Dr. Jessica Cozine-Lehman, PT, DPT

Dr. Cozine-Lehman is running for Chief Delegate Elect in the 2023 APTA Colorado Elections. 

I have been a member of the Colorado APTA for 22 years, and have had the privilege of serving in several capacities over the years, first as a student, then as a PT. My first committee was the Professional Development Committee, where I eventually became co-chair. After a decade on the committee, I moved on to become the SE District Chair, and have also served as a delegate for eight years. I'm honored to have received the Bob Doctor Award and PT of the Year award throughout my years of service. My involvement has always been a source of inspiration, as I am surrounded by leaders who challenge me to grow. I am fortunate to have a seat at the table at the APTA Leadership Congress, and I take my role as a delegate seriously. This is the table where the scope and vision of our practice is decided. Having been a private practice owner for the past 14 years, I know the struggles we face in the realm of student debt and reimbursement for PT/PTA services. I have been listening to the voices of PTs and PTAs in a hospital environments, pediatrics, and rural communities, etc. As a delegate, I know my role is to represent all PTs and PTAs, as well as the patients who so clearly need to access our services. I believe I am ready to serve in a new role as Chief Delegate for the Colorado APTA. I would ensure that all voices were heard. I am comfortable having my own opinions, while still respecting the opinions of others. I will work to get Motions on the floor of the House that impact the PTs, PTAs and patients in Colorado. I hope to have the opportunity to serve you as the Colorado APTA Chief Delegate!

Identify and describe current or previous leadership positions and/or work experiences that make you qualified for this position:
I have been a Delegate for eight years, and have learned so much about how the House works. I enjoy the collaboration and the challenges of being a delegate. I have learned that change only happens when you're willing to ask the hard questions. It is important to respect the traditions of the House, and to challenge them. I firmly believe this is not an "either/or" situation, it's an "and" situation. I believe my ability to bring people with differing opinions to the table and find a productive path forward suits me for the position of Chief Delegate.
 

What strengths do you bring to the Colorado Chapter and what strengths would you bring to the position you are running for?
My strengths for this position lie in my years of experience, combined with a vision for how we can move forward in the profession. I enjoy the discourse at the House, as healthy conflict does not bother me. My unique strengths lie in hearing two sides on a topic, and trying to ascertain the fundamental strengths of both sides. In this way, we can work toward meeting in the middle. The art of compromise and reason has been lost on much of the political world today, but to move forward, we need to find our way back to the middle. The real work can get done if we actually find ways to work together. I believe this to be one of my strengths.

What are weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter and what improvements would you like to make?
Weaknesses of the Colorado Chapter are, sadly, not unique to the Colorado Chapter. All States are struggling with membership numbers, and this is not new. I would like to get more PTs and PTAs involved in the House discussions, and will work to ensure that happens. Our current Chief has done a great job with outreach, and I intend on continuing to seek input.