PTA/SIG Chair
Jennifer is a Knoxville native who has served as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 17 years. Committed to advancing her education, she returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science Post PTA from South College in 2022.
In her clinical practice, Jennifer dedicated 5 years to working in a chronic pain setting. She currently treats patients in the outpatient setting for Prisma Health at the Blount Memorial Hospital location. In 2024, she further expanded her clinical credentials by earning her CCPI Level 1 certification.
Jennifer is also an active leader within her professional community. She has served as Secretary of the Knoxville District since March 2020 and as Chair of the Physical Therapist Assistant Special Interest Group since January 2021. Her outstanding dedication to the profession was recognized in 2023 when she received the APTA TN Outstanding PTA Award. Looking ahead, she was elected to serve as a Delegate at Large on the 2026 and 2027 House of Delegates.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Jennifer loves living in the Knoxville area and is happily married.
PTA/SIG Vice-Chair
I have been a practicing Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) since August 2000, with the majority of my career dedicated to the acute care setting. I have also gained experience in outpatient and wound care settings, providing me with a broad clinical perspective and a diverse range of patient-care experiences.
I earned my Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Davenport University in Lansing, Michigan, in August 2000. In August 2011, I completed a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Leadership from the University of Memphis. Prior to relocating to Tennessee in 2002, I worked as a PTA in both Michigan and Washington state.
Currently, I work full-time in the acute care setting at Methodist North Hospital and serve Regional One Medical Center in a PRN capacity. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I serve the Methodist Healthcare System as a member of the Disaster Assistance Response Team. I completed Hospital Emergency Response Training for Mass Casualty Incidents in 2018 and Healthcare Leadership for Mass Casualty Incidents in 2019, both through the FEMA Training Center in Anniston, Alabama.
Education and mentorship have also been important components of my professional career. I serve as a Clinical Instructor for two local colleges and have had the privilege of welcoming and mentoring many outstanding physical therapist assistants into the profession. It has been especially rewarding to see many of these graduates go on to serve patients throughout Memphis and the surrounding communities.
I have been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 2006 and remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development. In 2021, I completed the APTA Advanced Proficiency Pathway in Acute Care, further demonstrating my dedication to excellence in acute care physical therapy practice.
Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about patient care, professional development, clinical education, and mentoring the next generation of physical therapist assistants. I am proud to contribute to the physical therapy profession and to the health and well-being of the communities I serve.
PTA/SIG Treasurer
Adam Burgess graduated cum laude from the South College Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2011. Originally from Texas, Adam now resides in Maryville, Tennessee, where he continues to pursue his passion for physical therapy and patient care.
Adam has earned his Advanced Orthopedic Proficiency through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and maintains his LSVT BIG certification, reflecting his commitment to continued professional development and excellence in patient care.
Adam is especially passionate about outpatient orthopedics and currently manages a clinic for Blount Memorial Hospital. His clinical experience and leadership in the outpatient setting have allowed him to make a meaningful impact on both his patients and the physical therapy profession.
Outside of his professional career, Adam and his wife are raising four children. Their oldest child has Down syndrome, an experience that has inspired Adam’s strong commitment to spreading awareness and promoting understanding of Down syndrome. Through his advocacy, Adam works to increase awareness and celebrate the abilities, contributions, and potential of individuals with Down syndrome.
Adam’s combination of clinical expertise, leadership, family experiences, and advocacy reflects his dedication to serving others both within the physical therapy profession and throughout his community.
PTA/SIG Secretary
Jennifer Stevens, PTA, MS, serves as the PTA Program Director at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennessee. With 28 years of experience as a physical therapist assistant and 19 years in physical therapy education, Jennifer brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to her role.
Jennifer has extensive experience in orthopedic physical therapy and has developed a particular passion for serving geriatric and neurologic patient populations through her work in a skilled nursing facility. Her diverse clinical background has helped shape her commitment to preparing future physical therapist assistants to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients across the lifespan.
Jennifer began her career in physical therapy after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1996. She went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Shelby State Community College in 1998. In 2018, she earned a Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, with an emphasis in Instructional Design and Technology, from the University of Memphis.
Jennifer has dedicated nearly two decades to physical therapy education at Southwest Tennessee Community College. She served as the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for 11 years before being promoted to PTA Program Director, a position she has held for the past eight years. In her leadership role, she is committed to student success, excellence in clinical education, and preparing highly competent and compassionate physical therapist assistants for the profession.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jennifer is deeply committed to serving her community. Since 2022, she has served on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Tipton County. During her time with CASA, she served for two years as Vice President and currently serves as President. Her dedication to advocacy reflects her broader commitment to supporting children, families, and individuals in her community.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated a strong commitment to physical therapy, education, leadership, and community service. Her combination of clinical expertise, educational leadership, and passion for serving others continues to positively impact both her students and the communities she serves.
PTA Council Representative
Diane’s career in physical therapy was inspired by her own journey of recovery after being injured as a pedestrian in a car accident. Experiencing firsthand the transformative and life-changing impact of physical therapy inspired Diane to pursue a career dedicated to helping others experience that same gift of healing, recovery, and renewed independence.
Diane graduated magna cum laude and served as class president of Roane State’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, completing her degree in 2023. She is a Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist and currently practices in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine, where she is passionate about helping patients return to the activities and lives they value.
Beyond her clinical work, Diane is a dedicated leader and advocate for the physical therapist assistant profession. She serves as the Tennessee PTA Council Representative at the national level and made history as the first PTA to vote as part of the Tennessee delegation in the APTA House of Delegates.
In 2026, Diane was honored as the APTA Outstanding PTA of Tennessee, recognizing her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing the physical therapy profession.
Diane’s personal experience as a patient continues to shape her professional mission. Through clinical practice, leadership, and advocacy, she is committed to paying forward the life-changing impact of physical therapy and empowering both patients and fellow PTAs to reach their full potential.
PTA Council Representative-Alternate
Teona Gant is a dedicated professional based in Knoxville, Tennessee. She earned her degree from Roane State Community College as a member of the class of 2024.
Deeply rooted in her hometown of Knoxville, Teona values family above all. She grew up alongside an older sister and a twin sister with whom she shares an especially close bond, and she loves spending quality time with all her family members whenever she can.
Outside of her professional and family life, Teona stays active and engaged through her favorite hobbies, which include working out at the gym, going on outdoor walks and runs, and shopping.
