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.

Genelle Botje, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy – West Virginia University
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Shepherd University

Areas of Special Interest / Advanced Training: As a former athlete, whitewater raft guide, and current outdoor adventure sports enthusiast, Botje has a strong interest in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. She is a Certified Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) provider for soft tissue injuries of the spine and initially practiced these skills as a provider for the 2015 IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, HI. She is currently preparing to take the Orthopedic Specialist Certification exam in March 2016. Her most recent coursework has led toward more specialized knowledge in running footwear, endurance sports performance, bike fit, chronic pain education, and neuroscience of injury effects on sports performance. She strives to expand her areas of expertise regularly.

Outside of the Clinic:A West Virginia Mountaineer at heart, Botje most recently relocated here from Hawaii where she lived for 3 years, thriving on ocean activities, deep water soloing, and slacklining. She has been transitioning to the desert life well, enjoying all that the city and its surrounding areas have to offer — including hiking, backpacking, climbing, slacklining, and checking out the local music and food scenes.

At home, she enjoys creating art, playing her guitar / ukulele, reading, and digging in the dirt with her significant other, Aren, and their dog Maka.

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.

Maria Eller, PT, DPT

Education:
University of Indianapolis – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Purdue University – Master of Arts: Public Relations and Corporate Communication
Liberty University – Bachelor of Science: Public Relations and Advertising

Areas of Special Interest:
Dr. Eller has a special interest in treating the female athlete, pelvic health, and foot and ankle dysfunction. She continues to seek additional training in these and other areas and is always excited to learn something new.

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association – Section on Research and Section on Women’s Health

Outside of the Clinic:
She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and fishing. Cooking and appreciating the arts are also activities she enjoys.

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!

Mark Lawhon PT, DPT, SCS

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri Columbia
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, University of Missouri Columbia

Areas of Special Interest:
Mark enjoys treating a variety of sports rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions, and is willing to work with any patient who is interested in participating in physical therapy. My goals are to further my knowledge in all areas of care, with particular interest in obtaining certifications in orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and orthopedic manual techniques.

Current Sports Resident

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association

Outside the Clinic:
Mark arrived in the Arizona this summer after having previously lived in Missouri. He loves the outdoors, playing sports, staying fit, spending time with friends and family, the holiday season, watching movies, listening to a variety of music, venturing out and about on the weekends, and supporting his Midwest sports teams (Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Missouri Tigers).

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.

Jon McPeters, PT, DPT

Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy – East Carolina University
• Masters of Teaching: Physical Education – Western Carolina University
• Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology – Wheaton College

Areas of Advanced Training and Specializations:

Functional Dry Needling, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Emergency Medical Responder

Areas of Special Interest:

Jon has experience working with a variety of orthopedic and sports injuries. He enjoys all of his patients but particularly appreciates seeing active individuals and athletes return to the activities they enjoy.

Professional Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association – Sports Section, National Strength and Conditioning Association

Outside of the Clinic:

He is originally from North Carolina where he grew up with a love of basketball.  He also enjoys working out, coaching, and fishing.

Tal Milchan, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Evansville
Bachelor of science in Exercise Science at the University of Evansville

Areas of Special Interest:
I enjoy working with a variety of patients from general orthopedic, young athletes and recreational athlete to geriatrics and anyone who has a neurological condition. I strive to help patients return to their prior level of function, using the most recent evidence based treatment.

Outside of Office:
In my free time I enjoy traveling the world, hiking , backpacking, camping and spending time with my family and friends.

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.

Stephanie Pantaleo, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Education:

Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan-Flint
Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Psychology, University of Arizona
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Areas of Special Interest:

Dr. Panteleo has experience working with a variety of sports and orthopedic injuries. She specializes in treatment of running injuries, post-operative rehabilitation and musculoskeletal injuries. She has worked with athletes of all ages and enjoys seeing patients return to doing what they love. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, which allows her to utilize strengthening techniques in her practice.

Professional Memberships:

American Physical Therapy Association- Sports Section Member
National Strength and Conditioning Association Member

Outside the office

Dr. Pantaleo enjoys traveling and watching all Wildcat sports. She loves to spend time with her husband and dog, Leela. She also enjoys running and has run in various marathon and half-marathon distance races.

Leigh Prescott, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS

Education:
University of Vermont Doctor of Physical Therapy 2009
University of Vermont Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Food Sciences 2007

Specialized Training and Advanced Certifications:
ABPTS Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
ABPTS Board Certified Sports Specialist
Certified Kinesiotaping Practioner, KT 1, 2 & 3
Graston Technique Practioner, Dry Needling
Emergency Medical Responder

Mentor for Sports Residency Program

Clinic Manager- Oro Valley Office
Recent Coursework:Fit for running: assessment, rehab, and training strategies to minimize injury Current concepts in the treatment recognition of SLAP tears

Areas of Special Interest:
Graston Technique
Kinesiotape application
Female athlete injuries
Post operative diagnoses of shoulder and knee
Injury prevention for all age athletes and weekend warriors
Evaluation and treatment of all orthopedic and sports injuries

Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association

Dr. Prescott has been working in an orthopedic physical therapy setting since 2009. She believes that a combination of evidenced-based medicine, manual therapy, comprehensive patient education, and an individualized exercise program are vital in achieving patient specific goals and succeeding in rehabilitation.

Outside the Office:
Leigh is originally from Maine and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

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.

Jennifer Whitlow, PT, DPT

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri Columbia
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, University of Missouri Columbia

Areas of Special Interest:
Jennifer is currently working to develop many areas of her practice from general orthopaedic conditions, to pelvic health, to early childhood development. She enjoys seeing a variety of patient’s in order to expand upon her knowledge of a variety of pathologies. Her goals are to take additional training for certification in both orthopedic manual techniques and Women’s Health.

Professional Memberships:
American Physical Theraphy Association

Outside the Office:
Jennifer is originally from Kansas City, Missouri where she lived until relocating to the Southwest. She enjoys using her time learning about new places and seeking out new adventures, especially outdoors and through community organizations.

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!

Jesse Ellwein,PT,DPT,OCS,CSCS

Bodycentral Sports Residency Mentor

Erik Bidinger,PT,DPT

Morgan Duren,PT,DPT,ATC

Ashley Mitchell,PT,DPT

Yeri Kil,PT,DPT

Alexandra (Alee) Bryan, 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

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.