Dennis Kaster, PT, OCS, serves as the Manager for Rehabilitation Services for St. Michael’s Hospital. He joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Department in 1997 following 10 years as a physical therapist at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dennis received his BS in Physical Therapy from UW-LaCrosse in 1987 and is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist by the APTA. Dennis has clinical interests in back and neck problems, shoulders and sports medicine. Dennis is married and has 4 four children. He enjoys coaching youth sports and being active in the community. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, motorcycling and scuba diving.
Rosan Zahn, PT, MA, joined St. Michael’s Hospital Rehab Department in 1996 and currently serves as the department supervisor. Rosan has physical therapy experience in a variety of settings, including out-patient clinical settings, early childhood and school based special education programming. She received a BS in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 1978 and a MA in Organizational Communication from UW-Stevens Point in 2008. Rosan’s clinical interests include custom-made foot orthotics, general orthopedics, vestibular rehab/balance programs and fall prevention programs. Rosan has a strong belief in the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the life cycle. She stays active through bicycling, cross-country skiing, running, gardening and traveling.
Renee Vande Laarschot, MPT, is a physical therapist at St. Michael’s Hospital, working jointly in acute care and out-patient physical therapy. Renee graduated with a BS in biology from UW-Stevens Point and with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Carroll College in December of 2000. Renee began her career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield in 2001 and joined the St. Michael’s Hospital staff in 2003. Renee’s areas of clinical interest include geriatrics, fall prevention, neurological disorders and total joint replacements. Renee is also an APTA credentialed Clinical Instructor. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, waterskiing, playing volleyball, softball, and golf.
Jennifer (Jen) Day, MPT, LAT, joined the St. Michael’s Hospital Physical Therapy and Point Sports Medicine staff in June of 2003. Jen graduated with a BS in biology in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from UW-LaCrosse in 2001. She is also a licensed, certified Athletic Trainer, receiving her classroom training through UW-LaCrosse. Jen sees patients in the St. Michael’s out-patient physical therapy clinic and serves as the athletic trainer for Rosholt High School. She is also an APTA credentialed Clinical Instructor. She has clinical interest in sports medicine as well as overhead throwing and softball pitching. Jen served as the UW-Stevens Point assistant softball coach for three years and enjoys playing softball.
Heidi Schmidt Winterhack, MSPT, has served as a physical therapist with St. Michael’s Hospital since January of 2006. Prior to coming to St. Michael’s Hospital, Heidi worked as a physical therapist both in Illinois and Wisconsin. She received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from UW-LaCrosse in 2000 and is also a graduate of the Fox Valley School of Massage. Heidi currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator for Clinical Education for the Physical Therapy Department at all Saint Michael’s sites. She is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Heidi’s clinical interests include vestibular therapy, women’s health (including pelvic pain, pregnancy and pre/post-partum) and urinary rehab. She is married and has one child.
Josh Pallen, PT, MS, joined St. Michael’s Rehab Department in December of 2006 after receiving his Master’s in Physical Therapy from UW-LaCrosse in 2006. In 2002 Josh graduated cum laude from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion. Josh enjoys working with all types of individuals and treats a very diverse patient population including both orthopedic and neurological conditions. His clinical interests and specialties include spine orthopedics, custom-made foot orthotics, and custom Unloader osteo-arthritis knee braces. He plans to achieve a specialty certification in orthopedic physical therapy. Josh is also a certified personal trainer and endurance sports trainer through the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association.
In his spare time, Josh enjoys strength training, biking, jogging, martial arts and spending time with his family and friends.
David Hahn, PT, SCS, CSCS joined St. Michael’s Rehab Department and Point Sports Medicine in July of 2006 after working with the UW Badger team physicians at UW Sports Medicine for 5 years and at Aspirus out-patient therapies for five years. David received his B.B.A from UW-Madison in Finance in 1982 and his B.S. from UW-LaCrosse in Physical Therapy in 1996. He is a Sports Certified Specialist (ABPTS) and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). David enjoys evaluating and treating sports injuries, including work to optimize biomechanics, and utilizing customized foot orthotic intervention when indicated. David is married and has three children. He enjoys the outdoors and is a big UW Badger Fan!
Stephanie Olson, MSPT, OCS, joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Staff in 2007 and has worked as a clinical physical therapist, with a focus on orthopedics and the spine, for the last 30 years. Stephanie received a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1978 and a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Concordia University in 2004. She obtained her Orthopedic Specialty Certification in 2008. Stephanie recently developed a Bone Building and Protection Program which provides therapeutic interventions for clients with osteoporosis. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys gardening, bird watching, biking and skiing. She is married to her husband of 33 years and has two grown children and one cat. Stephanie is also currently serving as a delegate to the National APTA House of Delegates.
Robyn Chip, PT, joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Department in 1994 following her work at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 1992-1994. Robyn received her BS in Physical Therapy from UW-Madison in 1992 and has a minor in Psychology from UW-Stevens Point. She serves as a staff physical therapist at Ministry Health Care’s Highway 10 Satellite Clinic, specializing in Manual Therapy and Neck and Back Rehabilitation. Robyn and her husband live in Plover with their 2 children. In her spare time she enjoys playing volleyball & golf, biking, boating and reading.
Sara Jarabek, MS, PT joined the Rehab Department of St. Michael’s Hospital in 2004 following her graduation. Sara received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in 2004. Sara has clinical interest in the spine, scoliosis, geriatrics, and neurologic conditions including specialty training in multiple sclerosis. She is certified in the Schroth Method of scoliosis treatment. Sara is married to her husband, Tony and lives in Stevens Point.
Elizabeth Raymond, PT, DPT has been a staff physical therapist for St. Michael’s Hospital since June 2008. Elizabeth received a BS in Biology in 2004 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UW- LaCrosse in 2008. She has clinical interest in general orthopedics, custom-made orthotics and is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. Elizabeth is originally from southern Wisconsin and in her spare time she enjoys hiking, biking, canoeing, an occasional softball game, and snow-shoeing. She also enjoys driving to see her family including her new nieces and nephews.
Amy Schnitzler, PT, joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Department in 1994 as a physical therapist following a career in exercise physiology research. Amy received a BS in Education and Exercise Physiology from UW-Madison in 1987 and a MA in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alabama – Birmingham in 1988. She received a BS in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Health and Sciences at The Chicago Medical School in 1994. Amy has worked in out-patient orthopedics and acute care since starting SMH in 1994. She currently works at the Plover and Hwy 10 Satellite clinics and has clinical interests in the spine, general orthopedics, chronic pain/fibromyalgia, headaches and bariatrics. In her spare time Amy enjoys Nordic walking, biking, traveling, photography, UWSP Women’s basketball and spending time with family.
Amy Macewicz, PT, joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Department in July of 2007 as a physical therapist. Amy received her BS in Sociology in 2004 from Carroll College and her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Carroll College in 2005. Amy has clinical interests in working with the geriatric population. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and enjoys outdoor activities including camping, swimming and other sports.
Jon Newman, PT is a physical therapist for St. Michael’s Hospital, working in the acute care setting. Jon joined the SMH staff in 2001. He received his BA in biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and his Master’s in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University.
Adrienne Kaster, PT joined St. Michael’s Hospital Rehab Department in September of 2000. Adrienne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University in 1997. She has worked in a variety of physical therapy settings, from geriatrics to pediatrics. Adrienne’s primary orthopedic interest is in outpatient orthopedics focusing on rehabilitation of total joint replacements or after injury and evaluation and casting of custom-made foot orthotics. In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking and traveling with her husband and four children.
Marie Reince, PTA, joined the St. Michael’s Rehab Department as a physical therapy assistant in 2001. Marie began working for Ministry Health Care in 1997 as a certified medical assistant in Internal Medicine. Following her graduation from Western Wisconsin Technical College in LaCrosse for her Associates Degree, she joined the Rehab staff. Marie is also a Certified Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapy Assistant students. In her spare time, she enjoys playing year round volleyball, running, camping and hiking.
Loretta Ferg, OTR, CHT, joined St. Michael’s Department of Rehabilitation as an Occupational Therapist in 1991. She is also a Certified Hand Therapist and specializes in hands, lymphedema, pediatrics, splinting and general rehab. Loretta received her BS in Occupational Therapy from UW-Madison in 1987. Loretta has training in Reiki, Shamanism and energy work.
Michelle Newman, OTR, CHT, has been a staff Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist for SMH Rehab Department since 1998. She received her BS in Education from Western Illinois University and her MS in Occupational Therapy from Chatham College in Pittsburg, PA. Michelle has interest in working with patients with low vision, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, working with lymphedema patients, and working with patients with hand and elbow injuries.
Mary Spielman, OTR, has been a staff Occupational Therapist for SMH since 1987. Mary received her BS in Occupational Therapy from UW-Madison in 1987. Mary has clinical interest in the treatment of headaches, chronic pain, and fibromayalgia. Mary also works in the community as the occupational therapist at McCain Foods in Plover.
Kylie Steines, COTA, CMT is a certified occupational therapy assistant and certified massage therapist. She joined the staff at St. Michael’s Hospital in 2008. Kylie is a 2006 graduate of Fox Valley School of Massage and a 2008 graduate from Fox Valley Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Kylie offers massages to employees, out-patient clients, patients with a physician referral and to all new moms in the OB department (following delivery of their child). Kylie is married and in her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, gardening and enjoys spending time with her dog, Junior and cat, Smokey.
Mary Danninger, Rehab Assistant/MA, has served on the Saint Michael’s Department of Rehabilitation staff since 1987. Mary began her career as a rehab service technician/Certified Nurse Assistant. She graduated from Central Wisconsin Technical College with an Associate’s Degree as a Medical Assistant in 2003. Mary specializes in assisting with VAC care wound management for the in-patient population. She also works with measuring and fitting patients for custom medical garments. Mary has been married for 25 years and has two sons, ages 18 and 21. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, dancing and trying to stay “young at heart”.
Jodi Waltenberg, LAT, MS, is a licensed, certified athletic trainer for Point Sports Medicine. She joined the staff at Point Sports Medicine in 1999 after working as a clinical and outreach athletic trainer at High Plains Sports Medicine Center in Hays, Kansas and Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, IA. Jodi received her BS in Athletic Training from Minnesota State University – Mankato in 1991 and her MS in Counseling from Fort Hays State University in 1993. Jodi provides outreach athletic training services to Amherst High School and is an Accredited Clinical Instructor with UWSP for athletic training students. Jodi has clinical interest in ACL prevention and shoulder rehab. Jodi is married to Paul and has two stepdaughters. She is also an avid hockey fan – Go Red Wings!, and is the proud owner of a 1987 535 Virago motorcycle named Steve.
Linda Haller, LAT, joined Point Sports Medicine as a licensed, certified athletic trainer in June 2008. After graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a major in athletic training and a minor in strength and conditioning in 2007, she worked one year in Wausau prior to joining the staff at St. Michael’s Hospital. Linda provides outreach athletic training services to Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, biking, playing tennis, camping and spending time with her family.
Traci Smet, LAT, CSCS, joined Point Sports Medicine in May of 2007 following graduation from UW-Oshkosh with her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Strength & Conditioning. Traci provides outreach athletic training services to Almond-Bancroft and Tri-County High Schools and developed the Excel Performance Enhancement Program at St. Michael’s Hospital. She organizes the Community Weight Race, teaches employee fitness classes, and coaches summer performance camps. Traci played Rugby at UW-Oshkosh and served as the Fond du Lac Sirens Girl’s Rugby Head Coach. Traci is also a soldier in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and is currently serving our country in Iraq.
Kris Ficken, LAT, MEd, joined the Point Sports Medicine staff as a licensed, certified athletic trainer in 2008. Prior to joining the staff in Stevens Point, Kris served as a practice manager for Washington University in St. Louis Department of Orthopedic Surgery for three years and as an athletic trainer for the University of South Carolina, Stanford University and Vanderbilt University for 15 years. Kris received a BA in athletic training and health education from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1989 and a MEd in Health Promotion and Exercise Science from Vanderbilt University in 1992. She provides athletic training outreach services to Almond-Bancroft High School, Tri-County High School, SPASH, Ben Franklin Junior High and PJ Jacob Junior High Schools. Kris is married to her husband, Dave. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family (including her dog, Archie), traveling, reading, cooking, gardening, skiing and watching college football and basketball.