Virtual Lunch & Learn Mentorship
One of the most powerful ways leadership develops is through conversation, connection, and learning from those who have been there before.
To support that theme, APTA Private Practice is hosting a Virtual Lunch & Learn Mentorship Session—a unique opportunity for members to connect directly with experienced private practice leaders through short, one-on-one conversations.
Inspired by the strong response to our mentoring activities at the 2026 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, we’re bringing this format online to make these connections more accessible for members across the country.
Event Overview
The Virtual Lunch & Learn Mentorship Session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, from 1:00–3:00 PM ET and will take place on Zoom.
During this two-hour window, members can sign up for one 25-minute one-on-one conversation with a mentor or be matched with a mentor based on availability. After registering, participants will receive a Zoom confirmation email with a link to select their preferred mentor and available time slot.
Each conversation will take place in a private Zoom breakout room, allowing participants to ask questions, talk through challenges, and gain insight from leaders with firsthand private practice experience.
This format is intentionally designed to be flexible. Members only need to attend their assigned 25-minute session, making it easy to participate during a busy day!
How to Join the Conversation:
Participating is simple:
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Register for the event via Zoom click here
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After registering, you’ll receive a Zoom confirmation email that includes a link to a SignUpGenius form, where you can select your preferred mentor and available 25-minute time slot.
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If you prefer, you may opt to be matched with a mentor, and we will assign one for you based on availability.
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Join the Zoom session during the event window. When your scheduled time arrives, you’ll be placed into a private breakout room with your mentor for a focused one-on-one conversation.
If you need your Zoom confirmation email resent, please contact info@ppsapta.org and our team will be happy to assist.
What to Expect:
Participants can expect:
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A one-on-one conversation with an experienced private practice mentor.
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A focused 25-minute discussion.
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The opportunity to ask questions, share challenges, or seek guidance.
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A supportive, informal environment designed for open conversation.
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A flexible format that fits into a busy workday.
Meet the Mentors!
Take a moment to review the mentor profiles below to learn more about their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and experience in private practice. This will help you decide who you’d most like to connect with during your one-on-one session.
Additional mentors may be added, so we encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
To schedule time with a mentor, you must first register for the event via Zoom. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to SignUpGenius, where you can select your preferred mentor and available 25-minute time slot.
If you don’t have a specific mentor in mind, you can choose the “Match Me with a Mentor” option, and we’ll pair you based on availability.
Each mentor brings a unique perspective, but all are here to offer practical insight and real-world experience to support you in your professional journey.
Brent Bednar, PT, MPT, OCS

Brent Bednar, PT, MPT, OCS
CEO, Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Brent Bednar is the CEO of Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he leads a private practice with12 locations. A graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Brent has a passion for leadership development, organizational growth, and advancing private practice physical therapy.
He is particularly driven by creating an employee centered experience—developing strong leaders, fostering meaningful professional growth, and building systems that strengthen both people and business performance. Brent believes that investing in culture and leadership is the foundation for exceptional patient care and long-term success.
Brent currently serves on the APTA Private Practice Impact Board and is actively involved in the PPS Peer2Peer program.
Sterling L. Carter, PT, DPT

Sterling L. Carter, PT, DPT
President & CEO, Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness
Note: Sterling will be available during the second hour only (2:00–3:00 PM ET).
Dr. Sterling L. Carter has always believed that healing is both a science and a calling. Long before he founded Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness, he was serving his country as a U.S. Army Officer—leading soldiers, caring for military families, and learning the true meaning of service. Over the course of his military career, he served in three wartime operations and retired honorably in 2018 at the rank of Major. The discipline, compassion, and leadership he gained in uniform now shape the way he serves every patient.
After earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Dr. Carter set out with a mission: build a clinic where people feel seen, supported, and genuinely cared for. What began as a single location has grown into a best-in-class healthcare organization trusted by thousands. His hands-on approach and the patented Sterling Treatment Method have helped countless patients move without pain, regain confidence, and return to the life they love.
Dr. Carter is also a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Professional, blending his clinical expertise with his love of the game to help golfers prevent injury, improve mechanics, and perform at their highest level.
Beyond his clinical work, he is a best-selling author, mentor, entrepreneur, and proud veteran—but his greatest pride comes from the impact Sterling PT & Wellness has on the community he serves.
Tom DiAngelis, PT, DPT

Tom DiAngelis, PT, DPT
CEO, DiAngelis Consulting
Tom is a seasoned physical therapist who began his career in private practice in 1988. He has owned and operated successful practices in Ohio and Washington. In 2018, he partnered his Washington practice with a larger Seattle-based group, which later affiliated with a national organization. He continued in operations and administration roles with them until retiring in June 2025.
Today, Tom runs a consulting company dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized private practices with operational and strategic guidance.
A dedicated leader in the profession, Tom has served on numerous state and national task forces and committees. He spent nine years on the APTA Private Practice Section Board of Directors, including roles as Director, Vice President, and 6 years as President. In 2017, he received the APTA Private Practice Section’s prestigious Robert G. Dicus Award for his leadership and outstanding contributions.
Currently, Tom chairs the State Payment Advocacy Resource Consortium (SPARC), a collaborative initiative between APTA, APTA Private Practice, and APTA Orthopedics. SPARC develops resources and strategies to strengthen payer advocacy efforts at the state level.
Cristina Faucheux, PT

Cristina Faucheux, PT
Co-owner, Moreau Physical Therapy
Note: Cristina will be available during the second hour only (2:00–3:00 PM ET).
Cristina Faucheux, PT, is Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Moreau Physical Therapy, a private practice with 25 outpatient locations across Louisiana and Texas. When she began with the company, Moreau Physical Therapy operated just two clinics, and she has since played a key role in its growth, operational development, and expansion of service lines.
Moreau Physical Therapy provides comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services including physical, occupational, speech, pediatric, and aquatic therapy, as well as certified hand therapy and chiropractic care. In addition to its outpatient facilities, the company also provides management services to hospitals.
In addition to her work in physical therapy, Cristina owns two full-service fitness facilities, reflecting her commitment to health, wellness, and performance across the continuum of care.
Cristina is actively involved in advocacy at both the state and national levels. She serves as Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee for the APTA Private Practice Section, as well as Federal Affairs Liaison and Governmental Affairs Chair for Louisiana. She was appointed by the Governor to the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council and also serves as an Advisory Committee Member for the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
Todd Gifford, PT

Todd Gifford, PT
Todd Gifford retired as the CEO of Therapeutic Associates, PC (TAI) at the end of 2025 and now is the Board Chair for Hychara Health. Todd started his career at TAI as a staff therapist and worked in several different administrative capacities before becoming the company's CEO in 2017. Todd's 35-year journey at TAI is a testament to the opportunities available in the field of physical therapy and the potential for growth and advancement within the industry. With Hychara Health, Todd continues to be involved in helping PTs thrive in practice both clinically and operationally.
Mike Horsfield, PT, MBA

Mike Horsfield, PT, MBA
CEO, Rock Valley Physical Therapy
Mike Horsfield is President and CEO of Rock Valley Physical Therapy, a Private Practice with 60+ locations in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. Mike received his MPT and his MBA from the University of Iowa. He is an adjunct faculty member in the DPT Programs at St. Ambrose University and the University of Iowa. Mike has served on numerous APTA Private Practice committees, co-founded Peer2Peer Networks, started the KPI Benchmarking Initiative, been a Director on the APTA Private Practice Board, and is currently serving as the APTA Private Practice President.
Kendell Jno-Finn, PT, DPT

Kendell Jno-Finn, PT, DPT
Founder, M3 Endeavors
Kendell was born in Dominica, West Indies and came to Birmingham from St. Croix in 1999 to attend Samford University. While at Samford, Kendell was a member of the Track and Field Team and earned a Bachelor’s in Education with a concentration in Exercise Science. He then attended The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007.
Kendell founded M3 Endeavors in 2015, a performance venture, and in 2018, expanded the company to include physical therapy and services. M3 Performance and Physical Therapy now operates across a few platforms in the Birmingham area.
In the clinic, his specialties include injury prevention, Pilates, sports performance, post-operative rehabilitation, neurological dysfunctions, and manual strategies to improve movement dysfunctions. Kendell has a passion for evaluating movement in those who desire to live active lives and developing programs to improve their skill and performance. When not in the clinic, you can find him on the golf course or developing new recipes in the kitchen.
Kendell’s community involvement has included mentoring students at Cornerstone School of Alabama and working with the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO), APTA Alabama, a Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and APTA Private Practice, Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, Samford University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Department of Physical Therapy) and Learning Excellence Through Tennis (LETT).
Karen Litzy, PT, DPT

Karen Litzy, PT, DPT,
Founder, Karen Litzy Physical Therapy
Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist, renowned international speaker, and the founder of Karen Litzy Physical Therapy. She also hosts the widely acclaimed podcast "Healthy Wealthy & Smart" and is the co-creator of the Women in Physical Therapy Summit.
With a global reach, Dr. Litzy has guided a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 CEOs, celebrities, and royalty, through their recovery from surgery and debilitating conditions. Her expertise is not confined to clinical practice; she is a highly sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious events such as the International Olympic Committee Injury Prevention Conference in Monaco, the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting (APTA CSM), the Sri Lanka Sports and Exercise Medicine Conference, and the SportSuisse Conference in Switzerland.
“As a leader, Karen has been an inspiration to many in the profession. She has worked to promote excellence in the field and to empower other physical therapists to achieve their full potential.” - Jenna Kantor PT, DPT
Dr. Litzy has been an active member of APTA Private Practice, serving on several committees, including chairing the Marketing and PR Committee. In her role as Chair, Karen has provided valuable insights and strategic guidance that have helped the committee achieve its goals, particularly in expanding educational opportunities for the organization's members. She has been a strong advocate for the profession, working to promote the benefits of physical therapy and ensuring that the voice of physical therapists is heard.
“Dr. Litzy has demonstrated a humbleness and professionalism we should all strive to attain. She has an “other” focus – she wants to see her colleagues succeed and reach their potential. She has been a mentor and proven to be a trusted advisor to many. Dr. Litzy has spent much of her career with her colleagues – her selflessness is admirable.” - Jeff Hathaway PT, DPT
Dr. Litzy speaks on a wide range of topics, including her personal journey with chronic pain, the neuroscience of pain, the strategic use of social media in healthcare, and advancements in healthcare technology. Her insights have been featured in notable publications such as Time Magazine, Prevention, The Washington Post, and The New York Times Wirecutter. She also serves on the Medical Review Board for Prevention Magazine. In 2025, her contributions were recognized with the Robert G. Dicus Award for exceptional service to APTA Private Practice.
Residing in the vibrant city of New York, Dr. Karen Litzy is a trailblazer in physical therapy, exemplifying innovation and compassion in global healthcare education and patient care.
Angela Wilson Pennisi, PT, DPT

Angela Wilson Pennisi, PT, DPT
President and Chief Executive, PhysioPartners
Angela Wilson Pennisi, PT, DPT, MS, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, founded PhysioPartners in 2000 and served as President and Chief Executive for over two decades.
Under her leadership, PhysioPartners established a reputation for deliving expert physical therapist and occupational therapist care across its Lakeview, Loop and Glenview locations. A case report of her clinical work has been published by Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice.
Dr. Pennisi's dedication to the profession extended beyond PhysioPartners. She served on several professional boards, including as Vice President of the APTA Private Practice and Secretary of the International Private Physiotherapy Association. In 2022, her contributions were recognized with the Robert G. Dicus Award for exceptional service to APTA Private Practice. She has represented APTA to a committee of the American Medical Association and served as a key contact to advance patient access to physical therapist care legislatively.
Craig Phifer PT, MHA

Craig Phifer PT, MHA
President, CEO, Teaching Faculty, Rehabilitation & Performance Institute, PSC
Craig Phifer is the CEO of a 14-location physical therapy organization dedicated to building healthier, happier communities. He is passionate about developing people and leaders, believing that meaningful growth, both personal and professional, is the foundation for lasting impact. Craig focuses on creating systems, culture, and partnerships that expand access to high-quality care while empowering teams to perform at a high level with purpose and fulfillment.
David Qualls, PT

David Qualls, PT
Bio coming soon!
Keaton Ray, PT, DPT

Keaton Ray, PT, DPT
Co-Founder & COO, MovementX
Keaton Ray is the Co-Founder and COO of MovementX and Co-Founder and CEO of Equipt, two companies redefining the profession of physical therapy. Since 2016, she and her team have led MovementX to become the nation’s premier out-of-network practice, empowering nearly 100 clinicians across 15 states to work outside of restrictive insurance contracts. In 2025, she launched a second entity, Equipt, to address the systemic lack of neuromusculoskeletal health in correctional facilities. Equipt has since grown by 725% in less than a year, creating a scalable model for social impact in underserved environments.
Keaton is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) who transitioned into systems-level leadership to better the profession from the inside out. Outside of the C-suite, Keaton resides in Portland, OR, is an avid weightlifter, plant enthusiast, and actor. She lives with her husband, their 3 year old daughter, and their corgi.
Kelly Sanders, PT, DPT

Kelly Sanders, PT, DPT
President, Movement for Life
Kelly serves as the President of Movement for Life Physical Therapy, which is an employee-owned company that operates outpatient clinics in Arizona, California, North Carolina & Virginia as well as aa software platform, Everflex, that uses the power of the AOPT’s Clinical Practice Guidelines to support management of common musculoskeletal conditions. She started her career at a certified athletic trainer and entered PT school at the University of Southern California while also working for their outreach program as a high school athletic trainer. Since graduating from physical therapy school, Kelly has worked in orthopedic physical therapy with a special interest in geriatrics. She has been involved in her local community with organizations such as the Red Cross, the Noor Foundation which provides free physical therapy to local under and uninsured community members as well as CASA, an organization that assists abused and neglected children. Kelly has also had the opportunity to be active in the APTA Private Practice Section including serving on the Impact Editorial Board as well as the payment policy, value based care, telehealth and COVID-19 task forces and committees. Most recently, she is serving as a Director on the APTA Private Practice Section's Board of Directors.
Chad Tenney, PT, MPT

Chad Tenney, PT, MPT
Founder & Owners, Utah Physical Therapy, Inc
Although currently he is a physical therapist for international Olympic Teams, Chad launched a successful career as a Physical Therapist after obtaining his BS degree in Exercise Science from BYU (1998) along with his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine (2000). With a solid foundation in manual therapy he continued improving his skills where he now practices as a PT Board Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). Adding to this, he is one of the few local ASTYM® Certified Therapists and is also fully certified in Functional Dry Needling. With over 26 years of clinical experience, continued training, certification and research, he offers excellence in providing not only the skill but the art of physical therapy with his hands-on approach. He works hard to make a difference in other’s lives not only physically, but also by offering hope to those who have lived with chronic pain, sport, or other injuries.
Chad and his wife Sarah (RN) are founders, owners, and operators of Utah Physical Therapy, Inc. (2012) with the dream to provide care under the philosophy of “treating patients as though they were their mother.” This careful and individualized attention to people, and their recovery has proven successful for many patients over the years.
When not in the clinic or operating Utah Performance Institute, LLC you’ll find him treating athletes at Utah Special Olympics, and on the slopes with the Australian Winter Olympic Team or the Chinese Ariel Olympic Teams, Under Chad’s direction, Utah Physical Therapy, Inc. was a provider at the Beijing Winter 2022 Olympics. He also travels the world training healthcare providers with LDS Charities with their humanitarian wheelchair missions. He also enjoys developing the PT Profession as a Clinical Instructor with several Universities and Colleges for PT and PTA students.
In his spare time, Chad enjoys spending time with his family camping, hiking, barbecuing, and traveling. Chad and Sarah enjoy being parents of their five children and love supporting their sport, music, art and scholastic ambitions, and their religious missions.
Julie Wingen, PT, DPT

Julie Wingen, PT, DPT
Founder & Owners, Pain & Movement Solutions
Dr. Julie opened Pain & Movement Solutions in 2012 with the mission to change lives with movement and to serve as your community's first choice healthcare provider for any pain or movement problem.
Julie graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Biology and from the University of South Dakota’s Graduate Physical Therapy program with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. She has focused her career in general outpatient orthopedics and most enjoys treating spine disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, and prenatal and post partum issues, and is certified in advanced Functional Dry Needling. Her passion lies in working alongside the best therapists in the area, driven by an unparalleled commitment to improving community wellness and exceeding patient expectations with every encounter. She strives to elevate the standard of healthcare with the mission to make exceptional care the norm, not the exception.
Dr. Julie was chosen 2024 South Dakota Woman Owned Small Business of the Year and 2019 South Dakota PT of the Year for her contributions to the healthcare industry.
Julie is a Class of 2020 Peer2Peer graduate and currently serves on the APTA Private Practice Peer2Peer Program Workgroup.
Rob Worth, PT, DPT

Rob Worth, PT, DPT
President/CEO, Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Dr. Worth graduated from the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse, double majoring in physical therapy and psychology, received his Master’s in orthopedic PT from the University of St. Augustine and his DPT from Massachusetts General Institute of Health Professions. He has been in private practice since establishing Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in 1998, with 27 clinics in northeast/central Wisconsin, 5 on-site clinics at YMCA’s and providing on-site care for 40+ companies and municipalities. Rob has presented at the APTA Innovation Summit and his practice was selected as the 2013 Private Practice of the Year by the APTA Private Practice Section. In addition to his private practice, teaching at two universities and an orthopedic residency program, and leading international medical missionary work, he is an active member of the APTA and currently serves as a Director on the APTA Private Practice Section Board of Directors. Dr. Worth has received the APTA Wisconsin Outstanding Service Award and IndUS International Award for cross-cultural contributions in healthcare.