Dan Distin, PT, ATC, Founder of The Center for Rehabilitation

Education/Experience: Dan graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Dan furthered his education by completing his certification for Athletic Training. Dan has worked with the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team, providing treatment to injured players. He is extensively trained in osteopathic mobilization and myofascial release techniques. Dan has taught orthopedic and manual technique classes to Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers nationwide.

Personal Interests: Dan serves as a board member for the Arthritis Foundation and the Y.M.C.A. "Healthy U" program. Dan is also active in politically promoting the Physical Therapy profession.

Brian Gilbert, PT, MS, Cert. MDT, OCS

Education/Experience: Brian graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. He has completed Level III series (over 200 hours) of the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, which is globally recognized as a leading continuing education provider for physical therapists. In 2005, he became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. In April of 2008, he became certified in the McKenzie Method through the McKenzie Institute. Brian has also spent time as an adjunct professor in Grand Valley State University's Physical Therapy program.

Personal Interests: Brian spends as much time as possible with his family. When he can, he works out, plays basketball, golfs and skis. He is also active in the APTA legislative committee.

Laurie Keller, PT

Education/Experience: Laurie graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Laurie has worked in the hospital setting as both a staff physical therapist and treating inpatient and outpatient.  She has also spent some time working in nursing homes. Laurie took some years off to raise her family and has now returned to the physical therapy field specializing in Aqua Therapy.

Personal Interests: Laurie enjoys golfing, running and knitting.

Rachel Lawless, PT, DPT

Education/Experience: Rachel graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor Degree in Health Science and then, a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy in 2009.  Rachel continues to futher her training by taking continuing education courses in pediatric physical therapy.  She also plans to start the certification process for The McKenzie Method in 2010.

Personal Interest:  Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She spends her free time working out, babysitting and planning her wedding.  She also enjoys traveling, cooking, playing soccer, softball or volleyball. 

Arben Mandija, PT, MS

Education/Experience: Arben graduated from University of Tirana, Albania. Furthering his education, Arben graduated from GVSU in 2002 with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy. Through completion of several postgraduate courses, with focus in Manual Therapy for the spine and extremities, Ben has specialized in outpatient orthopedic care. He is currently awaiting completion of the CMT certification through Stanley Paris Program, University of St. Augustine, Florida.

Personal Interests: Arben's favorite activity is spending time with his two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, sailing, windsurfing and also finds time to be an AYSO coach for U6.

Chris Nawrocki, PT, MS, Cert. MDT, OCS, Chief Operations Officer

Education/Experience: Chris graduated in 1995, from Grand Valley State University with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy. He has completed Level III series (over 200 hours) of the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, which is globally recognized as a leading continuing education provider for physical therapists. Chris became Board Certified in Orthopedics by the American Physical Therapy Association in 2002. Most recently he became certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy by the McKenzie Institute (2008).

Personal Interests: Chris spends his free time with his family and especially enjoys coaching his children in various sports. He also enjoys working out, fishing and house remodeling.

Ellen Olefsky, OTR, CLT

Education/Experience: Ellen graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago with a Bachelors of Science. She is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. Ellen furthered her education to become certified in Lymphedema Treatment at the Lerner Lymphedema Center in Florida. Ellen has many years of experience treating inpatient and outpatients, specializing in upper extremity injuries including fractures, carpal tunnel release, Dupuytrens, and epicondylitis. Her Lymphedema training enables her to treat both upper and lower extremities.

Personal Interests: Ellen enjoys golfing, baking, and fundraising for David's House Group Home. She is also Vice President of New Endeavour's, an organization that promotes social activities for physically and mentally challenged adults.

Dave Tyler, PT, MS, ATC

Education/Experience: Dave graduated from Central Michigan University with a undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. Dave has spent extensive time working with athletes. He plans to start the McKenzie certification in 2009.

Personal Interests: Dave enjoys spending time with his family including his newborn. He also enjoys softball, basketball, working out, and watching sports.

Mindy Simon, PT, MS, ATC

Education/Experience: Mindy attended Grand Valley State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Mindy continued her education at GVSU, graduating with her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She was also named one of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association's outstanding students from the class of 2004. Mindy specializes in sports and manual therapy. She has attended courses through the North American Institute of Orthopedic and Manual Therapy and will be beginning the McKenzie Institute series of courses soon. Mindy also plans to sit for the American Physical Therapy Association's Orthopedic Clinical Specialist exam in 2010.

Personal Interests: Mindy is happily married and has a son. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, camping, sports and spending time with her family. She also remains a loyal Lions fan.

Robyn Smith, PT, MS, SCS

Education/Experience: Robyn earned her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University. She became Board Certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) in 2003. She has co-authored a book chapter titled The Physically active female and a home study course Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Sports. Robyn has lectured in the community and internationally on topics of gait, injury prevention, and ACL injuries in the female athlete. She currently teaches continuing education on Selective Functional Movement Assessment and functional exercise.

Personal Interests: Robyn stays busy as a mom of two boys, Trevor and Cody, and enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys staying active by participating in triathalons and running events. Robyn is on the membership committee for the Sports Section of the APTA.