Alisa Hartman, PTA
Alisa Hartman, PTA, is a dedicated and people-centered professional whose career reflects a deep passion for helping others grow, heal, and thrive. As a Physical Therapist Assistant and Office Leader Assistant at Buffalo Rehab Group, she blends clinical expertise with leadership and mentorship—supporting both patients and fellow professionals. Her experience spans healthcare, education, customer service, and fitness, all united by her commitment to empathy, communication, and personal growth. In addition to her clinical work, Alisa serves as a PTA Student Liaison at Buffalo Rehab Group and Adjunct Lecturer at Villa Maria College where she mentors future physical therapy professionals and leads hands-on learning in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. She also contributes nationally as a Practice Exam Writer for NPTE/NPTAE preparation programs, showcasing her dedication to educational excellence in the field. A lifelong learner, Alisa holds an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from Villa Maria College, graduating with highest honors, and is a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Her philosophy—rooted in active engagement rather than passivity—drives her approach to work, life, and leadership. Whether supporting patients on their road to recovery, mentoring students, or building stronger teams, Alisa brings compassion, integrity, and purpose to every endeavor.
• Certification in Applied Functional Science
• American Council on Exercise
• Civil Air Patrol
What do you attribute your success to?
Success isn’t something I can attribute to any single moment or milestone—it’s the result of a steady foundation built on resiliency, family support, realism, and compassion. Resiliency has allowed me to adapt, learn, and continue moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear. My family’s support has been a constant source of strength, reminding me that I never have to navigate challenges alone. Realism keeps me grounded and focused, helping me make thoughtful decisions rather than idealized ones. And compassion—both for others and for myself—guides the way I show up in the world, ensuring that achievement isn’t just about reaching goals, but doing so with integrity and care. Together, these values shape not only how I define success, but how I pursue it every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you’re only truly irreplaceable at home. It’s a reminder that no matter how important a role feels or how demanding a job becomes, work can always find someone else—but the people who love you can’t. That perspective has helped me set healthier boundaries, value my time more intentionally, and make choices that honor both my ambitions and my life outside of work. It reframes success as something bigger than titles or achievements—it’s about showing up where I matter most, and letting my career complement my life rather than consume it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
ChatGPT said:
If I could offer one piece of advice to young women building their careers, it would be this: don’t make yourself smaller to make others more comfortable—use your voice, because it’s one of your greatest assets. Too often, talented women step back, soften their ideas, or wait to be invited into the conversation, when in reality their perspective is exactly what’s needed. Speaking up isn’t about being loud; it’s about being confident in your worth, your knowledge, and your right to take up space. The more you practice advocating for yourself—whether in meetings, negotiations, or everyday interactions—the more natural it becomes. Your voice can influence decisions, open doors, and inspire others, but only if you let it be heard.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the constant struggle of insurance reimbursement, which often dictates how much care patients can receive rather than what they actually need as well as how much we get paid to provide it. Alongside that, advocating for physical therapist assistants remains an ongoing effort—ensuring their skills, training, and contributions are fully recognized and respected within the broader healthcare system. And of course, there are the familiar obstacles that come with working in healthcare: staffing shortages, high patient volumes, shifting regulations, and the emotional weight of caring for others. Together, these challenges require persistence, creativity, and a deep commitment to delivering quality care despite the barriers.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value compassion, connection, and balance. I love caring for others and spending quality time with my family on our collective hobbies.