Staff
Casey Kern PT, OCS
Casey is a co-founder and a co-owner of the Therapy Institute. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin PT program in 1977. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and a member of the International PNF Association. Casey is a certified PNF instructor and has taught internationally after working as a physical therapist in Switzerland for four years. He lectures at the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University physical therapy programs. Memberships include the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Private Practice Section of the APTA. He lives in Haslett with his wife Ann and enjoys long distance biking, snowboarding, hiking and backpacking.
Steve Houghton PT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Steve is a co-owner of the Therapy Institute. He graduated from the Wayne State University PT program in 1982 after first graduating from Michigan State University in 1980. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) and is a member of the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He teaches continuing education courses to PTs around the country in the area of orthopedic manual therapy. He enjoys flying and is currently building a home built airplane (much to his wife's amusement).
Chris Strickler PT
Chris is a co-owner of the Therapy Institute. She graduated from the University of Michigan PT program in 1987. In addition to her orthopedic physical therapy skills, she specializes in the treatment of ACL knee injuries and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. She recently has helped develop and implement a jump training and injury prevention program for the female athlete. Since 2004 she has served the community at the Playmakers Sports and Injury clinic. She is a member of both the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Private Practice Section of the APTA. She lives in Haslett with her husband John and two children.
Ann McCarthy PT
Ann is a co-founder of the Therapy Institute. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin PT program in 1977. She studied manual therapy for four years in Bad Ragaz Switzerland at the Maitland Manual Therapy program. Ann is an active runner and has completed five marathons - including the Boston Marathon twice. Ann is active in volunteering with groups such as the Haslett band, cross country and swim programs, scouts, Meals on Wheels as well as her church. She lives in Haslett with her husband Casey. She has a daughter in high school and a son in college.
Shannon Branstner PT
Shannon first attended the University of Texas at Austin before graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center with a BS in PT in 1994. She is also a licensed massage therapist, has owned her own practice, and is presently a member of the American Massage Council. Her areas of interest include the foot and ankle as well as the cervical spine. She enjoys cross country skiing, cycling and yoga. Shannon resides in Lansing with her husband, Todd, and their new baby daughter.
Janet Archer PTA
Janet graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Kellogg Community College in 1979. She has worked at the Therapy Institute since 1989. She has been an instructor at Davenport College in their PTA program and was on their PTA advisory board. She is involved with Brownies and is currently a Brownie leader for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. She lives in the Grand Ledge area with her daughter and husband, Larry.
Delynn Van Atta, Certified Massage Therapist
Delynn was born and raised in Michigan; she has also had an opportunity to live in Florida and graduate from the University of South Florida with a BA in International Studies. Her husband and her 2 children have attended or are attending Haslett High School and enjoy the community and all it has to offer. She has studied Therapeutic Massage at Lansing Community College and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Delynn has found a strong connection with the power of massage as a true source of healing and energy for anyone playing sports or just seeking a healthier self. Delynn brings an even greater calming and caring attitude to our team and she is excited to share her treatments with you and encourage you to make an appointment to experience her healing therapy.
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Ramona Bain, Office Manager
Ramona has been with the Therapy Institute since 2006. She has 14 years experience in billing, insurance and patient relations. She has worked previously in the dental field as an office manager. She is (sadly) a University of Michigan fan.
Judy Wager, Biller
Judy has been with the Therapy Institute since 2005. She serves as biller and insurance specialist. Judy graduated from MSU with a degree in math and science and enjoys tutoring students in math. She lives in Okemos with her husband and daughter.
Cindy Brown, Receptionist/Transcriptionist
Cindy has been with the Therapy Institute since 2008. She serves as a receptionist and a transcriptionist. Cindy and her family live in Haslett. She is also a huge Spartan fan - Go State!
Kara Sterling
Kara has worked at the Therapy Institute since 2010. She has also worked in the physical therapy field in Montana. She lives in East Lansing with her husband Scott and their cat, Stewart.
