Position:
Speech Language Pathologist
Work Location:
Carle Health Pekin
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, Elmhurst College; Master of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Certifications: LSVT Loud!
Special Interests in the Field:
Dysphagia, Expanding my pediatric practice.
Why did you become a PT/OT/SLP?:
To help people communicate, no matter what age they are.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I am a huge Star Wars and Harry Potter fan.
Hobbies
Reading, martial arts, yoga, Pilates, enjoying the outdoors.
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Eureka College, 2014
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Bradley University, 2019
Special Interests in the Field:
Orthopaedic conditions, balance, shoulder / back pain
Why did you become a PT?:
I loved school and enjoyed challenging myself, but my husband required physical therapy when we were dating in high school, and after seeing him recover from an injury, physical therapy was what I wanted to do!
Something Unique About Yourself:
I LOVE Disney everything!
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Proctor Hospital
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Bradley University, 2008
Certifications:
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP), 2014
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), 2013
Board-Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS), 2016
Oncology Training with a Specialization in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, 2019
Special Interests in the Field:
Pelvic health, lymphedema, pregnancy, postpartum, breast cancer rehabilitation
Why did you become a PT?:
Throughout my schooling I was always interested in healthcare and though I was pre-dental originally, I switched to physical therapy after being a part of my friend’s dad’s amazing recovery. At the time he was not able to move around very well, but the physical therapists at his nursing home were so encouraging! He desired to work hard for them and this patient interaction is what inspired me to pursue the profession. Once in PT school I was drawn to women’s health particularly because, as a woman, I felt the uniqueness of our bodies from a man’s and this was special to me, I wanted to be able to help women with problems they were experiencing and make them feel empowered.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I tend to adapt super easily to changing situations and make plans last minute.
Hobbies
Position:
Site Manager, Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Saint Ambrose University, 2011
Special Interests in the Field:
Pediatrics (motor delays, neurological diagnosis, and orthopedic conditions), generalized orthopedics, neurological diagnoses, manual movement techniques, Kinesio Taping
Why did you become a PT?:
After moving my freshman year of high school, my family learned that our next door neighbors’ youngest child, who was about 5 years old at the time, had Duchennne Muscular Dystrophy. Having become close family friends and developed a nanny/babysitter relationship with the family, I quickly saw how exercise, stretching and developmental play were instrumental in maintaining his strength, function and independence — this is why I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy with an emphasis in pediatric care.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I enjoy making personalized apparel and items including shirts, bows, mugs, etc for my friends and family!
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Washington Professional Therapy Services
Education:
Bachelor’s at Augustana College
Master’s in Physical Therapy, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1999
Certifications:
LSVT Certified
Special Interests in the Field:
Orthopedic conditions, athletes, runners, Parkinson’s
Why did you become a PT?:
As an athlete all the way into college, I was devastated when I got injured, but very interested in understanding why it happened, how to fix it, and then was readily able to help my teammates with their injuries. When in college, two family members needed physical therapy and a close friend was working on becoming a PT. Through those 3 people, I learned about physical therapy in depth and was inspired to pursue that as my career.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I have run 3 half marathons and I help coach junior high cross country where I am usually the geeky one standing on the sidelines getting splits and occasionally getting misty eyed with happiness as runners set new personal records.
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Maryville University of Saint Louis, 2017
Special Interests in the Field:
Manual therapy techniques, vestibular, Parkinson’s Disease, orthopedics, post-surgical, amputations
Why did you become a PT?:
As a high school senior, I was first introduced to the life-changing results of physical therapy while volunteering for St. Louis Children’s hospital. I was a part of a team who helped a girl learn how to walk for the first time; watching the joy and excitement in her eyes was something I will never forget. Ever since that day, it has been my goal to help others achieve their dreams.
Something Unique About Yourself:
My fiance and I are both insanely competitive in our daily board games and tennis matches; we log wins on an “official” Board of Competition tracker.
Hobbies:
Position:
Site Manager, Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Washington Professional Therapy Services
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, George Washington University, 2016
Certifications:
Functional Dry Needling Specialist, 2019
Titleist Performance Institute Certified, 2019
Functional Movement Screen Certified, 2019
Special Interests in the Field: athletes of all abilities and levels
Why did you become a PT?:
As a multisport athlete growing up and someone who loves helping people achieve their athletic goals, I pursued a physical therapy career and the rest is history!
Something Unique About Yourself:
I am fluent in sign language and my parents are deaf. I could Sign before I could even speak!
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Proctor Hospital
Education:
Bachelor’s, Central Michigan University, 2014
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, South College, 2018
Special Interests in the Field:
Vestibular therapy, stroke and Parkinson’s Disease, athletes, and runners
Why did you become a PT?:
As I got older, I began volunteering at a nursing home in the activities department and on occasion we would play games in the therapy gym, all of the equipment really just fascinated me. I had the opportunity to shadow the physical therapist and watch as she engaged the patient in exercise and activities to improve their strength and function; seeing the progress patients made and how it helped to improve their attitude and confidence was what sold me on a career in physical therapy.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I am a very fast reader; I can finish a 300-400 page book in just a couple of hours.
Hobbies
Position:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
ISU undergrad and graduate masters
Special Interests in the Field:
Pediatric feeding and swallowing and tracheotomy/vent) (special interests)
Why did you become a PT/OT/SLP?:
Became an SLP because one of my high school teachers recommended it!
Hobbies
Vacationing
Shopping
Movies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
North Peoria Professional Therapy Services
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Bradley University, 2016
Certifications:
Orthopaedic Clinical Specialty, 2018
Functional Movement Screen Certified, 2018
Dry Needling Specialist, 2018
Special Interests in the Field:
Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Dry Needling
Why did you become a PT?:
I became a PT because I love working with people and helping them learn how to become more active and to help them get themselves out of pain.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I have played soccer my entire life and used to play trumpet and piano when I was younger!
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Chillicothe Professional Therapy Services
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Bradley University, 2017
Special Interests in the Field:
Athletes, orthopaedics, knees, and shoulders
Why did you become a PT?:
I became interested in the field while in high school and after doing some observation hours, I felt this was the right field for me. I enjoy helping people progress from being in pain and limited in function to being able to perform their daily activities and recreation with less pain and limitation.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I have taken classes in American Sign Language.
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Proctor Outpatient
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Bradley University, 2021
Special Interests in the Field: Orthopedic conditions, pelvic health
Why did you become a PT?:
Physical therapy helped my dad and others I know through him with Multiple Sclerosis. As I was preparing for college, I observed physical therapists. I liked that they got to help people get back to daily activities. I wanted to be that person to encourage people and see them improve. Once in PT school, I was drawn to pelvic health because of the impact that this area has on people’s lives. I saw how it can be overlooked and underserved but is so important.
Something Unique About Yourself:
I speak conversational Spanish and I’m learning sign language as well. I love to travel and learn about other cultures.
Hobbies
Position:
Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, 2012
Why did you become a PT?:
I have always had a deep desire to help people and plus, in this job, I can meet a variety of people!
Something Unique About Yourself:
I would love to one day have a miniature farm with mini goats and sheep.
Hobbies
Position:
Site Manager, Physical Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Pekin Outpatient Therapy
Education:
Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy, Saint Louis University, 1989
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Evidence in Motion Executive Program, 2020
Why did you become a PT?:
In high school, I took Human Anatomy and was intrigued by the complexity of the human body. I knew I wanted to do something within the medical field, which meant that Physical Therapy was a fit for me because I also enjoy sports and being active.
Something Unique About Yourself:
My husband and I have 3 children and we have traveled coast to coast in the last 6 years following their activities. From Florida to Texas to Arizona to California, we traveled to see our sons at their military stations and then our daughter in her college softball tournaments.
Hobbies
Position:
Occupational Therapist
Work Location:
Carle Health Methodist Atrium
Education:
Saint Mary’s College South Bend Bachelor of Science in Biology
Washington University in St. Louis Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Special Interests in the Field:
I currently specialize in pediatric outpatient occupational therapy but also have a passion for adult acute care OT. I enjoy my role at PTS in strategic planning, helping to reach more clients and engaging in the community through program development.
Why did you become a PT/OT/SLP?:
I knew I wanted a career in the medical field helping others. One of my favorite professors during undergraduate study suggested occupational therapy. After researching, I visited Massachusetts General Hospital and shadowed various health fields, including a few OTs. Their focus on client-centered meaningful activity and incorporation of both the mind and body felt like the right fit for me.
Hobbies
I enjoy coaching my daughters in basketball and track, spending time on the beach, listening to the Avett Brothers, and watching Notre Dame football.