Jennifer Bottomley

Jennifer M. Bottomley, PT, MS, PhD, embodies the characteristics of leadership, having worked on committees and task forces and behind the scenes to advance the goals and vision of the profession of physical therapy for 40 years. Bottomley is an independent geriatric rehabilitation program consultant, advisor, and educator. Previously, she held clinical roles at Sunspectrum of Concord’s Outpatient Division of Sundance Rehabilitation, Hillhaven Corporation, and Cushing Hospital. She has been a faculty member at Harvard Medical School’s Division on Aging and MGH Institute of Health Professions, and has been associated with University Hospital of Boston and Henry Ford Hospital. She holds a PhD in Health Sciences from Union Institute of Cincinnati, PhD in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, MS from MGH Institute of Health Professions, and BS from the University of Wisconsin.

Bottomley's colleagues report that she employs the qualities of listening, awareness, persuasion, and foresight when advocating for APTA to develop the governance department; she played a vital role in the conceptualization of the department itself. In addition, she had the foresight to advocate for APTA to recognize the importance of the profession in Medicare law and regulations. Because of her efforts, APTA made lobbying from the geriatric perspective a priority. Bottomley participates in Lobby Day at the State House, has served as a key contact for the Massachusetts Chapter, and is a key contact for APTA’s Department of Government Affairs as well. As a clinician, she has long recognized the importance and value of providing pro bono services and is active in elder homeless initiatives, including incorporating student physical therapists into the provision of pro bono services, a first for the state of Massachusetts.

A member of APTA since 1971, Bottomley has been involved with the Wisconsin, Michigan, and Massachusetts chapters, and has been active in the Section on Geriatrics since 1986, including as president and vice president. Within her community, she volunteers with free screening for the elderly in low-income housing projects. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Mary MacDonald Distinguished Service Award, the Section on Geratrics’ Service Award, APTA's Recognition & Appreciation Award, the Maley Lectureship, and the Rich Kessler Memorial Award from the Massachusetts Chapter.