Clinician Task Force Announces New Leadership Team

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Nov 19, 2020

The Clinician Task Force (CTF) has announced the new leadership team that will head the organization for the 2021-2022 term.

Cara Masselink, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, will take over as Executive Director on Jan. 1. In a news announcement, the CTF said, “Dr. Masselink has been active in CTF for a few years and led the clinical subgroup for an ITEM Coalition Project to provide clinical input for an NCD [National Coverage Determination] recommendation for CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] for coverage of power seat elevation and power standing. Her leadership, organization, expertise and poise showed her ability to lead the CTF well in the next term.”

Masselink is currently a faculty member for Western Michigan University’s occupational therapy program. According to the CTF, Masselink has diverse clinical experience and completed her Ph.D. in 2019 in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, with a focus on healthcare policy.

Masselink takes over for Cathy Carver, PT, ATP/SMS, who is completing her two-year term as Executive Director. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carver has been a regular participant in the industry Webinar updates hosted by NCART, NRRTS, the Clinician Task Force, and The VGM Group.

Joining the Executive Board in 2021 will be Nicole LaBerge, PT, ATP, who is taking over for Lorri Bernhardt, PT, MPT, ATP, as Bernhardt’s term comes to a close.

LaBerge is currently a Level III Senior Physical Therapist and ATP at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. LaBerge, who has been a practicing neurological PT for more than 15 years, “has been a strong advocate for people with disabilities needing CRT,” the news announcement said.

Carver and Bernhardt will remain active members of the CTF, a 501c4 non-profit made up of professionals who practice, serve and provide education on seating and wheeled mobility. Eighty percent of CTF members are not affiliated with any manufacturer or supplier. CTF leadership comprises an Executive Director and five members on its Board of Directors.