Providing A Voice to the Clinical Community

Dr. Cara Masselink, PhD, OTRL, ATP is an Assistant Professor at Western Michigan University in the Occupational Therapy department. After graduating with her BS in OT in 2003, Cara worked with infants through geriatrics with a wide variety of diagnoses, in settings from acute care and skilled nursing to home health. This experience led her to an assistive technology department, where she practiced and advocated for individuals' equipment needs for 10 years. In Fall, 2019 Cara graduated with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with the goal to impact access to assistive technology, advocate for complex rehab, and educate current and upcoming rehabilitation professionals in the value of assistive technology. She has published articles on assistive technology and co-authored a textbook chapter, in addition to presentations at local and national conferences. Cara is also an AOTA, MiOTA, and RESNA member.

Jennith Bernstein, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS:  Jennith is a Physical Therapist specializing in seating and wheeled mobility. She worked for 10 years at a model SCI center (Shepherd Center) in Atlanta, Georgia. Jennith completed a master's in physical therapy at North Georgia College & State University and transitional DPT at University of Texas Medical Branch.  Jennith has served as a volunteer teacher at the Universidad Mariano Galvez in Guatemala, instructing spinal cord injury curriculum as well as seating and mobility. Jennith has presented at national and international conferences such as RESNA, ISS, LASS, Expo Ortopedica, and the APTA NEXT conference and Combined Sections Meeting

Jennith joined Permobil Americas as a Clinical Education Manager in 2016 and transitioned to a global role in R&D as Clinical Affairs Manager at Permobil in 2021.  

Lee Ann has been an occupational therapist for more than 22 years and has worked internationally and in a variety of healthcare settings and systems throughout her career. She has presented and published internationally on 24-hour Posture Care Management (PCM). She is invested in contributing to the field of Complex Rehabilitation Technologies (CRT) and is a Rehabilitation Engineer and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS). Lee Ann teaches assistive technology to the entry-level doctor of occupational therapy students at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on the Dallas, Texas campus.

Erin Michael, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS is Manager of Patient Advocacy and Special Programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute's International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) in Baltimore. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Ithaca College in 2006. She specializes in treating paralyzing neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Additionally, Michael is the coordinator of the ICSCI Seating and Mobility Clinic and has specialized in seating and mobility for over 10 years. She received her assistive technology professional certification in 2011 and her seating and mobility specialist certification in 2013. She is also Founder and current Chair of Team Kennedy Krieger, a developing adult adaptive sports program. Michael has as special interest in advocacy as it relates to patient rights, disability rights and access to healthcare. Lastly, she is a member of the APTA and RESNA, previously holding the position of vice-chair of the RESNA Seating and Wheeled Mobility SIG and serving on the RESNA Professional Standards Board.

Joe is an occupational therapist specializing in wheelchair seating and mobility. He graduated from Truman State University in Missouri with his bachelor’s in Psychology, and received his doctorate of occupational therapy from Belmont University in Nashville.  Joe is also an adjunct instructor with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology teaching two courses for the Master’s of Rehabilitation Technology program.  Outside of his clinical and academic work, he works closely with the Handcycle Assistance Team for the Pittsburgh Marathon providing technical assistance for the handcycle athletes.

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Barbara Crume, PT, ATP is currently employed with MountainCare Services, Asheville, NC as a Seating and Wheeled Mobility Specialist. She previously worked for Thoms/CarePartners Health Services in Asheville, NC for ~35 years. Barbara provides evaluations, fittings and training for clients of all ages and all diagnoses to obtain manual and power wheelchairs with custom seating. Barbara has been an active participant in the Clinician Task Force since 2004. Barbara previously served on the CTF Steering Committee May 2009 – 2011 and on the Executive Board 2011-2013. She has been a member of APTA since 1980 and served NC as a Delegate to 1988 and 1990 APTA House of Delegates. She received the NCPTA 2002 Outstanding PT Award. As a member of RESNA, she served as Vice Chair PT PSG, 1996-1998, Chair PT PSG, 1998-2000, on the Professional Standards Board 2001 – 2004, and the Government Affairs Committee 2004- 2006. She has taught numerous continuing education courses over the years at Medtrade, ISS, APTA CSM and RESNA conferences. She enjoys mentoring clinicians and suppliers to develop their skills and provide services that meet the medical and functional needs of clients.

Margaret has extensive experience providing administrative support in various roles within the medical field including physician’s offices and mobile seating clinics. As the administrative assistant for the CTF, Margaret is the driving force behind the scenes of many CTF activities including email correspondence and distribution, coordination of meetings, maintaining membership and organizational records, etc.

Katie Fitzgerald is a clinical assistant professor in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Walsh University. She is a physical therapist and Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist. Katie joined the Department of Physical Therapy in 2022 after 15 years of clinical practice in adult neurological physical therapy specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and custom seating evaluations.  She has also served in roles as a medical reviewer, adaptive sports coach and adjunct faculty member serving multiple programs in Georgia and Alabama. Previously she served as an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Faulkner University, Montgomery, AL. She is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor and licensed physical therapist in the state of Ohio.

Katie currently serves on the nominating committee for the Assisted Technology and Seating Wheeled Mobility special interest group in the neurological section of the American Physical Therapy Association. She is a member of the APTA, RESNA, the Clinician Task Force and is an advocate for access to complex rehabilitation technology.  

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