Did you know that Ramona Horton is going to be speaking at HWConnect in March? Her lecture is titled, “The Do Not Miss List: What many pelvic rehab therapists overlook." I don’t know about you, but we’re pretty excited to hear what she has to say and to learn from the best!

So, who is Ramona C. Horton MPT, DPT?
Ramona completed her graduate training in the US Army–Baylor University Program in Physical Therapy in San Antonio, TX. She exited the army at the rank of Captain and applied her experience with the military orthopedic population in the civilian sector as she developed a growing interest in the field of pelvic dysfunction and received her post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. In 2020, Ramona received the prestigious Academy of Pelvic Health Elizabeth Noble Award for her contributions to the field of pelvic health.

Ramona is the lead therapist for her clinic's pelvic dysfunction program in Medford, OR where her practice focuses on the treatment of urological, gynecological, and colorectal issues. Ramona has completed advanced studies in manual therapy with an emphasis on spinal manipulation, and visceral and fascial mobilization.

Not only is Ramona Horton, MPT, DPT speaking at HWConnect 2025 in March, but she has also developed and instructs the Visceral and Fascial Mobilization Course Series for Herman & Wallace. If you haven’t taken a course from Ramona or heard her speak, then we highly recommend that you do!

The top 3 reasons to sign up for a course with Ramona Horton are:
1. Understand the true function and mechanisms of manual therapy.
Manual therapy is presented as a concept and technique that does NOT “release” tight or bound fascia based on the skill or magic hands of the practitioner. The issue is not in the tissue, if the tissue is tight, it’s tight because the brain is keeping it that way. Muscles are marionettes, and the brain is the puppet master. Manual therapy utilizes the fascial system to access the nervous system. In other words, having a conversation with the brain over the tissue that it appears to be protecting while trusting that the homeostatic mechanism is functioning in the body. If this is done in a non-threatening manner, the brain will normalize the tissue it is holding and guarding.

2. Add a whole host of new tools to your practitioner toolbelt.
The myofascial course teaches basic screening techniques that will point you in the right direction toward finding where the body is protecting, not where symptoms are being expressed. You will learn a variety of techniques to approach different fascial layers including direct and indirect fascial stacking for superficial nerves within the panniculus, muscular, and articular restrictions, as well as indirect technique of positional inhibition for trigger points. In addition, the science behind basic neural mobilization, instrument-assisted fascial mobilization, and fascial decompression (cupping) are presented.

3. Learn more about fascia, its origins, and its functions.
Fascia is EVERYWHERE throughout the body; it is the ubiquitous connective tissue that holds every cell together much like the mortar in a brick wall, in addition to cells, it connects every system in the body. Fascia contains a vast neurological network including nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors just to name a few. The fascial system has multiple layers within the body: starting at the panniculus which blends with the skin, the investing fascia surrounding muscles and forming septae, the visceral fascia which is by far the most complex and the deepest layer of fascia, the dura surrounding the central nervous system extending to the peripheral nerves. All fascial structures, regardless of layer or location have their origin in the mesoderm of early embryologic development. The myofascial course presents evaluation and treatment techniques for three of the four fascial layers while the three visceral courses address the complex visceral fascial layer.

Ramona Horton's Mobilization Series 2024 Course Schedule
The Mobilization courses are available in satellite and self-hosted formats. PLUS Ramona is going on the road this year and will be teaching directly from different satellites for each course. Find out more on the Visceral and Fascial Mobilization Course Series home page. Satellite locations can be found on the main course page and may change, be added or removed, for future course events.

Mobilization of the Myofascial Layer: Pelvis and Lower Extremity - Satellite Lab Course
April 4-6

Bradenton FL
Medford OR
Milwaukee WI
Novato CA
St. Petersburg FL
Torrance CA
Self-Hosted

Mobilization of Visceral Fascia: The Gastrointestinal System - Satellite Lab Course
March 7-9

Appleton WI
Lansing MI
Nashville TN
Portland ME
Tampa FL
Torrance CA
Tuscon AZ
Self-Hosted

June 27-29

Milwaukee WI
St. Petersburg FL
Sellersville PA
Self-Hosted

Mobilization of Visceral Fascia: The Urinary System - Satellite Lab Course
January 31-February 2

Fort Lauderdale FL
Medford OR
Tampa FL
Torrance CA
Wichita KS
Self-Hosted

May 16-18

Atlanta GA
Bradenton FL
Philadelphia PA
Self-Hosted

November 14-16

Milwaukee WI
Stevens Point WI
Self-Hosted

Mobilization of Visceral Fascia: The Reproductive System - Satellite Lab Course
October 17-19

Milwaukee WI
Omaha NE
Torrance CA
Tuscon AZ
Self-Hosted

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to prioritize what truly matters. Join us March 28-30 at HWConnect in Seattle, WA to discover the power of networking, learning, and growth as we come together to celebrate the gift of connecting to one another. At Herman & Wallace, we believe that connection is the heart and soul of meaningful relationships, personal growth, and professional opportunities.

Networking opportunities throughout the event allow attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and build lasting relationships. Through structured networking sessions, informal social gatherings, and interactive activities, attendees will be able to expand their professional network and form meaningful connections with others in their industry. These networking opportunities are a highlight of HWConnect and create a supportive and collaborative environment where new friendships are formed, and partnerships can be forged.

Keynote speakers and topics include Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD lecturing on the “Development of Continence Through The Lens of The Diaphragm, Ribcage, and Pelvic Floor;” Nancy Norton, RN discussing “The Power of Humor for Pelvic Healers,” and Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP who will be delving into “Trauma Responsive Care for Those We Work With and for Us.”

Other speakers and topics include:

• Ken McGee, PT, DPT - "5 Lessons from Gender-Affirming Care for All Your Clients"
• Carole High Gross, PT, DPT, PRPC - "Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: Putting the pieces together and the hope pelvic rehabilitation can provide"
• Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker - "Endometriosis and the Evil Triplets: IC, IBS, and Levator Spasm"
• Ramona C. Horton, MPT, DPT

There is scheduled time in the vendor hall where vendor sponsor CMT will be along with other exhibitors including Intimate Rose, PacificRoots (MedRoots), Shift MD, and SRC Health. You can also opt in to morning yoga, meditation, or other breakout sessions throughout the day. Some of our favorite faculty members will be leading these sessions: Dustienne Miller, Nari Clemons, Brianna Durand, Emily McElrath, and Allison Ariail.

Past attendees have provided glowing reviews of the conference, including:

This holiday season, don't miss the opportunity to gift yourself a ticket to HWConnect. Embrace the importance of networking, learning, and growth with inspiring keynote speakers and valuable sessions. Register today and take the first step towards building lasting connections that will enrich your personal and professional life.

As author Leo Buscaglia once said, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Make the choice to prioritize connection this holiday season and reap the benefits for years to come. Happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you at HWConnect!

If you haven’t registered yet then consider this your personal invitation to join us at HWConnect 2025 in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Take advantage of this golden opportunity to network, learn, and expand your toolkit. The conference will be here before you realize it – and tickets are limited! PLUS, if you register now, you can reserve your room at a special discounted rate. 

FRIDAY  SPEAKER LINEUP
Ramona Horton, MPT, DPT - "The Do Not Miss List: What many pelvic rehab therapists overlook"
Ramona Horton, MPT, DPT developed and instructs the visceral and fascial mobilization courses for HW and frequently presents at local, national, and international venues – including International Pelvic Pain Society, CSM and HWConnect- on topics relating to women’s health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and manual therapy.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dawn Sandalcidi PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD - “Development of Continence Through The Lens of The Diaphragm, Ribcage, and Pelvic Floor.”
Dawn Sandalcidi PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD is a trailblazer and leading expert in the field of pediatric pelvic floor disorders. Dawn has spoken at the World Physical Therapy Conference about pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence, has been published in the Journals of Urologic Nursing and Section of Women’s Health. In 2018, Dawn was awarded the Elizabeth Noble Award by the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Women's Health for providing Extraordinary and Exemplary Service to the Field of Physical Therapy for Children. 

SATURDAY SPEAKER LINEUP
Ken McGee, PT, DPT - "Five Lessons from Gender-Affirming Care for All Your Clients"
Ken McGee, PT, DPT (they/he) is a white, queer transmasculine physical therapist. They have helped hundreds of people overcome conditions related to gender affirmation and pregnancy. Ken has lectured nationally and internationally on conditions related to gender affirmation and birth tears. Their practice, B3 Physical Therapy, centers on transgender and perinatal rehabilitation.

Dr. Cindy Mossbrucker - "Endometriosis and the Evil Triplets: IC, IBS, and Levator Spasm"
Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker is a nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive excision of endometriosis, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic pain in women. Dr. Mosbrucker is a sought-after resource for women with pelvic pain from all causes, including pudendal neuralgia, levator spasm, hip impingement and labral tears, and interstitial cystitis.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Nancy Norton, RN - “The Power of Humor for Pelvic Healers.”
Nancy Norton, RN is a Registered Nurse and comedian and has been featured on A&E, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and tours nationally - headlining clubs, festivals, conferences, and events - performing both standup comedy and delivering keynote presentations. Nancy has also toured internationally on several USO tours entertaining the troops in Europe, Asia, Iceland, and the Pacific. Nancy also hosts a weekly Podcast called "Tromedy", aimed at helping to transmute trauma responses with comedy.

SUNDAY SPEAKER LINEUP
 Carole High Gross, PT, DPT, PRPC - "Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: Putting the Pieces Together, and the Hope Pelvic Rehabilitation Can Provide"
Carole High Gross, PT, MS, DPT, PRPC serves on the APTA Pelvic Workgroup of the Ehlers-Danlos International Consortium. Carole has a special interest in working with individuals living with eating disorders, hypermobility, and throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP - “Working Well: Trauma Responsive Care for Those We Work With and for Us.”
Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP is a leadership coach, psychotherapist, and educator specializing in liberation and equity, cultural responsiveness, motivational patterning, and evolutionary creativity. Dr. Nieto is internationally recognized for her expertise in addressing social justice concerns from a developmental ecological perspective including orienting to systemic transformation, survivance, song and poetry, relational repair, joy, radical rest, intersectional coalition, and reparative and restorative justice. Her 2010 book, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone, is an accessible analysis of the dynamics of oppression and supremacy that offers readers ways to develop skills to promote social justice.

Discounted Hotel Rooms Available Until January 1, 2025
HWConnect 2025 will take place entirely at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center in Seattle, WA, and we would love for you to stay at the hotel for ease of attending all sessions and social events and have secured a room block and special pricing for conference attendees starting at $167.

The hotel is accessible from the Seattle-Tacoma Airport by walling across the skybridge by the SeaTac light rail station, making it very convenient for those flying in or attending from the greater Seattle area. We Look Forward to Seeing You at HWConnect!

HWConnect 2025 is scheduled for March 28-30, 2025 in Seattle Washington.

HWConnect is scheduled for March 28-30, 2025 in Seattle Washington. HWConnect tickets include all speakers, breakout sessions, labs, mixers, vendor hall time, and reception.

HWConnect 2025 has announced our keynote speakers for the March 28-30, 2025 event, and you do NOT want to miss them.

HWConnect opens on Friday, March 28, 2025, and will culminate that evening with Keynote Speaker, Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD. If you are a pediatric therapist then you should be familiar with Dawn, who is the trailblazer and leading expert in the field of pediatric pelvic floor disorders. This keynote will be a deep dive into the “Development of Continence Through The Lens of The Diaphragm, Ribcage, and Pelvic Floor.”

A little about Dr. Sandalcidi. She is a national and international speaker, a faculty instructor at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute, and runs an online teaching and mentoring platform for parents and professionals. In 2017, Dawn spoke at the World Physical Therapy Conference in South Africa about pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence. In 2018, Dawn was awarded the Elizabeth Noble Award by the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Women's Health for providing Extraordinary and Exemplary Service to the Field of Physical Therapy for Children. She has also been published in the Journals of Urologic Nursing and Section of Women’s Health.

Next, let’s move on to Saturday. HW is excited to announce that Nancy Norton, RN will be headlining the event as our Saturday Keynote Speaker. Not only is Nancy a registered nurse and comedian, but she also has a talent for intuitively reading the room which we will experience first-hand with her keynote address, “The Power of Humor for Pelvic Healers.”

You may be familiar with Nancy already as she has been featured on A&E, Netflix, Amazon Prime, tours nationally, and has a weekly Podcast called "Tromedy" that is aimed at helping to transmute trauma responses with comedy. Buckle up for hilarious storytelling mixed with standup punchlines rooted in real-life experiences like growing up in a dysfunctional Ozark family and working in Healthcare.

HWConnect closes on Sunday with our final esteemed Keynote Speaker, Leticia Nieto, Psy.D., LMFT. Leticia is a leadership coach, psychotherapist, and educator specializing in liberation and equity, cultural responsiveness, motivational patterning, and evolutionary creativity. Dr. Nieto will be channeling her experience in activism, scholarship, and consulting work to speak on “Working Well: Trauma Responsive Care for Those We Work With and for Us.”

Dr. Nieto is internationally recognized for her expertise in addressing social justice concerns from a developmental ecological perspective including orienting to systemic transformation, survivance, song and poetry, relational repair, joy, radical rest, intersectional coalition, and reparative and restorative justice. Her 2010 book, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone, is an accessible analysis of the dynamics of oppression and supremacy that offers readers ways to develop skills to promote social justice.

All three Keynote Speakers are at the top of their field, and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say! Make sure you seize this opportunity to be inspired and connect with the experts.

If you haven’t registered yet then consider this your personal invitation to join us at HWConnect 2025 in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Take advantage of this golden opportunity to network, learn, and expand your toolkit. The conference will be here before you realize it – and tickets are limited! PLUS, if you register now, you can reserve your room at a special discounted rate.

📲 Get more information! https://www.hermanwallace.com/connect-2025
 🛎  Register to attend! https://hermanwallace.com/hwconnect-2025

The HW admin team has been hard at work filling speaker spots, building breakout sessions, and creating fun new experience ideas for the upcoming 2025 conference.

If you're into pelvic health then this is the conference for you. HWConnect was created to provide a top-tier networking event for pelvic rehabilitation practitioners that focuses on providing a safe environment for professional development, exposure to new products, and sharing inspiration for all things pelvic health.

HWConnect features keynote speakers, breakouts, labs, and educational sessions. Topics range from pediatrics with Dawn Sandalcidi to gender-affirming care with Ken McGee. HWConnect is all about connection - the name says it all. Network. Learn. Grow. Repeat.

Registering is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Complete online registration.
2. Book travel and lodging. HWConnect will be held at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center and HW has special pricing set up for attendees.
3. Show up, and don't forget to stop by and say hello to all of your favorite HW team members!

Need More Information?

• Keynote Speakers are the indomitable Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD (she/her), Nancy Norton, RN (she/her), and Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP (she/her).
• Speakers include Ken McGee, PT, DPT (they/he), Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker (she/her), Meryl Alappattu, PT, PhD (she/her), and Carole High Gross, PT, DPT, PRPC (she/her).
• Breakout sessions, workshops, and labs include yoga, meditation, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, squat analysis, and MORE - all led by your favorite HW faculty including Dustienne Miller, Nari Clemons, and Allison Ariail.
• HW proudly welcomes second-time conference sponsor CMT.
• Vendor Hall featuring exhibitors including Intimate Rose, Slippery Stuff, and Raise the Pelvic Floor.
• Non-profit booths feature the Kenya Scholarship Foundation and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Read this past blog to learn more about the Kenya Scholarship Foundation.
• Special Podcast Guests feature Callie and Rachel from Pelvic Service Announcement (PSA) and Courtney from Raise the Pelvic Floor.

For more information and a full lineup check out the HWConnect 2025 page!

Already Coming to HWConnect?

Herman & Wallace would love your help spreading the word about HWConnect 2025 and the chance to connect with the amazing people in our community. Check out this page where you can review and share all the programming we’ve booked thus far. https://hermanwallace.com/connect-2025

We look forward to seeing you at HWConnect 2025!