Arkansas Physical Therapy Association

Come to oPTimze to hear from keynote speaker Jana Iverson both Saturday and Sunday.

Jana M. Iverson, Ph.D. is Christopher A. Moore Professor of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Professor of Physical Therapy, and Associate Dean for Research at Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University. Her research, funded by NICHD, NIDCD, and Autism Speaks, focuses primarily on the interface between the development of early motor skills and the emergence of communication and language in neurotypical infancy and in infants with or at risk for neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Iverson has published a co-edited book and more than 120 articles and book chapters. She is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Child Language and Language Learning and Development and is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science.

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Here’s another highlight for a keynote speaker this year at oPTimize…

Dr. B.J. Lehecka, DPT, PhD, is a tenured Full Professor of Physical Therapy at Wichita State University. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a PhD in orthopedic and sports science. His teaching and research focus on gluteal function, low back pain, joint mobilization, and exercise adherence. Professor Lehecka has received the APTA's Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching, the KPTA's Award in Academic Excellence, and KSU's Distinguished Clinician Award, among others.

Come learn from Dr. Leheka this September! Early bird rates still apply… get registered!

Chief Delegate Bill Bandy along with delegates Jim Farris and Austin Miller represented APTA Arkansas at the APTA House of Delegates in Portland recently.

These elected delegates along with other delegates from across the country speak and act on behalf of the membership and meet annually at the HOD. The house also establishes association policies and positions for the profession, creates and amends bylaws and standing rules, and recommends future action on behalf of the profession.

Thanks to our delegation for representing our state in these important matters!

Deadline Approaching!

There’s still (barely) time to submit your abstract for the 2026 APTA Arkansas oPTimize Conference & Exhibition!

📅 Conference: September 19–20, 2026
📍 Robinson Center | Little Rock, Arkansas

⏰ Abstract Submission Deadline: July 15 (Wednesday)

Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or student, we encourage you to share your work and contribute to advancing the physical therapy profession.

We are accepting submissions in three categories:

🔹 Case Reports
🔹 Research Reports
🔹 Special Interest Reports

📄 Ready to submit?
Visit the Abstract Submission Link for complete submission guidelines, deadlines, and presentation details.

❓ Questions?
Contact Melissa Allen at mrallenuca_edu

It is with heavy hearts that we share the obituary of Dr. Jack Thomas, former physical therapist and professor at UCA.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thomas family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dr. Jack Thomas Memorial Scholarship: MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425.

Kenneth Jackson Thomas Obituary Jul 3, 2026 - McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation View Kenneth Jackson Thomas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Yesterday officially marked the first day that adults with Medicaid insurance in Arkansas can be treated at PT clinics not directly attached to a hospital system.

This change in policy will allow patients the opportunity to now receive care closer to home which means easier/faster access to PT services and improved outcomes.

We wanted to give a special shout out to a few APTA AR members who have been working behind the scenes to get this new ruling established and in place over the past few years.

Big thank you to APTA AR Payment Chair Gabe Freyaldenhoven, State Affairs Chair Seth Coulter, and member Bo Renshaw for their countless volunteer hours to improve access for Arkansans with adult Medicaid.

Dr. Whitney received her PhD in motor development/motor learning from the University of Pittsburgh and her professional physical therapy education from Temple University. She is a professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy and Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Whitney is supported by the Department of Defense to develop technology for persons with vestibular disorders and mild brain injury. She has authored or coauthored 225 articles on Medline, received the APTA John Maley Award, and was awarded the Hallpike-Nylen award, which recognizes outstanding clinical research achievement in vestibular medicine by the Barany Society.

We’re excited to host a true leader and expert in vestibular therapy this year at oPTimize. Get signed up to learn from one of the best!

Get to know an oPTimize speaker!

Dr. Hoogenboom is a former Professor and Associate Chair in the Physical Therapy Program at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. She retired from this role in 2025. Barb holds a Bachelor Degree from Calvin College (1983), a Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University (1997), and an EdD from Eastern Michigan University (2006). She has been in practice since 1985 and continues to see patients through the GVSU pro-bono community clinics and also treats community athletes in a consultant role.

Dr. Hoogenboom was certified three times as a Sports Certified Specialist by the ABPTS and achieved Emeritus status in 2023. She is also a retired Athletic Trainer. She has contributed to the literature by numerous original research/case reports/commentaries, home study courses, textbook chapters, and as co-editor of a textbook. She has performed research and presented widely on topics related to the female/male athlete triad/RED-S, sports nutrition, the female athlete across the age span, core strengthening, aquatic therapy, functional performance and testing, surface electromyography, and 2-D and 3-D motion analysis.

She currently has been the Editor-In-Chief of The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy since 2019. She been a member of the SPTS/AASPT since 1985, the AOSSM since 1990, and the ICCUS Society since 2006.

Get registered today to take advantage of learning from Dr. Hoogenboom and other incredible speakers at oPTimize 2026!

Help us recognize the individuals who are making a lasting impact on the physical therapy profession in Arkansas.

APTA Arkansas is now accepting nominations for our 2026 Chapter Awards, honoring outstanding PTs, PTAs, students, clinical instructors, advocates, and others who have gone above and beyond in service to our profession and patients.

Know someone deserving? We'd love to hear about them.

🗓️ Nomination deadline: July 1, 2026

🔗 Reach out to [email protected] nomination links.

Abstract submissions are still open for the 2026 APTA Arkansas OPTImize Conference & Exhibition.

Clinicians, educators, and students are invited to submit scholarly poster or platform presentations that help advance the physical therapy profession.

Submission categories include case reports, research reports, and special interest reports. This year will also include poster presentations.

Submission deadline: July 15
Presentation date: September 19
Conference: September 19–20 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock, AR

Submit using the abstract submission link in the comments. Questions can be directed to [email protected].