Our Staff

Madeleine Beiser,PT,DPT,WCS

Women’s Health Residency Mentor

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa.
Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Areas of special interest:
I enjoy treating a wide range of diagnoses but am currently focusing on becoming a pelvic floor specialist. I also enjoy working with vertigo/vestibular dysfunctions as well as the geriatric population.

Outside of the Office:
You can find me rock climbing with my black lab mix, Scooter. I also enjoy road cycling, mountain biking, backpacking and traveling. Also, searching for the best tacos in the Tucson area.

Melissa Buss, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT

Bodycentral Physical Therapy Director of Education directly

Education:
UPMC WomensRehab and Men’s Health Residency Program
Doctor of Physical Therapy – University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science with Certificate in Pathokinesiology – University of Pittsburgh

Areas of Advanced Training and Specializations:
Board Certified Clinical Specialist Women’s Health Physical Therapy
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Graduate of ABPTRFE Certified Residency Program – Women and Men’s Health

Bodycentral Education & Residencies Coordinator, Primary Mentor for Residency Programs

Clinic Manager- Swan Location

Areas of Special Interest and Training:

Dr. Buss has had extensive training in Orthopaedic topics and Women’s Health including:

• Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization
• Myofascial Release
• Gynecologic Visceral Manipulation
• Functional Analysis and Management of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex
• Women’s Health Treatment Techniques for (Incontinence, Pelvic Pain, Constipation, IBS, Painful Bladder Syndrome, Pain with Intercourse, Osteoporosis)
• Pregnancy and Post-partum including High Risk Pregnancy
• Tailbone, Coccyx Pain
• Female Athlete Rehabilitation and Conditioning
• Pediatric Incontinence, Constipation, and Bed Wetting
• Men’s Health Prostatitis, Incontinence, Pelvic Pain, Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation
• Lymphedema Therapy
• Post -Oncologic (Breast, Pelvic, Gynecologic and Prostate Cancers) Rehabilitation
• Pediatrics including torticollis
• Dry Needling

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association- Women’s Health Section
Arizona Physical Therapy License

Teaching Experience:
Adjunct faculty University of Pittsburgh
Adjunct Faculty and Duquesne University

Outside of the Clinic:
Outside the office Dr. Buss enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to and singing along to music, hiking, cooking, reading, and crafting! She loves traveling and exploring and believes life is one grand adventure!

Alanna Connor, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Texas at Austin

Certifications/Advanced Training:
Trigger Point Dry Needling Certification, Level 1

Foundations in Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Sport Performance

Areas of Special Interest:
Alanna treats a variety of sports rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions, with special interest in treating endurance athletes and weekend warriors. She enjoys treating hip, knee, and foot conditions and takes a special interest in gait training. Future endeavors include furthering her knowledge and orthopedic skill base through continuing education coursework, obtaining special certification in orthopedics and/or sports, and staying current with the best evidence-based treatment.

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association

Outside the Clinic:
Alanna is a Texas native who recently moved to Tucson to adventure and explore all that Arizona has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible – including ultramarathon and trail running, cycling, swimming, camping, and hiking with her pup, Rue. She also enjoys lifting weights, attending music festivals, exploring new places, cooking, and lying in her hammock with a good cup of coffee.

Anne Hasenkamp,PT,DPT,NCS,C/NDT

Bodycentral Physical Therapy Sports Residency Mentor

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
Bachelor of Science in Integrative Physiology – The University of Iowa
Certified Neuro-Developmental Treatment Clinician

Areas of Special Interest:
Dr. Hasenkamp enjoys working with patients who have neurological conditions, with a special interest in treating Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury. Additionally, she takes interest in a variety of other diagnoses in post-op rehabilitation, general orthopedic, and geriatrics to further develop her knowledge and clinical skills. Her goals are to continue seeking out advanced coursework, and to obtain additional certifications for treatment with the neurological patient population.

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association
Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association

Outside of the Clinic:
Dr. Hasenkamp is originally from Iowa and enjoys returning home to visit her family – especially her three nephews. She loves spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Mellie and Goose. Her hobbies also include running, hiking, traveling, and watching college football. Go Hawkeyes!

Britt Linde, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy – Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sciences – Brigham Young University

Areas of Advanced Training:
Certified Astym provider for diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue pathology
Certified Functional Movement Systems assessment of injury risk
Mulligan technique for joint mobilization

Inside the Clinic:
Dr. Linde specializes in evaluating and treating all orthopedic and sports injuries and conditions. She is passionate about exercise and health and believes strongly in the use of specific manual techniques and therapeutic exercise to correct movement impairments and get patients back to living their life without pain. An avid rock climber as well as previous coach and instructor, Dr. Linde has a special interest in rock climbing injuries and movement. She has spent years educating youth competition teams and climbers on injury prevention and conditioning. Dr. Linde intends on becoming a Certified Hand Therapist in her career as well as publishing literature.

Outside of the Clinic:
Dr. Linde spends the majority of her free time outside rock climbing, mountain biking, and camping with her husband and 2 dogs. She also dabbles in drawing, piano, guitar, and writing.

Kelsey Majerus, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Areas of Special Interest:
Kelsey enjoys treating a variety of sports rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions with a special interest in injury prevention. She strives to further her knowledge in the field of physical therapy with specific interest in the utilization of different philosophies in conjunction with the movement system, as well as obtaining certifications in orthopedics and sports rehabilitation.

Current Sports Resident

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association – Sports Section Member

Outside the Clinic:
Kelsey is originally from Minnesota, completed her undergraduate degree in Wisconsin where she played soccer, and attended graduate school in St. Louis, Missouri. She enjoys traveling and immersing herself in other cultures, being outdoors, playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Ethan Paster,PT,DPT,SCS,CSCS

Bodycentral Physical Therapy Concussion Rehabilitation Program Director

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy from St. Louis University
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Outside the Office:
I grew up in St. Louis, MO prior to moving to Fairfax, VA where I attended middle school/high school. I participated in soccer, XC, track, swimming, and took diving to the D1 level at Saint Louis University. I was a diver for all 4 years of undergrad at Saint Louis University before embarking on my professional phase of the PT program and earning my DPT. I enjoy cooking as well as staying active playing soccer, skiing, and being an avid CrossFitter. Sports have always been a huge part of my life and I’m so excited to continue to pursue my interests in the realm of Sports Physical Therapy.

Benjamin Schwarz, PT,DPT

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis
• Bachelor of Exercise Science from Westminster College

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association- Sports Section

Areas of Special Interest:

Ben enjoys treating a variety of sports and general orthopedic patients with a special interest in injuries involving overhead athletes. He utilizes movement analysis and manual therapy to diagnose and treat the cause of each patient’s injury. Ben would like to pursue further training in manual therapy and obtain certifications in sports rehabilitation.

Outside the Clinic:

Ben was born and raised in St Louis, Missouri. As a former college baseball player he now has fun swinging for the fences playing slow pitch softball and loves watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Ben also takes advantage of the Arizona landscape on the weekends where he likes to mountain bike, hike, and is always looking for a new adventure. He also enjoys weekend nights hanging out with friends and karaoke.

Kristen Waldron, PT, DPT,SCS

Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
BodyCentral Sports Residency Program Director

Education and Clinical Specialization:
Doctor of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Psychology from Bradley University Gundersen Health Systems Sports Residency

Areas of Advanced Training and Specializations:
American Sports Medicine Institute Injuries in Baseball Course
Foundations in Dry Needling
Impact Trained Physical Therapist
USC Sport-Related Concussion Course
Return-to-sport testing and functional training

Areas of Special Interest and Training:
Post-operative Rehabilitation, particularly ACL and other knee pathologies
Return to running and throwing
Overhead athletes (baseball/softball, volleyball, racquet sports)

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association – Sports Section

Outside the Office:
Kristen is originally from Illinois prior to relocating to Tucson. She enjoys trying new things and remaining active with sand volleyball, softball, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, bowling, and salsa dancing. She also enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Paul Winkler, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science in History, Saint Mary’s College of Maryland

Areas of Special Interest and Training:

• Balance and vestibular rehabilitation
• Myofascial Release
• Evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and sports injuries
• Post-operative joint rehabilitation
• Rotator cuff, labral lesions, and other shoulder pathology
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Core and lumbopelvic strengthening techniques

Paul advocates a combined approach of manual techniques and therapeutic exercise to help clients return to pain free self-care, work, and recreational activities. Outside the office, he stays busy cycling, running, camping, and rock climbing. He also enjoys cooking, music, pottery, and volunteer work.

Mat Wise, PT, MPT, OCS

Education:
Master of Physical Therapy University of Pittsburgh Bachelor of Arts University of Maryland University College

Areas of Advanced Specialization:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist ABPTS
• Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator
• Mentor Body Central Sports Residency
• Clinic Manager: Tanque Verde Location

Professional Memberships:
APTA – Orthopedic Section

Areas of Special Interest and Advanced Training:
Mat has been practicing Physical Therapy since 1990. A 27 year Navy veteran; Mat spent his time in the service keeping our warrior athletes in the fight. During this time he honed his craft working in many diverse settings both overseas and in conus to include major medical facilities, branch clinics, training commands, and aboard an Aircraft Carrier. He has attended a multitude of continuing education courses and has excelled at each of his assignments. Areas of special interest and advanced training include:
Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine and Extremities Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization Myofascial Release Dry Needling Post-Operative Rehabilitation KT Taping Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of Sports and Orthopedic Injuries Lower Extremity Rehab Return to Running / Return to Sports Injury Prevention / Wellness LBP and Core strengthening

Outside the Office:
Mat enjoys spending time with his family and playing Golf. Much of his time is spent running his children to their extracurricular activities…soccer, golf, and ice hockey. He enjoys cheering on the Steelers and the Penguins!

Samuel Rauchwarter, PT, DPT

Diamond Jones, PT, DPT

Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy- University of Massachusetts Lowell
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology- University of Massachusetts Lowell

Areas of Special Interest
As a former athlete, Jones enjoys treating a wide variety of sports rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions. Her future goals are to continue furthering her knowledge and skills in these areas as well as becoming a board certified sports clinical specialist.

Outside of the Office
Diamond was born and raised in Lowell MA, receiving both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UMass Lowell, where she was a sprinter and triple jumper on the Track and Field team. She loves traveling, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends, and staying active-including hiking, lifting weights, and playing basketball. Since her move from Massachusetts, she has now been spending a lot of time exploring all that Tucson has to offer.

Matthew Brown, PT, DPT

Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Midwestern University
Bachelor Degree: Arizona State University

Areas of Special Interest
As a former athlete, Jones enjoys treating a wide variety of sports rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions. Her future goals are to continue furthering her knowledge and skills in these areas as well as becoming a board certified sports clinical specialist.

Outside of the Clinic
I was born and raised in Arizona. I played basketball in college and enjoy playing all sports and doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and snowboarding. I like to take my dog Maya with me everywhere I go and to volunteer when I can.

Nikole Nelson, PT, DPT

Craig McEwan, PT, DPT

JaAsha Pena, PT, DPT

Amber Kraaz, PT, DPT, OCS

Education:
Andrews University- Doctorate of Science (currently in progress)
Midwestern University- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Northwest Christian University- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Therapeutic Associates Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy Residency Program
NAIOMT Orthopedic Manual Therapy Clinical Fellowship Program (currently in progress)

Advanced Certifications:
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Certified Manual Physical Therapist
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Areas of Special Interest:
Dr Kraaz has experience working with a wide variety of patients including athletes, geriatrics, aquatic therapy, post-surgical, and Parkinson’s treatment as well as general orthopedics. Her favorite areas to treat are the spine, foot and ankle, and knees. She utilizes a combination of manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling, and cupping. Dr Kraaz is always striving to individualize treatments for each patient to get them back to usual activities sooner with less pain.

Outside of the Clinic:
Dr Kraaz was born and raised in Oregon but recently moved to Tucson to enjoy the sunshine. When she is not in the clinic she is spending time with family and friends, hiking, playing sports, exercising, and traveling. She has two fur babies at home that also keep her busy.

Erik Bidinger,PT,DPT

Ashley Mitchell,PT,DPT

Yeri Kil,PT,DPT

Bridgette Darton, PT, DPT

Alyssa Nocella, PT, DPT

Elaina Stover, PT, DPT

Marija Zaruba, PT, DPT

Kristopher Chang, PT, DPT

Vincent Adams, PT, DPT

Rebecca Blauser, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences — Austin, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Texas — Austin, Texas

Areas of Special Interest:
Rebecca’s passion is treating patients with neurological disorders, with a special interest in stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Guillain Barre syndrome. Rebecca also enjoys working with gait impairments and fall prevention and recovery.  She loves the intricacies and nuances of how the brain, neurological system, and musculoskeletal system work together to move us in different ways and finding creative treatments to help get the body back to its normal function. Growing up an athlete herself and having physical therapy for her own injuries, she also enjoys working with patients with orthopedic injuries. She continues to seek out further education, training, and certification in these areas.

Outside of the Clinic:
Rebecca is an Austin, Texas native where her family still resides, so she loves going back to visit all her family and friends there, and of course enjoying that real Texas barbecue! In addition, she enjoys exploring all around Tucson and Arizona with her husband, Brandon, and 2 dogs, Luna and Mia. Her other hobbies include playing soccer, hiking, yoga, and finding any excuse to be outside. Always up for an adventure, Rebecca loves trying new restaurants and events around town as well!

Kristen Fisher, PT, DPT

Women’s Health Resident 

Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Areas of Special Interest
As the women’s health resident, I am focusing on obtaining my certification of specializing in pelvic health therapy. I really enjoy working with patient’s during their pregnancy and post-partum.
I am certified in dry needling and looking forward to becoming skilled in visceral therapy. 

Professional Membership
American Physical Therapy Association: Section of Women’s Health

Outside the office: 
I spend my time hiking on the weekends and enjoy spending time with family and friends as well. I am always looking to plan my next trip as I love traveling. Fall is my favorite time of year because it’s football season, Go KC Chiefs!

Samantha Beeman, PT, DPT

Manali Adi, PT, DPT

Ashley Mitchell, PT, DPT

Amanda Dorri, PT, DPT

Laura Haley, PT, DPT

Amber Kraaz, PT, DPT, OCS

Alexandra Vladyka, AT, ATC

Andres Avalos, PTA

Education:

• Rio Rico High School, class of 2002
• Pima Medical Institute – AOS in Physical Therapy
• Certification and special training
• John F. Barnes Myofascial releases 1
• John F. Barnes Myofascial mobilization and Kinesio tape
• FMT Rockblades
• Strain and counter strain
• Cervical and thoracic mobilization

Outside the officeAndres loves his free time making memories with his two children; Edan and Andrea. He enjoys watching movies, creating culinary dishes with his wife Ashley, eating great food and being an honest, hardworking family man.

Hector Benitez, PTA

Education:
Cholla High School class of ’01

• Played Basketball – Guard and Small Forward

Pima Medical Institute: Associates Degree of Occupational Science (Physical Therapist Assist)

• David Morkert Inspiration Award

Outside the office:
Hector hails from Chicago, Illinois and so he LOVES the Cubs and Bears. He enjoys spending time at the park and swimming with his wife Stephanie and two daughters Emma and Ella. He also enjoys playing Drums, basketball and golf.

He loves to eat – especially sushi.

Ashley Elliott, PTA

Education:
Marana High School; Graduated as a Certified Nursing Assistant; 2006
Pima Medical Institute; Certificate in Phlebotomy; 2009
Pima Medical Institute; Associates Degree in Occupational Science; 2014

Areas of Special Interest:
Ashley is very interested in expanding her knowledge in areas such as:

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation
• Women’s Health
• Manual Therapy

Outside the Office:
She enjoys spending time with her family, trying new recipes (especially those she finds on Pinterest), getting lost in a book from time to time, as well as, making memories and laughing as much as possible with her fiance Cavin.

Gavon Michalegko, PTA, CPT

Education:
Sabino High School class of ’03
Pima Community College; Associates Degree in Liberal Arts
Pima Medical Institute; Associates Degree in Occupational Science (Physical Therapist Assistant); 2011

Areas of Advanced Training and Specialization:
Graston Technique; 2012
Certified Personal Trainer through ACE (American Council on Exercise) – 2016

Areas of Special Interests:
12 years of soccer experience in Tucson, AZ
Outdoor Sports and Recreational Activities-Hunting, Fishing
Weight Training and Strengthening/Conditioning
Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association

T. Steve Mills, PTA, CPT, Wellness Director

Education:
Pima Medical Institute – Associates of Occupational Science (Physical Therapist Assistant)
University of Colorado Boulder- Associates of Business

Certifications and Special Training
Certified Personal Trainer (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Performance Enhancement Specialist (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Corrective Enhancement Specialist (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Team Quest MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Instructor’s Course

Outside the Office:
In my free time I have enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities. I love to hike, climb, and camp with my wife and my dogs. I have also been heavily involved in martial arts for most of my life, with backgrounds in muay thai, jui jitsu, and wrestling.

Kristi Sullivan, PTA, CKTP

Education:
Graduated from Northern Virginia Community College 1993
Began PTA career in VA and has since practiced in GA,SC, and AZ in a variety of outpatient orthopaedic clinics
Was first PTA in Northern Arizona at Flagstaff Medical Center
Joined Bodycentral in 2007 and works in our orthopaedic and Women’s Health Teams

Advanced Training:
Trained in Graston soft tissue mobilization and as a Kinesiotape practitioner
Became Certified as a Kinesiotape practitioner in 2012
Association memberships: APTA

Outside of the Office:
Kristi is an active volunteer member of her sons’ Cub Scout troop, gymnastics teams and church food bank
Kristi was also an accomplished gymnast

Brianna Scionti, PTA

Jacqueline Nichols, PTA

Mark Morelli, PTA

Joshua Smith, PTA

Education
Marana High School class of ‘09
Pima Medical Institute – Associates of Occupational Science (Physical Therapist Assistant)

Areas of Special Interest:

• Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation
• Strength and Conditioning

Outside the office:
Joshua is a native Tucsonan who enjoys camping, hiking, and playing video games. He is also an active Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter and has competed in various state, national, and international tournaments

Paula Christian, Outreach Manager

Education:
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Merchandising/Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Paula eventually made her way to Tucson from New Jersey in search of a warmer climate to enjoy the outdoors year round. She speaks Portuguese and welcomes the opportunity to practice it whenever she gets the chance.

Outside the Office:
When she and her husband are not busy following their two boys around to soccer, swimming, dance, gymnastics and cross country meets, she enjoys running. After the challenge of training and competing in a marathon, Paula has become interested in trail running which combines her love of running and hiking. Winding down with friends and family makes all the craziness worth it.