Cathy Ciolek, PT, DPT, FAPTA – President
Cathy Ciolek has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and board certified as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist since 1996. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. She previously served as Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative (PARRI), providing education and consultation for issues related to well-being (falls, engagement, medication reduction) to nursing homes throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via a CMS grant. Prior to that Dr. Ciolek served as assistant professor and director of clinical education for the University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy. She has practiced as a physical therapist in outpatient, SNF, home health and CCRC facilities over the course of her career.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy- AT Still University 2007
Advanced Certificate Gerontology- University of Delaware 1994
Bachelors of Science- Ithaca College 1989
Certifications (Highlights)
Certified Change Management Professional 2019-2022
Certified Dementia Practitioner- 2018-2023
Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer- 2018-2023
Board Certified Clinical Specialist Geriatric Physical Therapy- ABPTS 1996-2026
Certified Exercise Expert Aging Adult- AGPT 2014
Highlighted Professional Leadership (Highlights)
President, Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (APTA Geriatrics) 2021-2027
Vice-President- Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT) 2018-2021
President- Delaware Physical Therapy Association (DPTA) 2003-2006
Delegate- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 2000-2018
Secretary- AGPT 1991-2001
Appointed Member- APTA Leadership Development Committee 2015-2017
Appointed Member- APTA Centennial Anniversary Steering Committee 2017-2021
Honors
Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice/FNAP (NAP 2024)
Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association/FAPTA (APTA 2018)
Marilyn Moffat Leadership Award (APTA 2017)
Lucy Blair Service Award (APTA 2014)
Joe Lucca Service Award (DPTA 2014)
Joan Mills Award (AGPT 2008)
Clinical Educators Award (AGPT 2006)
Presidents Award (AGPT 2006)
Lynn Phillippi Advocacy Award (AGPT (2001)
