is a private pediatric physical therapist and has for many years, serving children in their homes, preschools and public schools. She has spent most of her professional career in Northern Maine except for a short 1 1/2 years as a traveling PT. She has a varied background in pediatrics, acute care, acute rehabilitation, home care and outpatient services.Since the start of the UMPI PTA program, she has been a strong supporter of our clinical education program.
Community College of Rhode Island - Melissa Saccoccio [Show Biography]
A 1995 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, and a 2006 graduate of Boston University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Melissa currently serves as the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI. Melissa holds her Advanced Clinical Instructor Credentialing through APTA, and her steadfast commitment to promoting quality clinical education makes her a role model for students and coworkers alike.
Springfield Technical Community College - Martha Harrington [Show Biography]
Martha Harrington graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Springfield Technical Community College in 1987. She is employed by Baystate Rehabilitation Care in Springfield, MA and is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Martha has served as a clinical faculty member for many years providing quality supervision and inspiration to the students who work with her.
Mount Wachusett Community College - Ryan Smith [Show Biography]
The New England Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium (NEPTAC) recently presented a Clinical Faculty Award to Ryan Smith, PT. This annual award recognizes and honors physical therapy clinicians who have improved the quality of clinical education of physical therapist assistant students in New England through excellence and innovation and in clinical teaching and student mentoring.
Ryan Smith, PT is the Clinical Director of The Sports Clinic at York [Maine], a satellite of Saco Bay Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. Ryan is a 1997 graduate of the physical therapy program at the University of New England and is an APTA-credentialed clinical instructor. He specializes in orthopedic and industrial physical therapy, has traveled with local surgeons to Ecuador to assist in the rehabilitation and education of patients following total knee replacements, and serves as an instructor with ScoreBuilders, a student preparatory course for the National Physical Therapist Exam.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium of New England represents 11 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs in the New England States. The Consortium is a voluntary, non-profit organization that works collaboratively to advance the quality of PTA education.
