Be Confident in the Business of Canine Rehab – and Thrive in Ownership, Management, and Therapy is a dynamic two-part session designed to equip rehabilitation professionals with the leadership skills, business strategies, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s evolving industry. Co-taught by Dr. Deb Torraca, DPT, CCRP, CCAT and Anthony Schena, CCAT, CCHT, CSCC, the course combines a comprehensive lecture on foundational business principles, leadership mindset, and strategies to navigate — and even monetize — the transition from scenarios like private practice to corporate ownership with an interactive workshop where participants apply these insights collaboratively to real-world scenarios. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, strategic insights, and a clear roadmap to lead with confidence, balance patient care with business growth, and build a thriving, sustainable rehab practice.

Part I – Lecture: Foundations of Leadership, Business, and Confidence Duration: 60 minutes

1. The Evolving Landscape of Canine Rehabilitation

Industry trends: the rise of corporate consolidation and shifting ownership models
Why leadership, business acumen, and confidence are now essential clinical skills

2. Developing a Leadership Mindset

From technician or clinician to visionary leader
Emotional intelligence, team communication, and influence strategies
Building confidence in decision-making and leadership presence

3. Business Fundamentals for Sustainable Growth

Key revenue models and pricing strategies for rehab services
Systems for operational efficiency and profitability
Strategic marketing and referral relationship building

4. Navigating the Private-to-Corporate Shift

Understanding the landscape: mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships
How to survive — and strategically monetize — the transition
Exploring options: selling, scaling, licensing, or collaborating

Part II – Interactive Workshop: Strategy, Leadership, and Monetization in Action Duration: 120 minutes

1. Leadership Roleplay & Confidence Building

Guided exercises in leadership communication, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making
Practical approaches to leading teams, managing growth, and motivating staff

2. Business Planning Lab

Analyze your current practice model and identify new revenue streams
Build a sustainable operations plan, pricing structure, and service portfolio
Explore real examples of successful transitions from private to corporate

3. Corporate Transition Strategy Simulation

Scenario-based exercises on negotiation, partnership, and practice valuation
Monetization strategies: how to structure deals and protect your value

4. Action Plan Development

Create a personalized roadmap for leadership growth and business success
Define next steps for scaling, adapting, or monetizing your practice in the evolving rehab landscape

Learning Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate core leadership and communication skills tailored to the rehab practice environment.
Build confidence in decision-making, strategic planning, and practice management.
Identify and implement key business systems that drive profitability and sustainable growth.
Evaluate corporate trends in the veterinary rehabilitation industry and develop strategies to survive, adapt, and monetize the private-to-corporate transition.
Apply leadership, business, and negotiation strategies through hands-on, real-world scenarios.
Develop a personalized roadmap for future growth that aligns clinical passion with long-term business success.

Anthony Schena

CCaAT, CSCC, CCHT
Owner, DOO, Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness.
Underdog Business Solutions

Anthony Schena is an expert in both the clinical and business aspects of canine rehabilitation. As a Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist (CCAT), Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC), and Certified Canine Hydrotherapist (CCHT), Anthony brings a wealth of experience to the table. He began his professional journey in 2015 in the field of human physical therapy, where he specialized in outpatient orthopedics, manual therapy, aquatic therapy, and sports medicine. His love of dogs and a life-changing experience with his now 15-year-old Cockapoo, Miles, inspired him to transition into canine rehabilitation. When Miles suffered a serious injury, Anthony realized he could apply his physical therapy expertise to help dogs, leading him to dive deep into the field of canine rehab. This also led him on a mission to raise awareness and increase access to canine rehabilitation, which was then few and far between.

After completing the Northeast Seminar’s canine rehab program and building his skillset, Anthony founded his first canine rehab practice. He successfully grew his first business, eventually selling it and starting another, continuing his commitment to both the welfare of dogs and the growth of the industry.

Deb Torraca

DPT, CCRP, CCAT, Dipl. ABPTS
Owner & Founder, Wizard of Paws, Colchester, Connecticut, US

Dr. Debbie Torraca began her career in human physical therapy (PT) and specialized in orthopedics, sports medicine, and pain management. With a solid foundation in human PT, she has adapted her skills (including her expertise in the Mulligan Technique) to her work with animals. Dr. Torraca is a pioneer in the field of canine physical rehabilitation and is a core faculty member of the NC State Veterinary School’s Certified Companion Animal Therapy (CCAT) program. She also founded and heads the Certified Canine Manual Therapy (CCMT) program at UTN. Following her doctorate in Physical Therapy from UTN-Chattanooga, she transitioned to her work with animals and has been practicing canine rehabilitation for more than 25 years.

Dr. Torraca has authored many chapters in veterinary textbooks and writes for professional journals and magazines dedicated to the dog enthusiast. She has been a speaker and instructor at many veterinary conferences including the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT), American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC), and Western States Veterinary Conference (WSVC). She sits on the advisory board for Companion Animal Health and has been a key speaker at the American International Medical Laser Association.

Dr. Torraca is a longtime member of American Physical Therapy Association Special Interest Group (APTA-SIG) and has held the office of President. She is also a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM). She is an active member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the American Bullmastiff Association, the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, and various other local dog clubs and organizations including the Connecticut Police Canine Unit.

Sessions:: Wed. Apr. 29th, 2:15pm - 6:30pm
Credits:: 4.0 RACE approval pending; 4.0 NYSED-approved
Policies:: To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2026. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.