Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Texas Board Of Physical Therapy Examiners
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Melissa Skillern, D.P.T. to the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for a term set to expire on January 31, 2025. Additionally, the Governor appointed Donivan Hodge and Manuel A. “Tony” Domenech, Ed.D., D.P.T. and reappointed Barbara Sanders, Ph.D. for terms set to expire on January 31, 2023. The board licenses and regulates the practice of physical therapy.
Melissa Skillern, D.P.T. of Manvel is a physical therapist at Easter Seals of Greater Houston. Previously, she served as a physical therapist consultant and evaluator for various charter schools across Texas. She is vice chair of the City of Manvel’s Events Task Force Board, and is an alternate on the City of Manvel’s Branding Committee. Skillern received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Prairie View A&M University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Medical Branch.
Donivan Hodge of Spicewood is a market research analyst with Concierge Auctions. He is the co-founder and offensive coach for the Leander Wolfpack Minor League Developmental football team and a member of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. Hodge received a certificate in Appraisal from Champions School of Real Estate and a degree in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.
Manuel A. “Tony” Domenech, Ed.D., D.P.T. of Austin is the program director and an associate professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Previously, he served as regional dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and director of the Physical Therapy Clinic at Lackland Air Force Base. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Texas Physical Therapy Association. Domenech received a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in advance physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia, a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
Barbara Sanders, Ph.D. of Austin is a professor and department chair of the Physical Therapy program at Texas State University. Previously, she served as a senior physical therapist at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, American Orthopedic Sports Medicine Society and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. Sanders received a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in education from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from The University of Texas at Austin.
These appointments are subject to Senate Confirmation.