Leadership and Staff

The American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey (APTANJ) is guided by a dedicated team of volunteer leaders and professional staff committed to advancing the physical therapy profession across the state. Together, our Board of Directors, committee leaders, and administrative team work to support members, advocate for the profession, strengthen educational and professional opportunities, and promote excellence in patient care. Their collective expertise, leadership, and passion help shape the direction of APTANJ and ensure the organization continues to serve as a trusted resource and strong voice for physical therapy in New Jersey.

Our Leadership Team

Executive Committee

Owen Legaspi, PT, DPT

Owen Legaspi, PT, DPT

PRESIDENT

Lauren Sacco, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS

Lauren Sacco, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS

Vice President

Pamela Randolph, PT, DPT, MBA, FACHE

Pamela Randolph, PT, DPT, MBA, FACHE

TREASURER

Dr. Trea Wessel

Dr. Trea Wessel

Secretary

Dr. Trea Wessel

Dr. Trea Wessel

Secretary

Council of Directors

 Chase Stopyra, DPT, MBA, MHA, GCS

Chase Stopyra, DPT, MBA, MHA, GCS

Director at Large

Kaitlyn Hanelt PT, DPT

Kaitlyn Hanelt PT, DPT

Director at Large

TBD

TBD

Director at Large

Rita Palladino, PTA

Rita Palladino, PTA

PTA Representative

Delegates

 Benjamin Aguila PT, DPT

Benjamin Aguila PT, DPT

Delegate

Mercedes E. Aguirre Valenzuela

Mercedes E. Aguirre Valenzuela

Delegate

Nadine C. Booysen, PT, PhD

Nadine C. Booysen, PT, PhD

Delegate

Jessica C. Dunn, PT, DPT Delegate

Jessica C. Dunn, PT, DPT Delegate

Delegate

Richard G. Hubler, PT, DPT

Richard G. Hubler, PT, DPT

Delegate

Francesca Kaspar, PT, DPT

Francesca Kaspar, PT, DPT

Delegate

Jennifer D. Lazaro, PT, DPT

Jennifer D. Lazaro, PT, DPT

Delegate

Olivia Visaggio, PT, DPT

Olivia Visaggio, PT, DPT

Delegate

Jennifer Parsam, PT, DPT

Jennifer Parsam, PT, DPT

Delegate

Arjan Spahiu, PT, DPT

Arjan Spahiu, PT, DPT

Delegate

Holly M. Melao, PTA

Holly M. Melao, PTA

Delegate

Katherine Moore, PT, DPT

Katherine Moore, PT, DPT

Delegate

Kristina Lagzdin, PT, DPT

Kristina Lagzdin, PT, DPT

Delegate

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Chief Delegate:

  • Thomas Gardner, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
  • Nadine Booysen, PT, DPT (Chief Delegate Elect)

Delegates:

  • Josh Breighner, PT, DPT, NCS
  • Jessica C. Dunn, PT, DPT, MS, GCS
  • Megan Gardner, PT, MPT, MHA, CLT (APTANJ President)
  • Thomas Gardner, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
  • Richard Hubler, PT, DPT
  • Jennifer Lazaro, PT, DPT, NCS
  • Kaitlin Mital, PT, DPT
  • Lauren Sacco, PT, DPT, OCS
  • Chase Stopyra PT, DPT, GCS
  • Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela, PT, DPT
  • Francesca Kaspar, PT, DPT

PTA Council Rep

  • Holly Melao, PT

DISTRICT CHAIRS

  • Northern District - Dan Kane, PT, DPT
  • Central District - Thomas Gardner, PT, DPT, ATC
  • Southern District - Barbara Kutch, PT, DPT

STAFF

  • John McInerney - Executive Director
  • Debbie Sullivan, MPA - Senior Operations Manager

PROFESSIONAL Partners

  • Vincent Buttaci, Esq. - Legal Counsel, Buttaci, Leardi & Werner LLC
  • Raul "Rudy Garcia, Esq. - Partner & President, MBI
  • Lisa Ginther - Partner - MBI

Duties

President

  • Payment:
  • Specialist
  • General Counsel
  • Ethics
  • Legislative/Legal 

Vice President

  • Regulatory
  • Leadership Development:
    • Nominating Committee
    • NJSA
  • Staff Oversight

Chief Delegate

  • House of Delegates
  • Bylaws & Roberts Rules

Secretary

  • Practice
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Membership

Treasurer

  • Marketing
  • Professional
  • Development (w/Staff)
  • Programming (w/Staff)
  • Finance Committee

Directors at Large

  • Work w/Districts
  • Work w/Special Interest Groups
  • Work w/ PT/PTA Students
APTANJ
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