The Rockhurst University Physical Therapy Advisory Board is dedicated to the continued progress of the Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science at Rockhurst University. The board’s role is to supply advice and guidance, to serve as an advocate for the Rockhurst Physical Therapy Program in the community, and to work to support the achievement of the Physical Therapy Program’s strategic initiatives.
Membership is composed of the Chair and approximately 25 to 30 leaders in the field of Physical Therapy or related healthcare fields, with a broad set of perspectives to best advance the goals of the department. The Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science Chair serves as an ex-officio member. Members are not required to be alumni of Rockhurst University.
Our Physical Therapy Advisory Board has begun fundraising for a new scholarship and looks forward to it supporting one or more DPT students in the future. Once the scholarship is fully endowed at $50,000, it will be awarded annually with the ability of renewal. This year is the first year we are partnering with companies and clinics for sponsorships to promote local businesses and support future DPT students. All sponsorships and donations for this year’s White Coat Ceremony and Ellen Spake Lecture Series will benefit the Rockhurst University Physical Therapy Advisory Board Scholarship Fund.
DONATE • REGISTER FOR ELLEN SPAKE LECTURE • SPONSOR AN ELLEN SPAKE LECTURE • WHITE COAT CEREMONY SPONSORSHIP
Current Board Members
Byron Branch, PT, DPT | North Kansas City Hospital
Byron V. Branch Jr. is an Acute Care Physical Therapist who obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Howard University in 2011. He began his career at the Stanford University Medical Center, Neurosurgery Unit, in Palo Alto, California before relocating to Kansas City, Missouri. His clinical work in Acute Care Physical Therapy continues at North Kansas City Hospital. Dr. Branch is highly regarded in the area of managing patients with high-flow oxygen needs and COVID-19. He co-authored mandatory education and training instruments concerning these topics for North Kansas City Hospital's Rehabilitation Department. Dr. Branch is passionate about providing high-quality healthcare and seeks to achieve that through an interdisciplinary team approach. He serves on the Acute Care COVID-19 committee at North Kansas City Hospital and is a Board Member of the Downtown Kansas City Neighborhood Association. Byron and his wife Dairi are the proud parents of two exceptional children, Blair and Dariana.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy degree - Howard University, 2011
Julie Buttell, PT, MPT, WHC, COMPT | Empower PT
Julie graduated from the Rockhurst PT program in 2000. After working in 5 different states and collecting specialties in Women’s Health, neuro-orthopedics and performance, and orthopedic manual therapy she settled in Kansas City. Over the last 15 years she has been recognized as an Ingram’s Healthcare Hero, Rockhurst Clinical Instructor of the year, accredited to teach in the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine’s orthopedic residency program, created a post-doctorate residency program for two local clinics and is a consultant and innovator in a physical therapy concierge model. She joined Rockhurst Alumni Matt Timm 3 years ago in opening Empower Physical Therapy and Performance. Julie has always believed there would be business for someone who treated other people like family. Julie has 2 missions: treat her local community like VIPs and to mentor staff to achieve all their personal and professional goals. She is proud Empower Physical Therapy provides 100% of the physical therapy for a local free health clinic. For these reasons, she still continues to say, ‘I have the best job in the world!’
Education
BS – Rockhurst University, 1998
Master of Physical Therapy – Rockhurst University, 2000
Angie Cain, PT, DPT, CMPT | BodySync Physical Therapy
Dr. Angie is the founder & owner of BodySync Physical Therapy. She is results driven, compassionate and intentional with patient care. Dr. Angie serves the greater Kansas City area and is motivated to be one of the best in her field. She works to diversify her skill set to offer her patients exceptional care. Dr. Angie recognizes health is personal, and she works to gain one’s trust through thorough care that achieves best practice outcomes. She completed both a Bachelor’s of Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Rockhurst University. Dr. Angie lives in Lee's Summit, MO with her family. She and her husband and 2 boys are adventure seekers and love being outdoors. Hiking, alpine skiing, water skiing, running, cycling, kayaking, fishing, tennis, hunting, boating, you name it - if it's outdoors and physical, they are probably up for it! They also love exploring National Parks and traveling. Dr. Angie believes your quality of life and health are directly tied to movement and nutrition. Thus, she loves to move and leads her practice by setting a healthy example. Dr. Angie loves working with individuals who are ready to take control of their health and get moving! Learn more at BodySyncPTKC.com.
Education
BS in Macro and Micro Biology - Rockhurst University, 2008
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2011
Stacey Corrado, MPT | Upstream
Stacey graduated from Rockhurst’s Physical Therapy program in 1996. After working five years in a rural hospital and a brief stint in pediatrics, she joined SERC Physical Therapy and in 2004 opened the ninth SERC location in Overland Park, Kansas. After SERC she partnered with Upstream Rehabilitation and in 2012 she was chosen to be an area director supporting the (then) nine Kansas clinics. She was able to partner in three more clinics as she assisted in their opening. In 2014 she transitioned to leading the company in a customer service initiative as the Director of Customer C.A.R.E. (Creating A Remarkable Experience). In that role, she implemented and trained the company in their operational standards and service behaviors, supported the customer support call center, implemented and supported the patient email and survey campaign, implemented the 5 Languages of Appreciation at Work, and assisted with service recovery and COVID-19 programs. Stacey’s focus shifted in 2022 when she was asked to dedicate her energy to the Upstream associates as the Director of Associate Experience. There, she provides support and development opportunities to hire the best candidates and retain them. This included leading the revamping of their onboarding process and providing tools and education for clinics with growth potential. Stacey’s husband is a captain in the KCMO Fire Department, her daughter graduated in December of 2022 from the University of Oklahoma, and her son is a freshman at the University of Missouri. She loves sports (volleyball and football - Go Chiefs!), summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, and her two Dalmatians and Chi-weenie.
Education
BS in Biology - Rockhurst University, 1994
Masters of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 1996
Kathy Cummings, PT, MHS | Adams Physical Rehab Center
Kathy has practiced as an outpatient physical therapist in the Kansas City area for 30 years. She is currently employed at Adams Physical Rehab Center in Kansas City. While she has served in various managerial roles in both small privately owned practices as well as larger national companies her main focus and passion is direct patient care. Kathy graduated summa cum laude with her BS in physical therapy from Rockhurst University in 1992. She achieved a Master of Health Science degree with an emphasis in orthopedic physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2001. Kathy has been a member of the APTA for 30 years and she has served as the secretary of the NW District for the MPTA in the past. Kathy is married to her husband Dan who is also a Rockhurst University graduate and they have 3 children.
Education
BS in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 1992
Master of Health Science - University of Indianapolis, 2001
Ethan Kuster, PT, DPT, CSCS | Modern PT
Ethan is from Jefferson City, Missouri. He and his wife, Natalie live in Kansas City, Missouri. Ethan is an avid sports fan, with a special love for the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Missouri Tigers. He received both his Bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University. His Bachelor’s degree is in Exercise Science (2014) and he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2017. Ethan is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and was a strength coach for Rockhurst University.
Education
BS in Exercise Science – Rockhurst University, 2014
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Rockhurst University, 2017
Craig Lee, PT, DPT | iMove PT
Craig Lee has been practicing as a physical therapist for over 27 years. Craig is the owner of iMove PT, a mobile physical therapy practice in Kansas City. Craig holds a BA degree in psychology from The University of Kansas. Craig received his master's degree in PT from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1996 and his DPT from Shenandoah in 2017. The majority of his career has been spent in outpatient care. He enjoys orthopedics, especially rehabilitation of the knee and shoulder. Craig has focused on manual therapy and pain science education in his post graduate continuing education. Craig holds a certification in vestibular rehabilitation from The American Institute of Balance. Craig has been married to his wife Paula for 30 years and they have 3 children. He is a current Director with Missouri Physical Therapy Association. He enjoys reading, supporting his children, and spending time with family. Craig's goal is to never stop learning.
Education
BA in Psychology - University of Kansas, 1993
MS in Physical Therapy - University of Kansas Medical Center, 1996
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Shenandoah, 2017
Chandler LeValley, PT, DPT | Performance Rehab KC
Chandler received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Kansas in 2018. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2021. Chandler is passionate about health and exercise and looks for opportunities to help others make healthy choices. She enjoys working with patients of all ages to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Chandler prioritizes providing patients with a plan of care that is based around their passions and hobbies. Outside of work, Chandler loves working out, Chiefs football, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Chandler is a huge advocate for Rockhurst University and is excited about the opportunity to join the RU Advisory Board and contribute to Rockhurst's and its student's success.
Education
BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science - University of Kansas, 2018
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2021
Brackon Lundy, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS | North Kansas City Hospital
Brackon is currently working at the North Kansas City Hospital Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine department. He specializes in treatment of orthopedic conditions, cervical spine and headache management, complex spine management, chronic pain, and sports rehabilitation. He is actively involved in the Move Plus Chronic pain specialty program and helped develop the sports rehabilitation and return to play management of athletes at the hospital. Brackon is a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist through the IAOM and Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. He is pursuing a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics.
Education
BS in Exercise Science &ndash - University of Central Missouri
Doctor of Physical Therapy &ndash - Rockhurst University, 2015
Brian McKiernan, PT, Ph.D.
Brian McKiernan, PT, Ph.D. has been in physical therapy education for the past 35 years. He was a member of the faculty at KU Medical Center from 1988-2003, was Chair of the Physical Therapy Program at Rockhurst from 2003-2013 and has been an adjunct instructor in the department since 2013. He has taught primarily in the areas of neuroscience, neurology and neurologic rehabilitation.
Education
BS in Journalism - University of Kansas
BS in Physical Therapy - University of Kansas
Ph.D. in Physiology (neuroscience emphasis) - University of Kansas
Andy Miller PT, DPT, OCS | Private Home Care
Andy serves as Director of Client Services for Private Home Care in the Kansas City region. He is a board-certified Physical Therapist with 10 years of experience working with clients across all ages and backgrounds.
Andy earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Rockhurst University in 2014, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of Missouri in 2010. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, exercising, being active outdoors, and cheering on the Missouri Tigers.
Education
BS in Biological Sciences – University of Missouri, 2010
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Rockhurst University, 2014
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certification
Stephanie Moore, PT, DPT | North Kansas City Hospital
Stephanie graduated from Rockhurst University in 2017 with both her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and her Masters of Management. She has since returned to Rockhurst as an adjunct faculty member in the DPT program. When not treating patients or teaching, Stephanie enjoys advocating for better patient care through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and APTA Missouri. She has served on the APTA Missouri Board of Directors since 2018 and most recently served as a Delegate at the APTA House of Delegates.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2017
Master of Management - Rockhurst University, 2017
DeeDee Naumann, PT | Upstream Rehabilitation
I graduated from Rockhurst in 1993, worked briefly as a development pediatric therapist doing clinic and home-based therapy, and then switched to outpatient orthopedics. In 1997 I was a founding partner in SERC Physical Therapy in Kansas City. After growing SERC to 20 locations, we partnered with Upstream Rehabilitation in 2012, and I began working with them on some documentation best practices. I have always had a passion for helping clinicians document their treatment in the most efficient and also compliant way possible. I have now transitioned to a central role with Upstream as Senior Director of Systems Integrations overseeing the EMR system for the company. I currently direct all training, updates, features, and troubleshooting of the EMR for our 1200 locations nationwide.
Education
BS in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 1993
Elizabeth Ryan, PT, DPT, AIB-VR | Saint Luke’s East Hospital
Elizabeth works for Saint Luke’s East Hospital as the Regulatory Program Coordinator. Prior to this, she worked as an Acute Care Physical Therapist with experience in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department. She also received her Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification through the American Institute of Balance. Elizabeth began her career in 2013 as a proud alumni of Rockhurst University, receiving both her Bachelors degree and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She knew upon graduation that she always wanted to be an advocate for students, serving as a clinical instructor and the SCCE for St. Luke’s East Hospital. Elizabeth and her husband Travis have a young son and daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, crafting, cooking, and hiking.
Education
BA in Psychology- Rockhurst University, 2010
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2013
Matthew St. John, PT, DPT, CSCS, CF-L1 | Liberty Hospital
Matthew St John is currently the Supervisor of Therapy Services at Liberty Hospital. He began working for the hospital when he graduated from the Rockhurst Physical Therapy program in 2017 and continues to serve Rockhurst by being a member of the Advisory Board. As a former college football player, Matt combines his knowledge of strength and conditioning with his care and empathy for others to provide patients with the best recovery plan for their injuries. This combination is what led him to be named one of the top three 'Best in the Northland' Physical Therapists in 2022. When he isn't working, Matt enjoys cheering on the Chiefs, coaching at Crossfit 816 and spending time with his wife, Libbi, and two dogs, Charlie and Ted.
Education
BS in Kinesiology - Avila University, 2013
Doctor in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2017
Christi (Stewart) Schmidt, MPT | Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice
Christi (Stewart) Schmidt works for Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice as a Clinical Documentation Specialist on the Quality Team. Christi began her career in 1997 as a Staff Physical Therapist at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, MO. Christi worked with patients in ICU, acute care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and outpatient cancer rehabilitation. Christi also assisted with transition from paper to computerized documentation. Christi worked at Liberty Hospital from 1997-2013. Christi was an Officer in the United States Army Reserve, 325th Field Hospital in Independence, MO from 1997-2003. Christi started working for Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, MO in 2013 as a Staff Physical Therapist with Home Care and Hospice. In the spring of 2022 she transitioned to a new role of Clinical Documentation Specialist. Christi is married to Eric, a Rockhurst University graduate from ‘95 and has 2 adult sons and 3 teen/adult daughters. Christi enjoys praying, running, reading and lake time.
Education
BS in Biology- Rockhurst University, 1995
Army ROTC - UMKC 1995
MS in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 1997
Ellen F. Spake, PT, Ph.D. | Rockhurst University
Ellen Spake, PT, Ph.D. was one of the co-founders of the Physical Therapy Education Department in 1983. For 20 years, from 1983 until 2003, she served as the Chair of the Physical Therapy Education Program. Her vision and leadership skills led the department in the curricular evolution from a bachelor’s degree, through a masters’ program and into the present Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Subsequently, Dr. Spake served as the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and finally as Assistant to the President with the primary responsibility of directing the Office of Mission and Ministry. She retired from Rockhurst in 2018. View a video message from Dr. Spake.
Education
BS in Physical Therapy - University of Kansas
MS in Special Education - University of Kansas
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction - University of Kansas
Matt Timm, PT, Founder | PT2GO
Matt is the Founder and a Physical Therapist at VIP Physical Therapy, located in Overland Park, KS. Matt has over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, including 15 as an executive managing day-to-day operations and strategic development.
Prior to founding VIP Physical Therapy in 2023, Matt Co-Founded Empower Physical Therapy & Performance in 2020 and was the CEO for 3 years. Empower emphasized patient-centered 1:1 care, staff post-doctoral residency education and mentorship training, a nurturing culture for employees and patients, and community outreach. During his tenure, Empower partnered with the JayDoc free health clinic, providing pro bono physical therapy twice a month.
Before opening Empower, Matt was the CEO of a local physical therapy clinic for 10 years. National and local recognition for the clinic under Matt’s leadership included: American Physical Therapy Association nomination for “Practice of the Year”, selected as a “Top 25 Under 25” business in Kansas City, and selected by peers locally as “The Most Innovative Practice.”
Matt has earned Board Certification in Orthopedics, Certification in Manual Therapy, Certification in Natural Movement, and his transitional DPT. In addition to his duties at VIP Physical Therapy, Matt works as a medical device consultant providing educational training for surgeons, NP’s, PA’s, and PT’s on the clinical exam and diagnosis of SIJ pain. When Matt is not working, he enjoys spending time with his 3 boys, coaching soccer, hiking, and water or snow skiing.
Education
BA - Rockhurst University, 2000
Master in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2002
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certification, 2008
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Evidence in Motion Institute of Health, 2010
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM-US, 2012
MovNat Certified Trainer
Kyle Veazey, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist | The University of Kansas Health System, Rockhurst University
Kyle is a full-time physical therapist for TUKHS at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center in Overland Park, KS. He joined the health system in 2015 and has worked in orthopedics and sports medicine since then. For the past five years, he has served as adjunct faculty within the DPT program at RU, where he is involved in multiple courses.
Education
BS in Exercise Science - Truman University
Doctor in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2014
Matt Winkle, PT, DPT, OCS | SERC, Multi-site Director & Partner
Matt Winkle is a multi-site director and partner at SERC Physical Therapy in Kansas City. He graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia (2014) with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has been treating in the KC metro since that time. He completed his post-doctoral residency in orthopedics in 2016 before completing his board certification in Orthopedics (OCS). He is committed to providing patient-centered care that is evidence-based and compassionate. While he has spent the majority of his time in outpatient orthopedic care, he is also very invested in teaching. Matt runs the Grand Rounds educational program for DPT students on rotation at SERC, teaches adjunctly in the URI residency program, and guest lectures several times per year at various graduate programs. Matt and his wife, Molly, have three children, Owen, Jack and Emma, and live in Brookside in the Kansas City metro area. Matt is an avid golfer and KC sports fan!
Education
BS in Health Science - University of Missouri, 2010
Doctorate of Physical Therapy - University of Missouri, 2014
Orthopedic Residency - Upstream Rehabilitation Institute, 2016