Saunders therapists have graduated from universities with strong reputations in orthopedics. Many of our current therapists interned with us prior to being asked to join our practice. Each therapist is required to complete our one-year manual therapy/orthopedic mentorship program, regardless of their experience level at the time they join our practice. This helps to ensure consistency in evaluative skills, thought process, treatment skills, treatment planning and overall philosophy. All therapists have extensive knowledge in body mechanics and posture training. Teaching our patients appropriate concepts in self-management and prevention is a primary focus of our patient education. Each patient is seen by the same therapist throughout the course of his or her care.

Edina Clinic   

Daniel T. Wolfe PT, GDMT Dan completed his graduate work at Mayo and is one of the owners of Saunders Therapy Centers. After practicing in orthopedics for five years, he went back to graduate school in Australia and received a Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy from La Trobe University. He completed his graduate anatomy work at the University of Melbourne and did his research in ligament healing at Monash University. Dan has a wide range of experience in orthopedics, sports medicine and industrial rehabilitation. While in Australia, he worked with an Australian Rules Football Team and members of the Junior National Tennis Team. He has also worked with a member of the US Ski Team. He taught a continuing education course nationwide, on basic manual therapy for the spine, for 10 years. He has contributed to several textbooks.

Marie W. Holecek PT, MHS, ATC Marie joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 1992. She is a graduate of the Mayo program and was the first graduate of our mentorship program. She completed her Master of Health Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis in 2002. Marie is also an athletic trainer and works well with all athletic injuries. She also has a special interest in myofascial, craniosacral, visceral, and energy work with a holistic approach to chronic pain. She has taken most of her training through John Barnes, PT and the Upledger Institute. Marie also has pursued professional education training in women's / men's health, treating incontinence and pelvic pain. She currently guest lectures on the lumbar spine for the College of St. Catherine's physical therapy program and has assisted in teaching several manual therapy courses around the country. She is Clinic Coordinator for Clinical Education and Director of Staff Development for Saunders Therapy Centers, organizing our student internship program and heading up our mentorship program.

Todd Loechler, PT, DPT, MTC Todd joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2004. He received his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota and his Master's Degree in PT from Mayo in 1999. He was an intern in our practice while studying at Mayo and has a special interest in orthopedic and manual therapy. He has completed a Manual Therapy Certification in 2007 and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009 through the University of St. Augustine. Todd uses a holistic approach and utilizes a wide variety of treatments to address the patients' impairments. Todd has completed continuing education courses in joint mobilization, Muscle Energy Techniques, Myofascial Release, Visceral Manipulation, Strain-Counterstrain, Neuromobilization, and the development of functional exercise programs. He has also developed an expertise in evaluation and fitting of foot orthotics for patients with gait, running, or other lower extremity problems. He is a Certified Clinical Instructor working with interns in our practice. Todd is also a member of the MN APTA Continuing Education Committee working to set up CE classes in Minnesota.

Trisha Frazier, PT, MS Trisha joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2006. She received her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where she chose an emphasis in evaluation and treatment of spinal pathology and dysfunction. Trisha has a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science which she received in 2001. She brings to us a strong background in sports medicine and orthopedics. In addition, she has received specialized training in the treatment of patient's with vestibular disorders including vertigo, motion sensitivity, VOR insufficiencies and cervicogenic dizziness. Trisha plans to pursue her Doctoral degree and further post-graduate training in vestibular rehabilitation and manual therapy.

Carlyn Gilmore, OTR Carlyn joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2005. She received her Associate of Arts Degree in Nursing from Hesston College in 1977, and worked as a surgical nurse in Indiana for a number of years. She received her BA in occupational therapy in 1996 from the College of St. Catherine. After working in a variety of settings, she is now focusing on industrial rehabilitation. She is doing Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's) and Work Hardening/Conditioning in our Edina office.

Larry Quinn P.T.A. Larry joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2002. He graduated with his Applied Science of Physical Therapy Assistant degree from the College of St. Catherine in 1997. Prior to becoming a PTA, Larry had worked in construction and other labor intensive industries, which allow him a unique perspective and understanding when working with our industrial rehabilitation clients. Before joining Saunders Therapy Centers, he was working for Northwest Airlines, developing low back strengthening programs for their employees. Larry is an integral part of the Edina Saunders team, combining his unique perspective on the injured worker and his strong exercise and body mechanics background. He helps clients maximize their function by instructing them in proper stretching, strengthening and stabilization exercises, while focusing on proper posture and body mechanics principles.

St. Paul Clinic   

John Hovde PT, MA John joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 1991. He has a degree in physical therapy from Louisiana State University in 1979 preceded by a degree in human nutrition from Colorado State University in 1974. He received his MA in pathokinesiology from New York University in 1984. He has extensive experience in orthopedics with a subspecialty in rehabilitation of clients with occupation related injuries, specifically spinal problems. John has years of experience providing Work Hardening and Functional Capacity Evaluation services as well as acute injury treatment. He has a strong ergonomics background and does job site evaluations related to work injuries. He worked for 5 years in the Long Island Railroad Medical Department before joining our practice. John heads up our St. Paul office. He speaks Spanish. He is a certified provider of Performance Dynamics Inc., ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) treatment technique. Off work he enjoys sailing, on water during the summer and winter sailing on ice.

Lisa Martens, DPT Lisa joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2009. She received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from St. Catherine University in May 2009 after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College. During her clinical experience she has developed a strong foundation in orthopedic and manual therapy. As an avid long distance runner and cyclist, Lisa understands the specifics of sports related injuries and recognizes the importance of living an active, balanced lifestyle. She has been involved in establishing programs to promote health and wellness with the Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Amy Molzen Stuke PT, FAAOMPT Amy joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 1995. She received a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse in 1993. She is a specialist in manual therapy, with a Certification in Orthopedic Medicine for the spine and extremities from the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM), a Masters in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from the IAOM, and is fellowship trained in orthopedic manual therapy (FAAOMPT). Amy also has post graduate training in myofascial release from John Barnes P.T., incontinence and pelvic pain therapy from Janet Hulme M.A., P.T. and Herman/Wallace, and spinal stabilization from Gwen Jull and IAOM. Currently she teaches manual therapy courses around the country on differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal afflictions and is pursuing a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, with emphasis in orthopedics, at Texas Tech University.

Terry Haney OTR Terry joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2001.She received her degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She also has a BS in Physical Education /Dance Therapy from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She brings a broad range of experience in occupational therapy to our practice. She co-authored a chapter on Cardiac Rehabilitation for the textbook Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has also conducted research at the U of M and presented the results at the American College of Cardiology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been a guest lecturer for both the University of Minnesota's and College of St. Catherine's occupational therapy programs. Terry now specializes in functional capacity evaluations (FCE's), industrial therapy, and hand therapy.

Tyler Zajic, PTA Tyler joined the Saunders team in early 2006. Tyler received his AAS Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Tulsa Community College in Oklahoma in 2005. He is also a national NETA certified personal trainer. Tyler is knowledgeable in injury prevention and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with emphasis on orthopedic therapy. He plays an integral role in instructing clients how to maximize their functional development.

Maple Grove Clinic   

Carey Meehan PT, MS, CSCS Carey joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2002. She received her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. As part of her education at UW-La Crosse, Carey spent time working with the University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine team and became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Through additional continuing education and the Saunders mentorship program she has developed a deep foundation for orthopedic and manual therapy specializing in spinal/sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sports medicine injuries. Since graduation Carey has aggressively pursued professional development opportunities focusing in the areas of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and women/men's health. This includes incontinence, pelvic pain, and pre/post natal musculoskeletal dysfunction. These unique set of skills Carey offers to the Saunders team has lead her to managing the Maple Grove clinic.

Cathy Piela, OTR Cathy got her degree in occupational therapy from the College of St. Catherine. She came to us with a variety of experiences in industrial rehabilitation including work hardening/conditioning, functional assessment, return to work consultation and ergonomic job analysis. She has been a faculty member and trainer for Polinsky Assessments, a C.A.R.F. surveyor and a senior therapist with Sister Kenny Institute's industrial rehab program. Since joining our practice, she has co-authored a textbook entitled Functional Capacity Evaluation - The Saunders Method. She has taught nationwide on industrial rehabilitation for The Saunders Group and is currently consulting. Cathy now administers the industrial rehabilitation program in our Maple Grove office.

Trisha Frazier, PT, MS Trisha joined Saunders Therapy Centers in 2006. She received her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where she chose an emphasis in evaluation and treatment of spinal pathology and dysfunction. Trisha has a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science which she received in 2001. She brings to us a strong background in sports medicine and orthopedics. In addition, she has received specialized training in the treatment of patient's with vestibular disorders including vertigo, motion sensitivity, VOR insufficiencies and cervicogenic dizziness. Trisha plans to pursue her Doctoral degree and further post-graduate training in vestibular rehabilitation and manual therapy.

Kimber Crabtree, PTA Kimber joined Saunders Therapy Centers in March 2008. She graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College in 2005. She was previously employed in a rehabilitation setting working with orthopedic and neuro therapies. She developed health and wellness programs to allow patients to regain independence and mobility. Kimber spent much of her time prior to becoming a PTA establishing nutrition programs for children and adolescence in the education setting. Kimbers' life experience offers a practical perspective to working with our various clientele at Saunders. In her spare time, Kimber enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family.

Corporate Office   

Robin Saunders Ryan, PT, MS Robin is a co-owner of Saunders Therapy Centers. She obtained a Master's degree in physical therapy at the University of Indianapolis in 1986. Her clinical specialization is in the fields of industrial rehabilitation and orthopedic evaluation and treatment. Robin has authored and contributed to many well known works, including Managing Low Back Pain, 3rd Edition, edited by Dr. William Kirkaldy-Willis and Dr. Charles Burton, (Churchill-Livingston 1992); Work Injury, edited by Susan Isernhagen (Aspen 1994); and Work Hardening, State of the Art, edited by Linda Ogden-Niemeyer (Slack 1991). She is editor and co-author of Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Part I: The Spine, 4th Edition, and author of Industrial Rehabilitation—Techniques for Success and Back Pain and Activity - Striking the Right Balance (The Saunders Group, Inc.) She has co-authored two research papers on industrial rehabilitation and functional capacity evaluations, both published in Physical Therapy Journal, and is the author of several other articles in various publications.