Minority Affairs Committee

The Minority Affairs Committee was created in 2017 and became an official committee in 2019. Comprised of members across the state of Pennsylvania, from different settings, backgrounds and ages, this committee works towards increasing diversity in the profession, being a support to underrepresented minorities in the profession and improving cultural competence. The committee participates in community outreach as well as offers an annual student membership award. For more information, please email [email protected].

Committee

Jasmine Edwards, PT, DPT, NCS
Committee Chair Elect
Term: 1/1/24 - 12/31/27
Bio: Jasmine Edwards, PT, DPT, NCS is the chair elect for the APTA PA's Minority Affairs Committee. She is an assistant professor of instruction in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Temple University. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2013. Jasmine then went on to complete Moss Rehab's neurologic physical therapy program in 2015 and received her Neurologic Clinical Specialist Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities in 2016. Her clinical practice focuses on the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired and traumatic brain injury and vestibular dysfunction. She has presented nationally with poster presentations and regionally with continuing education courses on the subjects of brain injury, ataxia, and vestibular dysfunction. Jasmine received the ANPT's nomination for APTA's Emerging Leader Award 2021 and serves as newsletter co-editor to the ANPT's Vestibular SIG. Jasmine maintains per diem clinical practice in the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings at Moss Rehab.

Maureen Pascal, PT, DPT, NCS
Vice Chair
Term: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2025
Bio: Maureen is an Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Misericordia University.  She earned a BA in the Biological Basis of Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania, an MS in PT at Boston University, and a DPT at Temple University.  She is Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, and also has a special interest in work with vulnerable and underserved groups.  She received an ADAPT grant from APTA-PA in 2022 to increase recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented minority groups at Misericordia University. She is the director of Misericordia's Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic and regularly travels internationally to collaborate with PTs from low-income countries.

Giorvahny Hodges, PT, DPT
Scholarship Chair
Term: 3/1/2023 - 2/28/2025
Bio: Dr. Giorvahny Hodges is a multifaceted local professional in the Greater Philadelphia region. She received her doctorate in physical therapy and Masters of Science in 2014 at the University of Delaware and completed her undergraduate studies in kinesiology at Temple University. Dr. Hodges has over 8 years of clinical experience during which she specialized in the treatment of neurological conditions, vestibular and concussion, limb loss, and Parkinson’s Disease. Recently, Dr. Hodges transitioned from the clinical setting to a technical role as an Epic Application Analyst where she works toward enhancing and maintaining the electronic medical record for clinical users. Dr. Hodges enjoys teaching and has held several adjunct teaching positions in the fields of Nutrition and Human Anatomy and Physiology. She has presented numerous community-based speaking engagements in the topics of Diabetes, Physical Activity, and Falls Prevention. As an APTA certified clinical instructor, she has helped numerous physical therapy students advance in their careers. Dr. Hodges enjoys her work on the Pennsylvania Minority Affairs Committee of the American Physical Therapy Association through which she works to advance the interests of under-represented minority groups in the field of physical therapy. Her passions include family, education, a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellness, and inspiring others to become the best version of themselves.

Chanele Criswell, PT, DPT
Outreach Chair
Term: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026
Bio: Chanele Criswell serves as the Outreach Chair of the APTA PA Minority Affairs Committee. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and is certified by the Lymphedema Association of North America (LANA). She earned a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Product Development with a minor concentration in Biology in 2010 from West Chester University. She later pursued her DPT degree from the University of the Sciences (now St. Joseph’s University) in 2015. Chanele works at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation treating patients with varying disorders including orthopedics, neurology and oncology. Her specialty area is Restoration of Shoulder Function following Surgical Procedures for Breast Cancer. She works closely with the Women’s Center Oncology team at Tabor Road and is an active participant on the Breast Tumor Steering Committee. She gives an annual lecture on Cancer Rehabilitation for the 3rd Year DPT students at Neumann University. In her spare time, Chanele enjoys travelling with her husband and children. She is passionate about volunteerism and activism. She leads youth groups in her church and hosts community programs in Montgomery County with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Members

Jamila Aberdeen
Heather Anderson
Alice Beckett- Rumberger
Stephen Carp
Colleen Chancler
Samaria Cozart
Chanele Criswell
Robin Dole
Jasmine Edwards
Alex Haddad
Giorvhanny Hodges
Nikki Imhoff
Dana Johnson
Norm Johnson
Paula Johnson
Jenna Kantor
Decontee Krayee
Shelly Lewis
AbbyMarie Leibrand
Charles-Maryse Daniel
Elexzena McKnight
Jenn Novik
Maureen Pascal
Izzy Porter
Tara Ridge Hankin
Stacy Sekely
Rebecca Shakoske
John Tawfik
Gregory Thielman
Alyse Turner
Carol Wamsley
Bob Wellman
Cheryl West
Kimberly Wynarczuk

Awards

Learn more about the MAC award scholarship!