The conference brought together physical therapy students, educators and practicing professionals to share research, discuss developments in patient care and recognize contributions to the profession.
Students and faculty from Elon University’s Department of Physical Therapy Education participated in the American Physical Therapy Association North Carolina (APTA NC) 2026 Annual Conference, held Oct. 9-10 at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina.
Elon’s participation included four student research presentations, the recognition of DPT alum Sixela Caballero ’25 as a recipient of the Ben F. Massey Jr. Scholarship, and the Founders’ Award Lecture delivered by Associate Professor Mary Kay Hannah.
DPT students present research
Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students presented four research projects exploring different aspects of rehabilitation, mobility, balance, and physical performance. The presentations demonstrated the students’ involvement in research that seeks to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
The research presentations included:
Body Weight Supported Gait Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy GMFCS IV–V: A Pilot Study. Sarah Earle, Sabella Volansky, Allegra Wham, Christy McKiernan and Paula DiBiasio.
Up with the Good, Down with the Bad: Does It Hold True in All Scenarios?
C. Anderson, K. Graybill, M. Hankins, C. Johansson, Srikant Vallabhajosula and Mary Kay Hannah
Relationship Between Dynamic Postural Control and Physical Performance Measures Based on Concussion-History Among D1 Athletes. Kyra Batterham, Maci Yeager, Jennifer White, John Magill and Srikant Vallabhajosula
Does Dual Task Cost Vary Across Mobility Measures When Using the Same Cognitive Task? M. Boda, C. Sheehan, S. Shibu, K. O’Connell, Srikant Vallabhajosula and A. Andrews
Through these presentations, Elon students had the opportunity to share their work with physical therapy professionals and contribute to discussions about research and evidence-based clinical practice.
Sixela Caballero ’25 receives prestigious scholarship
Sixela Caballero ’25 received the Ben F. Massey Jr. Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students nearing completion of their programs who demonstrate the potential to advance the profession through service, advocacy, leadership, and teaching. As a recipient, Caballero will also serve on an APTA State chapter committee for one year, continuing her engagement with the profession beyond graduation.
Mary Kay Hannah delivers Founders’ Lecture
A highlight of the conference was the Founders’ Award Lecture delivered by Mary Kay Hannah, a member of Elon’s physical therapy faculty and former president of APTA North Carolina.
Hannah’s lecture, titled “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” reflected on the history of physical therapy in North Carolina and the individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication helped shape the profession.
Drawing on historical documents from APTA North Carolina, Hannah discussed the association’s founding in 1940, the passage of the state’s first Physical Therapy Practice Act in 1951, and the continued efforts of physical therapists to advance professional practice and patient care.
She also reflected on her 15 years of service to APTA and APTA North Carolina, including her leadership as president, and her 15 years of teaching at Elon University. Hannah plans to retire at the end of 2026.
Throughout the lecture, Hannah emphasized the importance of professional involvement, mentorship, and recognizing the contributions of those who came before.
Her message encouraged current and future physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to take opportunities to serve their profession and continue building on the work of previous generations.
Continuing a tradition of research and professional engagement
Elon’s participation in the 2026 APTA North Carolina Annual Conference reflected the Department of Physical Therapy Education’s continued commitment to research, professional leadership, and student development.
From presenting research on rehabilitation and mobility to celebrating faculty leadership and student achievement, the conference provided an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Elon’s physical therapy community.
The experiences also demonstrated the importance of connecting classroom learning and research with the broader physical therapy profession, preparing future clinicians to contribute to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.