Deanna M. Wanzek

Deanna M. Wanzek, PT, PCS, CKTI, CLT, graduated from the Mayo Foundation School of Physical Therapy in 1974. Although she has specialized in pediatrics for the past forty years, she does treat across the life span. DeDe utilizes a holistic approach to evaluation and treatment. She incorporates myofascial release, muscle energy, and other complementary skills. She is certified in the use of the Universal Exercise Unit/TheraSuit Method and teaches in the Pediatrics course at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is recognized by the Kinesio Taping Association as a Certified Instructor and was named Instructor of the Year for 2007. She has presented several times at the Kinesio Tape Symposium, which is a yearly event. She is also a Certified Lymphatic Therapist and APTA board-certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, and she currently serves as item writer for the Pediatric Clinical Specialist test. She was the 2017 recipient of the Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall award presented by the American Physical Therapy Association.

DeDe feels truly blessed to be able to go to work every day doing something she loves and then is rewarded with patient/client successes (a child learning to creep or walk, a patient being pain free).

Through the years, DeDe has held several leadership roles. She co-founded the Special Children Center in Hudson, Wisconsin. In conjunction with that endeavor, she served as an employer, supervisor, and program developer. She also has served as interim executive director twice for St Croix Therapy in Hudson, Wisconsin. More recently, DeDe has been employed Foundations Therapy in Menomonie, WI, a private practice serving the pediatric population. Her role includes evaluation, direct treatment, and supervision of a physical therapy assistant. She currently is employed by the Redwood Falls Hospital in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

Acknowledgement

DeDe feels humbled and blessed to be the recipient of the Henry and Florence Kendall Award.

DeDe would like to dedicate this award to her late husband Fred, who so lovingly provided her with the support necessary to work long hours and be away from home to teach. Included in that dedication are her three children, who served as the best mentors any peds therapist could ask for. Thanks to her parents who encouraged and supported higher education.

DeDe would like to thank her colleagues and clients for always providing her with daily challenges that made her dig deeper and discover better ways to do things. Thanks to all the parents who entrusted their children to her for treatment. Very special thanks to Patti Oetter, occupational therapist, who helped launch her pediatric career and taught her the art of observation before action.

DeDe would like to acknowledge those who worked so hard on the award nomination.

DeDe would also like to thank the American Physical Therapy Association for all their support to the hard working therapists who are busy treating clients every day.