Elite Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine:Our Team

Biagio Mazza
- Owner and Physical Therapist

B.S., Rockhurst University, Valedictorian, 1999
M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2001
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA, 2001
Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA, 2002
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certified, ABPTS, 2005
Sport Clinical Specialist Board Certified, ABPTS, 2008
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2009
DPT, EIM Institute of Health, 2010

Biagio clocks more than 150 hours a year in continuing education, well beyond the state’s standards for physical therapy. Why? It’s his business and his passion. And it says a lot about the kind of clinic he runs and the quality of staff he leads.

Biagio himself is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and a Sports Clinical Specialist. There are fewer than 50 therapists nationwide who hold both of these distinctions. He also has worked as an adjunct instructor at Rockhurst, is an active member of the Kansas and Missouri Physical Therapy Associations, and has served as a physical therapy consultant for the Kansas City Royals. Biagio is a strong advocate for the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

From the beginning, Biagio knew he wanted to combine sports with science. When he met Judy Hensley, his teacher and mentor, he knew he wanted to shift his interests to physical therapy and helping a wide range of people improve their quality of—and movement through—life.

And he’s made a mark. Elite enjoys a reputation for quality care.

Biagio specializes in:

manual therapy
postural training
biomechanics
functional exercise
complex spinal pathology

Matt Timm
- Physical Therapist

B.A., Rockhurst University, 2000
M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2002
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certification, 2008
DPT, EIM Institute of Health, 2010
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2012
MovNat Certified Trainer, 2014

Matt was injured on the soccer field when he was a senior in high school. Physical therapy helped him get back on the field. So for Matt, physical therapy is about more than alleviating pain and restoring movement. It’s about restoring clients’ confidence in getting back to their normal lives.

Matt spends his time getting to know his clients, assessing their pain, and teaching them the proper posture, body mechanics, and movement patterns.

Matt and Biagio got to know each other in college and have very similar treatment philosophies. He is one of the 2 percent of PT’s nationwide who is board certified in orthopedics. His continuing education experience gives him a unique skill set to assist his patients.

Matt specializes:

spinal and extremity orthopedic dysfunctions
manual therapy
biomechanically correct therapeutic exercises

Kimberly Pointer
- Physical Therapist

B.S., Truman State University, 1996
M.P.T, Southwest Baptist University, 2001
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2012

Kimberly knew she wanted to be a physical therapist before she even left high school. After a weeklong hospital orientation between her junior and senior year, she saw, firsthand, the difference physical therapy made to the quality of patients’ lives.

Kimberly draws on that passion, her training with Biagio and Judy, and her own willingness to learn more about the human body to help her patients stay painfree and get back to life.

Kimberly specializes in

advanced manual therapy techniques
postural assessment and training
biomechanical assessment
functional training

Michael Hauber
- Physical Therapist

B.S., University of Kansas, 2012
D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2015

To this day, Michael still struggles to keep up with his family. Because he grew up in an active household—his parents and two sisters were always playing Frisbee, badminton, hiking, biking, speed-walking—he views movement as a lifestyle, a way to connect to others and to challenge yourself.

He brings that philosophy to Elite—working one-on-one with his patients to improve their movement and their lives, even in the smallest way. With Elite, he joined another family that pushes him professionally through continuing education, reading and practical application to be the best physical therapist he can be for each and every one of his patients.

Michael’s specialties include:

Manual therapy
Orthopedics
Differential diagnosis
Spine care
Natural Movement Fitness

Leslie Ricketts
- Physical Therapist

B.A., Drury University, 2001
M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2004
MovNat Certified Trainer, 2014

Leslie likes the fact that physical therapy allows her to play an integral role in her patients’ care. And she takes that role seriously.
Leslie works with patients, not programs. She assesses each patient’s needs and develops an individualized program and treatment that combines manual therapy and exercise—specifically for that patient. She believes that personal attention combined with a customized program speeds recovery and helps her clients return to their normal lives, without limitations.

Leslie’s treatment specialties include:

correction of muscle imbalances
biomechanical dysfunction
faulty movement patterns

Julie Buttell
- Physical Therapist and Director of Education & Clinical Mentorship

Do you feel like your healthcare providers are operating in a silo?

Is poor communication between providers leading to different opinions on the cause of your symptoms and recommended treatments?

Are you unsure how you should handle your pain or injury?

Working as a team in healthcare is the key to getting an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment. Julie excels at diagnosing and treating clients with complex cases and coordinates care with other healthcare providers.
Julie provides Case Management services for clients seeking information about how to best handle pain and injuries. She educates about all options including rehab, pain management, surgery etc.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Julie continues to be the very best therapist she can be for her clients. She has balanced the art and science of physical therapy to drive results. Her clients exceed their goals preventing the recurrence of symptoms and further injury.

Julie sees profound success with patient recovery and overall performance improvements because of her belief that being the most educated, highly skilled clinician is not an option, it is a responsibility. This pushes her beyond providing your typical Physical Therapy...

Julie utilizes a Neuro-Orthopedic approach, which has been proven to be the most successful tool to improve performance. She believes everyone from professional athletes to the aging adult can benefit from better mobility.

Julie created the ProActive Physical Health program, a comprehensive yearly physical exam.

Physical health including balance, grip strength, agility, mobility and strength are now considered the top indicators of longevity.

CLICK HERE to learn more about getting your yearly physical exam and see how you compare to the norms for your age and gender. This exam will guide your physical activity for the next year assuring you aren't wasting your time at the gym!

JULIE SPECIALIZES IN:

Diagnosis and treatment of complex orthopedic cases
Performance enhancement at all levels
Education and case management

Julie also commits countless hours helping other Physical Therapists reach their highest potential. Her efforts include:

Director of Education & Clinical Mentorship at Elite Physical Therapy
Post-doctorate Residency Instructor: International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine Residency Program
Co-Creator and Instructor: A Neuro-orthopedic approach to physical therapy and performance.

GET TO KNOW JULIE:

Julie is from Tennessee, and grew up in Memphis. This contributes to her love for cooking, especially her family’s homemade ravioli and gravy recipes. One of her most fond memories included summers spent at a camp in Nashville. In fact, one of her daughters, Ellie, attends the same camp each year!

When Julie is not working you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, or spending time with her two daughters, Claire and Ellie. She also loves most things outdoors including cycling, camping, hiking, and taking walks with her dog Nash. Her personal accomplishments include the MS 150, Sea Otter Classic bike tour in California, and the Sedalia duathlon.

In the future, Julie would like to go to Italy and travel for a few months. If you have any recommendations, let her know!

JULIE’S BIO:

B.A., Rockhurst University, 1998
M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2000
Certificate of Women's Health Studies, 2002
Neuro-Orthopedic One Year Residency, 2004
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, 2012
Honoree of the 2014 Ingram's Magazine Healthcare Hero Award
Co-Author: Integrative Medical Nutritional Therapy: Principles and Practices. The Immune Response of Physical Inactivity, 2018
Director and Creator of the ProActive Physical Health Program, 2018

Jim Dronberger
- Physical Therapist

B.S., Kansas State University, 1975
Certificate in Physical Therapy, University of Kansas Medical Center, 1975
M.B.A., Rockhurst University, 1986
D.P.T, Creighton University, 2002
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, 2005

Jim has transitioned to full time clinical work from teaching physical therapy at Rockhurst Unversity, where he is an Emeritus Professor. Teaching, he says, made him a better therapist and being a therapist allows him to continue teaching. For Jim, Elite is an ideal environment for teaching and learning because both are promoted here.

Jim is generous with his knowledge. He is a member of the Physical Therapy Advisory Commission of the Missouri Board of Healing Arts and served as past chairman of the Chapter Ethics Committee for 13 years.

Even with his impressive resume and degrees, Jim still asks questions. Because for him, each patient’s unique needs are a puzzle to be solved with a combination of solid scientific principles and compassionate care. Like all the therapists at Elite, he’s not satisfied until he provides his patients with superior outcomes.

Jim specializes in:

Orthopedic physical therapy
Movement training
Functional exercise

Justin Trent
- Physical Therapist

B.A, Rockhurst University, 2007
D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2010
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2012
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, 2013
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certification, 2013

As a physical therapist, Justin found the opportunity to motivate, teach, and heal–and help others through their journey from injury to recovery to wellbeing.

In the clinic, Justin draws on his knowledge and the diverse experience of his fellow physical therapists to meet his patients’ concerns with compassion-driven care. He works as a partner in his patients’ health, empowering them with knowledge of their condition and the tools to take control of their bodies.

From the first foot in the door to the final step of recovery, Justin sees his role in his patients’ health as a privilege.

Justin specializes in:

advanced manual therapy techniques
kinesiological analysis and training
functional integration
patient education

Justin R. Snead
- Physical Therapist

B.S., Health and Exercise Science, Missouri Western State University, 2002
D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2013

Justin firmly believes in the healing power of exercise. He’s seen it firsthand. That’s why he takes the time to educate his patients on postures and activities to allow them to treat themselves. With physical therapy, patients aren’t prescribed a pill: exercise is the medicine.

It’s precisely that philosophy that attracted him to the field and to practice at Elite Physical Therapy. At Elite, physical therapists like Justin work one-on-one and as a team to treat the whole patient, referring them as necessary to Elite’s in-house massage therapists, personal trainers, or dietary specialists—all to provide the best care possible.

Justin’s treatment specialties include:

manual therapy
orthopedics
joint mobilization
muscle stretching
soft-tissue mobilization

Brett Beltrame
Physical Therapist

B.S., Iowa State University, 2005
Certified Athletic Trainer, 2005
D.P.T., University of Iowa, 2007

What does it mean when you put patients first?

For Brett, it means you don’t treat patients from a “cookbook” of therapeutic recipes or pass patients from therapist to therapist. He focuses on building relationships with each patient, one at a time, whether they’re an NFL athlete, weekend warrior or someone recovering from surgery.

And then he gives each patient personalized, one-on-one treatment that pulls from many different therapeutic approaches and techniques. The goal: treat the patient, not the symptom, so they can live life in full motion.

Brett’s specialties include:

exercise and sports science
athletic training
manual therapy
functional exercises
sports rehabilitation
post-surgical rehabilitation
orthopedic injuries

Brittany Witt
Physical Therapist

B.A. Rockhurst University, 2015
D.P.T. Rockhurst University, 2018

When Brittany began thinking about her future she reflected to her younger years when she watched her brother go through his healing journey through a hip disease. That is when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in the health field. Fascinated by the human body, specifically the musculoskeletal system, she decided to purse Physical Therapy to help understand their body and move through life better.

To this day Brittany is passionate about helping individuals change their outlook on life when they realize that they can learn how to do things for themselves that will lead them to a full, active, movement-oriented life. She believes that one-on-one, personalized care that is key to getting individuals feeling and moving better.

Brittany's specialties include:

Post-surgical rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation
Exercise and sports science
Functional exercises
Manual therapy
Balance training

Brett Schreiber
Physical Therapist

PT, DPT, CSOMT

Brett was born and raised in Lee Summit. Growing up he was really into playing basketball, where he also experienced a number of ankle injuries. This connected him with a physical therapist who would give him exercises to heal and strengthen his ankles. This was his first glimpse at what he wanted to do for a career.

As high school was ending and Brett began planning ahead for college and his future career. He considered being a teacher so he could also coach sports, but loved how much he had learned from his parents, both of which are in the healthcare system.

Ultimately, he wanted a career where he could educate, coach, encourage, and leave an impact on the people he helped. Those desires coupled with his fascination for the human body landed him to pursue an undergrad in Kinesiology at the University of Arkansas and completed the Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX.

When he wasn't in class or studying, you could find Brett on the rugby field! He was on Arkansas's rugby team for all four years of undergrad. After college Brett spent some time working in Fort Worth as a physical therapist and as an assistant coach of TCU's rugby team!

Eventually he was ready to move back to Kansas City. From the first time Brett met with some of our team to learn more about Elite he was eager to begin a position here. The things that drew him to Elite included how the clinic operates, how much time he gets to spend with patients, the emphasis and environment of continued learning to help himself and the other physical therapists continue to grow as better clinicians.

Outside of the clinic you can find Brett either watching sports, exploring the outdoors, traveling, or doing something else adventurous. He grew up traveling down to Table Rock Lake every summer to fish, ski, wakeboard, and even barefoot! He also enjoys hiking and hunting deer, duck, turkey, and pheasant.

Brett is currently completing a Manual Therapy Fellowship, which is continued learning for physical therapists to improve manual therapy skills, examination, and evaluation. This requires online work, reading, traveling to San Antonio every six weeks for class, mentor hours, and a final exam. Once complete in 2020, Brett will be a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT).

Brett specializes in:

Manual therapy
Orthopedics
Exercise and Sports Science

Cody Hullman
Physical Therapist

B.S. Kinesiology Kansas State University, 2013
D.P.T. Regis University, 2016

Cody grew up on a farm in Pratt, KS until he headed to Manhattan to begin his undergrad at Kansas State pursuing pre-med. While home for a break, Cody was working at a gym cleaning equipment when a mother and her daughter, whom has a prosthetic leg, walked in the gym. In that moment Cody thought, “I want to help that person achieve things they never thought they could do.” When we returned to K State from break he changed his major to Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy.

After graduating undergrad in 2013 Cody proceeded to get his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) at Regis University in Colorado. In 2016 he not only graduated with his DPT, but he got married to the love of his life, Hayley.

Before moving to Kansas City Cody spent some time at the University of Wisconsin where he completed an orthopedic residency in a clinic and with athletes.

When looking for jobs in Kansas City he was drawn to Elite because it was the only place that pushed for PTs to pursue additional education, and because of the environment. Cody appreciated that Elite has a full staff of supportive therapists — people he can talk to and rely on to discuss various cases with.

Outside of work Cody enjoys doing water sports on the lake, snowboarding and hiking (especially in Colorado), working out with his wife, and keeping up with their almost 1 year old French bulldog, Harvey. He also spends some weekends back at home on the farm — whether it is tending to the cattle, corn, hay, or however else he can help.

Cody specializes in:

Manual Therapy
Kinesiology and sports science
Orthopedic therapy
Spinal and extremity manual rehabilitation
Sports strengthening and rehabilitation

Tina Quarles
- Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Personal Trainer, International Sports Sciences Association
Nine-time fitness competitor, three time winner

Tina isn’t a one and done kind of personal trainer. Over the course of your goals and treatment, she taps into all aspects of your lifestyle to improve and empower your health—from nutrition to weight lifting to weight loss strategies.

For Tina, that kind of comprehensive care isn’t just professional, it’s personal.

A few years ago, Tina was referred to Elite Physical Therapy to treat a condition called sacroilitis, an inflammation in the joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. She was treated by Biagio and for the first time in 15 years, was pain free.

That’s the kind of transformative results she works hard to deliver to her patients.

Tina’s treatment specialties include:
• interval training
• weight conditioning
• nutrition

Courtney West
- Massage Therapist

Massage Therapy Training Institute, 1998
Sacred Body Clinical Mentorship program, 2010
LMT- Licensed Massage Therapist

Courtney has had her eye on working with the Elite team for a long time. Part of the reason: the people she gets to work with. From door to therapy floor to massage table, the health and wellness team at Elite Physical Therapy are talented, dedicated and caring.

But the biggest reason she chose Elite is its philosophy. At Elite, she can collaborate with her patient’s physical therapists and healthcare providers to provide customized massages and holistic care.

Because for Courtney and Elite, it’s not just about providing treatment, it’s about caring for people.

Courtney specializes in:

deep tissue
cupping
Bowen therapy
hot stone
aromatherapy
reflexology

Laurie Clark
- Office Manager

B.S., Arizona State University

Laurie knows how to deftly navigate through complicated insurance paperwork.

Part of that talent comes from spending nearly a decade in the health care setting, backed by her education in health science and community health education. But most of it comes from Laurie’s compassion, ability to listen, and dedication to doing everything she can to help Elite’s clients get the therapy and the answers they need.

Kate Winkler
- Front Office Manager

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Erin Ward
- Marketing Director / Stott Pilates Instructor

B.A., University of Kansas
Certified Stott Pilates Instructor

When you're in pain, you want to get treatment at a place that lifts you. That's what Erin believes, that's what brought her to Elite Physical Therapy, and that's the feeling she tries to give every patient that walks through Elite's doors.

Erin also works to share our story with those who don't even know us yet - physicians, potential patients, and the community - spreading the word of Elite's commitment to personalized, precise, and compassionate physical therapy.

Julie Clifford
- External Marketing Manager

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Kim Taylor
- Patient Services Specialist

When you’re in pain, you want to be greeted by a warm smile. That’s Kim Taylor.

The smile comes easy. Kim bring years of customer service to Elite, but she also brings a passion to help others. That combination is what spurs her to be better, for each and every patient that walks through our doors.

Call it Elite’s one-two fist bump: door to door, warm up to cool down, our patients receive the best customer service from specialists like Kim and the best physical care from our therapists.

Toni Gottschalck
Patient Services Specialist

Toni Gottschalck, Patient Services Specialist

· B.S., Rockhurst University, 2017

Toni knew early what she wanted out of a career in physical therapy: the chance to truly focus on each patient’s care, to collaborate with professionals who believe in holistic health, and to practice in an environment that felt more like family than work.

She found that at Elite Physical Therapy.

Toni first joined Elite Physical Therapy as an intern, when she was still at Rockhurst. At first blush, Toni knew she had found something different. Much like the patients who walk through our doors, she was greeted with an environment that put people first. For our therapists, that means a focus on collaboration and continuing education. And for our patients, that means treatment that is always innovative, attentive and personalized to their situation.

Christine Dunne Morrison
- Patient Service Specialist

B.S., University of Kansas, 1984

Christine chose to work at Elite for many of the same reasons that our patients choose to receive their therapy here. From the door to the therapy floor, Elite is staffed with capable, caring people.

And Christine will be one of the first to greet you and help put you at ease as you begin your journey to recovery.

As a former scout leader, cross country team mother, reading tutor, and now Elite’s patient service specialist, Christine knows how to help people get to their goals.

Wendy Laurence
Patient Services Specialist

Wendy was born and raised in Kansas City and attended college at Longview Community College. She has since worked in customer service and sales in tanning salons, was a leasing agent, and even owned a roofing company for four years! Wendy hoped to switch into a role within the health industry and stumbled upon an ad for a Patient Services Specialist position at Elite!

The ad actually fell right out of the newspaper for her to see! She was drawn to the part that talked about the opportunity to change the lives of patients, and make a unique connection with them.

In the past, it was always a goal of Wendy's to brighten the lives of her clients, and helping them leave the salon happier than when they came in. She saw the unique opportunity to link arms with other employees at Elite and do just that.

After spending just one day at Elite Wendy said she felt more appreciated than she has at any other job in awhile. She said, "There is always a very positive vibe in the office and I enjoy going into work."

Outside of work Wendy enjoys traveling and photography. Her favorite things to take photos of include scenic views, flowers, and landscapes. You can find her snapping random photos downtown to find beauty in things that most people don't think about.

Wendy's love for vacation, adventure, and the outdoors took her to her two favorite vacation spots: Portland, Oregon and the Cayman Islands.

She recommends driving up and down the coast in Oregon and taking time to stop and visit all of the different towns along the way. The unique charm of each town is something you don't want to miss!

Biagio Mazza
- Owner and Physical Therapist

B.S., Rockhurst University, Valedictorian, 1999 M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2001 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA, 2001 Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA, 2002 Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Board Certified, ABPTS, 2005 Sport Clinical Specialist Board Certified, ABPTS, 2008 Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2009 DPT, EIM Institute of Health, 2010 Biagio clocks more than 150 hours a year in continuing education, well beyond the state’s standards f...