APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

In Memoriam: Dr. Lynn M. Jeffries, PT, DPT, PhD

With deep sorrow, the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy announces the passing of Dr. Lynn M. Jeffries on April 23, 2025. Lynn passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary service, leadership, and compassion that has profoundly shaped our profession and community.

A servant leader in the truest sense, Lynn devoted 28 years to the advancement of pediatric physical therapy as an educator, clinician, researcher, mentor, and friend. Her unwavering dedication touched countless lives, and her work continues to reverberate through the generations of professionals she inspired.

Lynn’s leadership within APTA Pediatrics was exemplary. She served with distinction as Vice President of the Academy and Chair of the Practice Committee, always bringing clarity, vision, and purpose to her roles. A passionate advocate for our profession, she championed initiatives that strengthened membership engagement, supported clinical excellence, and drove forward the mission of APTA Pediatrics.

Throughout her career, Lynn received numerous honors that reflected the depth and breadth of her impact. She was a recipient of the Lucy Blair Service Award, one of APTA’s highest honors for exceptional and sustained service to the association and profession. In 2024, she was honored with the APTA Humanitarian Award, recognizing her extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of others through physical therapy. That same year, she received the Jeanne Fischer Distinguished Mentorship Award from APTA Pediatrics, celebrating her sustained, altruistic mentorship and dedication to developing future leaders in the field. These accolades represent not only her professional excellence but also the deep respect and admiration she earned across the physical therapy community.
A respected researcher, Lynn authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her work on projects such as Move & PLAY, PT COUNTS, and On Track helped shape best practices in pediatric care. Her excellence was recognized with the 2020 Toby Long Award for outstanding research article in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

In every role she held, Lynn led with grace, intelligence, and humility. Her passion, wisdom, and kindness were constants in a career marked by excellence. Her legacy—as a clinician, scholar, leader, and human being—will continue to guide and inspire us for years to come.

We extend our deepest condolences to Lynn’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. The Academy honors her memory and invites our members to join us in celebrating the life and contributions of Dr. Lynn Jeffries—a dedicated member, a cherished mentor, and a beloved colleague.

At our Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice Conference, you’ll gain a deep understanding of federal laws and regulations and how they impact your practice.
We’ll focus on IDEA, including Section 504 and how to ensure access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

Secure your spot for the 2025 conference: June 17-18, 2025 at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ. Early bird pricing available for a limited time: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/innovations-in-school-based-physical-therapy-practice-june-17-18-2025 -product_tab_overview

Unlock what’s next in school-based physical therapy. Get ready for two powerful days of learning, connection, and cutting-edge practice. The Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice Conference is where physical therapists come to explore advanced strategies, stay ahead of policy changes, and elevate their impact on students with disabilities.

Join us one or both days, June 17–18, 2025 at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ.

Spots are limited. Register now to access early bird pricing: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/innovations-in-school-based-physical-therapy-practice-june-17-18-2025 -product_tab_overview

At our Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice Conference, you’ll gain a deep understanding of federal laws and regulations and how they impact your practice.
We’ll focus on IDEA, including Section 504 and how to ensure access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

Secure your spot for the 2025 conference: June 17-18, 2025 at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ. Early bird pricing available for a limited time: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/innovations-in-school-based-physical-therapy-practice-june-17-18-2025 -product_tab_overview

We invite you to submit your Poster and Platform Abstracts for the upcoming 2025 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference. Showcase your research and help shape the future of pediatric physical therapy: https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp/submit/login.asp?EventKey=UTISATON

Residency helps novice clinicians both gain experience and learn from expert clinicians through structured mentorship. For more information on residencies please visit: https://pediatricapta.org/events/Pediatric-Residencies-Fellowships.cfm

Showcase your expertise at APTA CSM 2026, the leading conference in physical therapy — submit your session proposal or abstract.

Session proposals: Closes April 15, 2025
Platform and poster abstracts: Now open; closes July 15, 2025

Learn more and submit your proposals today: https://csm.apta.org/programming/csm-submissions

Join us for a comprehensive 2-day course exploring both foundational and advanced topics, including decision-making, federal laws, assessment, service provision, and more for school-based PTs!
- Nationally recognized speakers
- Lunch provided
- Daily registration available
Don't miss out – register and book your room today!
Register Here: https://appt.elevate.commpartners.com/in-person...
Book Your Room: https://www.hilton.com/.../phxangi-90v-74dcc8eb-9cb1.../

Research Grant Opportunity!

Rifton is sponsoring an APTA Pediatrics research grant to explore the impact of supportive positioning and mobility equipment for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. This initiative aims to expand knowledge for families, clinicians, and policymakers.

Rifton is offering a $10,000 grant and in-kind equipment contributions to support this important research.

Submit your letter of intent by March 1, 2025.

For more information and submission details: https://ow.ly/w9Hj50V6rZP

Submit Your Education Session Proposal
Be a part of the 2025 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference in beautiful Colorado Springs, happening Oct. 31 – Nov. 2.
Now is your chance to share your knowledge and help shape the future of pediatric physical therapy. Submit your proposal by March 14, 2025: https://www.abstractscorecard.com/cfp/submit/login.asp?EventKey=DFABMLYU

Innovations in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice is the ideal 2-day course for PTs who provide, or plan to provide, services under IDEA. Dive into both advanced and foundational topics like decision-making, federal laws, assessment, service provision, and more!
- Nationally recognized speakers
- Lunch provided
- Daily registration available
Don't miss out – register and book your room today!
https://appt.elevate.commpartners.com/in-person-professional-development
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/phxangi-90v-74dcc8eb-9cb1-4ada-8b76-723686dd1357/

To our members, families, and communities impacted, we stand with you during this challenging time. Stay safe and thank you to all the first responders and volunteers working tirelessly to protect lives.
Many PTs, PTAs, and PT/A students have lost their homes. If you can, please consider supporting them through the GoFundMe list provided. Your help makes a difference in their recovery journey. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v6poxq2OaoXG2xZYBAF9IIk01HYnruLxyQpjIy6giM0/edit?tab=t.0
Here are additional organizations that you can support and donate to: American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, Canine Rescue Club, Set Active, and the YMCA Koreatown location.

We’re 2 weeks away from exploring how AI technology can enhance PT practices, improve patient care, treatment outcomes, and therapy processes. Attendees will engage with School SIG leadership and peers to discuss the transformative potential of AI in delivering personalized care. Register today! https://ow.ly/QzMo50UH0pN