The APTA Colorado is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and others who contribute to our profession, our professionals and our patients. These awards are an integral part of the celebration of our profession that occurs each year at the APTA CO annual conference.
Physical Therapist of the Year:
APTA Colorado Chapter member who is a licensed physical therapist and has demonstrated excellence in the area of practice (clinical, administration, research, education). The honoree should have made significant contributions to the profession, the community, and the chapter.
2025 Recipient: Dr. James R. Spencer, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year:
APTA Colorado Chapter member who is a licensed physical therapist assistant and has demonstrated excellence in the area of practice (clinical, administration, research, education). The honoree should have made significant contributions to the profession, the community, and the chapter.
2025 Recipient: Monica Sloan Black, PTA
Bob Doctor Outstanding Service Award:
In recognition of outstanding service to the APTA Colorado. Recipient is not required to be an APTA Colorado member or licensed member of the profession.
2025 Recipients
- Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC
- Dr. Mark Reinking, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA
- Emily Aronow, PT, DPT, TPS
- Charlene Challenger-Smith PT, SCS, ATC
- Eliza Schultz, Elisabeth Rosen & Alan Morse
Pauline Cerasoli Academic and Clinical Excellence (ACE) Award for DPT Students:
2025 Recipient: Sarah McSherry, SPT
Recognize an Outstanding Doctor of Physical Therapy Student, currently enrolled or graduated in the past six months in Colorado. Student demonstrates academic and clinical excellence, community and professional involvement and the potential to contribute to the PT profession.
Pauline Cerasoli Academic and Clinical Excellence (ACE) Award for PTA Students:
2025 Recipient: Natasha Drehsen, SPTA
Recognize an Outstanding Physical Therapy Assistant Student, currently enrolled or graduated in the past six months in Colorado. Student demonstrates academic and clinical excellence, community and professional involvement and the potential to contribute to the PT profession.
Clinical Educator of the Year:
2025 Recipient: Suzie Sliski, MSPT, CMPT, UE-CLT
Recognize physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who provide consistent, quality mentorship to students over a several-year period from both Colorado Physical Therapy programs or 2 or more Physical Therapy Assistant Programs.
JEDI Award:
2025 Recipient: None