Sun City West residents continue to make major accomplishments.
For Peggy Hunter, the award for Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year 2021 by the Arizona Physical Therapy Association is a big accomplishment. She first began her schooling in a physical therapist assistant program in 1987 in Texas and with about six months remaining until graduation, she and her husband, David, were transferred to Indonesia where the couple lived for 12 years.
After coming back to the Unite States she enrolled in the physical therapy assistant program at Gateway Community College and had to take the entire program. She did and graduated with honors in 2004. She also was named most valuable player on the Gateway golf team.
For 17 years, her practice has been in orthopedics and lymphedema, working under the direction of a physical therapist. As well as adjunct faculty for the community college for one semester. Since 1987 she has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and attended physical therapist assistant and special interest group meetings to give updated information from the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy pertaining to Physical Therapist Assistants.
From 2010 to 2021, she was a professional member of the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy originally appointed by Governor Jan Brewer.
“I was instrumental in requiring continuing education units for physical therapist assistants as none were required in Arizona when I was first appointed to the board,” she explained.
Hunter attended numerous Federal State Board Physical Therapy meetings representing the state of Arizona and served on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education as an on-site reviewer. She worked with a team going to physical therapist assistant programs working to accredit or re-accredit programs at community colleges and junior colleges. Another accomplishment includes her attendance at a writing workshop where one of her questions was submitted to be on the licensing exam.
She also volunteers at the Special Olympics and at an outpatient clinic and instructed students and faculty on correct lymphedema treatments that include manual lymph drainage and wrapping.
“Being recognized by the association where there are so many highly qualified PTA’s in Arizona, this coveted recognition is truly a great honor,” Hunter said.
Nowadays, she returned to the life of a retiree, spending some time sewing and working on her golf game.
Reach reporter Jennifer Jimenez at jjimenez@iniusa.org.
In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at. During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.
Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.
Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts
Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”
Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.
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