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Michael Staszak, PTOriginally from Chicago, Michael Staszak moved to Eugene in 1994 and has been living here and practicing as a Physical Therapist ever since. He has been a private practice owner since 2001, initially as co-owner of Bodywise Physical Therapy, then he opened Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center in 2010. He feels privileged to be in this healing profession and be able to help people on a daily basis.
Michael has attended dozens of continuing education courses over the years and has taken bits and pieces from each to create his own approach to manual therapy, education, and exercise. His focus goes beyond just the specific area of injury, he addresses the various causal factors that help bring on an injury, and that often include compensations throughout the entire body. This approach has proven to be extremely effective in helping people recover from an injury but also helps prevent them from having problems in the future. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, traveling, gardening, and the outdoors. |
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Mary Staszak, Director of OperationsMary was an active LMT from 1999-2016 and had worked in a variety of settings over the years, including her private practice and other PT clinics, as well as having had the pleasure of working in a spa environment. All of this experience helped to complete her vision for the types of massage therapy now offered at Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, which is therapeutic touch in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2013, having a bilateral mastectomy and several other surgeries, Mary cut back and ultimately stopped seeing massage clients, shifting her attention to growing and managing the clinic with Mike and also starting her own skincare business. Between being an avid athlete and often having to work 7 days a week as a massage therapist over the years, Mary had her fair share of injuries and degenerative issues. It took a long time to correct her old compensation patterns, but with the ongoing help of PT, massage therapy, Pilates, CoreAlign and finally Broga Yoga, she was able to move without pain for the first time in 8 years. This inspired her to think bigger. She figured that if she could make this kind of life changing progress, so could others. She and Mike have seen so many people come into the clinic over the years with chronic and sometimes acute pain from going to the gym, pre and post surgery as well as other common, everyday activities. They would get to a much better place with all that’s offered at SPTWC, be discharged, only to come back in pain again. This led the Staszaks to put their heads together again and in the spring of 2017 Evolve Fitness Studios was born. Now, she not only attends classes regularly, she also teaches CoreAlign and Broga Yoga classes. The thrill of hearing testimonials from students and clients and witnessing how they benefit from what we’re doing at both SPTWC and Evolve Fitness Studios is incredibly rewarding and the reason we do what we do. If Mary’s not working, you’re most likely to see her spending time with the love of her life, the joy in her every day, her beautiful grand boy, Grayson (sorry Mike, she loves you, too, but you understand). She also enjoys spending time with the rest of her family, which include her incredibly loving and supportive husband, 2 awesome adult children and their lovable spouses, traveling, hiking, mountain biking, singing, good food, good wine and friends. |
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Eric Ottenbreit, DPTEric and his family have called Eugene, Oregon home for many years. Eric spent 7 years in the US Navy as both a combat medic then a physical therapist assistant. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013 from the University of Washington. Outside of work, he finds balance with playing music, and spending time with his two young children. His fitness pursuits include kettle bell training, battle mace, running, and body weight conditioning. He is also interested in lifestyle optimization that includes nutritional science, stress management, circadian rhythms, and sleep hygiene.
Eric's treatment approach includes achieving and/or restoring pain free movement, improving body mechanics and postural awareness, goal and task appropriate strengthening, and teaching symptom self management techniques. Eric's areas of specialty include help for neck pain and headache, spine and rib pain, running and sports rehabilitation, post-operative rehabilitation, and advanced athletic training to re-integrate you back into your sport or activity. |
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Shane Kersten, DPTShane was born and raised in southern Georgia, and has spent significant time in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Colorado. While living in Colorado, he had the opportunity to work as a PT aide at an outpatient orthopedic clinic with an outstanding staff. After seeing the impact that these individuals had on their patient's lives, he decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. Shane completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University in Philadelphia. As a DPT, Shane is able to practice using the most current evidence and has a passion for learning new skills and concepts that will help him develop serve his patients. Shane’s professional interests are in general orthopedics with a special interest in pain science. What he values most about being a physical therapist is the opportunity to learn from each patient in an effort to be a better person. In his free time, Shane enjoys the outdoors, travel, dancing, and learning Spanish. He also enjoys taking on new challenges, and believes that one key to a fulfilling life is to always be willing to try something new.
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Jennifer Dunn, DPTJen earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Having worked both as a personal trainer and a physical therapist, she is a huge believer in exercise as medicine. She has experience working with the Y Cancer Survivors exercise group helping those undergoing cancer treatment or in remission return to functional activities. Jen has also received training in Parkinson's Wellness Recovery aimed to maintain the physical abilities of those with Parkinson's Disease. She is also interested in working with those with orthopedic issues return to completing daily tasks or athletic pursuits. Jen values physical therapy’s role in helping patients improve their independence, mobility, and quality of life through movement and education. She is grateful for the opportunity to work one-on-one with patients to help them achieve their unique goals.
Jen has worked with pediatric patients ranging in age from 2-weeks to 17-years-old. She's worked with kids with varying needs including those with neurological disorders who had goals of keeping up with their peers in PE class, to patients with athletic injuries who were trying to get back to competition. She also has experience treating infants with both congenital and acquired plagiocephaly and torticollis. The stage of each child's physical development is considered when creating a physical therapy treatment plan so that it is both safe and effective. In her free time Jen enjoys exercise, biking, kayaking, reading, and advocacy projects. As a transplant from the North Dakota prairie, she is beyond excited to experience the outdoor adventures available in Oregon. |
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Jill Grider, PT, DPT, Certified Orthopedic Clinical SpecialistJill recently moved to Eugene from Chicago where she has called home for the past 6 years. Jill earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2015. She is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Jill enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions along with vestibular and balance dysfunction. She became interested in PT after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery at age 17 and participating in several months of PT. She was amazed and inspired at how the human body works and what an impact PT can have in a person's life.
Prior to becoming a PT, Jill served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda, East Africa for 2 years. It's here that she started to develop a life-long love for travel, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and exploring the outdoors. Jill is very excited for all of the adventures that lay ahead in Oregon for her and her dog, Fitz! |
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Tiffany Petry, LMT, PTATiffany graduated from The Providence Institute in Tucson, Arizona in 2003. She offers a therapeutic massage blending Swedish massage with neuromuscular therapy, trigger point and myofascial release techniques. She intentionally creates a massage that is suited to your specific needs. She truly enjoys facilitating personal goals towards wellness and pain-free movement. Tiffany recently completed her training at Lane Community College to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, girl scout activities with her daughter, swimming and yoga.
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Laurie Hyland, LMTLaurie graduated from The Cascade Institute of Massage and Body Therapies. She has been licensed in massage since 2000. Her training includes Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone Therapy, PNF, Pregnancy Massage and Trigger Point Therapy. Most recently, Laurie became certified in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (foot massage). She enjoys customizing each massage to meet her clients individual needs, from pain management to relaxation and everything in between. She has a passion to learn and is always learning about new ways to help clients.
Laurie has been married to her husband, Shaun, for 21 years and they have 3 children. She loves being a mom, hiking, vacationing, reading, floating the river, being a U of O fan, decorating and has recently become fond of yoga. She feels blessed to have the most wonderful family and friends to share these things with. |
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Erin Auer-Sears, LMT
Erin initially found herself
in the massage therapy world after her first pregnancy and birth. She became
aware of the importance of taking charge of your own health and worked in a
holistic medicine center working with lymphedema and detoxification. After
losing her mother to complications from back surgery, Erin became impassioned
to help others find relief from their myofascial pain without surgery. She
trained in Chicago from some of the most respected Myofascial Trigger Point
experts in the field and continues to seek out techniques that are well tested
and proven to be effective.
Being a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist means knowing what muscle to release for specific areas of pain. Erin approaches her treatments by releasing the trigger point with compression and then taking the muscle into its fullest range of motion. By working within the client’s comfort levels she is able to eliminate trouble spots and regain function. Sometimes this can be done in one short session, sometimes it takes longer. Erin’s varied background enables her to work with people on many different levels. For Erin, she has found that performing at a high physical level requires a very holistic approach. The top five aspects being: biochemistry , full range of motion, form, mental aptitude and sleep habits. No matter what a person’s physical goals, these five things make the biggest difference in achieving them. Erin works with her clients to empower them with skills so that they can continue to target areas of pain outside of their sessions by using specific self-compression exercises and stretching. She also looks at perpetuating factors such as diet, posture and sleep to correct those things that undermine our ability to be pain and inflammation free. |
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Karina Lake, LMTKarina (Kari) Lake, Licensed Massage Therapist, is a Eugene native and graduate of the Lane Community College Massage program. She joined the Staszak team in 2016 and is thrilled to be a part of this talented, compassionate group of health professionals. In addition to a solid background in Swedish and deep tissue massage, her training includes prenatal, pediatric, and oncology massage. She particularly loves caring for patients who have never received a massage before or are unsure if massage is right for them. Her goal is to have every patient walk out the door feeling relaxed and reconnected with their body. She doesn’t consider herself to be a healing practitioner; rather, she considers manual therapy to be the key that unlocks the healing potential within our own bodies.
In her free time, Kari stays active by running the Ridgeline Trail in the south hills, lifting weights, taking the occasional group dance or Zumba class, and hiking with her husband and sons. |
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Farrah Snyder, LMTFarrah holds a B.S. in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and graduated from East West College of Healing Arts in 2008. She received training in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, as well as Myofascial Release, and Trigger Point therapy.
Since graduating, she has practiced in spas, clinics and private practice where each session is customized to fit the client’s individual needs. As a massage therapist, Farrah practices therapeutic bodywork with intention and care. If you seek relief from pain or stress, desire to feel better in your body, need help working through an injury, or overcoming a long-term structural issue, she is here to help you achieve your goals. When not assisting people in their journey to health and wellness, Farrah enjoys exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, spending time with friends and family, hiking, yoga, reading and traveling. |
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Ally Fraga, LMTAfter pursuing a degree in Spanish at the University of Oregon, I decided to return to school to become a massage therapist. I graduated in 2014 from the massage program at Lane Community College. My focus in massage is injury recovery and pain relief. I have had training in deep tissue, trigger point, Hawaiian Hot Stone, pregnancy massage, Swedish, and cupping.
In my free time, I love to travel, take photographs, garden, spend time with animals and volunteer for a non profit that provides free bodywork for returning veterans. |
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Gwen Buckley, LMT, PTABio coming soon!
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Jon Leisenring, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM),
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Jessie Newell, CSCS, Certified Stott Pilates InstructorJessie grew up exploring the Colorado Rocky Mountains; on foot, cross-country skis and mountain bike. At the age of three, she discovered her love of creative movement and dance and has not stopped moving since. Early on though, she experienced some recurring, over-use injuries and physical therapy was the “go-to” solution for rehabilitation, and balanced strength training to prevent future injuries.
This experience peaked Jessie’s curiosity of “how the body works” and was the impetus for pursuing a PT education. She moved to Eugene and graduated from the University of Oregon in 2005 with degrees in Human Physiology and Dance Kinesiology. Jessie then pursued her passions; continuing as a principal dancer in the U of O Dance Africa company, serving as the Assistant to the Executive Director of the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) and Conference Coordinator for eight conferences both abroad and within the states, and working in an out-patient physical therapy clinic. Jessie soon realized how the Pilates method complimented all aspects of her life, from daily activities to sport-specific movements. Pilates has been a staple in Jessie’s life whether traveling or at home due to its versatility, accessibility and dynamic movement principles. Immediately after completing the rigorous Stott Certification Program, Jessie started changing people’s pains into movement gains; helping her clients’ return to the life they aspire to. Collaborating with like-minded professionals in a physical therapy setting was the ideal environment. To complement this dynamic, Jessie became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; providing a holistic approach to treatment, movement, and goal achievement. In Jessie’s free time, she can be found frolicking with her children; splashing in waves, traversing mountains, sliding down snow-covered slopes, dancing in her kitchen, or snuggled up reading books. |
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Tina O'Sullivan, Certified Pilates InstructorTina recently moved to Eugene from New York, where she taught Mat and Apparatus Pilates in a classical studio. Training with 2nd generation Pilates instructor Simona Cipriani has transformed Tina into a skillful, and intuitive instructor. Her focus is to help each student realize their potential through Pilates and reach the goals they set for themselves. Tina has found using Pilates not only strengthens the body and mind, but it also enriches all aspects of life.
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Laura May, Certified Pilates InstructorLaura May recently moved to Eugene from Oakland, California where she received a certification through the Pilates Method Alliance and taught Mat and Apparatus classes in small group settings. She fell in love with Pilates after finding out that it might help her avoid surgery for her thoracic outlet syndrome; after her first Reformer class she felt better and by her tenth was pain-free. A year later she decided to switch careers and become an instructor to help others overcome their limitations, and learn how to use their bodies properly in daily activities. She has a passion for teaching both movement and anatomy to help others integrate Pilates concepts and mind-body connection to achieve their personal fitness goals.
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Bri Martinez, Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, PTABri is a Certified Personal Trainer-Restorative Exercise Specialist and Level 2 MovNat Certified Trainer as well as a yoga teacher. She first fell in love with movement playing basketball on the playground as a kid, then again playing volleyball and running in high school. Growing up with a dad who was a chiropractor made her realize the importance of not only moving, but moving well. This lifelong interest led her to pursue certifications that get clients moving in a way that is challenging, while also building foundational alignment and strength. Movement has always been a grounding and empowering force in her life and she seeks to help others find the same inspiration.
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Janiece Schwehr, Office ManagerJaniece is a proud University of Oregon graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology. She also completed the Medical Office Management program through Kaplan University. She enjoys the mix of business, medical and wellness worlds that comes with being an office manager.
In her free time, Janiece enjoys hiking with her husband and their dog, traveling, cooking, and reading. |
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Bronwyn Gill, Front Desk SpecialistBronwyn Gill (Broni for short) has lived in Springfield for most of her life. She moved to Tacoma, Washington after getting married to be with her husband who was enlisted in the Army. They moved back when they had their first son. Bronwyn has worked at the clinic her entire work career and loves being able to work with people on a daily basis. She takes pride in knowing she can make someone else’s day a bit easier.
When not at work, Bronwyn loves spending time with her son, husband and animals. She is huge on family and whenever she has free time she thinks of ways to be with them. She also enjoys decorating, swimming, cooking and baking. |
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Sam Williams, Front Desk SpecialistSamantha Williams was born and raised in a small, southern Arkansas town. She and her husband moved to Oregon seven years ago so that he could pursue his passion and obtain a degree in Nature Studies. Before joining the Staszak PTWC team, she was a stay-at-home mom for two energetic boys. In her free time, Samantha enjoys hiking, family camping trips, and walks with her two dogs.
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Cynthia Fau, Front Desk SpecialistCynthia is a California native who moved to Oregon to pursue studies in psychology at Oregon State University. She now calls Eugene her home and lives happily with her significant other who keeps her busy with computer and car projects. In her spare time, she loves reading sci-fi novels that transport her to a different world.
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Brynna Ellison, Front Desk SpecialistBrynna is an Oregon native, growing up in Springfield. She found a passion for reception through the beauty industry and found a hunger for more, leading her to Staszak PTWC and beginning a journey in medical reception. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Oregon and hiking to waterfalls with her family and bull terrier, Bruiser. She also enjoys cooking and cleaning, lounging around with her pets, and going camping whenever possible.
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