This seminar will be in-person and also virtual.

9:00 - 11:00 am: A Tight Knit Trio: Trauma, Pain, and the Brain
Speakers:
Karen Gentilman, MSW, LCSW, CBIS
Megan Doyle, MS, OTR/L, TPS, FPS, Cert-APHPT

12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch

12:00 - 2:00 pm: “Leading with Intelligence: Integrating AI into Physical and
Occupational Therapy Practice”
Speaker: Latonyia J Hewett PT, DPT, OTR/L

About This Event

A Tight Knit Trio: Trauma, Pain, and the Brain & Leading with Intelligence: Integrating AI into Physical Therapy Practice

A Tight Knit Trio: Trauma, Pain, and the Brain: Multiple regulatory bodies have now asserted that the best practice for assessing and treating pain conditions involves the biopsychosocial model of pain, including the cognitive, sensory, and emotional aspects, as well as the overall impact on an individual’s functioning. This also includes providing patients with information on pain neurophysiology and their personalized pain experience, more formally known as pain neuroscience education. An expanding body of research has shown that as pain becomes more persistent, pain processing in brain regions is altered, with increased neural activity in the limbic system and changes in connectivity among the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, among others. These same brain regions, in addition to the brain-autonomic nervous system connection and HPA axis, metabolic and immune system functionality, have also been determined to be involved in the neurophysiological and neurobiological mechanisms related to trauma and post-traumatic states, including elevated anxiety, depression, and stress. Multiple other lifestyles, personalities, and social determinants of health factors also influence the onset and chronicity of pain. This presentation will guide the participant through the interrelating neurophysiological and neurobiological mechanisms of co-occurring trauma and pain, the impact on the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and overall health, the relationships between interoception and self-regulation, and the role that the rehabilitation professional (including physical therapy) can play in assessing and addressing these components with integration into any practice setting when working with clients with complex trauma and pain states. An interdisciplinary approach will be highlighted; however, all participants will leave with an increased knowledge base to apply in their respective practices, integrating recommended intervention approaches upon return to their client caseloads on Monday, with real-life patient examples and applications provided throughout, as well as ample time for discussion. Course Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the key components of the neuroscience of pain and how it interrelates with the neurophysiology of trauma. 2. Participants will be able to discuss the role of client trauma and its influence on pain experience. 3. Participants will be able to identify additional varied factors that impact chronic pain. 4. Participants will be able to recognize intervention approaches that promote the integration of a trauma-informed approach into the treatment of co-occurring complex pain within a rehabilitation-based model of practice.

Leading with Intelligence: Integrating AI into Physical Therapy Practice: Leading with Intelligence: As artificial intelligence rapidly enters healthcare environments, rehabilitation professionals must understand both its potential and its boundaries. Integrating AI into Physical and Occupational Therapy Practice explores the responsible and ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within rehabilitation settings. This course examines how AI may support clinical documentation, care planning, patient education, administrative efficiency, and decision-making—while maintaining professional judgment, patient privacy, and regulatory compliance. This course is designed to promote innovation while upholding professional responsibility and safeguarding the integrity of rehabilitation practice.

Speakers

Megan Doyle MS, OTR/L, TPS, FPS, Cert-APHPT

Megan Doyle, MS, OTR/L, TPS, FPS, Cert-APHPT, has been an occupational therapist for 13 years, and in addition to her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, has completed a Fellowship in Pain Science, with an emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of pain. It was during this coursework that she was first introduced to the neurophysiology of co-occurring trauma and pain, adding to her training and understanding of the aspects of sensory integration, emotional regulation, holistic lifestyle behaviors, and mindfulness-based practices. She now specializes in helping her clients with chronic pain conditions address the mind-body, brain-nervous system connection to facilitate improved physical, mental and emotional health for reduced pain and co-occurring symptom impact, while increasing their overall functionality, participation in valued daily life activities and pursuits, and engagement in positive lifestyle

Karen Gentilman LCSW

Karen Gentilman, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker. She has 30+ years of experience. She has worked in Neuro Rehab for 25 years and has a private practice. She is trained in trauma and neuroscience. Some of the modalities she is trained in include EMDR, PE, WET, brain spotting, CBT for nightmares, and hypnotherapy. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and Certified EMDR therapist (EMDRIA). The common theme she has seen is the overlap of trauma and pain, which has come up a lot. The more she has studied trauma, the autonomic nervous system, and the brain, and just how ‘pain shows up’ has become a very important element in her practice and the need for a biopsychosocial approach.

Latonyia J Hewett, PT, DPT, OTR/L Doctor of Physical Therapy, Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist

Dr. Latonyia J. Hewett, DPT, OTR/L, is a dual-licensed Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist and the Founder of Kinetic Flex Staffing & Rehab Services, serving North Central Idaho and Washington. With extensive clinical and leadership experience across inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, and home health, Dr. Hewett brings a systems-level understanding of both patient care and healthcare operations.

Throughout her career, she held Director and Regional Program leadership roles, leading multidisciplinary teams, strengthening regulatory compliance frameworks, implementing telehealth initiatives, and advancing evidence-based practice standards. As a healthcare leader she successfully improved operational efficiency, strengthened compliance systems, expanded service lines, and innovated care delivery models. As a healthcare entrepreneur, she has negotiated complex service contracts, developed compliant operational models, and built scalable therapy service structures aligned with state and federal regulations.

Dr. Hewett’s work now depends on the responsible integration of emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence — into rehabilitation practice. She is passionate about ensuring AI enhances clinical decision-making, improves documentation efficiency, supports ethical care delivery, and aligns with professional licensure standards. Her presentation reflects a clinician-led perspective on innovation, emphasizing regulatory awareness, patient safety, and the evolving role of PTs and OTs in a technology-enabled healthcare environment.

Dr. Hewett is committed to advancing the profession through leadership, education, and strategic innovation while preserving the clinical judgment, ethics, and human connection that define rehabilitation practice.

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2026 APTA Idaho Spring Seminar - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

In-person and Virtual

Location: Idaho State University

1311 E Central Drive

Meridan, ID, 83642

https://aptaidaho.org/