Steve Houghton, PT
- Co-owner of The Therapy Institute
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
Steve is a co-owner of The Therapy Institute. He graduated from the Wayne State University Physical Therapy program in 1982 after first graduating from Michigan State University in 1980. He teaches continuing education courses to PTs around the country in the area of orthopedic manual therapy. His clinical interests include management of headaches, TMJ dysfunction and vestibular problems. He enjoys flying his homebuilt RV7a airplane.
Christina Strickler, PT
- Co-owner of The Therapy Institute
- Bachelor’s of science and physical therapy
- APTA, MPTA, PPS member
Christina was raised in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan Flint Physical Therapy program. She received her Bachelor’s of science in physical therapy in 1987. Christina’s professional interests include: customer service, human resources, leadership training as well as the treatment of TMJ and joint replacement rehabilitation. She is married and is the mother of two adult children. In her free time, she enjoys walking, cycling and travel.
Dr. Nathan Rourke, DPT
- Co-owner of The Therapy Institute
- Doctor Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2015.
- Bachelors in Kinesiology from MSU in 2011.
- Certification and Titleist golf performance Institute, level one.
Nathan grew up in Laingsburg, Michigan where he was a multi-sport athlete in high school. Nathan became a co-owner of the Therapy Institute in 2019. Nathan‘s professional interests include: sports rehabilitation, joint replacement rehabilitation, neuromuscular reeducation and balance training. Nathan is married and a father of one. Nathan is also a proud dog dad. In his free time, Nathan enjoys MSU sports, time at his cabin fishing, playing golf as well as spending time with his family.
Shannon Branstner, PT
- Bachelors degree in physical therapy from the University of Texas at Austin and UTHSC in San Antonio.
- Licensed massage therapist in 1997.
Shannon moved to Michigan from Texas in 2005. She has professional interests include treatment of the neck, treatment of the TMJ dysfunction and ankle rehabilitation. Shannon is married and the mother of a daughter. In her free-time she enjoys hiking, biking, yoga, baking with her daughter and travel.
Dr. Gabe Theurer, DPT
- Doctor Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University
- CSCS
- APTA member
Gabe is originally from Vassar, Michigan. He moved to the greater Lansing area 2012. Gabe attended Central Michigan University and graduated with his DPT in 2019. Gabe’s professional interests include orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. He is married and in his free time enjoys staying active, archery and playing hockey.
Dr. Melissa Houghton, DPT
- Doctor Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint
- BA in Anthropology from Michigan State University and Classics from Grand Valley State Universityr
Melissa grew up in Haslett, Michigan. She originally studied Greek history in graduate school before deciding to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy. Melissa’s professional interests include orthopedics and manual therapy. In her free time she practices martial arts and spend time with her two dogs.
Jeanne Short, Office Manager
Jeanne grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University. She has lived in the Lansing area since 1984. She has spent her professional career in the areas of medical administration, human resource management and accounting. In her free time she spends time with her dog, Gracie and enjoys hiking in the woods, biking and spending time with her friends and family.
Cindy Brown
- Graduate from Williamston High School
- Attended classes at LCC
Cindy grew up in Williamston, Michigan. Cindy has over twenty years of office experience. Professionally, Cindy enjoys the customer service aspect of her job. Cindy is married and has three adult daughters. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, especially MSU.
Bridget Sherry
- BA in English from Oakland University
Bridget grew up in the greater Detroit area and then spent time residing in Ohio, Arizona and Indiana before settling here in Michigan. Bridget works in our front office. She is married and returning to the workplace after spending many years raising her three daughters. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, crocheting and cooking.
Shoshanah McDonald
- Certified, Massage Therapy & Asian Bodywork, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago
- Gyrotonic® Method, Level 1 Apprentice – Final Certification March 2023
- Family Herbalist, Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine, Clinical Herbalist, RH, AHG Certificate completion September 2024
Shoshanah grew up in Lansing and holds a certification in Massage Therapy & Asian Bodywork modalities through Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago. She returned to the Lansing area in 2012 and has spent the intervening years working in the Fine Wine, Craft Beer, and Artisan Spirits business before joining the team at The Therapy Institute in 2022. Shoshanah is passionate about her puppy, her garden, seeing the world, and helping people to attain wellness, independence, and lead fun, full lives.
