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2024 Election 

The election for the Maine APTA Board and SIG Leaders officially closed on November 23, 2024.  We would like to express our sincere thanks to all members who participated and took the time to vote.  A special thank you also goes to our candidates for their dedication and for volunteering to be a part of this important election process.  Our new incoming leaders will be announced at our Annual Members Meeting on December 13, 2024.  Please join us.

Annual Members Meeting

Board of Directors Candidates

1.  Nomination for President:

►  Marissa Lyon

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I have served one election cycle as the Chief Delegate for the House of Delegates. In that role, I have participated in discussion of and voting on the House Motions in 2023 and 2024. I sought input from the constituents, the membership of the Maine APTA and the board of the Maine APTA. I was able to collaborate with the delegations from other chapters to further the aims of the Maine APTA and the needs of the Maine constituents.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
As our primary issue in the previous few years has been a lack of engagement, that is the primary issue that we should be focused on in the next 5 years. This includes a comprehensive strategy to increase the percentage of physical therapists who are members closer to the national average of 33%. Additionally, we should aim to increase the number of members who engage in a meaningful way with the APTA through attending continuing education, conference, social events, and contributing time in volunteering and advocacy. Finally, we should aim to increase the level of participation of membership in leadership, committees, and SIGs. We are lucky to have support from the national office toward this goal.  This will take participation of all involved in the board, SIGs, and supporting committees.

2.  Nomination for Secretary:

►  Rachel Chatmas

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I have 5 years of clinical experience and am looking to become more involved in the PT profession at the State level. I am detail-oriented, a good communicator, have great typing skills, and am an excellent listener. For these reasons, I feel that I would be a great fit for the Secretary position and would be able to help assist the Chapter with its objectives.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
My hope is that the Maine APTA can continue and build upon its engagement with Maine PTs, PTAs, and students. My goal is to support the Maine Chapter Board of Directors by being present at all meetings, sending out the minutes in a timely manner, and providing support as needed on various projects. Specifically, I would assist as needed with the bylaw updates that were made by the current Board of Directors as they have not yet been approved. Additionally, I would like to be able to support the updates to the Chapter’s Policies and Procedure Manual that the Vice President will be taking on following the approval of the bylaw changes.

3.  Nominations for Chief Delegate

►  Kyle DeLiberty

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
Admittedly, I haven’t contributed much to the profession over the last two years since I graduated PT school. I was previously involved in research activities and self-selected into a course during my final semester that focused on legal/ethical issues in the profession and included simulated HOD events. I am familiar with the process and have a general understanding of what this position requires, and I am very eager to give back to the profession through service and advocacy going forward.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
My wife and I moved to Maine because we love this state and the people who live here. We are both AT/PTs and are constantly looking for ways to involve ourselves to improve access for patients and improve the quality of care delivered. Since moving here in 2022, I have noticed that there is ambiguity amongst patients as to what physical therapy is in the context of other allied healthcare professions such as occupational therapy, chiropractic, osteopathic medicine, and massage therapy. This is something I have not seen before across multiple clinical experiences in a variety of settings across the country. I am hoping to contribute in any way possible to raise awareness as to what physical therapists do, where they practice, and how they can be useful in the context of healthcare. Another major direction that I think the Chapter should take is improving the practice act to clarify continuing education standards and changing the language to better explain standards related to dry needling and spinal manipulation in outpatient settings. Maine remains the only state that does not have continuing education requirements in place for PT, which proves to be extremely detrimental for patient care. I see and hear about too many providers who continue to utilize outdated practices that are no longer evidence based. These interactions fail on two fronts: patients usually don’t get better, and the resultant negative perceptions based on experience with physical therapy hurt the profession. Improving educational standards will improve outcomes and several fronts and has to continue to be one of the primary directives of this Chapter in the immediate future.

►  Heather Pearl Eastty

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I have been a member of the APTA for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced the benefits and opportunities of membership as my involvement within the organization has evolved. Through many years attending CSM, membership in multiple Academies, writing items for the Neurologic Clinical Specialist exam as a member of the Specialization Academy of Context Experts and coming from a large Chapter in Pennsylvania, I have been involved in myriad developments over the years. In the last year I have served as Vice Chair of the Maine Neurologic Special Interest Group and a member of the state Nominating Committee. In these positions I have been learning about the needs and opportunities in physical therapist practice in Maine. It is my desire to take these recent experiences, combined with my passion for physical therapy, and strengthen physical therapist education and clinical practice at the state and national level for the clinicians, students, and people of Maine.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
This is an exciting time for the Maine Chapter of the APTA. While I am newer to Maine, in the past year I have served on the Nominating Committee and have been able to see the changing landscape of the chapter. As the chapter continues to evolve, it is essential that Maine continues to have a robust presence for the members of the state at the national level of the APTA.

The Chief Delegate and Delegate play an integral part in representing the needs of the chapter membership at the national level and driving national policy that best aligns with those needs. I hope to expand the ability of the Delegate team to know what those needs are by reinstituting Town Halls and surveys to best reach all corners of our state and understand their needs in order to represent them best. If elected Chief Delegate, I will continue to build on the foundation set by those before me in order to establish Maine as a policy leader at the national level and continue to serve as a passionate advocate for clinicians and clients across the state of Maine.

4.  Nomination for District 1 Representative (York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc Counties)

►  Dana Tischler

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I have been involved with service to several APTA Academies over the years and would like to learn more about state-level service. In the District 1 Representative role, I hope to be a liaison between Maine chapter members and the BOD of APTA Maine. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and engage with local chapter members.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
I am eager to connect and engage with therapists in the local community and enhance member participation in continuing education, advocacy, and networking events. As the District 1 Representative, I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about the needs of therapists within the District and work with the BOD to create opportunities to facilitate engagement with members of the state chapter of the APTA.

5.  Nomination for District 2 Representative (Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Kennebec, Androscoggin Counties)

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

6.  Nomination for Nominating Committee Member

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

Special Interest Group Candidates:

1.  All SIG Chairs

• Nomination for Neurologic PT SIG Chair

►  Kathryn Palano

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
As the current Chair of the Neuro SIG, I have gained a better understanding of the structure, function, and systems of the Maine APTA over the past year. This experience will facilitate improved collaboration and advocacy to support the Neuro SIG within the Maine APTA and increase engagement in the next year.

As someone who strongly believes and participates in lifelong learning, I plan to use my position as Chair of the Neuro SIG to promote access to good quality neuro-specific continuing education— particularly as Maine updates professional licensure requirements to include continuing education.  This will also facilitate increased engagement with the Neuro SIG and develop a supportive community of PT and PTA’s to continue to elevate neuro practice in Maine.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
Since founding the Neuro SIG in Dec. 2023 and acting as Chair, I have put together a leadership team and collaborated with the leadership team to perform a needs assessment survey for neuro practitioners, collected data of neuro specific equipment, resources, and clinics in the state of Maine to be posted on the Neuro SIG website, and created a Neuro Track for the ME APTA Continuing Education Conference.

During 2025, we hope to schedule quarterly Neuro SIG meetings open to both Maine APTA members and nonmembers to create community and elicit feedback, plan quarterly inservices on neuro-specific topics, finalize the neuro resource list and post to the Neuro SIG website, collaborate with the pediatric SIG to create resource for adaptive sports and accessible and inclusive recreation opportunities, continue to offer a Neuro Track at the APTA Maine 2025 Continuing Education Conference, and collaborate with the Maine APTA and other SIGs on additional opportunities throughout the year.

• Nomination for Orthopaedic-Manual PT SIG Chair

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

• Nomination for Pediatric PT SIG Chair

►  Elizabeth Cyr

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
As the current chair, I have helped to create the bylaws of the pediatric SIG and collaborated with our board to work on a variety of continuing education and advocacy efforts over the past two years. I would like to continue in this role to build on our efforts so far and support our community of pediatric PTs. I have served as the Maine State advocacy liaison for the APTA Pediatrics. My state and national connections have been a resource for helping to run this board and support the needs of the therapists and families who receive our services in Maine. 

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
As the chapter works to increase membership and alignment with the soon to be required CEUs through our licensing board, I believe the SIG’s goals will assist in these efforts. Our SIG hopes to continue to meet the needs of pediatric therapists in the state, collaborate with other SIGs and professional organizations to build our capacity as providers, and advocate for needed changes, all which will help build membership. Our SIG has been offering continuing education opportunities through webinars, journal clubs, resource sharing, and networking with professions that serve the pediatric community. These opportunities can be developed to meet the future CEU requirements in the state.

• Nomination for Early Career/Student SIG Chair

►  Marcela Criado

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I understand that one of the main goals of the chapter, specifically to this SIG, is to increase member and student engagement. I believe that my current role as a Social Media Manager has helped me build strong communication skills – using different language and strategies depending on the target audience, and accountability as this is a self-led role where expectations are set by self. I have been fortunate to bring the perspective of being a student on rotation, a new graduate, and now a relied upon teammate all within the same organization. With the continuity and lessons learned in the process, I aspire to bring my perspective to young professionals at all stages navigating the healthcare landscape as best I can. Ultimately, I have had the opportunity to work on my community building skills while co-founding Bloom Community: creating authentic connections via shared experiences, active listening, promoting inclusivity and I plan to apply these skills while working towards developing a stronger, devoted, and committed community or early professionals and students.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
I believe that improving member and student engagement specifically, is a goal I feel passionate about. The future of the APTA and our profession as physical therapists will rely on upcoming professionals, current students, therefore starting the conversation of how they play a role in this community as early as possible, will be key.

My goals in this role would include to continue the work that has been paved by previous SIG members, host more consistent events for early professionals and students to promote community building and networking opportunities, and host round tables to open discussions regarding member concerns, goals, ideas to build agency and collaboration between APTA leadership and members.

2.  All SIG Secretaries

• Nomination for Neurologic PT SIG Secretary

►  Abigail True

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I am an experienced clinician in the areas of neurology and acute care, and I have a passion for being detail-oriented, punctual, and thorough. I feel I could contribute to the secretary position by bringing strong organizational skills to meetings and other administrative tasks to support the goals of the Neurologic SIG. Maine Chapter, APTA Call for Nominations.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
I am in full support of the current Neurologic SIG Strategic Plan with an emphasis on increasing mentorship/ continuing education opportunities for PT’s and PTA’s in the field of neurologic physical therapy. I feel I can support developing written commentaries in the Maine Chapter Newsletter and implementing a journal club through the role of secretary. In addition, I feel that I could increase involvement in the Neurologic SIG through my network of colleagues.

• Nomination for Orthopaedic-Manual PT SIG Secretary

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

• Nomination for Pediatric PT SIG Secretary

►  Caroline Chaloner

Click HERE to see more information.
Please explain how your experience and expertise could be utilized in the nomination position applied for to further the objectives of the Chapter:
I have 10 years of clinical practice in acute care pediatrics as a physical therapist as well as my board certification in specialty practice for pediatric physical therapy. I am meticulous and organized and am currently serving in the position for which I am applying. My experience practicing in this state for the past 9 years and my clinical connections are well suited to working collaboratively with other pediatric physical therapists in Maine.

Explain your perceptions regarding the direction the Chapter should take in the future and how your goals for the nominated position will affect this change:
The Maine APTA Pediatric SIG is actively seeking to progress the field of pediatric physical therapy in this state and provide opportunities for professional education and collaboration.  My goals for remaining on the board of this SIG are to assist in promoting our practice and to facilitate increased communication between inpatient acute therapists and community therapists.

• Nomination for Early Career/Student SIG Secretary

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

3.  All SIG Nominating Committee Member

• Nomination for Neurologic PT SIG Committee Member

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

• Nomination for Orthopaedic-Manual PT SIG Committee Member

►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

• Nomination for Pediatric PT SIG Committee Member

​​​​​​​►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

• Nomination for Early Career/Student SIG Committee Member

​​​​​​​►  Write-in Candidate
Nomination Form

Commitment at a Glance

If you would like to apply for any of the above positions, please fill out the form below or submit a CV along with the position you would like to apply for to Christie Krueger, Executive Director at ckrueger@orthopt.org.  Any questions, please reach out to ckrueger@orthopt.org.

Download and Submit a Nomination Form

PDF Nomination Form   

Why Serve on the Board?

Serving on the Maine Chapter Board is a unique opportunity to:

• Advocate for the physical therapy profession.
• Collaborate with peers and leaders across the state.
• Influence policies and decsisions that impact our practice.
• Develop leadership skills, confidence, and expand your professional network