• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• B.A., Rockhurst University, 1998
• M.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2000
• Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM, 2012

When Julie first volunteered at the physical therapy department at St. Jude’s Medical Research Center, she fell in love with the impact a therapist can have on another person and their quality of life.

That was her freshman year in high school. And she has never wanted to be anything else.

Since then, she’s made it her mission to be the best therapist she can be for her clients. Julie balances the art and science of physical therapy to drive results, helping her patients meet their goals in less time and with a decreased risk of recurrence of symptoms or injury.

Julie believes that being the most educated, highly skilled clinician is not an option. It is a responsibility.

Julie specializes in:

• women's health
• advanced manual therapy techniques
• treatment of spine and orthopedic impairments

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

From a young age Maria found joy in helping her brother her brother, whom was diagnosed with Duschenne Muscular dystrophy, with his stretches and modifying things around the house as well as activities. This led her to the Physical Therapist she is today. 

She has made it her mission to help patients progress towards their goals, meet big milestones, and watch their life improve through the process. 

In Maria's time as a student at Elite she came to appreciate the individualized patient care offered, the patients she met, and the family-like environment. She joined the team with dedication to help each and every client to the best of her ability so they can get back to moving through life.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• Member, American Academy of Professional Coders
• Certified Professional Coder

Our expertise isn’t just reserved for the clinic floor. We make sure that our patients have the best care from our office team, too. And Pam is just one example of how our patients receive expert insurance and billing counseling.

Pam has worked on the business side of the medical field for the past 35 years. She taps her extensive knowledge of coding and billing to make sure the business side of your treatment runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters.

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• 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.

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

· 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.

• 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.