Letter From the VPTA Education Chair

The role of the education chair is to serve to elevate the standard of physical therapy delivery by providing evidence-based, high-quality and cost-effective continuing education. To develop and execute educational opportunities and to spearhead educational leadership and administration within VPTA requires collaboration and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. It is my privilege to introduce two VPTA members who will be taking over as the new education chairs, soon after Fall Summit concludes: Skye Donovan and Charlene Jensen.

Skye Donovan, PT, PhD, is a board-certified orthopedic specialist and serves as chair and professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marymount University. She serves as the co-chair of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education CSM planning committee and has prior conference planning experience in her role on the APTA NEXT planning committee (2011-2016). Skye serves on the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) student leadership taskforce and on the APTA Centennial planning committee. Skye has lived in Northern Virginia for 11 years and is proud to be a member of the VPTA.

 Charlene Jensen, is the program director at the PTA program at Riverside College of Health Careers. She is a 2002 graduate of the Old Dominion University PT program and a 2012 graduate of the Shenandoah tDPT program. She also has a master’s in medical and health professions education from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She has been a member of APTA since 2001. Charlene has been married for 19 years. She has one daughter, one dog and one horse!

 With their combined expertise and record of leadership and professional contributions, they will accomplish so much more than I could, and I say this with hope and gladness. As education in physical therapy evolves in its content and delivery, planning effectively for future educational events requires resilience and wisdom. I appreciate their willingness to serve in this volunteer position, and I anticipate much growth as we enter the 21st century.

 Kanikkai Steni Balan Sackiriyas (Steni) and Drew Pociluyko are members of the Education Committee. As a committee, we have commenced planning for future educational events. I hope to see you all at Fall Summit 2019 this year. It will be in Richmond, Virginia, on Saturday November 9th. Details will be shared soon; register early!

 To Colleen Whiteford, the board liaison to the Education Committee, I owe my gratitude for her support, initiative and helpful nature in getting things done.

 Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the initiative and wisdom shown by VPTA President Josh Bailey through this change in leadership in the Education Committee. Since leaders often reproduce themselves in an organization, with Skye Donovan and Charlene Jensen at the helm of the Education Committee, I look forward to the good years and the better years that lie ahead for us. Please join me in thanking and supporting our leadership with your intentional and purposeful engagement.

 Thank you for the privilege of serving.

 Mona Fazzina, PT, DPT

Education Chair, Virginia Physical Therapy Association

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS)

Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA)

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