Congratulations to ACAPT's 2025 award recipients!
Learn more about ACAPT awards
Innovation Award: Dr. Arvie C. Vitente, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, GCS, FNAP, Program Director and Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Lewis University
Dr. Vitente is recognized for his unwavering commitment to transforming physical therapy education through inclusive, evidence-informed, and technology-driven approaches. His visionary leadership has not only elevated individual programs but is also setting new national standards in innovation, equity, and interprofessional collaboration.
Dr. Vitente's innovations are nothing short of transformative, spanning multiple domains of health science education. His work uniquely pairs technological tools with pedagogy, always guided by the core mission of student success and professional growth.
Key Accomplishments and Innovations:
- Revolutionizing Human Anatomy Education by integrating HoloAnatomy®, Complete Anatomy, and Anatomy & Physiology Revealed (APR). Lewis University's DPT program is the first in the country to implement this triple-layered technological integration.
- Creating the Professional Behavior Monitoring System (PBMS): He launched an automated, scalable platform that enables faculty to monitor, document, and support student professional development in real-time.
- Designing Forward-Thinking Interprofessional Education (IPE) Models: These initiatives, brought together through an integrated framework he developed, are housed within the Interprofessional Collaboration Space at Lewis University, which he also helped design.
Dr. Vitente's work deeply aligns with the ACAPT’s Innovation Award criteria because it is creative in content delivery (blending mixed reality, digital platforms, automation), collaborative (across departments, disciplines, and industries like aviation), inclusive (offering differentiated instruction and technological equity), and impactful (producing measurable improvements in engagement, reflection, and interprofessional readiness).
Friend of PT Award: Kristamarie Pratt, PhD and the Interim Co-Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Associate Director of Physical Therapy, and an Associate Professor at The University of Hartford
Dr. Kristamarie Pratt is a powerhouse in academic physical therapy, a true champion of its future whose influence is both undeniable and profound. With a robust foundation in bioengineering (MS from Cornell University, 2008) and biokinesiology (PhD from the University of Southern California, 2016), she has led significant advancements including the revitalization of the entire Biomechanics/Kinesiology curriculum, the creation and direction of a cutting-edge motion analysis laboratory for both teaching and research, and the establishment of a new student research thread within the DPT curriculum.
Brian Swanson, Interim Dean of College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, powerfully states that "Dr. Pratt’s work reflects a profound understanding of what is required to move the profession forward—and she delivers."
As Director of the University's motion analysis lab, her scholarship expertise in bioengineering and biokinesiology shines, focusing on ACL injury recovery, agility training protocols, and postural control, with her influence extending to other DPT programs seeking her consultation for their own motion labs.
Dr. Pratt is also a devoted mentor, guiding DPT students, serving as an undergraduate liaison for pre-PT programs, and revitalizing the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA). Her commitment to student success is further demonstrated through her mentorship of 13 Biomechanics teaching assistants and her redefinition of graduate orientation to include essential training in academic expectations and professional identity development. Furthermore, she champions diversity and inclusion by leading the Women in STEM Affinity Group and supporting pre-physical therapy students with formalized mentorship to strengthen the profession's pipeline.
Emerging Educator Award: Erin Wentzell, DPT and Assistant Professor at The George Washington University
Dr. Wentzell exemplifies excellence through her innovative teaching methodologies, dedication to community engagement, and significant scholarly achievements.
A Trailblazer in Physical Therapy Education:
Dr. Wentzell's commitment to fostering the next generation of physical therapists is evident in her exceptional teaching.
- High Student Acclaim
- Pediatric Expertise
- Residency Program Leadership
- Innovative Teaching Methodologies - She directs the "Interprofessional Community Practicum" course, where students collaborate with Washington D.C. community partners to develop meaningful projects that serve the community and deepen students' understanding of community health, health equity, and cultural humility. She also directs the "GW DPT Pitch Competition" within the "Professional Issues in Physical Therapy Health Care Management II" course, challenging students to identify and address gaps in physical therapy and healthcare through innovative product development and business plans, such as the "DinoMetrics" idea for objective strength measurement integration with EMR.
A significant contribution of Dr. Wentzell is her steadfast commitment to community advocacy and its integration into student learning. As ENGAGE Department Founder, she developed and now leads the Educational Network of Grassroots Advocacy and Global Community Engagement (ENGAGE) Department within the GW DPT Program. This initiative provides frameworks for community engagement that benefit student learning, create research opportunities, and offer meaningful health and wellness opportunities for D.C. communities.
Dr. Wentzell's exceptional talent, unwavering energy, and collaborative spirit make her a role model for educators and an asset to the physical therapy profession. She inspires students to be better citizens and physical therapists daily, and her foundational work, such as the ENGAGE Department, is setting new standards for health profession education programs.