Meet Our Staff

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Mike Newby, Physical Therapist, Owner

Mike joined NTA in 1996. He received a Bachelor's of Science degree in biology from the University of San Diego, 1991. He went on to receive a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific in 1994. Special interests include pitching instruction, throwing mechanics and rehabilitation for the overhead athlete.

Amy Kurtz, Physical Therapist, DPT, Owner

Amy has been with Northwoods Therapy Associates since 2003. Originally from Litchfield, MN, she received her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. She completed her Pilates Certified Instructor training in 2005 and obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University, Denver, CO in December of 2007. Amy's current physical therapy interests include manual therapy, spine, trunk stability exercises and intervention as well as building relationships with patients of all ages.

Becky Newby, Physical Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Owner

Becky comes to us with over 15 years of experience . Becky began her career in sports medicine, and in 2002 gained her certification in hand therapy. Originally from Gilman, Wisconsin, Becky graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1990 with her BS in Physical Therapy.

 

Mary Clark, Physical Therapist

Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She then went on to complete the Physical Therapy graduate program at Mayo School of Health Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota. Mary has 16 years of professional experience with an emphasis on women's health issues and general orthopedics

Kris Gessert, Physical Therapist

Kris joined Northwoods Therapy in September of 2002. She has worked in the Chippewa Valley as a Physical Therapist for over 10 years. Kris graduated in 1986 from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a BS in Physical Therapy. Her 18 years of experience has been primarily out-patient orthopedics.

Bruce Klutz , Physical Therapist

Bruce joined Northwoods in the summer of 2007 bringing over 32 years of experience in Orthopedics and Sport Medicine to our staff. Bruce received his Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University and a Minor in Athletic Training. He completed his Masters in Physical Therapy at Mayo School of Health Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota in 1975. He enjoys working with professional, college and high school athletes alike.

Kathy Litscher, Physical Therapist

Kathy joined the Northwoods staff in March of 2007. She graduated from La Crosse University with a BS in Science and Physical Therapy. She has 30 years of experience in Physical Therapy gained while working in a variety of settings including an acute care hospital, rehabilitation, orthopedics, pediatrics and school systems.

Denny Clark, Physical Therapist

Before completing the Physical Therapy graduate program at the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota in 1989, Denny received his BA in biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He has gained 19 years of PT experience, primarily in outpatient physical therapy with a special interest in orthopedics and rehabilitation of the active population. Denny also specializes in sports performance for golfers.

Stearns

Ryan Stearns, Physical Therapist, DPT

Ryan joined the staff of Northwoods Therapy in 2010. He attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where he earned his BA in Biology followed by his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Ryan's physical therapy interests include injury prevention and rehabilitation of athletes, specifically the overhead athlete. Ryan is originally from the
Eau Claire area.

Lauren

Lauren Nelson-Bobb, Physical Therapist, MPT

Lauren joined our staff in the spring of 2011, having worked in the Chippewa Valley for the past 10 years. She has experience working in acute care, outpatient orthopedics and vestibular rehabilitation. Lauren attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy-both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has completed Susan Herdmann’s Vestibular competency training through Emory University in 2006. Lauren’s physical therapy interests include general orthopedics and sports medicine, manual therapy and complex vestibular disorders.

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Tessa Pecha, Physical Therapist, DPT

Tessa is an Eau Claire native who joined the Northwoods Therapy staff in 2011. She earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2008 from UW-EC, where she played on the Blugold's softball team. Tessa also earned a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from UW-La Crosse. Her physical therapy interests include working with individuals who have knee, hip, or shoulder pathologies.

Krissa Reeves, Physical Therapist Assistant

Krissa recently joined the staff at NWT making a move from her home state of Florida. She received her AS as a Physical Therapy Assistant from Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida. Krissa then went on to receive her BA from the University of South Florida in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with specialized areas of study in gerontology and sociology. She is also a Certified Clinical Instructor.

Resources for understanding our certifications