In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re recognizing five dedicated members whose time, passion, and leadership continue to shape the future of orthopaedic physical therapy. From education and research to mentorship and inclusion, these volunteers bring their clinical insight and professional passion beyond the clinic to elevate the entire field.

Brian Eckenrode, PT, DPT, PhD

CSM Workgroup Chair
APTA Orthopaedic Education Committee

Brian serves as the Section Program Chair for Orthopaedics, leading the CSM Work Group of the APTA Orthopaedic Education Committee. With six years of service on the committee, Brian is a dedicated educator and connector.

“Hi, my name is Brian Eckenrode. I am a physical therapist and I'm on faculty at Arcadia University just outside of Philadelphia—Go Birds! I am the Section Program Chair for Orthopaedics, which means I'm the chair of the CSM Work Group of the Education Committee of APTA Orthopaedics. This is my sixth year total as a member of the Education Committee.”

“I got involved with volunteering with APTA Orthopaedic partially for the ability to network. I’ve met a lot of great people throughout the APTA Orthopaedic community, as well as been able to connect beyond our walls because I go to all the APTA CSM planning sessions. So I’ve networked with colleagues across the entire APTA community.”

“It’s also been a great opportunity to learn the process for submitting proposals and getting things accepted for CSM. Since I had some experience with submissions in the past, it’s been helpful to see how things work from the inside. Overall, it’s been a worthwhile opportunity to get engaged, meet a lot of people, and certainly boost that professional network.”

Rosalinda (Rosie) C. Canizares, PT, DPT

Awards Committee Member

Rosie brings her passion for mentorship, the performing arts, and DEI into every aspect of her volunteer work, from the Awards Committee to serving on the inaugural DEI Committee.

“I have really enjoyed volunteering for APTA Orthopaedic as it has allowed me to collaborate and network with so many great colleagues around the country, especially those who share similar passions to me, including performing arts, mentorship, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

“These connections have led to growth for both me personally as well as the performing arts physical therapy subspecialty. I hope that I’ve been able to make an impact on the students whom I’ve mentored, as I have also learned from them.”

“Additionally, it’s been great to play a part in recognizing the accomplishments of our members through my service on the Awards Committee—attending the ceremony is so inspiring and has been a great chance to meet the legends of our profession. I look forward to continuing that service and being on the first DEI Committee as we aim to improve belongingness of our current and future membership.”

Ben Braxley, PT, DPT

APTA Orthopaedic Podcast
Leadership Team

Ben is the President of APTA Georgia and a versatile volunteer who currently serves on the leadership team for APTA Orthopaedic’s podcast—bridging orthopaedic and neurologic PT.

“Hello, my name is Ben Braxley. I am an APTA Orthopaedic member and a longtime volunteer throughout APTA. Currently I lead APTA Georgia as Chapter President, but I’ve served in a wide variety of capacities—from district and task force work in California to serving nationally on APTA’s Nominating Committee.”

“Choosing how you spend your time as a volunteer can be challenging, especially when we all strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance. But I want to share why I still commit time to APTA Orthopaedic.”

“APT Ortho has an awesome platform and outreach, and you do not need to be an expert to be welcomed into the fold. Whether you’re engaging with the educational offerings or participating in SIG work, there are consistently great and passionate people involved.”

“For me, that means being part of the leadership team for Orthostatic, the Academy’s podcast. Even though I’m a self-evolved neuro nerd with an NCS, not an OCS, the Academy still invited me in and helped me find my voice in exploring the intersections between orthopaedic and neurologic PT.”

“That’s just one example—but it speaks volumes to the inclusivity and collegiality you’ll find when you serve with APTA Orthopaedic. The leaders, staff, and volunteers all come together, do interesting work, and make it fun.”

Samannaaz S. Khoja, PT, PhD

Small Grants Workgroup Chair

As Chair of the Small Grants Workgroup on the APTA Orthopaedic Research Committee, Samannaaz helps support and shape research that moves the profession forward.

“I volunteer as a member of the APTA Orthopaedic Research Committee, where I serve as Chair of the Small Grants Workgroup. In this role, along with the support of our workgroup members, I manage both pre-award and post-award activities related to the administration of the grant program, helping support innovative research in orthopaedic physical therapy.”

“Volunteering in this capacity has provided me with a deeper understanding of the funder’s perspective and also given me an appreciation of the extensive planning involved in supporting research. It has opened up valuable networking opportunities with fellow volunteers from different PT institutions around the country and with leaders within the APTA Orthopaedic Section, while giving me greater insight into the impactful work the Academy does on behalf of its members.”

Emmanuel Yung, PT, DPT, PhD

Nominating Committee Member

Emmanuel Yung, PT, DPT, OCS, has been volunteering with APTA Orthopaedic for over 15 years, serving in roles from CSM abstract reviewer to the Nominating Committee. His journey is rooted in purpose and inspired by connection.

“I was initially inspired to volunteer by the example of then Orthopaedic Section’s Membership Chair—Scott Adam Smith, PT, OCS, APTA Mary McMillan Awardee. Little did I know that I found my second home, where my heart for our beloved profession belongs, because of the welcoming spirit of the APTA Orthopaedic Board of Directors’ visionary leadership, esteemed colleagues like Dr. Tess Vaughn, Dr. Nancy Bloom, Dr. Eric Folkins, Dr. Brian Eckenrode, Dr. John Heick, and the fantastic staff who keep it fun and exciting all these years—Tara Fredrickson, Terri DeFlorian, Sharon Klinski, JoAnn Schultz, and Amber Floryance.”

“For over 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering in various capacities—from abstract and JOSPT manuscript reviewer to Vice Chair of the Education Committee and now the Nominating Committee. It’s easy, I promise—you’ll have fun. So come join us!”

A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for your unwavering commitment, passion, and the positive impact you make within APTA Orthopaedic and beyond.

Feeling inspired? Get Involved with APTA Orthopaedic.