At Ivy, we believe great patient care doesn’t happen in isolation – it happens when teammates work together. One of the most important relationships in our clinics? The one between physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).
In a recent episode of Clinically Speaking, Ivy teammates opened up about what makes the PT/PTA partnership thrive. From real talk about mentorship to unexpected career growth and strong communication, their stories show how this dynamic impacts more than just a schedule – it shapes the entire clinic.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Why the PT/PTA Relationship Matters
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), PTs and PTAs are designed to work as a team – PTs guide the plan of care, and PTAs help deliver it under supervision. But at Ivy, that teamwork goes beyond the basics. We view PTAs as critical partners in both care and clinic culture.
As Alyssa Thrush, PT, DPT, GCS, Ivy’s VP of Clinical Excellence, says, “There’s something really powerful about having someone to bounce ideas off, talk through barriers, and stay focused on what’s best for the patient.”
This kind of collaboration does more than feel right – it works. In a 2023 outpatient study of nearly 240 patients with shoulder conditions, adding PTAs to the care team resulted in the same improvements in pain, range of motion, and function as teams with only PTs – while PTA-supported teams handled more visits overall. In short, PTAs help ensure more patients get the attention they need without compromising outcomes.
At Ivy, this translates into confident care delivery. PTs can manage fuller caseloads, knowing their patients are still receiving high-quality, personalized care – even when they’re not in the room.
When Mentorship Looks a Little Different – and Works Really Well
When PT Alyssa Amereno joined Ivy as a new grad, she was surprised to find herself being mentored by Matt Kester, PTA – then the Assistant Director at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy in Hackettstown, NJ.
“At first, I was nervous,” she said. “Like – Matt’s a PTA, and I’m the PT. But he had so much more experience. I learned a ton from him right away.”
Matt had been with the clinic longer and had extensive experience in manual therapy and sports rehab. He helped Alyssa get up to speed quickly in a busy clinic environment – and their relationship only grew stronger from there.
“Our clinic was in a bit of a transition,” Matt explained. “I stepped into leadership, and Alyssa came in as a new grad. We clicked early on, and it was always about helping each other treat patients better.”
Today, Matt is the Clinic Director and Alyssa the Assistant Clinic Director – still working side by side and still learning from each other.
Real Collaboration in Action
The best partnerships aren’t about hierarchy. They’re about leaning into each other’s strengths. Alyssa and Matt frequently hand off patients based on skillset and experience.
“I had a patient with hypermobility syndrome, and I told her, ‘Honestly, I think Matt can help you more than I can,’” remembered Alyssa. “That wasn’t a step back – it was the right move for the patient.”
“And when someone mentions a cancer history?” Matt added. “I immediately loop Alyssa in now, because she completed Ivy’s Oncology Residency. Before that, I wouldn’t have thought to treat those cases differently – but now I know better.”
Their clinic has become a model of shared expertise. And according to Alyssa Thrush, that’s exactly the point: “It’s about using your strengths – and knowing your limits. That kind of selflessness is what makes us a great team.”
Growth Happens in Every Direction
Matt and Alyssa A. both shared that they didn’t originally expect to take on leadership roles at Ivy, but the culture, mentorship, and opportunity made the decision feel natural.
“I came to Ivy for growth,” Alyssa said. “I didn’t expect to do a residency, but after treating one oncology patient, I knew I needed to learn more. I’m so glad I did.”
“I never thought I’d be in a leadership position,” Matt added. “But Ivy gave me the space to try, and now it’s one of my favorite parts of the job.”
This kind of professional evolution is common at Ivy. With clinical mentorship, continuing education, and leadership pathways, our teammates aren’t boxed in – they’re backed up.
A Clinic Culture That Supports Everyone
As Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition Becky Thompson shared, new grads and experienced clinicians alike want more than a paycheck – they want to feel connected and supported at work.
“Candidates ask, ‘What’s the clinic like?’” she said. “They mean the people. The vibe. The teamwork. That’s what sets Ivy apart.”
And that vibe isn’t accidental. From front desk staff to aides to therapists, Ivy clinics are built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and real camaraderie.
“It doesn’t matter what your title is,” Alyssa Amerano said. “We all work together. That’s what keeps the energy positive – for us and for our patients.”
Want to Work on a Team Like This?
If you’re a PT or PTA who values teamwork, mentorship, and the opportunity to grow in a place that feels like home, we’d love to meet you.
At Ivy, you’ll find:
- Mentorship that means something
- Residencies, CEUs, and coaching that match your goals
- Leadership opportunities for those who want them – and strong support for those who don’t
- A team culture built on mutual respect
Explore open roles and apply today at ivyrehab.com/careers.
Want to Hear More?
Watch The Dream Team: PTs and PTAs on YouTube
You’ll hear more about what real teamwork looks like in the clinic – and how it can shape your entire career.
