West Wichita

Karen knew that physical therapy was the career path of choice for her when worked in the physical therapy department at the local hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas while completing her undergraduate degree. While in physical therapy school, Karen completed several clinical rotations including a six week rotation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Karen has always enjoyed traveling, and by traveling during her clinical rotations, she met a variety of people from all walks of life. During her work in South Africa, she learned an appreciation for overall human nature which has enabled her to better relate to her patients and treat them with care and compassion.

Karen has had intensive training in manual therapy techniques of both the spine and peripheral joints and has a “hands-on” manual therapy approach with all her patients. In 2016, Karen completed two years of classes and training in manual therapy and is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). Karen is also a Therapeutic Pain Specialist and helps teach and guide her patients with pain neuroscience education. Her philosophy as a physical therapist is to treat the patient as a whole and incorporate the physical, mental, and psychosocial aspects of patient care during her treatments. Karen provides individualized attention and specialized care and treats each patient as if they are her only patient.

In her spare time, Karen likes to be active and enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three sons, and her family and friends. She is often found outdoors with her children playing baseball, basketball, and soccer. Karen is the APT Practice Management Director as well as the Wichita Regional Director for Advanced Physical Therapy.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Pittsburg State University 1998
• Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Kansas Medical Center 2000

Additional Training

• Certified Manual Physical Therapist through NAIMOT
• ASTYM certified
• Kinesio Taping

Focus

• Manual Therapy
• Orthopedics
• Sport Rehabilitation
• Neurological
• Chronic/Traumatic Injuries
• Pre/Post Op Therapy
• Work Comp
• Pediatric PT
• Dry Needling – Level 1

Andrea is a Wichita native. Andrea received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Wichita State University in 2013. She then received her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2017. Andrea focuses on implementing a functionally based approach to improve performance and quality of life in her client’s everyday life. Andrea has clinical experience working in the NICU, outpatient and inpatient settings treating individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the lifespan.

In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys playing tennis, going to the lake, watching sports, and cheering for the Wichita State Shockers!

Education

• Wichita State University, BS – 2013
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science
• Creighton University – 2017
  • Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

Focus

• Post-op Occupational Therapy
• Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
• Pediatrics

Theodora Stevens is a 2013 graduate of the Wichita State University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She has a history of fourteen years of ballet, and with observations of the consequences of an aggressive sport, saw the potential for Physical Therapy as a fulfilling occupation to rehab various injuries. Her focus is to return each and every patient to their prior level of function and beyond, as she believes everyone deserves an improved quality of life, free of pain and restriction. When not working, Theodora enjoys hot yoga and painting for fun.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Wichita State University in May 2010
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in May 2013

Additional Training

• ASTYM certified
• Dry Needling – Level 2
• SFMA Level 1 Certified

Rikki grew up the small town of Lyons, Ks and ever since high school has been interested in physical therapy. What initially drew her in was anatomy of the human body and how it worked but as she grew in the field, she found that it was more about seeing the progress patient’s make in PT. In 2014, Rikki graduated from a Physical Therapy Assistant Program and continued to work in the field as a PTA until she completed her B.A. in Exercise Science in 2016 and finally her doctorate degree in May of 2019 at Wichita State University. She loves seeing her patients advance and improve in therapy and can’t wait to continue to learn as her career grows. During her time away from work, Rikki loves to go to the lake with her husband, to exercise and to go on runs with her two chocolate labs.

Education

• Wichita State University – 2016
  • B.A. in Exercise Science
• Wichita State University – 2019
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy

Additional Training

• ASTYM Certified
• Dry Needling – Level 1 Certified
• Functional Capacity Evaluation Training
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Focus

• Outpatient Orthopedics
• Post-Op
• Geriatics
• Neuro Rehabilitation
• Spinal Cord Injuries

Ryan was a personal trainer with the Wichita YMCA for two years after graduating from Wichita State with his Bachelors. During this time Ryan realized that he would be able to make a greater impact in more individuals’ lives with an education in Physical Therapy than if he had just stayed with the YMCA, he later graduated from Hutchinson Community College. Ryan wants to be able to remove pain from patients’ lives, helping them get back to their favorite hobbies. In Ryan’s free time, he enjoys exercising & bowling with his fiancee Janet.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Wichita State University 2015
• Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from Hutchinson Community College in 2017

Focus

• Orthopedics
• Pre-/Post-Op
• Deconditioned Population

Mei is a Physical Therapy Assistant and Certified Massage Therapist. She was born and raised in Japan. Mei came to the United States in 1996 and played college basketball for two years at Allen County Community College and Southwest Baptist University. She returned to Japan to play professional basketball for Toyota Motor Corporation. Following her career, she returned to the United States. Mei received her massage therapy certification from Heritage College in 2009 and her physical therapy assistant certification from Hutchinson Community College in 2012. Mei is also a certified personal trainer and she coaches basketball at the Northwest YMCA.

Mei offers a variety of massage styles including traditional Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue work, neuromuscular and trigger point therapy, therapeutic massage (combination of Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular and trigger point therapy along with stretching) and manual lymph drainage (MLD) for patients who have lymphedema.

Education

• Massage therapy Certification from Heritage College in 2009
• Associates Degree for Physical Therapy Assistant from Hutchinson Community College in 2012.

Additional Training

• Kinesiology Taping

Focus

• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
• Manual Therapy
• ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍMassage Therapy

Ashley was first introduced to Physical Therapy in her freshman year at Sterling College. She was hired to provide a weekly aquatic session to a young boy diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The sessions were very beneficial to the boy, so much so, his mother suggested that Ashley consider Physical Therapy as a possible career path. In addition, during her years as a college athlete, she observed many of her teammates suffer from injuries that required Physical Therapy. Ashley was always fascinated at the amazing results PT provided them.

Ashley enjoys the problem-solving aspects that come with being a Physical Therapist. She is motivated daily by the rewarding feeling she gets from working with a patient to achieve their goals and helping them accomplish a better quality of life. No patient is the same, and she enjoys the challenge of developing an individualized treatment plan that will maximize good outcomes.

Since 2012, Ashley has been living in Kansas City working as a Physical Therapist. She is very excited to now be living in Wichita to be closer to family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. They enjoy swimming, going on walks, the zoo and the park.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sterling College in 2009
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2012

Additional Training

• International pain and spine institute
• Clinical geriatric orthopedics
• Techniques to improve Parkinson’s disease
• Astym
• Dry Needling Certified

Focus

• Manual Therapy
• Spine
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Geriatrics
• Orthopedics
• Neurological conditions

Jared grew up in Augusta, KS & after graduating from Wichita State with a BA in Exercise Science, he completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree at the University of St Mary in Leavenworth, KS. He has always had a fascination for the movement of the human body. Physical Therapy allows him to help others by using his education & experiences to improve their function. Jared has advanced training in manual therapy & vestibular rehabilitation. He plans to obtain certification in both with a special focus on concussion rehabilitation. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, & dog.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Wichita State University 2013
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of St Mary 2016

Additional Training

• Dry Needling – Level 2

Focus

• Post-Concussion Symptom Rehabilitation
• Athletic Rehabilitation
• Worker’s Compensation
• Health & Fitness Related Injuries

I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of patients in a variety of settings in physical therapy over 18 years. These settings ranged from outpatient, acute care, skilled care, workman’s comp, rehab, and even the military where my last clinical was at the National Navy Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Initially I became interested in physical therapy through my involvement in playing sports. Having been injured while in college and not having someone to help in my recovery, my interest was sparked in finding a way to help others with similar circumstances, who were trying to get back to what they were doing before whether it was a sport, a job, a hobby, or just simple activities of daily living. My goal for each person is to educate , motivate, and provide the means or tools necessary to aide in their recovery and empower them in a positive way for them to become the best version of themselves.

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, snow skiing, biking, hiking, working out, getting involved in the community and church activities, watching college football and basketball, movies, reading, and in the process of hopefully developing a golf game.

Education

• Bachelors of Art in History with emphasis in Education from Benedictine College in 1990
• Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of North Georgia in 1997

Additional Training

• Certification as Exercise Expert for Aging Adults

Focus

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation
• Pre and Post Operative Therapy
• Geriatric Care
• Manual Therapy
• Parkinson’s

Angela completed her Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology at Wichita State University in 2013. Thereafter, she earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Rockhurst University. Angela has since completed an advanced certification in upper extremity rehabilitation designating her as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Angela also has a certification in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

Angela always knew she wanted a career where she could help other people. She discovered that her interest in athletics, anatomy, and kinesiology as well as her love for helping others blended perfectly into Occupational Therapy. She loves that her job allows her to work with people of all ages from birth on up. Her favorite part of being an Occupational Therapist is getting to know her patients and helping them return to the activities they value. Her hobbies include sports, reading, running, and volunteering with Special Olympics. Her main focus is spending time with her husband and kids.

Education

• Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Wichita State University – 2013
• Master of Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University – 2015

Additional Training

• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (STMT-1)

Focus

• Upper Extremity Rehabilitation (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand)
• Custom Orthotic Fabrication (splinting)
• Pediatrics

Stacey Smith is a 2014 graduate of the Wichita State University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Stacey’s history with the company starts as a Physical Therapy Tech in 2009, and transitioned to Office Manager in 2010 until she began the Physical therapy program at WSU in 2011. Stacey admits to watching exercise videos as a child and states she has always wanted to help people. Her interests in Physical Therapy peaked while in high school, and knew this is what she wanted her professional career to move forward in. Stacey liked the thought of how exercise and movement can help people return to their normal functioning. When not working, Stacey enjoys camping with family and friends and would like to start participating in yoga.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Wichita State University in May 2009
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in May 2014

Additional Training

• ASTYM Certified
• Dry Needling – Level 1 Certified

Focus

• Orthopedic
• Manual therapy

After receiving her degree in Exercise Physiology from Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, TX, she moved back to Kansas to be closer to her family. She took a job with the YMCA as a personal trainer and health coach. She decided to go to PTA school so she could continue helping people. Kim loves to see people grow, get better, and be pain-free. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her family and friends and spend time outside hiking or spending time with her dogs.

Education

• Midwestern State University – Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology
• Hutchinson Community College – Physical Therapy Assistant

Born and raised outside the border of Denver, CO, Olivia has always had a passion for helping people and wanted a career where she could make a difference in people’s lives. Olivia loves being able to help improve quality of life and develop meaningful relationships. Currently, Olivia is training for certification in Neuromuscular Therapy and planning to pursue more precise training in muscle energy and release techniques with a focus in injury rehabilitation. In her free time, Olivia loves spending time with her family and close friends, jogging and playing volleyball.

Education

• Body and Soul Therapeutic Massage School – 2019
  • Certification in Massage Therapy

Focus

• Myofascial Trigger Point Release
• Migraine Release

Kara was born and raised here in Wichita, KS. She spent my childhood around the pool swimming competitively and ended up taking her career to the University of Northern Iowa. However, a string of injuries quickly ended her collegiate swimming career and led her to the world of physical therapy. After seeing how proper movement helped her, Kara sought out opportunities for herself to do the same for others. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate schooling, she coached club and high school swim teams and taught adaptive swim lessons. Through these opportunities, Kara developed a love for working with the pediatric population due to the level of positivity and joy that kids possess. She loves helping children, and adults, achieve their optimal level of function that will allow them to interact in their environment, in whatever capacity their heart’s desire.

In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her fiance and their furry friends – Finnick and Leopold. Kara is an avid gym goer, filled with wanderlust, a closet crafter, and a Wichita State Basketball fanatic.

Education

• Wichita State University – 2018
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy