At Therapeutic Associates (TAI), we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable journeys of our team members who strive to make a difference both within our clinics and beyond. These inspiring stories highlight acts of compassion, dedication, and leadership that reflect our core values of excellence and service to the community. Our Queen Anne clinic director Amanda Scharen, PT, DPT, stands out as a shining example of this commitment, embodying what it means to be a passionate advocate for the physical therapy profession and for high-quality patient care.
Amanda’s path to leadership — now serving as Vice President of the Washington chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA-WA) — is a testament to how small, intentional steps can lead to significant impact. Her journey showcases the importance of professional involvement, networking, and advocacy, and it reflects the spirit of TAI. Amanda’s dedication to promoting positive change serves as an invitation for others to follow in her footsteps.
Pursuing advocacy: a journey rooted in connection
Amanda’s commitment to advancing the physical therapy profession began with a simple desire to get involved.
“I have always felt a strong draw to professional involvement,” she said. “If we don’t take a seat at the table and advocate for what our profession and patients need, then who will?”
Starting with small steps, Amanda pursued her interest in professional advocacy even when early attempts didn’t lead directly to leadership roles. Her first application, for a position on the APTA Task Force on New Professional Engagement, wasn’t successful.
“I felt bitter and frustrated,” she reflected. “I wanted to be involved – where was I supposed to get the experience if even an entry level task force was out of reach for me?”
Determined, Amanda looked for new ways to connect. She began attending PT Pub Nights in Seattle.
“I was able to meet like-minded PTs and could discuss the joys and challenges of working as a PT over a pint on my way home from work,” Amanda said.
What started as a casual gathering of PTs became a powerful way to network and build relationships with like-minded professionals who were eager to share ideas and insights.
Soon, Amanda took on the role of PT Pub Night host, bringing together professionals from both within and beyond TAI, many who would eventually become mentors, friends, and supporters.
“I took the opportunity to invite leaders from TAI who I wanted to get to know better, and soon found myself being mentored by TAI greats like Steve Anderson (former CEO) and fellow TAI clinic director Jennifer Lesko — both of whom are incredible champions for our profession at the national level.”
Through the support and encouragement of these new mentors, Amanda was nominated to serve as a Washington Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates (HOD).
This experience opened a whole new world of understanding about the PT profession and its governance.
Finding purpose through professional involvement
Through her role in the HOD, Amanda formed connections with PTs across the country who shared her passion for advocacy. The experience deepened her understanding of the challenges facing physical therapists — including scope-of-practice limitations, insurance issues, and declining reimbursement. And, she said, it reinforced her commitment to work toward meaningful change.
Each connection, conversation, and decision in the HOD taught her more about the profession’s needs and equipped her to advocate effectively. From here, she felt prepared to step into even more significant roles, including a position on the APTA Washington Board of Directors, and eventually, the role of Vice President.
Now, as Vice President, Amanda is committed to pushing for policies that enhance patient care, improve access, and uphold high professional standards.
“I see a bright pathway – one where Washington State has successfully lobbied for authorization reform and the ability to practice joint manipulation and dry needling,” Amanda emphasized. “This important work wouldn’t have happened without the volunteers who care about our profession.”
Amanda’s journey reflects TAI’s core values and a dedication to uplifting the physical therapy profession. Her story underscores that professional involvement is accessible to anyone willing to take the first step. It is a call to action for others to step forward, advocate, and help shape the profession for the benefit of patients and practitioners alike.
“I hope my experience inspires others to see that leadership is within reach,” she says. “Our profession needs committed voices to champion meaningful change, and every one of us has a role to play.”
For those who are ready to get involved, Amanda recommends reaching out to your state’s nominating committee or someone you know who is already involved. She emphasizes the value of APTA membership.
“With strong membership, APTA can continue leading in advocacy, education, and professional support. And don’t forget about the PT Political Action Committee — even a small donation can go a long way in making your voice heard.”
Join us in celebrating Amanda’s achievements and her inspiring dedication to both TAI and the physical therapy profession. She has shown us that together, we have the potential to shape a brighter future for physical therapy.
Join the Therapeutic Associates Family
If you’re looking for an opportunity to join a company that is committed to a collaborative culture of growth, inclusion and fulfillment, supported by resources that make a difference in your life, the life of your patients, your local communities and the world, consider a career with Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy. With clinics throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, we are always on the lookout for exceptional people who would be a great fit for our team!