• B.S., Health and Exercise Science, Missouri Western State University, 2002
• D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2013
• Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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
• Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, IAOM

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.S. Health Sciences, University of Missouri (Mizzou), 2011
• D.P.T., University of Missouri (Mizzou), 2014
• Sports Certified Specialist

Growing up a football and basketball player, among other sports, Mark spent countless hours training. At and early age he realized the benefit of keeping his body injury- and pain-free.

Mark has multiple family members that are healthcare providers, so early on he was drawn to some sort of health career. Further, his interest in sports performance, injury prevention, and injury recovery led him to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist!

Mark attended the University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou) for Undergrad and Physical Therapy (PT) school. He especially enjoyed attending sporting events! Mark was also lucky enough to meet his now wife, Jen, in PT school.

After graduating from PT school they decided to spend their first years of marriage in a new place, which brought them to Tucson, AZ for almost four years!

While they loved it there, the news of a baby on the way led them to move back home to the Kansas City area! Mark and Jen have their hands full with their daughter, Peyton and golden retriever, Hutch!

Mark specializes in:

• Manual (Hands-on) Therapy
• Kinesiology and sports science
• Orthopedic therapy
• Spinal and extremity manual rehabilitation
• Sports strengthening and rehabilitation
• Post-surgical rehabilitation

• B.S. Health Sciences, Marquette University, 2014
• D.P.T., Marquette University, 2015

Carol was born and raised in Wisconsin. She was a volleyball player at Marquette University in Milwalkee, Wisoconsin. Her love for elite performance as a college athlete was reliant on the health of her body. 

Carol realized early on that as a Physical Therapist she could help people of all ages reach their physical health goals by helping them move more efficiently, get stronger, and find relief from pain.

After college Carol moved to Kansas to pursue more sports-focused Physical Therapy. When she began considering moving closer to the Kansas City area she found Elite! She is most excited to learn and grow as a Physical Therapist from our veterans to help individuals live and move without limitations.

CAROL SPECIALIZES IN:

• Manual Therapy (Hands-on)
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation
• Manual TherapySpine Rehab, including neck and low back pain
• Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament)
• Athletic Performance & Strength Training
• Peak Performance & Recovery for Volleyball Players

• B.S. in Psychology, Creighton University
• D.P.T., University of Kansas Medical Center, 2018

Midwest native, Allison Messick, eagerly joined the Elite team with the goal to help more individuals find optimal physical health through personlized, precise care.

Outside of work Allison enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending time with her husband and their dog!

ALLISON SPECIALIZES IN:

• Functional Activity Training
• Balance Training
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation
• Manual Therapy
• Spine Rehab, including neck and low back pain
• Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament)

• B.S. in Secondary Education - Math, K-State, 2009
• D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2020

As a multi-sport athlete, Matt has always understood the need to keep his own body moving and feeling great. He has played many sports, but primarily focused on soccer, track, and cross-country.

Originally, he pursued a career in education but ended up taking a different path upon graduation. He spent 6 years working as a Summer Camp Director at Camp War Eagle in Northwest Arkansas. While working there, Matt met the love of his life, and now wife, Christine.

While he loved working with campers, staff, and the community of Northwest Arkansas, they decided to move back to the Kansas City area to be close to home again so they could begin starting a new family.

Leading up to the move back to KC Matt learned about a career as a Physical Therapist through his brother, who was going through a PT program. He realized how perfect of a career it would be for him, as it would combine his passion for living an active life, and helping others through their healing process.

As graduation approached and he began his search for jobs he was excited about the opportunity to work at Elite. He couldn’t think of a better place to start out because of the collaboration and support from fellow PTs, and the efforts Elite makes to continue education and hands-on learning for all of our therapists.

Outside of work Matt and Christine have their hands full with a 3 year old, Lucy and a 2 year old, Henry/Hank. They even have baby #3 on the way, and are expecting to meet the little one in November! He also enjoys anything outdoors, whether it is hiking, running, playing soccer, or spending time with his kids at the park!

Have any recommendations for him and his family to do in Kansas City? Let him know when you meet him!

MATT SPECIALIZES IN:

• Athletic & Sports Performance
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation
• Manual Therapy
• Spine Rehab, including neck and low back pain
• Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament)
• Functional Movement

• Exercise Science, St. Ambrose University, 2015
• D.P.T., St. Ambrose University, 2016
• AIB-VRC (Vestibular Rehab and Concussion Specialization), American Institute of Balance

Taylor is a midwest native and was born and raised near Des Moines, Iowa in a town called Norwalk. Growing up she was a competitive dancer, cheerleader, and played volleyball, tennis, and softball.

Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Taylor quickly learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle. When heading to college she chose to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences because she was interested in helping and working with people to get them back to moving pain-free and feeling their very best!

Taylor chose to extend her education and become a Physical Therapist (PT). Taylor enjoys being a PT because she is able to educate other about their health, how their body works, and how to protect and improve themselves so they can live life to the very fullest!

After college Taylor wanted to move somewhere new, but stay kind of close to family so she chose to move to Kansas City. She began her career as a Physical Therapist locally for a few years, and eventually decided to try traveling Physical Therapy.

When the world began to change in early 2020 she decided to move back to Kansas City and look for a job here. When she came across the opportunity to work at Elite Taylor was thrilled!

She interviewed and checked out the facility and was immediately drawn to the high-level of patient care Elite provides, the chance to work one-on-one with patients, and the opportunities for continued education Elite provides to help our therapists become the very best in Kansas City.

Outside of work Taylor enjoys playing rec sports, including sand volleyball, tennis, and indoor soccer. She also enjoys any sort of outdoor activity, from hiking and kayaking, to skiing and fishing.

Fun Fact: Taylor recently did a multi-sport vacation in Patagonia National Park, located in southern Chile, which included mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking! She has even hiked the French Alps!When you get the chance to meet Taylor, you will have to ask her about her awesome experiences!

TAYLOR SPECIALIZES IN:

• Vestibular and Concussion Rehab
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation
• Manual Therapy
• Spine Rehab, including neck and low back pain
• Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament)

• B.S., Health Science, University of Missouri, 2017
• D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2020
• MBA, Rockhurst University, 2020

St. Louis (specifically, Ballwin) native, Megan, grew up a diverse athlete. She played soccer, softball, and even was a diver in high school!

While in high school, Megan experienced ongoing knee pain, that led to surgery, followed up a year of Physical Therapy (PT). She later developed shoulder pain, where she once again found herself back in PT. During both roads to recovery she decided that PT was fun and wanted to purse a career as a Physical Therapist.

Megan attended the University of Missouri (Mizzou) where she got her BS in Health Science. She then not only completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Rockhurst University, but also got her Masters in Business Administration.

Before leaving Columbia, MO to attend Rockhurst, Megan went to Honduras for a mission trip through her church. Turns out, her now husband, Jordan, also was on the trip with his church! They spent a couple of years long-distance, and eventually both permanently settled in Kansas City and married in December of 2019.

Upon graduation from PT school, Megan heard about Elite from her friend and fellow-PT grad, Matt. She was immediately drawn to the environment, success, and opportunity to learn and grow as a PT at Elite.

Outside of work Megan and Jordan enjoy walking their dog, Zeus, working out, spending time on the lake, and are currently looking for a slow pitch softball league.

Fun Fact: Megan has duel-citizenship! Her father is from Canada so when her and her sister were babies, they received citizenship in both the US and Canada!

Since Holly can remember her health has been a priority for her. She has continually seen the profound impact taking care of her body with nutrition, movement, rest, and strength-building can have on her overall health and daily life.

Holly was drawn to the marketing position at Elite because it gives her the opportunity to spread awareness about the impact that Physical Therapy can have on people’s overall life. She believes that if you can move well and without pain, you will have the strength and confidence to conquer anything life throws your way.

Holly particularly liked the environment and approach Elite has with patients, and their viewpoint that each person that walks through the door is different, and therefore should be treated accordingly.

The Physical Therapists provide individualized care to each patient, with undivided attention. She believes nutrition should be approached in the same way, as there is no “perfect, one-size-fits-all diet.”

The therapists are also knowledgeable beyond anything she has experienced. Beyond that, the company itself is the “Ideal Business” she always learned about in business school, and says that the camaraderie between all staff members is incomparable.

HOLLY SPECIALIZES IN:

• Digital Marketing & Communications
• Event Coordination & Planning
• Developing Dietary Changes For The Long-term
• Women’s Health & Hormonal Balance

GET TO KNOW HOLLY:

Holly was born and raised in Lake Saint Louis, MO. Growing up she played soccer, basketball, ran track, was a competitive water skier, and participated in private gymnastics lessons for fun.

She not only loves playing sports of all kinds, but also loves to watch them. With a front-row preference, she decided to try-out for the high school cheerleading team and fell in love with it. After high school she continued her cheerleading career at Mizzou!

After graduating from Mizzou in 2015, Holly did not want to go home but didn’t want to move too far away so she chose to accept an internship at at Marketing Agency in Kansas City. During this time she fell completely in love with Kansas City, especially the Crossroads area. A month later she was hired on Full Time as a Project Manager, where she worked for 2.5 years.

After experiencing some health complications, Holly decided to move back to St. Louis for a year while making a career change to help individuals improve their health and overall lives starting with nutrition. She began working part time at Elite as a Marketing Coordinator, while completing a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) certification. Upon completion, Holly and her rescue pup, Goji, moved back to Kansas City to work full-time at Elite as the Marketing Coordinator and NTP. 

Her favorite things about Kansas City are all of the unique areas (especially the Crossroads), the awesome farmers markets, numerous local events, local gyms/studios & healthy food joints, and of course, Kansas City SPORTS (except when the Royals are playing the Cardinals)!

When Holly is not working, she stays busy spending time with friends, working out, walking her dog, watching sports, traveling, hiking, water skiing, or creating masterpieces in the kitchen, especially healthy dessert alternatives.

Be sure to introduce yourself to Holly next time you are at Elite, and tell her your favorite joke. Also, keep an eye out in our newsletters and on social media for recipes and health tips!

FOLLOW HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

• INSTAGRAM: @holistichealthbyholly_
• FACEBOOK: @holistichealthbyholly

HOLLY’S BIO:

• B.S. Business Administration, Marketing Emphasis University of Missouri, 2015
• Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, 2019

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!

Prarie Village native, Jeannie Fagan eagerly joined our team at Elite as a Patient Services Specialist, and has been an absolute rockstar. Her upbeat personality, ability to problem-solve, and organizational skills have created a great environment and efficiencies at Elite!

Prior to working at Elite Jeannie managed a restaurant, as well as a bar. This experience helped her realize the joy she feels when interacting with, and serving individuals in the community.

Outside of work Jeannie has her hands full as she tries to keep up with her four kiddos, ranging from age 4 to 14 and her boston terrier pup, Reign. She also enjoys going to her kids sporting events, and playing yard games with friends and neighbors while their kids ride bikes, and play in the neighborhood!

Peyton is an athlete and student at Rockhurst University, pursing a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences and intends to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist.

Peyton originally came to Elite as an intern. He was drawn to the quality of care offered at Elite and wanted to learn from the PTs we had on staff. We quickly realized the asset we gained when Peyton started, so he was asked to join our team full time during his summer break!

Peyton is now juggling Cross Country, his final semester of undergrad, AND is working part-time at Elite.

Julie is a KC native and the oldest of 7 daughters. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two daughters, two grandchildren and one on the way!  She and her husband have a darling mini goldendoodle named Nellie.

Accustomed to being the "leader of the pack" as the oldest of 7, she excelled as a student and also enjoyed dance team.  She went on to earn her BS in Marketing and Management.   She worked in Medical Sales for several companies over 20 years  (including Bayer Pharmaceutical and Hologic) calling on hospitals and physician offices.  She chose to leave the stress of full-time sales in 2012 to spend time with her new grandson, then two years later, a new granddaughter.

Julie started with Elite in late 2016 after being a patient off and on for ten years.  Being so active in her younger years: a tomboy as a kid, gymnastics, being a runner for 25 years and a high-impact Aerobics instructor for 5 years, she was constantly in need of physical therapy. She was so impressed with Elite PT and the results she experienced.
In her External Marketing position, she loves being able to spread to the KC medical community all the wonderful benefits that Elite PT offers its patients.

Julie enjoys dancing (still!), yoga, going to the gym, long walks, Happy Hours with friends, traveling the US (especially to the beaches and mountains), hiking and playing with her grandchildren.

Julie's friendly demeanor will absolutely brighten your day, so be sure to introduce yourself when you see her in or out of the clinic!

• 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.