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 provide advice and guidance, serve as an advocate for the Rockhurst Physical Therapy Program in the community, and work to support the achievement of the Physical Therapy Program’s strategic initiatives.
Membership comprises the Chair and approximately 25 to 30 leaders in the field of Physical Therapy or related healthcare fields, bringing a broad range of perspectives to advance the department's goals. 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 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. We partner with companies and clinics to offer sponsorships, promoting local businesses and supporting 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.
Current Board Members
Julie Buttell, PT, MPT, WHC, COMPT | Empower PT
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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
Alyssa (Daugherty) Hellebusch, MPT | Netsmart Technologies
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Alyssa is a graduate of Rockhurst University’s PT program, class of 2000. She began her career in South Bend, IN, where she worked in both acute care and outpatient settings. She later moved to Louisiana, where she served as managing partner and clinic director at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. After that, Alyssa settled in Overland Park, KS, and spent a decade with a large, nationwide home health agency, where she initially worked as a field clinician before moving into leadership roles, including Rehab Director and Area Executive Director/Administrator.
Alyssa then made a career change, moving into health care IT. She currently works at Netsmart Technologies as a Solution Consultant. In this role, she leverages her clinical experience to solve software challenges for healthcare organizations providing post-acute services.
Alyssa is married to Brian (RU PT class of 2000). Together, they have three children and enjoy traveling, cooking, and playing sand volleyball. Alyssa has been a member of the RU PT Advisory Board since 2024.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science -- Rockhurst University, 2018
Doctor of Physical Therapy -- Rockhurst University, 2021
Rachel Klamet, PT, DPT | SERC, Clinic Director
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Rachel Klamet is a clinic director at SERC Physical & Hand Therapy in Blue Springs, Missouri. She graduated from Rockhurst University (2021) with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has been treating in the KC Metro since that time. She continues to serve Rockhurst University as a member of the Advisory Board and as a Student Liaison through SERC. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, running, cooking, travelling, and enjoying all that Kansas City has to offer in the arts and culinary scene.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science -- Rockhurst University, 2018
Doctor of Physical Therapy -- Rockhurst University, 2021
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
Alexis Maya-Hutson, PT, DPT, COMT | SERC Physical Therapy
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Alexis is a Rockhurst PT alumni from the class of 2021. Since graduating, she has worked in the outpatient setting in Lee's Summit where she now resides. Alexis has continued to educate herself clinically and professionally; she has completed iGrow leadership development, dry needling certification, and manual therapy certification. She has a special interest in working with those with prosthetics. Alexis strives to empower others, foster meaningful connections and contribute to a vibrant, supportive community; she applies this mission to patients, students, and fellow peers. As a 'Pillars with Purpose' ambassador, Alexis leads local philanthropic endeavors. In her free time she loves to spend time with her growing family, try new food and travel as she has visited all 50 states.
Education
BHS in Health Science- University of Missouri, 2018
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2021
Brackon Lundy, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS | North Kansas City Hospital
Brackon is currently working at the Empower Physical Therapy and Performance as the Director of Mentorship and Clinical Education and a Senior Physical Therapist. He specializes in treatment of orthopedic conditions, complex spine management, chronic pain, sports rehabilitation, and longevity medicine. Brackon received his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Rockhurst University in 2015. Since then, he has received certifications as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the APTA, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist through the IAOM, and Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. He is actively involved in Mentorship and Education through teaching at Rockhurst as Adjunct Faculty and by leading an In-house Residency Program at Empower PT and Performance.
Education
BS in Exercise Science - University of Central Missouri
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 2015
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
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
Kyle Veazey, PT, DPT, OCS | The University of Kansas Health System, Rockhurst University
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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 eight 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