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

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

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

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

Are you wanting to learn how to do things for yourself that will lead you to living a full, active, movement-oriented life?

Do you ever feel like your healthcare provider lacks understanding and empathy for your pain, limitations, needs, and desires?

Passion and care are deeply rooted in Brittany’s approach. At a young age Brittany assisted her brother in rehabilitation as he worked to overcome a rare hip disease. During that time Brittany realized that she was not only fascinated by the human body and its capabilities, but that she truly enjoyed and excelled at helping individuals succeed in recovery.
With careful listening, passion, and knowledge Brittany tailors treatment plans to each individual patient. She is driven by the opportunity to not only help someone heal physically, but guide them to improve their outlook on life when they realize they are capable beyond measure.

BRITTANY 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)

GET TO KNOW BRITTANY:

Brittany is a St. Louis, Missouri native but moved to Kansas City almost 8 years ago and has stuck around long-term because it is “one of the greatest places ever!” While Brittany loves the city atmosphere, she finds a lot of joy exploring dog-friendly trails and hikes with her husband, Caleb, and dog, Huckleberry!

Brittany and Caleb have added “Visit all of the national parks” to their bucket list, along with other specific traveling destinations. They always look forward to seeing somewhere new, enjoying time at the beach, and exploring some of the best local restaurants.

When relaxing, Brittnay enjoys watching movies, especially scary/horror movies (like the old school Halloween movies), but ironically, her all-time favorite movie is Forrest Gump!

She is always looking for new movie and travel recommendations, so if you have any suggestions be sure to let her know!

BRITTANY’S BIO:

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

Brett Schreiber
Physical Therapist

PT, DPT, CSOMT

Are you looking for a healthcare provider who can coach and encourage you through treatment?

Do you want to receive uncomparable care with advanced techniques that will help you feel and move better?

Do you desire to work with someone who can guide you back to the level of athletic performance you were at before experiencing an injury?

At a young age Brett spent many hours playing sports, which occasionally led to injury. During that time he began realizing the power of physical therapy, and the positive impact a physical therapist can have not only on an individual’s performance abilities, but on their quality of life!
Fast-forward a few years, Brett delivers that passion and genuine care to patients every single day. He likes to think of the opportunity of working with patients as a way to coach, educate, and encourage them to reach their peak abilities. In fact, many patients speak of the impact Brett leaves on them beyond just helping them recover from an injury, or relieve them from pain.
Brett’s determination to be the very best physical therapist he can be drives his work ethic and desire to continue expanding his knowledge as a clinician.
He has completed a fellowship for a Certification in Manual Therapy, which allows him to have a greater variety and depth of tools and modalities to help patients have a successful recovery.

BRETT SPECIALIZES IN:

Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques
Sports Performance and Rehabilitation
Injury Prevention
Spine Rehab, Including Neck and Low Back Pain
Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthopedic Injuries (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament)

GET TO KNOW BRETT:

Brett was born and raised in the Kansas City area, where he spent most of his time playing basketball and other sports. During Brett’s four years in undergrad at Arkansas he played on their rugby team. This led him to working in Fort Smith not only as a physical therapist, but also as an assistant coach of TCU’s rugby team!

Outside of organized sports and work, Brett is either watching sports, exploring the outdoors, traveling, hiking, hunting (deer, duck, turkey, and pheasant) or doing something else adventurous!

One of his favorite things about being back in Kansas City is being a short road trip away from Table Rock Lake. While at Table Rock he spends hours fishing, riding horses, skiing, wakeboarding, and even barefooting! He’s also happy that it is much more convenient to attend Royals and Chiefs games!

When you meet Brett, be sure to ask him about his most recent adventure, or give him a recommendation of a new place to check out in Kansas City!

BRETT’S BIO:

B.S. Kinesiology, University of Arkansas
D.P.T., University of St. Augustine
Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) (2020)

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

Sara Clayton
Physical Therapist

B.S., Missouri State University, 2014
D.P.T., KU Medical Center, 2019

Sara is a Kansas City native — she grew up in Lee’s Summit and attended Blue Springs South high school. She has been dancing for quite some time. Not only did she dance at Missouri State for four years during undergrad, but she also was a Chiefs Cheerleader! Her favorite memory as a Chiefs cheerleader was getting the opportunity to cheer in the Chiefs game played in London in 2015.

Growing up as a dancer Sara understood the importance of the ability to move well. After experiencing an injury in high school she received Physical Therapy treatment. This was her first glimpse at the power of Physical Therapy, which eventually led her to where she is today.

Outside of work Sara spends much of her time playing with her rescue puppy, Bartholomew. He is likely part Australian shepherd & lab, but may even have some Akita or German Shepherd in his bloodline.

SARA SPECIALIZES IN:

Sports & Athletic Performance
Dance & Cheerleading

Sydney Hawley
Physical Therapist

B.S., Lindenwood University, 2015
D.P.T., Rockhurst University, 2019

Sydney was born and raised in Pittsfield, Illinois where she spent much of her time playing sports -- basketball, golf, and track are just the beginning of the list! After high school Sydney started her journey west — his first stop was attending college at Lindenwood where she was a member of the golf team. After graduation she made her way to Kansas City for grad school at Rockhurst University.

Being a foodie, one of Sydney’s favorite things about Kansas City are all of the awesome restaurants. Her favorites include La Bodega, Taco Republic, and of course, Joe's BBQ. She also loves spending time working out, reading, visiting her niece and other family members back home in Illinois, and playing with her adopted basenji pup, Cora!

SYDNEY SPECIALIZES IN:

Sports & Athletic Performance
Golf performance

Holly Smothers
Digital Marketing Manager & Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

B.S. Business Administration, Marketing Emphasis, University of Missouri (Mizzou) 2015
Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, NTA 2019

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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Julie Clifford
- External Marketing Manager

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Kim Taylor
- Patient Services Specialist

Kim is a natural when it comes to patient and customer service. Her background of eight years in banking refined the skills needed to juggle the multi-faceted role that she now holds at Elite Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy.

Kim’s communication skills, empathy, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities keep things running smoothly for both patients and Elite at large. Her spirit and warm-smile contributes to the extraordinary environment at Elite.

GET TO KNOW KIM:

Kim grew up in Alabama (Roll tide!) but moved to Kansas City in 2013 for her husband’s (Rodney) job. At that time she met a neighbor whom recommended that she apply to be a Patient Service Specialist at Elite. After understanding the opportunity and experiencing the atmosphere at Elite, Kim was sold!

One of our favorite things about Kim is that she is a fashionista! Her love for shopping has helped her create a colorful, unique, and tasteful wardrobe.

Outside of Elite you can find Kim shopping or keeping busy with her family. Kim and Rodney have their hands full with three beautiful children, Mia, Ariana, and Emery. Their favorite things to do are play with the kids at the park, in the library, or out walking and biking throughout the neighborhood.

Toni Gottschalck
Patient Services Specialist

Toni has loved serving others and being active. She has been involved in athletics from a young age, and suffered a back injury in high school. This was the first time she realized how important moving without pain was, and how proper recovery through physical therapy could create such a resolve.

While in college at Rockhurst Toni found the internship at Elite Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy. She was drawn to this position because it gave her the opportunity to help things run smoothly so more people could have access to great physical therapy.

Tone enjoyed her time so much as an intern at Elite that she moved into a part-time role, until working full time as a Patient Service Specialist upon graduation.

GET TO KNOW TONI:

Toni was born and raised in Glenwood Springs, CO. With the opportunity to play college volleyball at KCK, she decided to move from Colorado to Kansas City. This was the beginning of her adopting Kansas City as her “hometown.” She eventually transferred to and graduated from Rockhurst University.

We are happy to announce that she has officially converted into a Chiefs fan!

Outside of work Toni spends time with her three cats (Checkers, Dude, and Penny), working out, taking walks in nature, and traveling -- especially to Phoenix, AZ and home to Colorado.

TONI’S BIO:

B.S., Rockhurst University, 2017

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...