Meet the Speakers
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Keynote Speaker:
Gwen Simons
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Speakers and Bios:
Chad Howland, PT, DSc, DPT, SMT, CMPT
Certified Spinal Manipulative Therapist
Certified Manual Physical Therapist
Chad is a member of the Maine Chapter and served on the board of directors from 2015 to 2022. Chad is the co-founder of the Ortho-Manual SIG and currently serves as its vice chair. His clinical experiences include outpatient orthopedics and musculoskeletal rehabilitation with a concentration in orthopedic manual physical therapy. He maintains clinical practice at Dragonfly Therapy in Bangor, Maine.
Chad received his post-professional education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and Andrews University. Chad earned a certified manual physical therapist and spinal manipulative therapist credentials from the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) and the Aspire OMT Institute, respectively.
Presently, Chad is an assistant professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Husson University where he teaches gross anatomy and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Chad's scholarly interests include teaching and learning in musculoskeletal anatomy and rehabilitation.
J. Adrienne McAuley, PT, DPT, MEd
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy
Certified Pelvic Health Practitioner
Adrienne became interested in the relationship between lumbopelvic & hip disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction early in her career. She completed residency in Manual Therapy through The Manual Therapy Institute in 2005 and went on to achieve Fellowship recognition in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists in 2007 under the mentorship of Dave Ziegler, PT, MS, FAAOMPT. Passionate about teaching and learning, Adrienne pursued a parallel pathway in her professional development earning a Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University in 2005. Adrienne served as core faculty at Touro College (2006-2012) and the University of New England (2012-2024). Adrienne also teaches continuing education courses through the Institute of Advanced Musculoskel Science & Practice. Most recently, Adrienne opened Adrienne McAuley Physical Therapy in Portland, Maine.
Carla MarÍa Negrete MartÍnez, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Carla practices as a pelvic health physical therapist at InterMed, P.A. in South Portland. Her passion for the regional interdependence of the lumbar spine, the hips and the pelvic floor led her to complete a residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy through Select Medical in 2022 under the mentorship of Nicholas Adriance, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CCS, CDN. She obtained her Orthopaedic Clinic Specialist Bourd Certification in 2023. Carla received her doctorate from Boston University and was lucky to find her way to Maine following graduation. As a therapist she believes in addressing the whole peson and evaluates folks keeping all body systems in mind to help them improve their quality of life. Outside of treating Carla likes to climb, run and learn how to surf with her wife.
Neurologic Physical Therapy Speakers and Bios:
Dr. Cory Hall, PT, DPT, NCS
Cory is the nominating committee of Maine APTA's Neuro Special Interest Group. He is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Franklin Pierce University in Manchester, NH teaching curriculum related to Neuroanatomy, Motor Control, Kinesiology and Biomechanics. Dr. Hall still treats patients as a physical therapist with board certification in neurologic physical therapy in his home of Portland, ME focusing on balance and walking disorders secondary to neurologic impairments in the outpatient setting. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as completing neurologic clinical specialist training while working in inpatient rehab with individuals with acquired brain injury and debility. Dr. Hall is equally excited to talk to others about their areas of passion as he is to share his passion for managing balance and walking disorders.
Dr. Kathryn Palano, PT, DPT, MPH, NCS
Katie is the chair of Maine APTA's Neuro Special Interest Group. She has been a PT for 9 years with a focus in neurologic and prosthetic rehabilitation. After graduating from MGH Institute of Health Professions, she worked on the general medical unit at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and achieved a Clinical Specialty Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She currently works in southern Maine for Rehab Without Walls, an intensive home and community neurorehab program for Saco Bay Physical Therapy's multidisciplinary neurorehab clinic in Portland, where she leads their prosthetic training program. She is also a lab instructor for University of New England and Tufts University DPT programs. Motivated by her clinical experiences, she received a Master of Public Health in Parks & Recreation from Indiana University Bloomington in 2022. Because of her passion for promoting healthy communities through nature's health benefits, active living, equitable access to the outdoors, cross sector collaboration, she works as an inclusive recreation and outdoor accessibility educator, advocate, and consultant.
Dr. Heather-Pearl Eastty, PT, DPT, NCS
Heather is the vice chair of Maine APTA's Neuro Special Interest Group. Heather has been a PT with a focus in Neuro for her entire career. After graduating from Ithaca College, she got her dream job at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia (now Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehab Hospital - Center City). Heather achieved Board Certification in Neurological Physical Therapy from ABPTS in 2019. Her areas of interest include acquired brain injury, CVA, and seating and positioning, with an extensive background in spinal cord injury. She now works at Maine Medical Center and is embracing the challenge of bringing high quality neuro physical therapy to individuals in the acute care setting.
Student Physical Therapy Speakers and Bios:
Terrance Pratt, PT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT
Sr. Clinical Education Coordinator
Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist
Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Terry is a native of Nova Scotia, Canada and graduated from the Southern College in Tennessee with a B.S. in Anatomy and Physiology (1996), and Andrews University in Michigan with a master's degree in physical therapy (1997). He also has advanced physical therapy distinctions including OCS (2021), FAAOMPT through the NAIOMT (2006). He has been a fellowship instructor, course instructor, and examiner for NAIOMT since 2014 teaching over 150 courses across the USA and in Italy. He also has spoken at local community groups, APTA SIG and local APTA conferences. After managing a clinic in Topsham for 16 years, Terry has become Sr. Clinical Education Coordinator for Cypress Health Partners.
"I always enjoyed being active, so I naturally became interested in physical therapy. Orthopedic physical therapy is like putting together a puzzle. Finding the right exercises to help them adapt and recover. I enjoy educating patients on their issues and helping them recognize the impact of their daily activities on their health and wellness. This allows me to tailor a plan to their lives to help them recover and prevent reinjury."
"There is a long history of "PT" being an acronym for "pain and torture," but I have worked most of my career to change this perception. It is important to create a safe environment where a patient can express how they are feelin as we work together to help them reach their optimal health and function."
Outside of the clinic, Terry enjoys family time with his wife, children, running, hiking, traveling, and reading.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact APTA Maine executive director Christie Krueger ckrueger@orthopt.org.