CONFERENCE DATE AND TIME:
Sunday, January 11, 2026  – 8:30 am to 4 pm

CONFERENCE LOCATION & WEBSITE:

Shriner’s Conference Center
1310 Punahou Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826-1099

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/hawaii

COURSE RATES:
All APTA Members full day $125
APTA Student Members full day $60
Nonmembers full day $150
Per course (members and nonmembers) $60

CONTACT HOURS FOR COURSE:
Per course:  1.5 Contact Hours (1.5 CCU)
Full day courses:   6 Contact Hours (6 CCU)

COURSE OPEN TO:
All PT, PTAs, and students

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

Schedule Speaker
8:30AM Registration Opens
Greetings – Coffee – Socialize
8:50AM Conference Welcome Michelle Dela Cruz, PT,
APTA Hawaii President
9:00AM – 10:30AM Functional Gains, Not Gym Gains: Task-Oriented Rehab After Stroke Leigha Stafford, PT, DPT, HPU, NCS, CSRS, ATP
10:30AM – 12:00PM Beyond the Lungs: Three-Dimensional Breathing with Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Beyond Ericka Saito, PT, DPT and Pulmonary Specialist
12:00PM – 1:00PM APTA Hawaii Chapter Meeting – Lunch Free. Open to all
1:00PM – 2:25PM Bone stress injury – classifications, risk factors, supplementation Jacob Melnick, PT, DPT, DHSc

Cody Maltezo, PT, DPT
2:30PM – 4:00PM Implicit Bias & Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare Ryan Moore, PT, DPT, BCHE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS & OBJECTIVES:

COURSE 1: Functional Gains, Not Gym Gains: Task-Oriented Rehab After Stroke
Dr. Leigha Stafford, PT, DPT, HPU, NCS, CSRS, ATP

This course provides an evidence-based exploration of neuroplasticity principles and their clinical application in motor rehabilitation following neurological injury. The presenter will examine the fundamental mechanisms through which the nervous system adapts and reorganizes in response to injury and therapeutic intervention, with particular emphasis on translating neuroscience knowledge into effective rehabilitation practice.

Through critical analysis of neuroanatomical organization and motor control systems, this course will investigate why upper and lower extremity recovery follows distinct patterns. The course emphasizes the essential principles of experience-dependent plasticity—including specificity, repetition, intensity, timing, and salience—as foundational frameworks for designing interventions that promote meaningful neural reorganization and functional recovery.

This course will develop clinical reasoning skills to synthesize assessment findings with prognostic indicators, enabling them to establish realistic, individualized rehabilitation goals. A central focus of the course is the design and implementation of task-specific, patient-centered interventions that maximize behavioral relevance and intrinsic motivation, thereby optimizing the neuroplastic potential necessary for sustainable functional gains.

This course bridges neuroscience theory and clinical practice, preparing rehabilitation professionals to make informed, evidence-based decisions that enhance motor learning and recovery outcomes for individuals living with stroke.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the healthy brain and following neurological injury.
  • Evaluate the principles of experience-dependent neuroplasticity (specificity, repetition, intensity, time, salience) and analyze how they influence motor learning and neural reorganization.
  • Compare and contrast the neuroanatomical substrates controlling upper extremity versus lower extremity function, and explain why motor recovery patterns differ based on corticospinal tract organization and cortical representation.
  • Analyze clinical assessment findings and evidence-based predictors to determine appropriate realistic, patient-specific rehabilitation goals.
  • Design and differentiate task-specific interventions for upper and lower extremity rehabilitation that maximize behavioral relevance, patient engagement, and motivation to optimize neuroplastic potential and functional recovery.

COURSE 2: Beyond the Lungs: Three-Dimensional Breathing with Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Beyond
Ericka Saito, PT, DPT and Pulmonary Specialist

This course provides an in-depth exploration of three-dimensional breathing mechanics and their application within pulmonary rehabilitation as well as related systems such as pelvic floor, cardiac, and orthopedic function. Participants will examine the anatomy, biomechanics, and motor control of respiration, with particular emphasis on deep core function, thoracic mobility, and common compensatory strategies. Through lecture and demonstration, clinicians will learn to recognize various breathing patterns and implement evidence-based interventions including manual facilitation, positional strategies, and functional integration techniques.

The course emphasizes clinical reasoning and the translation of breathing principles into practical treatment frameworks for patients across multiple populations in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Case-based applications will support clinicians in integrating breathing interventions into care for individuals with pulmonary impairments, pelvic floor symptoms, orthopedic conditions, and medically complex presentations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:

  • Analyze the anatomical, biomechanical, and neuromuscular components of respiration, including diaphragmatic function, thoracic mobility, and accessory muscle recruitment.
  • Evaluate variations in breathing patterns across clinical and general populations, with attention to dysfunctional, compensatory, and population-specific presentations.
  • Interpret the principles of three-dimensional breathing within the context of pulmonary rehabilitation, pelvic floor mechanics, and global movement systems.
  • Demonstrate manual and non-manual facilitation strategies, positional interventions, and integrative movement techniques to optimize breathing mechanics.
  • Formulate individualized breathing interventions aimed at optimal breathing mechanics, endurance, motor control, and functional capacity.
  • Integrate breathing assessment and treatment strategies into complex case scenarios across inpatient and outpatient settings, including pulmonary, post-surgical, pelvic floor symptoms, and medically complex populations.

COURSE 3: Bone stress injury – classifications, risk factors, supplementation
Jacob Melnick, PT, DPT, DHSc

Cody Maltezo, PT, DPT

The course will cover a background on bone stress injuries to the lower extremity as well as prevention, supplementation, and recovery. Learners will gain an understanding of how to better identify when a patient has, or is at risk for, bone stress injuries, and how to improve their own ability to manage and direct the care for these patients.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:

  • Recall risk factors associated with developing bone stress injuries.
  • Understand how bone stress injuries occur and the classification system for bone stress injuries.
  • Be able to make appropriate recommendations to their patients related to supplementation.
  • Be able to come up with evidence-informed recommendations to their patients on recovering from bone stress injuries.

COURSE 4: Implicit Bias & Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare
Ryan Moore, PT, DPT, BCHE

This course explores the impact of implicit bias and stigmatizing language in healthcare, emphasizing how unconscious preferences can influence patient care and outcomes. Participants will learn to identify and reflect on their own biases, recognize stigmatizing versus liberating language, and apply person-first, inclusive, and strength-based communication strategies. Through discussion, examples, and practical exercises, the course promotes awareness and equips clinicians with tools to create a more equitable, respectful, and patient-centered environment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the session, participants should be able to:

  • Self-reflect on existing implicit biases, and how that may impact a patient’s care and experience.
  • Learn to recognize what stigmatizing versus liberating language might look like in a clinical setting.
  • Be able to incorporate person-first, inclusive, and liberating language, in everyday use.

 

 

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES:

Leigha Stafford, PT, DPT, HPU, NCS, CSRS, ATP

Dr. Leigha Stafford is based in Honolulu, Hawai’i, where she holds the position of Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor at Hawai’i Pacific University. Before joining HPU, she spent over a decade as a physical therapist at Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, where she developed expertise in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Throughout her clinical career, Dr. Stafford has provided care for adults with neurological disorders, with particular focus on patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Her experience spans multiple healthcare settings including acute care facilities, sub-acute units, skilled nursing facilities, and home-based care. She maintains her clinical practice at a local acute care hospital.

Dr. Stafford is committed to international service, having volunteered as a physical therapist in Vietnam, Malawi, and Nepal. Her dedication to the spinal cord injury community is evident through her annual volunteer work with EMPOWERSCI, reflecting her philosophy of supporting those with spinal cord injuries.

Her professional credentials include certifications as a Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and Assistive Technology Professional, along with her designation as a Board Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist.

As the founder and president of the Hawai’i Chapter of United Spinal Association, Dr. Stafford leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries through comprehensive support including accessibility initiatives, advocacy efforts, educational programs, peer mentoring, and community building.

 

Ericka Saito, PT, DPT

Ericka Saito, PT, DPT is a physical therapist born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, with specialized clinical experience in pulmonary rehabilitation, pelvic health, cardiac rehab, and orthopedics. She completed her undergraduate studies at Boston University and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The George Washington University.

She is passionate about integrating functional breathing mechanics and evidence-based movement strategies to improve outcomes for diverse and medically complex patient populations. Her broad clinical background offers a unique whole-body perspective on the interplay between breathing and movement.

Ericka’s clinical interests include three-dimensional breathing mechanics, functional deep core activation, and the incorporation of breathwork into rehabilitation across settings. She has contributed to program development in pulmonary and pelvic health and has delivered multiple community education series, including specialized breathing and exercise presentation for Hawai‘i’s COPD Coalition, as well as multi-session pelvic floor workshops for Lanakila Senior Center and AARP with her mentor. She remains committed to advancing clinician and community education in these specialty areas.

Cody Maltezo, PT, DPT

Cody Maltezo is a Physical Therapist currently completing his Orthopedic Residency through the University of St. Augustine. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Cody practices locally in Honolulu with OrthoSport Hawaiʻi, where he specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. He is dedicated to advancing his clinical expertise through evidence-based practice and delivering individualized, patient-centered care. Outside of the clinic, Cody enjoys fishing, running, fantasy football and exploring Oahu’s scenic trails and coastline.

 

Jacob Melnick, PT, DPT, DHSc 

Jacob Melnick is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Admissions for the DPT program at Hawaiʻi Pacific University. He completed his residency in orthopedics through Evidence in Motion, and his Doctor of Health Science degree from AT Still University. Jacob practices locally and works as an orthopedic resident mentor and consultant with OrthoSport Hawaiʻi. In the DPT program, Jacob teaches in the fundamental, exercise and manual therapy, orthopedic, and primary care courses. When Jacob is not teaching or in the clinic, you will probably spot him out on a run with Kakaʻako Run Club, or at a local trivia night.

 

Ryan Moore, PT, DPT,BCHE

Ryan is an alumnus of Pacific University (Oregon) and second-generation Physical Therapist, who currently practices in Honolulu. He has served as the State Representative for the APTA Sports Physical Therapy section since 2011, and is a Board-Certified Healthcare Executive (BCHE) through the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation. Ryan holds certificates as an Epic Systems Clinical Content Builder, Lean Six Sigma Healthcare Green Belt, and with the APTA for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. His professional interests include practice optimization, compliance, and technology integration. He has previously presented as a guest speaker for the Hawaii Concussion Awareness & Management Program (HCAMP), Hawaii Public Radio’s “The Body Show”, and the Hawaii Association for Health, Physical Education, Research, & Dance (HAHPERD).

MEMBER RATES:
All APTA members are eligible for discounted member rates, regardless of which state chapter you belong to. You must be a member in good standing as of the date of the conference to be eligible for all member rates. Registrants who have a membership expiration date prior to the conference must provide proof of membership before the conference begins or they will be subject to paying the nonmember rate. New APTA members who do not yet have a member number must submit a copy of their membership application form or emailed confirmation to receive the member rate.

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION:
To cancel, email the chapter office at hawaiiapta@gmail.com. or call (800) 554-5569. Cancellations received by January 5 will receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations received between January 6 and January 10 will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds after January 10, 2025. Unless there is a waiting list for the course, substitutions will be accepted at no charge until January 6. All substitutions must be for the same member type and rate and are at the discretion of chapter staff. No substitutions will be accepted after January 7, 2026 or if the course has a waiting list.

COURSE CANCELLATION:
In the unlikely event that the chapter must cancel the course/conference, the chapter will provide a refund of registrations fees. APTA Hawaii will not be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, incurred by registrants.

CONTINUING COMPETENCY UNITS:
The 2026 APTA Hawaii Winter Conference is sponsored by APTA Hawaii, the Hawaii chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. Pursuant to HRS section 461J-10.13, physical therapist and physical therapist assistant continuing competence units must be obtained from a provider or agency approved by the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy. APTA Hawaii is a board-approved provider of continuing competence units and certifies that this course is applicable to the physical therapy scope of practice in the state of Hawaii. PTs and PTAs from other states who wish to attend this course must contact their licensing board to determine if the course meets the continuing competence rules and guidelines for their state and/or licensing board.

QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions about this conference, please contact us at hawaiiapta@gmail.com or (800) 554-5569.