Amanda Heilman, MHS, PTA, is the Program Director and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Western Iowa Tech Community College(WITCC), where she leads program development, clinical education, and student success initiatives. She earned her AAS as a PTA from WITCC and her Master of Health Science in Health Science Education from Washburn University.

Her clinical background is in rural private practice, where she practiced as a PTA and served as a Site Coordinator of Clinical Education and Clinical Instructor, mentoring students and advancing collaborative, team-based patient care. She led health promotion programming and new hire training for PTs and PTAs.

Amanda began her academic career serving as an adjunct instructor. She enjoys working with students to strengthen clinical readiness skills, drive innovative curriculum design, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with other health care programs in the area. She is especially passionate about advocacy, team-based care, and reducing health disparities by preparing PTAs to play a vital role in delivering high-quality healthcare in rural communities.

She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), currently serving as Membership Secretary for the PTA Education Special Interest Group (PTAE SIG) within the APTA Academy of Education, and contributes to community health through her work with a local fall prevention coalition. 

Laura is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated from Carrington College in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a concentration in Sports Medicine, from California Baptist University in 2012.

Laura currently practices in outpatient settings with Dignity Health Physical Therapy in Southern Nevada. In addition to treating the outpatient population, she has expanded her clinical expertise to include care for patients with lymphedema. Her experience also includes time in an acute rehabilitation setting, as well as serving in leadership roles such as new hire training and supporting daily clinical operations. In addition to her clinical work, Laura is the co-host of The PT Assistants Podcast, a platform dedicated to Physical Therapist Assistants. Through the podcast, she shares insights, experiences, and knowledge gained throughout her career, with the goal of supporting and giving back to the PTA community.

Laura is passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered care and is proud to be part of the team at Dignity Health Physical Therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being near or in the water, and visiting her home away from home, Disneyland.

Dr. Archana Vatwani, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA, CLWT, PMP, CEEAA, is the Academic Program Director and Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Temple University, her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Holy Family University, and her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College. With nearly two decades of clinical and academic experience at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Nova Southeastern University, and Old Dominion University, Dr. Vatwani’s work centers on cultural humility, interprofessional education, leadership, operational processes, project management, and physical therapy practice in acute care and cardiovascular and pulmonary specialties. She is a Certified Lymphedema and Wound Care Therapist, Project Management Professional, and Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults. Her honors include the 2022 Healthcare Diversity Leader Award from the National Diversity Council and the 2022 Minority Faculty Development Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. She currently serves as Chair of the APTA Acute Care Education Committee and on the Nominating Committee for the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation’s Global Health Special Interest Group.