Physical Therapists
Meet Our Doctors of Physical Therapy
Our upbeat physical therapy providers are passionate about connecting with people, giving one-on-one care, and delivering amazing treatment.
JASON METTLING, DPT
DIRECTOR OF THERAPY SERVICES
Jason Mettling is a native Kansan who received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in 2009. Jason enjoys caring for patients of all ages and helping them achieve their goals, whether it is yardwork or returning to sports. He is heavily trained in orthopedics and loves post operative care and sports medicine. He is ASTYM certified, dry needling certified, and is certified through the Institute of Clinic Excellence as an orthopedic specialist. He utilizes a multitude of manual therapy techniques including a focus on spinal manipulation. Jason is a people person and loves building strong relationships with his patients. He is passionate about pushing his patients to work hard and become active with his fitness forward approach to PT and Life! Jason stays busy away from the office chasing around his four children with his wife Janae. In his spare time he enjoys running, golf, tennis, coaching, hunting and spending quality time with family outdoors.
COURTNEY LAZZO, DPT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Courtney Lazzo played four years of volleyball at Washburn, and after rehabilitating from a back fracture her junior year, developed a strong interest for athletic development and injury prevention. She then earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. With a passion for holistically treating the body, Courtney strives to help her patients function at their optimal level and incorporates a variety of manual techniques and exercises to achieve these results. Courtney enjoys spending time with her two kids and husband, being active in different types of workouts, and meeting new people around Wichita.
TONY BUI, DPT
CLINIC MANAGER
Tony Bui was born in Vietnam, but immigrated with his family to Wichita, KS when he was a child. He is Bilingual in English and Vietnamese. One of his professional goals is to provide optimal and quality services for everyone in his community. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Athletic training followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. Tony has a manual approach to his interventions as he is certified in ASTYM, dry needling, and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Tony is a certified Running Rehab Specialist through the Institute for Athlete Regeneration (IAR). When Tony is not treating patients he enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his two dogs. He loves and appreciates the outdoors as he pursues an active lifestyle.
DANI BROWN, DPT
Dani Brown grew up in Goddard as a gymnast and cheerleader and started coaching these sports while she was in high school. She is a self-proclaimed nerd who started at Wichita State as a chemistry major before switching to exercise science to become a physical therapist, after realizing her true passion was seeing children achieve new skills. Through pursuing additional pediatric training, she also found a strong desire to be the medical provider she didn’t have while growing up – the one who understands the physical and mental demands of being a flexible athlete, the one who shares the same goal as her patients to keep them doing what they love by problem solving, and most importantly, the one who does not immediately tell them to stop doing what brings them joy. Although she loves her title as physical therapist, when she’s not in the clinic, she happily changes her title to wife, mom, coach, ballet/pointe student, and Disney-fanatic.
KELSEY CAMERON, DPT
Kelsey Cameron is a west side native, born and raised in Wichita, KS. She attended Wichita State university on a softball scholarship as a pitcher. During her time there she received her bachelors in Exercise Science as well as her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. She strives to provide a personalized approach to each of her patients and does that through innovative exercises and manual therapy techniques. She appreciates working with all ages but shows special interest in orthopedic rehabilitation with an emphasis in sports. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter as well as competing in adult sports leagues, being outdoors, and participating in different forms of exercise.
JAKE CAREY, DPT
Jake Carey earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University in 2019. His clinical interests include pre/post-operative rehabilitation as well as orthopedic and sports rehab. Jake has been with Physical Therapy by Phoenix since August 2020. Jake and his wife, Amie, both grew up in Augusta and were high school sweet hearts. They enjoy their two Goldendoodle puppies, time with friends and family and creating memories in their new home. He also has cool socks!
AARON CASNER, DPT, TPS
THERAPEUTIC PAIN SPECIALIST
Aaron Casner is Kansas Native and grew up in Augusta, KS. He attended Wichita State University where he received his Bachelors in Chemistry as well as his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. He strives to provide a personalized approach to each of his patients and does that through innovative exercises, manual therapy techniques, Gross Motor Imagery and individual education programs. Aaron is passionate about treating Chronic Pain Patients and is a certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) through the Evidence in Motion institution. When Aaron is not treating patients he enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his pup Attila. He loves playing guitar, skateboarding and reading a good book.
RINA CUNNINGHAM, DPT
PEDIATRIC, VESTIBULAR & LSVT SPECIALIST
Rina Cunningham always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare that was patient-centered. She chose physical therapy because she loves working one-on-one with her patients and providing individualized quality time. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. In her spare time, Rina enjoys painting, reading and trying out new recipes. Rina looks forward to taking workshops to learn new and better ways to treat her patients. Currently she specializes in Pediatrics, Vestibular, Parkinson’s, and Geriatric fall prevention.
BRENT EHRESMAN, DPT
Brent Ehresman was born and raised in west Wichita, attending Wichita State University for his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science as well as his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brent’s passion for physical therapy stems from an interest in exercise and a desire to help people achieve their physical goals. He stays involved with the Wichita State University Doctor of Physical Therapy program by serving as the lab assistant for ‘Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical/Thoracic Spine and TMJ’ as well as ‘Musculoskeletal Management of the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis’. Brent’s clinical interests include pre- and post-op care as well as general orthopedics, geriatrics, and sports rehabilitation. His approach to treatment includes both exercise prescription with emphasis on proper form and muscle activation as well as manual therapy techniques. Brent is dry needing certified for craniofacial, cervicothoracic, upper extremity, lumbopelvic & lower extremity conditions. When not in the clinic, Brent enjoys spending time with his wife, being involved in his church, and building furniture in his woodshop.
BRITTANY GAPTER, DPT
MEN & WOMEN’S PELVIC HEALTH SPECIALIST
Brittany Gapter is originally from New Cambria, KS but fell in love with the Wichita area while in PT school. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Baker University and then her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. She has specialty training through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute in women’s health/pelvic floor conditions, post partum care, pregnancy, male health/pelvic floor conditions, and general orthopedic conditions. She is also skilled in Cupping Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy and certified in Dry Needling through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. She likes working with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal diagnoses, and all things pelvic health. Brittany is a strong advocate for an overall holistic approach to help heal the body naturally and build patients confidence and knowledge of themselves to improve their quality of life. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband Mitchell and dog Penelope. She loves dancing, golfing, and curling up with a good book.
CAROLINE GEISLER, DPT
PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST & PEDS PELVIC HEALTH
Caroline Geisler was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She played college soccer at Hutchinson Community College, before transferring to WSU to earn her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After rehabilitating from an ACL repair in high school, she developed a strong passion for injury prevention and rehabilitation. She enjoys treating patients from all backgrounds including a pediatric population, athletes, and a geriatric population with a specialty in LSVT Big. Caroline finds great personal reward and joy in knowing that she will have a role in seeing her patient’s quality of life restored and getting back to what they love. Caroline loves spending time with her husband, Josh, traveling, hiking, and spending time with their two dogs.
NATHAN GILLMAN, DPT
Nathan Gillman is passionate about helping his patients of any occupation or age return to doing what they love whether that be playing sports, working in the garden, or hiking with family. Nathan enjoys spending time with his patients and finding out their motivations to develop a unique plan of care to help them obtain their goals. His desire is to help patients focus on prevention of injury through strength and flexibility. Nathan graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University and is excited to help patients obtain optimal function in their lives through manual therapy and rehabilitative exercise. He has a passion for orthopedics and vestibular rehabilitation as well as manual therapy. Nathan entered the field of physical therapy after experiencing first-hand the impact of therapy in his own life. Nathan married his wife Jacqueline this past summer and loves spending time with her. His interests include working out, spending time with family, being in and on the water, any outdoor activity, swimming, golf, playing basketball, following current events, observing nature, and traveling.
PAULA GODDARD, DPT
PELVIC HEALTH LEAD & WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALIST
Paula Goddard is passionate about providing hope and pain relief to men and women with pelvic floor dysfunctions. She is certified through the Herman Wallace Institute, and loves to learn, apply, and teach effective treatment techniques to help patients get back to enjoying their lives. Paula earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Baker University and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. She has specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation and manual therapy, which she uses for both orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions. Her special interests include working with powerlifters and helping women through the various chapters of life. Paula’s inspiration comes from her daughter, Nicole. Paula strives to show her daughter how important it is to find your passion and purpose in life, and to pursue it with determination and tenacity. In her free time, Paula enjoys taking road trips with her daughter, powerlifting, and spending time with family.
CINDY HARRISON, DPT
TMJ SPECIALIST
Cindy was born and raised in Wichita, she earned her Bachelors in Exercise Science in 2006 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009 from Wichita State University. Throughout her physical therapy career she has gained extensive experience in outpatient orthopedics and developed a passion for geriatrics, treatment of spinal dysfunctions, work injuries, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and post surgical joint rehabilitation. In addition to helping patients, Cindy also feels very strongly about sharing and expanding the field of Physical Therapy through her work with students as an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Certified Clinical Instructor. Cindy’s treatment approach is truly individualized and she places great value on the patient/ therapist relationship and treats each patient as family. Cindy is an avid outdoorswoman and animal lover and when she isn’t in the clinic she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, hiking, camping, working with her four dogs, teaching horse riding lessons and competing in equestrian events.
BRI HOBSON, DPT
PELVIC HEALTH & WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALIST
Bri Hobson is a Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health therapist who has a passion for treating women through all stages of their life. She received her undergraduate degree at Kansas State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy through Wichita State University. She developed an interest in Physical Therapy with her various injuries while doing gymnastics growing up. She began her career treating orthopedic and sports injuries and following the birth of her first daughter she developed a strong interest in Pelvic Floor Therapy. She is trained through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Institute, and looks forward continuing her education in this field. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, their two daughters, Nora and Emma, and their black lab, Chariot. She loves being outdoors, being active with her family, and her husband would say she spends too much time shopping for home décor.
ZACH HOWELL, DPT
CLINIC MANAGER
Zach Howell was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He played college football at Hutchinson Community College, before transferring to WSU to earn his Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy degrees. He was first introduced to physical therapy in high school after a knee injury required surgery and PT to get back to playing sports. As a result, Zach is passionate about helping his patients get back to doing the things they love! Zach brings a lot of energy to the Phoenix Team, and enjoys building relationships with each of his patients. He is Dry Needling certified, and has advanced training in sports and manual therapy. When he isn’t treating patients, Zach loves being active, playing with his goldendoodle, hanging out with friends, and doing anything outside. He and his wife Abby are preparing for their first child later this summer.
JENNA JUAREZ, DPT
LSVT SPECIALIST
Jenna Juarez is originally from the Wichita area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from the University of Kansas in 2009, followed by her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in 2013. The vast majority of her career has been spent in the outpatient setting, although she has been fortunate to have experience in other settings including home health and inpatient acute/rehab therapy. She completed over 100 hours of dry needling continuing education to become a certified myofascial trigger point therapist (CMTPT) in 2016. She also holds certifications in ASTYM, LSVT BIG, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and she utilizes these skills to provide an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan for her patients. In her free time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, playing tennis and golf, doing yoga, and playing piano.
CATELIN KASS, DPT
LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST, ONCOLOGY SPECIALIST, PELVIC FLOOR SPECIALIST
Catelin Kass is a Kansas transplant who has lived in 6 different states across the country before coming to Wichita in 2022. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. During her schooling she identified a lack of physical therapy support for patients who have or are survivors of cancer, who often have significant mobility or functional limitations after their treatment. Catelin realized that this is a patient group she is passionate to help because every one of them is fighting for a reason, and no one should have to fight alone. Since that time, she has graduated from Duke University Health System’s Oncologic Residency where she became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, completed her first Herman and Wallace pelvic floor course, and received additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Informed Therapy to provide holistic care for her patients. She treats a wide variety of cancer related conditions including lymphedema, cancer related fatigue, post-mastectomy/lumpectomy care, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, baking and cooking, and reading novels with a hot cup of coffee.
LEXIE MARTINDALE-MURRAY
FEMALE PELVIC FLOOR SPECIALIST
Lexie Martindale-Murray grew up in Augusta, KS, and migrated to Wichita for her continued education. She always knew that she wanted a career in the health field making a difference in people’s lives, so she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University. It was during her time in PT school that she discovered her passion for Pelvic Health and helping women through all of life’s journeys, and she obtained specialty training through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, going to events with friends, and spending time with her husband, Corbin, and two dogs, Pretzel and Ink.
AUSTIN METTLING, DPT
Austin Mettling was raised on a farm in rural Kansas before earning his undergraduate degree from Sterling College and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in 2020. An ACL tear just before college landed him in physical therapy. This would change his career trajectory, and he wound up finding a passion for helping others through their injuries as well. Austin enjoys anything outdoors, playing board games with his wife Jennifer, spending time at the park with his son Elliot, hanging out with his church small group, and dad jokes. He is an unashamed black coffee snob and is always looking for an excuse to brew another cup!
ANDREA MILLER, DPT
CLINIC MANAGER
Andrea Miller was born and raised in Wichita, but lived in Kansas City while completing her Bachelors in Exercise Science at Rockhurst University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Kansas. Andrea has always enjoyed an active lifestyle as well as working with others and has used these passions to shape her career as a physical therapist. Andrea loves spending her free time with her daughter Aubrey. Her hobbies include running, movies, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
TAYLOR MORRIS, DPT
Taylor was raised in the Hutchinson community and is currently pursuing a fellowship in sports & orthopedic manual therapy. He is trained in various specialties including athletic training, vestibular rehab, Parkinson’s rehab, dry needling, blood flow restriction, and ASTYM therapy, bringing a comprehensive approach to treatment. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Bethel College and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. While attending college he served six years in the Kansas Army National Guard for the 108th Aviation Regiment. It was during this time in life that his desire for helping others maintain a healthy and active lifestyle became clear. In 2011, Taylor married his high school sweetheart, and together they have been blessed with four amazing children. He enjoys spending time with his family, actively engaging in his local church community, and pursuing his passion for fitness. He is dedicated to personal growth, consistently seeking new opportunities and experiences to improve with plans to pursue a nutrition certification soon.
MATT REEVES, DPT
Matt Reeves grew up as the youngest of 6 brothers in the small town of Clearwater Kansas. After tearing his ACL playing basketball in high school and going through his own rehab, Matt fell in love with the world of Physical Therapy. He received his Bachelors from Kansas State University in 2018 and subsequently took a break from academia to work as a personal trainer for 3 years. He then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. Matt’s love of exercise and skills in manual therapy helps his patients become autonomous over their health, while also giving them the necessary tools to succeed. Matt has experience with orthopedics, sports rehab, post-operative recovery, pediatrics, neurological disorders, and vestibular rehab. Matt married his high school sweetheart, Gracen, in 2020. They are proud pet parents to their basset hound, Brutus, and lovebird, Aurora. When Matt isn’t treating patients, he also enjoys being active outdoors, traveling, off-roading, golfing, and making the best pizza in Wichita.
JILL RICHARDSON, DPT
Jill Richardson is a Southwest Kansas native, from Garden City. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from University of Kansas and then her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University. After graduate school, she completed a fellowship in orthopedic manual therapy from the Manual Therapy Institute at Texas State University. She has worked in outpatient orthopedic therapy her entire career and loves the energetic, fun and dynamic atmosphere that the outpatient setting brings. She likes working with a variety of musculoskeletal diagnoses, including post op and sports medicine. She enjoys the connections she makes with her patients throughout their rehab journey and is dedicated to creating individualized treatment programs to get them back to their desired goals, with a strong emphasis in manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription. Outside of the clinic Jill enjoys spending time with her husband Cody, son Lane, and dog Mulligan. She loves exercising, golfing, going to the lake, watching sports (Go Jayhawks & Chiefs) and traveling.
MOLLY ROEPKE, DPT
ASSISTANT CLINIC MANAGER
Molly Roepke played college volleyball at Hutchinson Community College and Pittsburg State University which is how she found her interest in Physical Therapy when rehabbing from a volleyball injury. Molly attended Physical Therapy School at the University of Kansas and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. She has a strong interest in sports related injuries but enjoys guiding patients of all ages and backgrounds back to full health through manual therapy and prescribed exercises. Molly loves spending time with her husband, Alex, and two children Evelyn and Beau, watching and attending sporting events, and spending time outdoors.
RACHEL SCHOONOVER, DPT
LSVT SPECIALIST
Rachel Schoonover grew up in the Wichita area. Rachel’s love for sports, exercise, and helping people achieve their goals sparked her interest in physical therapy from a young age. She went on to earn both her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University. Rachel’s clinical passions include geriatrics, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, treatment of spinal dysfunctions, sports rehab, and pain management. She is also LSVT BIG Certified. Her approach to treatment includes a variety of manual therapy techniques and rehabilitative exercise. She is passionate about educating her patients on proper form and muscle activation to aid in recovery and injury prevention. Rachel strives to utilize a holistic approach with each patient to build strong relationships and improve their confidence in and outside of therapy. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with family, running, golfing, being involved in her church, and serving as a volunteer Young Life Leader.
LAUREN SCOTT, DPT
FEMALE PELVIC FLOOR SPECIALIST
Lauren Scott is a west side native from Wichita, KS. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University followed by her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. She has a strong interest in general orthopedics, sports related injuries, as well as pelvic health. Her love for pelvic floor therapy grew after the birth of her first son. This allowed her to truly see the benefit or taking care of your body while pregnant, preparing for labor in a mindful way, and the importance of proper rehabilitation following birth. She is trained through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Institute, and looks forward to continuing her education through this institute as well as Mercier Therapy in the future. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, Dalton, her son, Ryatt, and her dog, Luna. She loves being outdoors, working out, playing piano, and making way too many loves of sourdough.
DAN STEPHENS, DPT
CLINIC MANAGER
Dan Stephens earned his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Concordia University in 2017, where he also played 4 years of soccer, before earning his doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University in 2021. Dan has a passion for sports rehab and spinal dysfunction as well as postoperative orthopedic care of knees and shoulders. Dan is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer and loves to implement this education into his job as a therapist with a fitness-forward mentality. Outside the clinic, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. Dan also enjoys his role as Student Ministries Commissioner at his church where he gets to work with middle and high school youth.
MATTHEW STRAKA, DPT
CLINICAL LEAD, VESTIBULAR & CONCUSSION SPECIALIST
Matthew Straka earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University in 2020. His clinical interests include pre & post-operative rehabilitation, orthopedic or sports rehab, pain management, and vestibular & concussion therapy. Matt received his Vestibular/Concussion Rehabilitation Certification from the American Institute of Balance (AIB). Matt plans to continue to build his skills in the fields of orthopedics and pain science. He appreciates the relationships he builds with patients and treating each one at their own personal level. The biggest satisfaction he gets in his professional life is seeing patients overcoming their own physical and mental barriers to accomplish goals they set out for themselves. Matt has always enjoyed keeping a fit lifestyle and encouraging others into an active lifestyle. Outside the clinic Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing card games, camping, and enjoying movies and sports.
JASON TEJANO, DPT
Jason Tejano is a Wichita native who earned his bachelor’s degree and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wichita State University. He firmly believes that the key to success are through the patient experience. He is able to treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. As a runner himself, his biggest passion lies in treating runners and running related injuries. He has extensive knowledge on the management of endurance-based athletes of all ages. Jason wants people back to what they love! In his free time, he enjoys spending time and going on adventures with his wife, training for his next race, coaching, and is an avid sport watcher.