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.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Larisa Hoffman, PT, PhD
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.
2026 Recipient: Nick Smith, PTA
Pauline Cerasoli Academic and Clinical Excellence (ACE) Award for DPT Students:
2026 Recipient: Ashlyn Castagna, 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:
2026 Recipient: None
Recognizes 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:
2026 Recipient: Hetal Mehta PT, DPT
Recognizes 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
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.
2026 Recipients:
- Alice Barnes, PT, DPT
- Emily Stone, PT, DPT
- Maegan Olivos, PT, DPT MPH
- Alan Martinez, SPT
Friend of Physical Therapy Award:
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the profession of PT or our patients. Recipient is not required to be an APTA Colorado member or licensed member of the profession.
2026 Recipients:
- Representative Brandi Bradley
- Representative Megan Lukens
- Senator Janice Marchman
- Jill Hawks, MS, CCC-SL
- Molly Hahn-Floyd, OTD, OTR/L