APTA-West Virginia Annual Conference
August 22-23, 2026
Charleston, WV
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Conference Schedule
The APTA-West Virginia Annual Conference is designed to be more than a series of presentations — it’s a space for professional connection, collaboration, and shared advancement. Through multiple educational tracks, attendees can select sessions aligned with their practice setting, clinical interests, and career stage — including dedicated opportunities for students and emerging professionals — and engage with colleagues to exchange ideas, share best practices, and help shape the future of physical therapy in West Virginia.
The weekend program offers up to 14 contact hours — meeting the full annual continuing education requirement established by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (WVBOPT). Attendees can fulfill their licensure requirement while gaining practical, evidence-based insights they can immediately apply in clinical practice.
Featuring Kevin E. Wilk, PT, DPT, FAPTA
- Student Job Fair – Connecting students and employers from across the state and creating meaningful recruitment and networking opportunities.
- Research Poster Presentations – Showcasing innovative projects and emerging evidence from students and clinicians.
- Research Platform Presentations – Highlighting select research through formal, oral presentations in a moderated setting.
- Behind-the-Scenes Session with the APTA-WV Board of Directors – An inside look at the leadership, advocacy efforts, and strategic direction shaping the future of the profession in West Virginia.
- Membership Pins & Awards Recognition – Honoring member milestones, achievements, and outstanding contributions to the profession, including the prestigious Nancy Tonkin Award.
- APTA-WV Political Action Committee (PAC) Fundraiser – Providing attendees an opportunity to support advocacy efforts that advance and protect the physical therapy profession in West Virginia.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
7 AM
Registration and Exhibit Area Open
8 AM – 12 PM
Rehabilitation of the Shoulder: Hot Topics & What’s New and Effective
Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT, FAPTA
12 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch
- Business & Membership Meeting
- President’s Address
- Membership Pins & Awards
- Research Platform Presentations
- Effects of Virtual Reality on Anxiety
Emilee Carey, SPT; Cassidy Conley, SPT; Erica Stevenson, SPT; Lindsay Simpson, PT, DPT, OCS; Yi-Po Chiu, PT, PhD - Enhancing DPT Readiness: Impact of an Acute Care Course
Lizbeth Hills, SPT; Kayleigh Collins, SPT; Holly Brehm, SPT; Gretchen Prather, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS; Ashley Walters, PT, DPT, ATC, PCS
- Effects of Virtual Reality on Anxiety
2 PM – 6 PM
Rehabilitation of the Shoulder: Hot Topics & What’s New and Effective
Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT, FAPTA
6 PM – 7:30 PM
Dinner on your own – Enjoy nearby restaurants and local favorites
7:30 PM
APTA-WV Political Action Committee Fundraiser
(Embassy Suites Lobby, Directly behind the exhibit area)
Sunday, August 23, 2026
7 AM
Registration and Exhibit Area Open
8 AM – 10 AM
Employment Law: Basics and Beyond – What Practice Owners, Supervisors, and Managers Need to Know
Julie A. Moore, JD
8 AM – 10 AM
Talk Dizzy to Me: Vestibular Rehabilitation Update & Review
Gretchen R. Prather, PT, DPT, EdD, ABPTS certified Neurological Clinical Specialist, Professor-Marshall University School of Physical Therapy
Tracy A. Rice, PT, MPH, EdD, ABPTS certified Neurological Clinical Specialist, Professor-West Virginia University Division of Physical Therapy
10 AM – 11 AM
Research Poster Presentations
11 AM – 12:30 PM
PT/PTA Student Programming ONLY
Job Fair
Interviewing/Job Benefits 101
Aimee White, MSIR, PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRA
Senior HR Advisor | Align HR
11 AM – 12:30 PM
When the Patient Doesn’t Behave: Medications as Hidden Drivers of Impairment in Physical Therapy Practice
Sujoy Bose, PT, DPT, MHS, BSPT, ABPTS certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
Our Special Guest Speakers

Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT, FAPTA

Tracy Rice, PT, MPH, EdD, Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Gretchen Prather, PT, DPT, EdD, Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Julie Moore, JD

Sujoy Bose, PT, DPT, MHS, BSPT, Board Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
