DEI Committee Members
Chair
Emily Quinn , PT, DPT
(she/her/hers)
Emily Quinn's Bio
Emily went to Ithaca College for both undergraduate and graduate school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from there. She completed the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Pediatric Physical Therapy residency program at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) through Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2023. She has worked in many different settings in pediatrics, including outpatient, hospital based, school-based, and home health. She has been part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee since 2019 when it was still a workgroup.
Emily is a Chinese adoptee who grew up in Colorado and was a gymnast for 14 years. In her free time, she likes to hike, rock climb, and explore new places to eat.
Emily went to Ithaca College for both undergraduate and graduate school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from there. She completed the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Pediatric Physical Therapy residency program at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) through Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2023. She has worked in many different settings in pediatrics, including outpatient, hospital based, school-based, and home health. She has been part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee since 2019 when it was still a workgroup. Emily is a Chinese adoptee who grew up in Colorado and was a gymnast for 14 years. In her free time, she likes to hike, rock climb, and explore new places to eat.
Vice Chair
Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela , PT, DPT
(she/her/hers)
Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela's Bio
Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela is a pediatric physical therapist currently working in the early intervention setting. Within APTA Pediatrics, she holds the positions of Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Additionally, she serves as the Federal Affairs Liaison for the Academy of Leadership and Innovation and is currently serving on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee (PPAC).
In New Jersey, Mercedes is a Delegate and a Key Contact in her district. Beyond clinical practice, she utilizes social media (Instagram: @theptadvocate) to educate physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students on advocacy. She also hosts Playtime with a PT classes in her local community, providing families with education on their child's development and the early intervention program.
Mercedes Aguirre Valenzuela is a pediatric physical therapist currently working in the early intervention setting. Within APTA Pediatrics, she holds the positions of Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Additionally, she serves as the Federal Affairs Liaison for the Academy of Leadership and Innovation and is currently serving on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee (PPAC). In New Jersey, Mercedes is a Delegate and a Key Contact in her district. Beyond clinical practice, she utilizes social media (Instagram: @theptadvocate) to educate physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students on advocacy. She also hosts Playtime with a PT classes in her local community, providing families with education on their child's development and the early intervention program.
Secretary
Edward Yeboah
(he/him/his)
Edward Yeboah's Bio
My name is Edward Yeboah, and I am a Graduate from the Utica University 2023 DPT program. I am currently practicing in an Early Intervention and Preschool setting in upstate New York working with a variety of pediatric patients on my caseload. The passion I have to empower the patients we help continues to grow as begin my career. Participating in the APTA Pediatric DEI committee fuels my passion to promote initiatives in diversity and equitable access where I will provide my skills to further meet our goals.
My name is Edward Yeboah, and I am a Graduate from the Utica University 2023 DPT program. I am currently practicing in an Early Intervention and Preschool setting in upstate New York working with a variety of pediatric patients on my caseload. The passion I have to empower the patients we help continues to grow as begin my career. Participating in the APTA Pediatric DEI committee fuels my passion to promote initiatives in diversity and equitable access where I will provide my skills to further meet our goals.