Awards

Congratulations to the 2026 APTA Minnesota Award Winners

Corinne Ellingham Outstanding Service Award

The Corinne Ellingham Outstanding Service Award honors an MNPTA member who has demonstrated consistent service to physical therapy, beyond that inherent in being a member of the profession. The nominee typically will have contributed heavily in physical therapy education, clinical research, patient care services, and to the APTA or its components.

Past Recipients

2026

Meghan Urick

2025

Laura Gilchrist

2024

Corrine Meisel

2023

Lori Froehling

2022

Terese Chmielewski and David Krause

2021

Lynn Tanner

Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award

The Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award is given to the Physical Therapist Assistant MNPTA member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in clinical practice, community service, and personal commitment to physical therapy.

Past Recipients

2026

Krystene Berry Adou

2025

Lori Banks

2024

Krista Mitchell

2023

Jackie Lacek

2022

Heather Van Groothest

2021

Alycia Backer

Marilyn Woods Long-Term Service Award

The Marilyn Woods Long Term Service Award honors an MNPTA member who has demonstrated consistent service, dedication, and achievement over an extraordinary number of years to physical therapy and the professional association. The nominee will have typically been a longstanding member of the APTA and have been active in education, research, and publications, have served in the professional organization at various levels, and will have displayed special expertise in the profession.

Past Recipients

2026

Rachel Winthrop

2025

Craig Johnson

2024

John Schmitt

2023

Joan Purrington

2022

Erin Simunds & Kathryn Cieslak

2021

Kim McGarry

Friends of Physical Therapy 

This award recognizes a person, group of people, or entity from outside the PT profession for substantial contributions that have propelled our chapter toward the realization of our vision and strategic plan.

Past Recipients

2026

Thomas R. Lehman

2025

Rep. Liz Reyer & Rep. Kelly Morrison

2024

Centrex Rehab

Past Recipients

2026

Calle Bye
Concordia University, Saint Paul

Gillian Durand
St. Catherine University DPT

Rylie Turnquist-Culp
St. Catherine University DPT

Brittany Pryzbylski
St. Catherine University PTA

Layne Collum
Mayo School of Health Sciences

Olivia Kierzek
Lake Superior College

Madisyn (Maddie) Nevala
Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Megan McDonald
College of St. Scholastica

Luke Schoenbauer
University of Minnesota

Joshua Byler
Rasmussen University

2025

Katelynn Kovarik
Northland Community & Technical College

Antono (Tony) Thaoi
Concordia University, Saint Paul

Mary Hoang
St. Catherine University DPT

Holly Moore
St. Catherine University PTA

Noah Limbach
Mayo School of Health Sciences

Olivia Kierzek
Lake Superior College

Jordan Flewelling
Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Amy Leopold
College of St. Scholastica

Brynne Davis
University of Minnesota

Isaac Embrock
Augustana University MN Campus

2024

Braeden Opay
Northland Community & Technical College

Cole Birch
Concordia University, Saint Paul

Jeremy Kaiser
St. Catherine University DPT

Sarina Le
St. Catherine University PTA

Allison Oster
Mayo School of Health Sciences

Dawn Chavez
Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Sam Macor
College of St. Scholastica

Angie Swanson
University of Minnesota