APTA Virginia: Pediatric Special Interest Group (PSIG)

 

In 1994, a small group of Virginia pediatric therapists began an organized support group within the structure of the VPTA known as Pediatric Special Interest Group (PSIG). The pioneering officers were Francie Mitchell (president), Bunny May (vice-president), Lin Sizer (secretary), and Mary Alice Niederthal (treasurer).

 

The goals of the group were to:

1) provide professional sharing, advocacy, and training opportunities,

2) encourage and support Virginia pediatric therapists’ participation in the APTA and VPTA organization,

3) improve and increase the provision of quality educational opportunities.

At that time there were approximately 20 members.

 

This Virginia PSIG is now 25 years strong! The PSIG is still working successfully to meet the needs of over 200 Virginia pediatric therapists. Originally, meetings were held at the Annual Conference and the Leadership Retreat. These meetings were focused on celebrating newly certified PCS members and professional information sharing. Virginia pediatric PTs became more embedded and influential in the VPTA and the APTA with routine inputs to the VPTA program committee and efforts to support district pediatric therapy educational opportunities.

 

Approximately 10 years ago, the format for the monthly PSIG Café meetings went from face-to-face to virtual, providing business and organizational information, and a formal instructional, professional presentation. A virtual Journal Club was created and became so popular that the Academy of Pediatrics offered their support and requested that the initiative be offered nationally. One therapist reports “VPTA PSIG is a great grassroots group to support pediatric practice and without our predecessors who have advocated for our practice we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Another said, “PSIG provides the timeliest information, professional networking and leadership opportunities. For me, that is the most valuable part of being an APTA of Virginia member.”

 

Virginia PSIG is proud of these accomplishments and excitedly looking forward to even greater outcomes and networking opportunities.

 

Want to participate or help celebrate? JOIN US by contacting the present officers.

 

President: Kim Lephart

Vice President: Kristin Sanders

Secretary: Michele Wiley

Treasurer: Katie Labuda