What does it take to go from saying “I’m just a PTA” to being a respected leader, educator, and advocate in the PT space?

In this episode, we talk with Jessica, a physical therapist assistant, Army veteran, educator, and RTM trailblazer who’s rewriting the script on what it means to be a PTA. She shares her powerful journey through massage therapy, military service, clinical care, and into education and leadership — including a game-changing moment when she was told, “We want YOU” by the APTA.

Whether you're a PTA, DPT, student, or clinic owner, Jessica’s story will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start showing up where you belong.

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Sutton, a nationally recognized PTA leader, podcast host, and educator who’s reshaping how PTAs see their value, their role, and their future. Katie is the host of the PTA+ Podcast, a platform designed to elevate the voice of Physical Therapist Assistants and help them grow personally and professionally.

We talk about:

• How PTAs can grow beyond the clinic
• The inspiration behind launching PTA+
• Katie’s journey from clinician to clinical educator and thought leader
• Why representation matters at every level — including the APTA House of Delegates
• The skills PTAs need right now to thrive in skilled nursing, outpatient, and leadership roles

If you're a PTA, student, or educator, this one’s for you.

Guest: Leah Voorhies

Katie Sutton and Jimmy McKay dive into the major shakeups coming in rehab therapy:

- The PT/PTA/OTA workforce shortage and why high schoolers are choosing other paths

- The power of *unpacking* a career before diving in

- 5–10% innovation boosts that actually stick—no panaceas

- Why PTAs and digital tools are set to shoulder more care (and business!) load

- The importance of leaning into *unsafe* zones first — “luck favors the bold”

Tune in from DC as we head to the summit—expect insights, surprises, and actionable predictions!

In this empowering episode of the PTA Plus Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Sanaz Holcomb, a Physical Therapist Assistant from Ohio who has navigated a powerful leadership journey—from local meetings to influential positions within state and national physical therapy organizations.

If you’re a PTA, student, or clinician thinking, “Is leadership for me?”, this is your episode.

You’ll learn:

• How to get started in PT and PTA governance roles
• What it’s really like to run (or be appointed) to positions at the state and national level
• The surprising way Sanaz got involved—and why saying YES can change your career
• What positions are available to PTAs and how to find them
• Why representation and visibility for PTAs in leadership really matters

Sanaz also shares her unique personal story, including how Taekwondo (yes, she’s a second-degree black belt

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, host Katie Sutton sits down with Briana Drapp, DPT, PTA — founder of PTA Elevation, a study platform that has helped nearly 2,000 PTA students pass the NPTE. Briana opens up about her personal journey from PTA to DPT, the real costs and tradeoffs of PT school, and what most students get wrong when prepping for boards.

If you’re considering the next step in your career — or wondering whether PT school is worth it — this episode is packed with honest insights, tactical advice, and inspiration from someone who’s done it all.

In this honest and energizing conversation, John Cooper, a seasoned PTA and newly certified ASTYM practitioner, opens up about the regrets he’s overcome, the power of lifelong learning, and how he found new purpose through limb-loss rehabilitation.

Host Katie Sutton guides the conversation with transparency and encouragement as they unpack:

• CEU regrets and how to course-correct
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a healthcare provider
• Advocating for advanced training (like ASTYM)
• The importance of saying YES to opportunity (Space Jam quote included!)
• Getting started with specialty certifications like EIM’s orthopedic program
• The growing need for PTAs in prosthetics & phantom limb care

Whether you're a new grad or 10+ years in, this episode offers motivation, tactical advice, and the real-life perspective every PTA needs to hear.

In this episode, we dive into the PTA Council’s mission—to ensure every PTA voice is heard in APTA. Alyssa Thompson shares how her journey from professional dance to outpatient PTA, educator, and PTA Council chair has shaped her leadership. Discover how the Council links PTA chapters (states), specialty sections, and academies to APTA’s national advocacy, policy, and engagement efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Structure & History: The PTA Council, launched Jan 2024, includes reps from 50 state chapters + Washington, D.C., plus reps from 18 specialty sections/academies.
• Priorities: Moving beyond governance to engagement—connecting PTAs to advocacy, research, community, and professional development opportunities.
• Getting Involved: Open to PTAs at any career stage—reach out to local chapter or section reps, APTA’s memberengagement@apta.org, or follow PTA Council on social media.
• Real-World Impact: Examples from NC, Illinois, and advocacy wins like reversing BCBS differential in Iowa/South Dakota.
• Upcoming Events: Quarterly virtual meetings + annual in-person at House of Delegates, July 13–14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Steering Group meets July 11).

Resources & Links

• APTA Member Engagement: memberengagement@apta.org
• PT Moves Me program (ambassador outreach)
• PT Foundation grants & research opportunities
• Advocacy tools for contacting policymakers
• Celebrating Alyssa’s recent social media campaign: “PTAs Are More Than…”

Guest Profile in Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-thompson-b46429277/

Alyssa Thompson, PTA



• PTA Council Chair, American Physical Therapy Association
• Former PTA clinician (orthopedics, neuro, aquatic therapy), educator
• Contemporary dancer & instructor, Iowa dance company performer
• Passionate about mentorship, PT education, community outreach

What happens when a physical therapist assistant with decades of clinical experience gets sidelined by long COVID — and decides it’s time to rewrite her career?

In this inspiring episode, Gina Vitale shares how she transitioned from being a dedicated clinician, Pilates instructor, and home health provider into a thriving healthcare content writer — without going back to school, without a writing degree, and without losing the essence of what made her a great PTA.

Gina opens up about:

• Recovering from the brain fog and emotional toll of long COVID
• How home health care uniquely shaped her communication and observation skills
• The transferable skills from patient education that helped her succeed in writing
• Getting her first (underpaid) writing gig — and why it was still a win
• How LinkedIn became her most valuable professional tool
• Her advice to healthcare professionals who are burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck

If you're a healthcare provider thinking about your next step — or curious how others are reinventing themselves without leaving their identity behind — this is a must-listen.