Welcome to the fall edition of our

Campus Connection. I first want to

thank the Human Resources

Department for taking over

responsibility of putting this

newsletter together. With the help

of the Marketing Department, I think

they will do a fine job keeping us

up-to-date on USA happenings.

The theme of this newsletter is

“What’s new?” Considering the

ever-changing world at USA and the

evolution of this newsletter, I think it

is a very appropriate topic. I had a

faculty member ask me the other

day, “How do you keep up with all of

the changes around here?” I can’t

Fall 2012 Edition

say that I had a very good response

to her question, but it did get me

thinking about the changes that we

are currently undergoing:

Many new people helping us

with our day-to-day work as a

University.

Along with new people come

new ideas and processes making

our institution more efficient and

effective

Our ever expanding presence,

not just in the States, but also

globally and digitally

Keeping up with the evolving

accreditation and regulatory

compliance issues we face

I’m reminded of a saying we have

probably all heard, “the only constant

is death and taxes, everything else

changes.” We are in a changing world.

As we face our future, we can make

a choice to fight it or embrace it. I, for

one, want to embrace it and find it in-

vigorating that at USA we have plenty

that is new.

I hope you, too can see the results of

our changes at USA and how they

work toward our goal to improve our

educational processes.

In appreciation, Wanda Nitsch President, CAO

“One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

Jeremy Nueman, CA brings strong HR experience including recruiting, benefits, performance management, employee relations and career development to USA. Previously he was the Operations Manager for Target Corporation. He has a Human Resources Management Certificate (HRM), a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology . Jeremy enjoys tennis, fishing and hanging out with his family.

Leslie Schneider, FL has over 25 years experience as a Human Resource Manager and Training Director. Her HR background includes recruiting to outplacement and all in between. The trainings are designed to build leaders and teams within an organization. She has an earned Doctor’s in Biblical Studies/Education and a Master’s in Christian Counseling. You’ll see Leslie and her husband biking in their free time.

Human Resources

Nikki Martin, CA joined the University in August as the Director of Human Resources, reporting to Wanda Nitsch. Most recently she was Vice President of Human Resources for a software development company based in Irvine, California for seven years. Nikki has held human resources leadership positions in technology, healthcare, banking, insurance, and non-profit organizations, as well as having her own consulting practice. Since her trip to Florida in September, Nikki’s embraced USA’s wellness philosophy and works out regularly at the wellness center.

Nikki Martin

Sue Reichert , TX is a versatile, high-

energy professional with over 10 years

of Human Resource Management and

leadership experience in the healthcare,

financial and software development

industries. She is a native Texan and

loves to read, run, lift weights and ride

motorcycles. Sue is honored to have

been selected for this position and looks

forward to many years of success with

USA!

“Where do I go? “ If you have a question we want to direct you to the right source:

PAYROLL DEPARTMENT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Paycheck Benefits Coverage Questions

401K Leave of Absence

Employment Verifications from Banks Change of Beneficiary

Direct Deposit Internal application for open position

Change of Address - email (and you self-input Name Change email (and you self--input

change in Paychex ) change in Paychex. )

Tax exemption - You self-input change in Paychex Worker’s Compensation Claim

Catherine Patla received the 2012 John McMllian Mennell Service Award from AAOMPT; she was the recipient of a pin in recognition for her 35 years of service with the Florida Physical Therapy Association and she was also was re-elected to the House of Delegates .

During the Florida Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference in September Dr. Jeffrey Rot received

a pin in recognition for his 20 years of service with the organization; Dr. Gary Gorniak received the Rick Shutes Committee Service Award for his years of service as the Chair of the Research Committee; Dr. Eric Chaconas received an award for his work as Government Advocacy Committee Chair and his involvement

as the Federal Affairs Liaison; Dr. Robert Stanborough was recognized as a Board of Trustee Chair; and Dr. Jodi Liphart was recognized as the Conference Committee Chair.

During the California Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting in September in Santa

Clara, CA. The following poster presentations were made: COMPLEX MANAGEMENT OF A

PATIENT FOLLOWING VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA: ORGANIZED BY THE ICF MODEL by Dr.

Jaime Hall, Ms. Kristen Johnson, ; and VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION FOR A PATIENT WITH

MAL DE DEBARQUEMENT SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT by Dr. Ellen Easle , Ms. Kristen

Johnson.

At the IFOMPT Conference, Dr. Robert Stanborough provided a workshop titled, MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS and DRY NEEDLING. At the FPTA Conference Dr. Eric Chaconas and Dr. Morey Kolber presented the course Eccentric Training : Evidence Informed Scientific

and Practical Applications; Dr. Margaret Wicinski presented CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS AFTER BILATERAL TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

SURGERY and also BILATERAL TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH A 50 YEAR OLD BACK INJURY with Dr. Melanie Shortridge; and Dr Patla, Dr. Erin Conrad and Dr. Chaconas all participated in a panel presentation. Dr. Kathleen Manella presented “Operant Conditioning of Tibialis Anterior and Soleus H-reflex Improves Spinal Reflex Modulation and Walking Function in

Individuals with Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.” at the Neuroscience 2012 Conference in New Orleans.

Liz Brown, Clinical Ed Office Assistant, FL and her boyfriend Justin Dolan completed the MS150 Bike Ride to Daytona Beach in

September. Also taking the ride were Dr. Lisa Chase and Dr. Joann Gallichio. They started at the St. Augustine

Airport and ended at the Boardwalk at Daytona Beach and the next day rode back to St.

Augustine—151 total miles! Great job!

Congratulations to Jennifer Finn, Circulation Manager, CA for receiving her Masters of Science with a Health Education Concentration.

Dr. Jodi Liphart completed the Disney’s Tower of Terror 10 Miler throughout the Park to get

ready Disney’s Epcot Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November.

Donna McCutchan, Financial Aid Coordinator, FL ran the 5K “Pink up the Pace” and came in third for her age group and she said

she was the oldest participant. “This is the first race I’ve run since my hip replacement 21 months ago and I finished!”

Enrollment Growth at USA

First professional enrollment grew over 35% this fall in large

part to 37 new DPT students in Texas and 23 new students in

our Florida MOPA program. This fall 232 new first-professional

students started compared to 171 last fall. The admissions

team is focused on strengthening the quality and diversity of

our student body as we grow our new campus in Texas as well

as add and expand program offerings across the country.

Welcome!

Thomas Werner, DPT; James White, DPT; Nicole Borman, DPT; Suzanne Trotter, DPT; Trish King, DPT; Kathleen Manella, DPT; Bob Rice, DPT; Inserts: Kathy Gresham, Reception; Ron Philo, DPT; James White, DPT; Arianne Thigpen, Library ; Phillip Gerdes. IT; Sue Reichert, HR Special guests: Dr. Mathena, Dr. Nitsch and Dr. Paris

Viviana Rodriguez , Financial Aid; Nikki Martin, HR;

Tan Phan, Outcomes Assessment and Intuitional

Research; Yvette Alatorre , Clinical Ed; Arannum

Nakib (Ana) , Finance

Chris Ingstad, DPT; Chris Ivey DPT; Jennie DiGrado, MOT

Ricky Alegria, IT; Erin

Potter, Student Services;

Mark Clevinger, IT;

Danny Bradley, Shipping

Leslie Schneider, HR; Dr. Tony Lozano,

MOPA; Susan Ballard, Clinical Ed.; Jennifer

Cahan-Hill, Clinical Ed.

October is Physical Therapy Month October is Physical Therapy month and this years’ theme is “Fit after 50”.

Some people think that life is over when they hit age 50 and that they are

on a slippery slope of decline for the rest of their life. They believe that life

after 50 is waking up in the morning with aching joints and sore muscles.

While it is true that as we age we tend to lose muscle mass and elasticity,

age does not have to be the deciding factor on how we feel or on our

activity level. This is where Physical Therapists can intervene! Licensed

Physical Therapists can help educate individuals on a proper exercise

regime consisting of: a balanced diet, proper stretching, and muscle

strengthening. This way, more people will be able to enjoy everyday life

well beyond the age of 50.

In addition to the normal aging process, many “Baby Boomers” are

increasing the challenges of being fit after 50 by their lack of activity which

can lead to an increased risk of obesity and arthritis. There are many risk

factors that are associated with these health concerns, not to mention it

causes many people to feel that they can never regain control of their lives.

There are many suggestions that Physical Therapists can recommend to

decelerate the effects of the aging process in a safe and controlled manner.

A recent article in Spine journal suggests that “Physical therapy that

mobilizes the spine along with specific exercises can help alleviate pain and

can have long-lasting effects” 1. Improving the body’s range of motion and

mobility may decrease the risk of injury, improve balance, and also play a

vital role in preventing falls. Research also indicates that physical therapy,

combined with comprehensive medical management, is just as effective as

surgery when it comes to relieving the pain and stiffness of moderate to

severe osteoarthritis of the knee”. 2 Physical Therapists offer many

benefits such as increased mobility/motion, elimination or reduction of

pain, and can also aid in avoiding surgery.

Physical Therapists are equipped with the skill set to examine a patient’s

individual needs and then develop a plan of care using a variety of

treatment techniques that help restore function and prevent disability.

They can also help improve or restore mobility that may have been lost due

to inactivity. If you would like more information on being “Fit after 50”, visit

the link below where you can find daily tips, submit questions, watch

educational videos, or you can stop by and visit your local wellness center.

http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Video.aspx

1 Spine, July 2008

2 New England Journal of Medicine September, 2008

Development and Operations: Congratulations and a job well done by all who participated in the

preparation and opening of our Austin Campus in August. At the FL Administration building Stan

Burgoyne and Ron Mennare have been doing a great job painting many of the offices—making it

shine!

Campus Activities: Austin held Info Sessions and a Grad Fair with great success. Dr. Carlos Marchado,

the Netter Medical Illustrator also visited the Austin campus. And the Austin campus celebrated

their 1 month anniversary with a pizza party for the faculty, staff and students.

New courses have been added and are being offered on myUSA using the new online delivery

method. IT Department was very helpful in solving various challenges during the first couple of days.

We have currently 12 OTD students enrolled in Capstone II which if all successfully complete by

November, we could have the largest graduation for the t-OTD program.

The Alumni Reunion Weekend October 19-20 on the St. Augustine campus sounds like fun and lots of

activities for everyone. It coincides with the 13th annual USA 5K and the Health and Fun Fair. Look

forward to seeing pictures in our next edition!

IT has changed the e-mail notification method for “official alerts” to the USA community. The new logo you see here will be at the top of all official messages from the IT Department . This logo will only appear on official notices. If you are being asked to take an action, do not trust an e-mail which doesn’t have this logo and the signature of an IT Staff member.

As you see in the signature of every email message sent from Information Technology:

IT Personnel will NEVER ask for your credentials via email. If you receive email that either asks you to "validate" your account by entering your credentials, or requests your ID or password, please report it to your IT Department.

The Campus Connection is a publication of USA for the employees. If you want to contribute information or photos to be published in the next

edition, contact Leslie Schneider at lschneider@usa.edu. All items submitted are edited at the discretion of the university.

Next edition we will be highlighting the topic of workplace communications.

Gnomeo’s Announcement!

I am announcing my retirement and I will be

heading for a life of relaxation and fun in

Tahiti. I will think of you all fondly as I sit on

the beach and enjoy the water and sun.

I am joining many of our faculty, staff,

students and alumni who are located all

over the world and we all need to keep in

touch! So let me be the first to ask

As you are traveling and working throughout this great globe let everyone know. How? Send a

photo of yourself, or with your family, or your friends at a special place. All you have to do is have

the USA logo in the photograph.

So grab a mug, wear a shirt, hold a brochure, etc with USA on it – snap the picture; drop it in DropBox3Day in the “Newsletter” folder; and send an email to lschneider@usa.edu letting us know

your name and location. Then we can all see “Where in the world is USA?”

Where in the World is

USA Clin Ed Associate

Charlotte Izzo?

In Goochland, VA with her two grandchildren, Cole and Justin (working quarter-horse) Where in the World is USA OPA Admin

Assistant Gloria Doherty?

In Auburn, MA with her grandchildren

Aynslie and David.