Effective PT–PTA collaboration in the acute care setting requires clear role delineation, strong communication, and shared clinical reasoning to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care. This includes understanding patient appropriateness, integrating chart review and pathophysiology into decision-making, and adapting plans of care based on clinical status, goals, and setting differences. Success is supported by ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration, appropriate equipment use, application of evidence-based practice, and use of clinical pearls and case-based learning to navigate common challenges.

Speaker Bios

Katryna Holifield-Helm is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who works at UCHealth Memorial Central in Colorado Springs. Katryna’s education includes a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science from UCCS and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Pikes Peak State College. Katryna’s experience at a high acuity hospital setting has equipped her with the skills needed to support complex recovery journeys while providing compassionate, hands-on care focusing on optimal patient outcomes. Her areas of interest include SCI recovery, amputee education, and orthopedic injuries. Outside of work, Katryna enjoys reading, weight training, playing pickleball, and spending time with her black lab Sonar.

Stephanie Deines, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in acute care and emergency department practice, where she works with medically complex, high acuity patients. Stephanie has a diverse clinical background, including prior experience in outpatient orthopedics, along with advanced training in dry needling and vestibular rehabilitation. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Tennessee State University, and has been a dedicated leader in clinical education, previously serving as a Site Coordinator of Clinical Education and mentoring numerous students as a clinical instructor. Stephanie has developed a strong passion for interdisciplinary collaboration, patient advocacy, and optimizing team-based care under fast-paced conditions. Her experience navigating complex patient needs has shaped her perspective on the essential partnership between PT’s and PTA’s, with the goal of driving better patient outcomes, improving efficiency, and aiding in continuity of care. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking with her dog Bentley, reading, crocheting, and playing pickleball with friends.

Register Today!