We have helped 20,000 individuals overcome back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, chronic pain, tension headaches, pediatric issues, and other physical therapy concerns. Most of our patients are sent to us by their doctors. That’s why we are the doctor’s choice for chronic pain relief.
Meet Your Team
Meet Your Team
Highly Trained - Certified Physical Therapists
Neil King, MPT
Owner & Advanced Certified Rolfer®
“I chose my field because I wanted to help patients recover from musculoskeletal problems and pain and to function optimally. My PT training and Rolfing training combined allow me to help others in a way very few therapists can. My main goal is to give my patients good-quality outcomes and maximize their potential. Accurately analyzing their musculoskeletal issues and problems allows me to get these results quickly.”
Master’s Degree: Business Administration, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 2016
Master’s Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 1995
Bachelor’s Degree: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 2016
Additional Training/Certification: Advanced Certified Rolfer®, The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration; Massage Therapy, Soma School of Massage; CranioSacral Therapy, Upledger Institute; Muscle Energy Workshop
Licensed: State of Michigan
Denise Bickett, AT, ATC, PTA
Director of Operations & Certified Rolfer®
“I was a competitive gymnast growing up and had several injuries, so I knew how it felt to not be able to participate in the sport I loved. I wanted to be able to work with athletes/patients and help rehabilitate and return them to their sport or just their active lifestyle. Physical therapy allows me to help patients achieve their goals to reduce their pain and regain their function.”
Master’s Degree: Athletic Training, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Bachelor’s Degree: Sports Medicine/Athletic Training, Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Kent State University, Ashtabula, OH
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Athletic Trainer, National Athletic Trainers Association; Myofascial Release; CranioSacral Therapy, Upledger Institute; Lymphatic Drainage; Vestibular Therapy
Licensed: State of Michigan
Tina Schaffner, DPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“I chose physical therapy because I wanted to work directly with patients to help them move forward in their lives. Very few professions allow for prolonged patient interaction to make a significant change. I enjoy problem-solving with patients, teaching them how to move and reach their daily goals without pain. I want them to have the confidence to return to their regular activities without fear of further problems.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Michigan, Flint, MI
Bachelor’s Degree: Movement Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Flint, MI
Additional Training/Certification: LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Rx Certification, LSVT Global; Certified STOTT Pilates® Instructor; Muscle Energy Technique; Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT), Oakland University; Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Level I and II, Herman and Wallace
Licensed: State of Michigan
Kathy Schmidt, PTA
“Both my parents required physical therapy for different conditions. As I watched the physical therapists interact with my parents, I realized what a vital role these people had in helping them regain their functional abilities and get their life back. I enjoy seeing people regain or acquire new movement and strength and seeing them move pain-free and with confidence.”
Master’s Degree: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Bachelor’s Degree: Special Education, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Macomb Community College, Clinton Township, MI
Additional Training/Certification: LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Certified Clinician, LSVT Global; CranioSacral Therapy, Upledger Institute; Vestibular Therapy; Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Level I, Herman and Wallace
Licensed: State of Michigan
MaryAnn Hayden, PT, DPT
“After attending physical therapy for a running injury in my undergraduate I was amazed at what I learned about my anatomy and how to move better to improve strength and reduce my pain. My experience with physical therapy as a patient led me to pursue physical therapy as a career so that I could teach and help touch the lives of others.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University
Bachelor’s Degree: Clinical Exercise Science, Grand Valley State University
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor – male/female, Craniosacral certified
Licensed: State of Michigan
Meagan Merlo, DPT
“I love science and understanding the way the human body moves and operates. I have a passion for service to others and it brings me great joy to see the significant changes and improvements that can be made in a person’s life just from physical therapy. I love working with a patient to determine what works best for their specific body. Watching a patient be able to perform the activities and work towards their goals whether it be physical activities, lifting kids, playing on the floor with grandkids, correcting a torticollis, and even being able to control their bladder during the day is the most joyful part of my job.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Athletic Training, Central Michigan University
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Craniosacral, Pediatrics, Vestibular Therapy
Licensed: State of Michigan
Mike Stumph, DPT
“I chose physical therapy to work directly with patients whose lives have been impacted by pain or surgery. This profession allows me to see patients multiple times per week to instruct and educate them in techniques to take back control of their lives by self managing pain. I want to be able to help change the narrative that pain and dysfunction are things you must live with, but instead you can work everyday to improve and maintain a pain free lifestyle”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Findley
Bachelor’s Degree: Applied Health Science, Oakland University
Associate’s Degree: Applied Science, Macomb Community College
Licensed: State of Michigan
Erin Richards, DPT
“My dad encouraged me to pursue physical therapy from a young age due to it being a good fit with my interests and love of helping people. After looking into many other health careers I decided he may have been right. I really enjoy working with patients towards their goals, educating them on proper biomechanics and improving their ability to self manage symptoms in the future.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Findlay Ohio
Bachelor’s Degree: Kinesiology, Hope College
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor – male/female, Pediatrics, Craniosacral Therapy level 1, Vestibular Therapy
Licensed: State of Michigan
Nicole Kudla, PTA
“I was a competitive swimmer for 16 years and have always had an interest in health and fitness. After being hurt several times myself and experiencing physical therapy first hand, I saw how rewarding it was to be a therapist and I knew this was the right career path for me. I have always had a passion for helping people and knew that I wanted a career that I could build relationships with patients and help them return to the activities that they love as well as improve their quality of life.”
Physical Therapist Assistant, Baker College of Flint
Bachelor’s Degree: Psychology, Wayne State University
Additional Training/Certification: Craniosacral Therapy (level 1), LSVT BIG
Licensed: State of Michigan
Trevor Barthel, DPT
“I have always been fascinated by the human body’s ability to repair and heal, restoring function. Naturally, I fell in love with the physical therapy field and our ability to influence effective and efficient restoration of function. We as physical therapists get the pleasure of positively influencing this process from start to finish.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University
Bachelor’s Degree: Clinical Exercise Science, Grand Valley State University
Licensed: State of Michigan
Troy Clinic
Amy Mittelstaedt, MPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“I chose Physical Therapy because it is a perfect marriage between my drive to be personally physically and mentally active and my desires to help others regain their health and ability to return to those activities and experiences they have found enjoyable and important throughout life. Physical Therapy also offers the flexibility/opportunity to work with patients of all age ranges and
backgrounds which prevents this career from ever getting boring, at least it hasn’t yet after 26 years.”
Master’s Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Rolfer®, Vestibular Therapy, Pediatrics, Pelvic Health – women/men/children, LSVT
Licensed: State of Michigan
Bloomfield Hills Clinic
Daniel Ormsby, DPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“I chose Physical Therapy as a profession secondary to my vast interest in human movement. I wanted to pursue a career where I could teach people how to not only resolve pain and dysfunction but also gain a better understanding of their body so they can live a lifetime with optimal health.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Michigan – Flint
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, University of Michigan – Flint
Additional Training/Certification: Vestibular Therapy
Licensed: State of Michigan
Novi/Northville Clinic
Lia Palomino, DPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“I chose physical therapy as a profession due to my interest in athletics and sports performance. I was a cross country and track athlete throughout college which resulted in my own injuries and time in physical therapy. I saw how physical therapy can help change a person’s life first hand. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career helping others, and physical therapy was just that.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Rolfer®, Craniosacral Therapy, LSTVT-BIG, Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist: level 1, level 2, and pediatric
Licensed: State of Michigan
Peggy Lesuisse, PTA
“I am very interested in the mechanics of the human body, with a love for helping people, which is what inspired me to become a physical therapist assistant. My main goal is to help people gain and maintain as much control and independence as possible with focusing on their strengths and not their limitations.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Psychology, Wayne State University
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Henry Ford Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, LSVT-BIG, Clinical Instructor
Licensed: State of Michigan
Olga Dsouza, PTA
“I chose physical therapy as a profession due to my interest in human body mechanics and my love for working with people. Physical therapy gives me the opportunity to work with people and help them recover from injury, reduce their pain and improve their quality of life.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Chemistry, Mumbai University
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor therapy, LSVT BIG, LSVT Global
Licensed: State of Michigan
Plymouth/Canton Clinic
Teddy Bachakes, PTA
“I chose Physical Therapy because body movement is important and is a good feeling when you can get a patient back to their prior level of function and/or beyond. Physical Therapy also allows me the flexibility/opportunity to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.”
Associate’s Degree: Applied Science, Mott Community College
Bachelor’s Degree: Sports and Health Science, American Public University
Additional Training/Certification: CrossFit L1 Trainer
Licensed: State of Michigan
Angela Poole, PTA, BCTMB
“I chose to work in Physical Therapy because I believe in the healing power of both exercise and manual therapy.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Kinesiology, Hope College
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Henry Ford Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Massage Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, LSVT BIG, Pelvic Floor Therapy
Licensed: State of Michigan
Kyle Heise, DPT
“I started my career in the medical field on the ambulance as an Emergency Medical Technician but started gravitating towards the rehabilitation aspect of medicine. I furthered my education as a PTA and again as a DPT due to my passion for the profession. I enjoy how physical therapy can improve a person’s quality of life and give them new hope after suffering an acute injury or chronic disability.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Findlay
Bachelor’s Degree: Biology, Madonna University
Additional Training/Certification: Selective Functional Movement Assessment: Level 1 & Level 2, 3D Movement Analysis and Performance Systems, LSVT-BIG, APTA: Certified Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Licensed: State of Michigan
St. Clair Shores Clinic
Sheila Polcyn, PT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“My background in athletics, exercise, and fitness prompted me to pursue a career in Physical Therapy with a desire to assist others toward better health.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Physical Therapy, Wayne State University
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Rolfer®, Orthopedics, Vestibular Therapy, LVST BIG, Pediatric Developmental Delays, Pelvic Floor: women, men, peds
Licensed: State of Michigan
Kristen DeCaluwe, PTA
“I wanted to pursue a career in Physical Therapy because I wanted to help people regain function after suffering an injury like I did. I love helping people become more aware of their bodies and how it works together to help them live their best lives.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Craniosacral Therapy, Vestibular Therapy, Certified Massage Therapist, Pediatrics
Licensed: State of Michigan
Karen Sorbo, PT
“I chose physical therapy as a profession because of my background in team sports from an early age. I had teammates with injuries who required physical therapy and that immediately interested me! I was fortunately able to remain injury free but as a physical therapist I learned the importance of preventative care and education to assist patients in a work or sports environment.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Sports Medicine, Vestibular Therapy, Kinesio Taping, Pediatrics
Licensed: State of Michigan
Courtney Stapleton, PTA
“I chose physical therapy as a career so that I can be an advocate for people’s health and help them regain the ability to return to activities and experiences they find joy in throughout life. Physical therapy provides me with the opportunity to connect and work with people from all different backgrounds that I otherwise would not have had the pleasure of meeting.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health, Pediatrics
Licensed: State of Michigan
Macomb Clinic
Rebecca Warunek, DPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“My fascination for human anatomy and body mechanics stem from playing and coaching volleyball throughout school and I have always enjoyed working with people. Being a physical therapist has allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with patients while integrating my knowledge and passion of the human body.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Health and Exercise Science, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Rolfer®, Craniosacral Therapy, Vestibular Therapy, Pediatrics, GAIT, Balance, and LSVT BIG, Pelvic Health – Women, Men, and Children
Licensed: State of Michigan
Samantha Martek, PTA
“The reason I chose a career in physical therapy is because I love the idea of knowing I can make a difference in people’s lives. I enjoy getting to work with people on a daily basis and help them reach their personal goals of returning to their life in a pain free way.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Pediatrics, LSVT BIG, Craniosacral Therapy, Pelvic Health – Women and Men
Licensed: State of Michigan
Abby Walsh, DPT
“I have always been fascinated with anatomy and how to rehabilitate injuries. I like being able to educate patients to improve their quality of life while also getting to know them personally. Preventing further tissue
damage and injury is a large part of my practice. I also enjoy problem-solving
because no two patients are the same and they should never be treated that way. My goal is to return patients to their prior functional level and teach them how to avoid recurring pain and injury. “
“I love the team aspect of each Neil King clinic. We use each therapist’s strengths to treat patients in the most effective way. I also love that we are able to spend quality time with each patient to give them the individual attention they deserve and need to fully recover.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy
Bachelor’s Degree: Clinical Exercise Science
Additional Training/Certification: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pelvic Floor-Female/Male
Licensed: State of Michigan
Cheryl VanDeVelde, PTA
“I chose Physical Therapy as my career path because I have seen firsthand how beneficial it is. As a previous patient myself, my positive experience helped me to decide on returning to school & becoming a PTA.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Health – Women and Men
Licensed: State of Michigan
Keli Macleod, PTA
“I chose physical therapy because I have always enjoyed helping people achieve their goals. My goals while treating patients are to provide pain-free movement with correct body mechanics and allow each patient to return to doing activities they find enjoyable in their everyday life.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: LSVT BIG, Pelvic Health – Women and Men
Licensed: State of Michigan
Royal Oak Clinic
Matt Hales, DPT
Clinic Director & Certified Rolfer®
“I chose Physical Therapy as a profession because of my interest in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. I have the luxury of being able to come into work every day and know that I am truly helping people and building lifelong relationships. I often feel so lucky to be able to do what I do for a career.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science Major/Exercise Science Minor, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Certified Rolfer®, Vestibular Therapy, LSVT BIG, Orthopedics
Licensed: State of Michigan
Adam Dell'Orco, PTA
“I first discovered the PT profession through personal experience. I had rehab on my shoulder after tearing my labrum playing hockey. PT helped restore function and strength in my shoulder, so I could return to playing hockey. It was at that time I decided I wanted to pursue a career in PT, so I could make a difference in peoples’ lives. After I started going to school to become a therapist, my passion for PT grew even more. I enjoyed learning about human anatomy and physiology and human movement. I was excited to incorporate that knowledge into practice and problem solve to help improve quality of life for my patients.”
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant
Additional Training/Certification: Craniosacral Therapy, LSVT BIG Certified
Licensed: State of Michigan
Jordan Santori, DPT
“I have always been interested in anatomy and biomechanics and have always enjoyed helping people. After being a patient in physical therapy, I knew that this was the career for me. I really enjoy meeting new people and working hard to help them improve their quality of life and assist them in achieving their goals. “
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Oakland University
Licensed: State of Michigan
Deborah Cole, PTA
“I chose a career in physical therapy because I truly love helping people get back to doing what they want and need to do with less pain. I have a passion for educating my patients because I believe it empowers them to maintain there progress for years to come, not just while they are with us. “
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Additional Training/Certification: Pelvic Floor Therapy Certified
Licensed: State of Michigan
Ashley Farr, PTA
“I chose a career in physical therapy because I have a passion for health and fitness. I enjoy working with people of all ages helping them to achieve their wellness goals. I love meeting new people and working to help them improve their quality of life.”
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Western Michigan University
Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant, Macomb Community College
Licensed: State of Michigan
Mario Palomino, DPT
Clinic Director
“I chose a career in physical therapy because I love the world of physical fitness and exercise, along with the application of both to promote overall health. While working at Neil King Physical Therapy, I have been able to hone my skills and provide a unique level of care. I specialize in working with athletes and all orthopedic conditions and joint replacements. The treatment approach that Neil King takes allows for one-on-one treatment, unlike most outpatient PT clinics.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, University of Findlay
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: LSVT, Crossfit Level 1 Certified
Licensed: State of Michigan
Joe Goike, DPT
Clinic Director
“I choose Physical Therapy because it blends my love for sports and helping people. Being able to work with people on returning to the things that they want to get back to doing in their lives makes each day rewarding for me.”
Doctorate Degree: Physical Therapy, Oakland University
Bachelor’s Degree: Health Science, Oakland University
Additional Training/Certification: Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Certified
Licensed: State of Michigan
