Awards



Chosen annually, the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy honors members who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of aquatic physical therapy through research, performance, leadership, and innovation.

The awards acknowledge the Academy’s appreciation of the inspiring contributions that have lasting impact, demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, and deliver exceptional results in aquatic physical therapy.

 

Richard Ruoti Research Award for Excellence

Named for one of the founders of the of the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy who was dedicated to exemplary research in the area of aquatic therapy, this award recognizes exceptional research that impacts Aquatic Physical Therapy.

 

Requirements: The potential recipient must be a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in good standing with the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy at the time of the application submission.

 

The following documents are required by the deadline:
  • Letter of Recommendation written by an Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy member in good standing, and must include why this applicant is worthy to receive the Section's highest research award.
  • List of published research that qualifies this applicant for consideration for the Ruoti Award.
  • Copy of the published research article or abstract that is being presented as evidence of this candidate's research efforts.

 

Richard Ruoti - Past Award Winners:
  • 2002: Richard G. Ruoti, PhD, PT
  • 2003: Faye Dulcy Weinstein, PT, M.M.SC
  • 2007: Paula Geigle, PT, PhD
  • 2008: Luis Vargas, PT, PhD
  • 2009: Jean Irion, PT
  • 2010: Christine McNamara, PT, DPT
  • 2013: Yasser Salem, PT, MS, PhD, NCS, PCS
  • 2015: Deborah E. Thorpe, PT, PhD
  • 2016: n/a
  • 2017: Paula Geigle, PT, PhD
  • 2018: Lori Thein-Brody, PT, PhD, SCS
  • 2019: n/a
  • 2020: n/a
  • 2021: Natalie Michaels, PT, EdD
  • 2022: n/a
  • 2023: Emily Dunlap, PT

 

Judy Cirullo Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Area of Aquatic Physical Therapy

Named for one of the founders and first president of the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy, this award recognizes exceptional contribution to the field of Aquatic Therapy and can include but is not limited to equipment design; innovative programming or patient care, educational contribution.

 

REQUIREMENTS:
  • The potential recipient must be a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in good standing with the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy at the time of the application submission.
  • The following documents are required by deadline: 3rd Monday in December of the current year
  • Letter of Recommendation written by an Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy member in good standing, including why this applicant is worthy to receive the Section's award for exemplary contribution to aquatic therapy.

 

Judy Curillo - Past Award Winners:
  • 2002: Judy Cirullo, PT
  • 2003: Judy Zeichner PT
  • 2007: Charlotte Norton, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS
  • 2008: David Morris, PT, PhD
  • 2009: Andrea Salzman, PT
  • 2010: Faye Weinstein, PT, MMSc.
  • 2013: Janet Gangaway, DPT, OCS, ATC
  • 2014: Harriet Adams, PTA
  • 2015: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS
  • 2016: Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS
  • 2017: Michael Murray, PT, DPT
  • 2018: Diane Platz, PT
  • 2019: Emily Dunlap, PT
  • 2020: Sean Campbell, PT, DPT
  • 2021: Cathy Maloney Hills, PT, DPT
  • 2022: n/a

Excellence in Aquatic Physical Therapy Award

This award is for the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy to recognize exceptional research, exemplary dedication, and/or extraordinary contributions to the comprehensive field of aquatic therapy. The intent of this award is to fulfill the Section's commitment to the diverse aspects of aquatic therapy by recognizing those whose influence has driven this area of physical therapy.

 

REQUIREMENTS:
  • The potential recipient must work in the area of Aquatic Therapy at the time of application submission.
  • The application is to be submitted a member of the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy in good standing at the time of application submission.
  • The following documents are required by deadline: 3rd Monday in December of the current year
  • (2) Letters of Recommendation which site the contribution(s) to the field of Aquatic Physical Therapy of the candidate. Letters must include a defense of why this individual is worthy to receive the only award that the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy includes for non-member eligibility; include published research/documentation if possible.

 

Excellence - Past Award Winners:
  • 2013: Bess Maxwell, PT
  • 2014: David Morris, PT
  • 2015: Marty Biondi, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • 2016: Eadric Bressel, PhD
  • 2017: Dr. Bruce Becker
  • 2018: n/a
  • 2019: n/a
  • 2020: Johan Lambeck, PT
  • 2021: n/a
  • 2022: n/a

 

President’s Award

The President’s Award is an award issued at the President’s discretion to someone who has given exemplary contributions to the academy.

 

Past Award Winners:
  • 2016: Diane Platz, PT
  • 2017: Christine Schulte, PT, MBA
  • 2018: To the Communications Committee: Christine Schulte, PT, MBA; Michael Murray, PT, DPT; Sean Campbell, PT, DPT; Eileen Ray, PT
  • 2019: Anita Van Wingerden, PT, DPT
  • 2020: Brendon Larsen, PTA, BS
  • 2021: Jean Irion, PT, ATC, EdD
  • 2022: n/a
  • 2023: Cathy Maloney-Hills, PT, DPT
  • 2023: Emily Dunlap, PT

 

Ripple Award

The Ripple Award is an award issued at the President’s discretion to someone who has made contributions to the academy that will have positive bigger picture or long-term effects.

 

Past Award Winners:
  • 2019: Nicole Needles, PT, DPT
  • 2020: Barbara Vees, PTA
  • 2021: Megan Gray, PT, DPT
  • 2022: n/a

 

Photo Gallery of Recipients