Our staff
Karen Carlson
Physical Therapist / Owner |
Gail Braun
Physical Therapist / Owner |
Christie Huhn
Physical Therapist |
Kristin Weller
Physical Therapist |
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Brooke Cheney
Physical Therapist |
Sandra Herron
Physical Therapist |
Lisa Jonker
Physical Therapist |
Julie Blodgett
Physical Therapist |
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Lisa Davidson
Physical Therapist |
Kristi Vaandrager
Physical Therapy Technician |
Jennie Golden
Physical Therapy Technician |
Cindy Visser
Physical Therapy Technician |
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Julie Nurenberg
Physical Therapy Technician |
Karla Wittenbach
Receptionist |
Lori Rittersdorf
Receptionist |
Cindy Treynor
Office Manager
Billing Specialist |
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About Our Therapists... |
| Our team
consists of experienced physical therapists who come from varied
backgrounds, including hospital inpatient and outpatient departments,
private practice, industrial settings, nursing homes, and home care. They
have strong backgrounds in manual therapy, vestibular, geriatric, and
pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as sports medicine and industrial
rehabilitation. |
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Karen Carlson, P.T., Owner
Karen Carlson, PT, is co-owner of Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists, P.C..
She recieved her Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University.
Prior to opening GRPTS, P.C. in March of 2001, she gained experience in multiple settings, including
hospital inpatient and outpatient, spine center, outpatient orthopedics, and home care. In her 24
years of practice she has held various positions including burn team clinical supervisor, closed head
injury team coordinator, aquatic program instructor, and quality assurance coordinator. She has
attended numerous continuing education courses which include McKenzie spine evaluation and treatment,
myofascial release, burn and wound care, aquatic rehabilitation, muscle energy and joint mobilization
courses and is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She has found, through
her experiences, that open communication between the patient, therapist, physician, and insurance company
is crucial to developing a sound treatment program. Karen is married and lives in Rockford with her husband
and two teenage children. |
¤ Gail Braun, P.T., Owner
Gail Braun, PT established the practice in 2001 with her partner, Karen Carlson.
She has worked at multiple sites in the East and West Michigan areas, though her deep
roots to her community brought her back home to Ionia. Gail graduated from Grand Valley
State University in 1985. Her areas of exptertise include manual therapy and vestibular
therapy and she has an extensive background working in hospital settings (inpatient
and outpatient), school settings, and outpatient orthopedics. She has taken numerous
continuing education courses, including muscle energy, myofascial release, gait analysis,
McConnell taping for patellofemoral dysfunction, Mulligan's "Nags and Snags", "Mobilization
of the Nervous System", and "Canadian Manual Therapy". She also has an interest in treating
women's health issues. Gail leads new employee orientations for back care, has previously acted
as a Clinical Coordinator, and an outpatient manager. She supports her profession as a member
of the APTA. She is extremely involved in the community, leading 4-H organizations, acting as a
Church youth leader, is the Vice President of Ionia Band Boosters, and is the Customer Liaison for
"Everybody Sells", responsible for all marketing to area physicians, industries, and case managers.
Gail's inspirational words and actions are a key influence to the success of her employees and business. |
¤ Christie Huhn, M.S.P.T., C.M.P
Christie Huhn is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and has worked for Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2002. She has
taken a variety of continuing education courses involving the Mulligan approach to manual therapy, treatment of knee and shoulder injuries, as well
as the mechanics of the foot. Christie has recently expanded her manual skills and is now a Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Her experiences with past
personal injuries have made her more aware of the concerns that are involved in the rehab and recovery processes. As a mother of two, Christie's interest
in pediatrics is carried over in the workplace by associating with the Ionia School District to provide services for special needs children. She acts
as the Clinical Education Coordinator with numerous universities in Michigan and Illinois. She has been a clinical instructor since 2005 and is a member
of the APTA as well. |
¤ Kristin Weller, M.S.P.T.
Kristin Weller, M.S.P.T graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences in 2002 before graduating from Grand
Valley State University with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy. She has been practicing with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since graduation
in 2005. Kristin enjoys treating a wide variety of diagnoses, but has interests in manual medicine and sports medicine diagnosis. Continuing education
has allowed her to further explore diagnoses of the upper extremity, which has developed into a strong interest in hand therapy. |
¤ Brooke Cheney, P.T.
Brooke Cheney, PT graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle in Physical Therapy and also
holds a B.S. in Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley. She has a 22 year history of working
as a manual therapist in the orthopedic setting throughout the United States. She has worked with Grand River
Physical Therapy Specialists since 2006 and has proven to be an asset to our team, specializing in myofascial
release, neural tension techniques, and joint mobilizations. She also uses her understanding as a caretaker of
family members in her clinical skills as she shows compassion and empathy toward her patients. She continues
to stay involved in her community acting as a member and chairperson of a Worship Committee, Education Committee,
and board member and assistant coach for a JV girls' basketball team for the Lansing Area Homeschool Athletic
Association. |
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Sandra Herron, M.S.P.T.
Sandra Herron, M.S.P.T. graduated with a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan - Flint in 1996. She has been in practice
for 12 years and joined Grand River Physical Therapy in 2005. Her special area of interest is neck, headache pain and vestibular rehabilitation;
however she enjoys all areas of therapy. Her continuing education opportunities include manual therapy techniques, muscle energy, myofascial release
along with areas of orthopedic treatments. She tries to make treatment enjoyable and pleasant with her easy-going
and gentle nature. |
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Lisa Jonker, P.T.
Lisa Jonker, PT graduated with a Bachelor in Science from Grand Valley State University. She has been in practice for 19 years and joined Grand
River Physical Therapy Specialists in 2001. While enjoying all types of diagnoses, she has a special area of interest in treating orthopedic conditions.
Lisa has worked as a Geriatric Program Director at a previous employment and continues to appreciate working with the older adult. Continuing education
opportunities have assisted her in growing her knowledge in areas of weight training for the elderly, educating the public regarding osteoporosis and
remaining current on trends for treating the orthopedic patient. Lisa also enjoys encouraging others with a variety of team building opportunities within
the clinic. |
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Julie Blodgett, P.T.
Julie Blodgett, PT has worked as a Physical Therapist since 1986 when she graduated from Grand Valley
State University. Her experience includes Neurological Rehab (spinal cord injury, stroke, head injury, MS) and all
areas of general orthopedic physical therapy, with a special interest in manual therapy. Julie developed and managed
a successful Pulmonary Rehab Program and has extensive experience with clients with lung disorders like COPD/emphysema.
She has served as a consultant to Cardiac Rehab and adult/youth weight loss programs. Julie has a special interest in
wellness and prevention, and has served as a community educator on Osteoporosis prevention, worksite wellness and Better
Breathers Support Group. |
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Lisa Davidson, P.T.
Lisa Davidson, PT graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and a Certificate of Physical Therapy.
Being in practice for over 30 years has allowed Lisa to embrace a variety of responsibilities including clinical management, administration,
and master clinician positions. Clinically, Lisa has a strong background in manual medicine, orthopedics, occupational medicine and industrial
physical therapy, long term rehabilitation, and sports medicine therapy. She served many years as a Clinical Instructor and has participated
in being a guest lecturer in the Physical Therapy Assistants program at Kellogg Community College. Lisa has practiced in the states of Virginia,
Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan, which has helped to broaden and expand her clinical knowledge and experiences. |
¤ Kristi Vandraager
Kristi Vandraager is a Physical Therapy Technician and has been working with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2006. She has a history of working
as a Recreational Therapist after she graduated in 1989 from Calvin College. She has worked with the geriatric population and in an Alzheimer's unit. Currently, she
continues to enjoy working with the elderly and helping people of all ages to meet their full rehabilitation potential. |
¤ Jennie Golden
Jennie Golden is a Physical Therapy Technician and has been with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2003. She is a Certified Occupational
Therapist that has worked with impaired adults through Transitional Care and also has a long history of working with the geriatric population. Previously, she
worked for 10 years in the Home Care setting. She has taken a variety of courses including theraputic core stabalization and strengthening. Some of her favorite
areas of interest include pediatrics, geriatrics and orthopedic patients. |
¤ Cindy Visser
Cindy Visser is a Physical Therapy Technician and has been with Grand River Physical Therapy since 2004. She previously worked for Lansing Community College as a Sign
Language Interpreter and has worked with students with disabilities through programs with the State of Michigan. She uses these skills in the clinic when working with pateients
with physical challenges. Cindy's kind nature and patience is an asset when working with the geriatric population. She is very detail oriented and is willing to take extra time
to ensure that exercises are performed correctly. Cindy has taken a variety of courses, including the strengthening of the geriatric population and therapeutic core stabilization. |
¤ Julie Nurenberg
Julie Nurenberg has been with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2007. She is working as a Physical Therapy Technician as well as a Receptionist. Julie also has experience
working as a Certified Massage Therapist. She loves working with people and has a caring and friendly attitude. Julie's future plan is to continue her education and pursue a degree
as a Physical Therapist Assistant. |
¤ Karla Wittenback
Karla Wittenback is our Receptionist and has been with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2002. She graduated with an Associates degree in Administration from Davenport
University in 1996. You will be greeted with her cheerful attitude and friendly smile at the reception desk two days each week. She is always happy to answer your questions
and schedule your appointments. |
¤ Lori Rittersdorf
Lori Rittersdorf is our Receptionist and is greeting patients at the front desk three days each week. Her pleasant attitude and organizational skills are the result of her experience
running a day care out of her home for 16 years. Lori has taken courses in Microsoft Word and Excel, which has made her a valuable member of the front desk team. She welcomes all questions
and is available to take care of patient's scheduling needs. |
¤ Cindy Treynor
Cindy Treynor is our Billing Specialist and has been working with Grand River Physical Therapy Specialists since 2003. She has an accounting degree with a certificate in billing from
Montcalm Community College and has been working in the field for nearly 30 years. Cindy keeps all patients, as well as the physical therapists, up-to-date with the ever-changing insurance
industry. Cindy understands that there are numerous varieties of insurance and is always there to help patients if there are ever any questions or concerns. |
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