Jill Flaherty, PT, MS

Jill is running for President-Elect in the 2020 Board Elections. 

Jill Flaherty is a native Coloradoan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1986. In 1999 she obtained a Master of Science in Motor Control from the University of Oregon. Practical experience includes private practice, inpatient/outpatient/rehabilitation hospital, skilled nursing and traveling Physical Therapist. Specialties include Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Manual Therapy, and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Teaching experiences include clinical instructor University of Colorado Health Sciences, graduate assistant University of Oregon, Clinical instructor Mesa State Athletic Training program and presentations for St Mary's PT/OT staff and medical residents. Other personal and professional interests are Wilderness Medicine and Photography.

Why do you feel qualified to serve in the above position?

In my 34 year career, I have worked in a variety of physical therapy settings, This has given me a broad understanding of the uniqueness's, commonalities and challenges of Physical Therapist Practice. I have served as the Western District Representative to the Board of Directors, delegate to the House of Delegates, Chief Delegate and Vice President of the Colorado Chapter of the APTA. In my work setting, I have successfully facilitated project teams, which speaks to organizational skills and team work. I certainly have a historical perspective to bring to the table. But more importantly, I am open to ideas, I listen to other's thoughts. I strongly speak to fairness. I don't put restrictions on people but encourage them to succeed and I celebrate those successes. I am a life long learner.

Why do you want to serve in the above position?

I believe a professional has a duty to their profession. That duty may be demonstrated in a multitude of ways; volunteerism, financial support, activism, leadership. For me, it started early in my career as a Western Slope District representative. Now I am submitting my name for the nomination of President Elect. It is imperative for me to articulate a vision for the future of the Colorado Chapter of the APTA: Inclusion, mentoring leadership, value of membership and legislative action. The districts and SIGS are spread wide and far in Colorado. We need to bring those members into the fold. We must continue to strive for, cultivate and support diversity in membership, leadership and student education. Who will lead the Physical Therapist profession into the future? There are many talented PTs/PTAs/Students in our state. It is our collective responsibility to seek out and mentor those interested in, or demonstrate potential for, future leadership roles. The Chapter should investigate ways to support those mentoring relationships. Those in our profession are busy people. Work, family, and fun consume our time and financial resources. For many it is difficult to see the value of membership in the APTA. We need to seek creative ways to make membership affordable and valuable. Colorado APTA has had its successes and failures in the legislative arena. This arena has many challenges for the Chapter. We have a very strong Lobbying team. We have built very good relations with many of the State Legislators. We have worked diligently to develop relationships with insurance carriers and to collaborate with other medical profession in Colorado. Payment for services, access to services and regulation continue to be an issue and we will continue to fight those battles for our membership and our patients.