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.
2025 Ellen Spake Lecture Series
Why Advocacy Still Matters: A Talk with APTA MO President Wendy Nall, PT
Rockhurst University's Physical Therapy program will host speaker Wendy Nall, PT, president of the APTA Missouri Chapter, for its Ellen Spake Lecture Series, from 6 to 8 p.m. on November 6, in Science Center 115.
The evening will begin with a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. Nall will take the stage at 7 p.m.
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
Stacey Corrado, MPT | Upstream
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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. SERC then 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. In 2022 she was asked to dedicate her energy to the Upstream associates as the Director of Associate Experience. There, she provided 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. Currently Stacey is a Director for Upstream’s Patient Liaison Contact Center working with the people and processes to help patients start their therapy. Stacey’s husband is a captain in the KCMO Fire Department, her daughter is an OU graduate currently getting her Master’s Degree at UMKC, and her son is working for the KCMO Fire Department. She loves sports (volleyball and football - Go Chiefs!), summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, her family, and her two Dalmatians.
Education
BS in Biology - Rockhurst University, 1994
Master 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
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
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 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
DeeDee Naumann, PT | Upstream Rehabilitation
DeeDee 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, they partnered with Upstream Rehabilitation in 2012, and she began working with them on some documentation best practices. DeeDee has always had a passion for helping clinicians document their treatment in the most efficient and compliant way possible. She has now transitioned to a central role with Upstream as Senior Director of Systems Integrations, overseeing the EMR system for the company. DeeDee currently directs all training, updates, features, and troubleshooting of the EMR for their 1200 locations nationwide.
Education
BS in Physical Therapy - Rockhurst University, 1993
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, OCS, 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