Staff Profiles

Meet our Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Pilates Instructors & Personal Trainers

view by location: Denver \| Wheat Ridge \| Stapleton \| Lone Tree
	R. Dean Hasse, President/Owner Physical Therapist/Massage Therapist Dean graduated from Northwestern University in 1990 with a bachelors of science in biology/biochemistry. He then earned a master's degree in physical therapy (PT) from the University of Michigan in 1993. He has practiced PT for over 15 years. In 1999, Dean completed a certification in massage therapy and then gained advanced training in neuromuscular massage therapy in 2000. Dean has taken numerous physical therapy continuing education courses including a spinal manipulation program. Dean focuses his practice on treating complex spinal disorders and soft-tissue injuries. In 1999, Dean started Cherry Creek Wellness Center with the goal of providing the highest quality physical therapy and related therapies in the metro area. Over the last 9 years, Dean has grown the practice to 4 locations and a staff of experienced physical therapists, massage therapists, pilates and yoga instructors and personal trainers. He continues to look for innovative ways to provide high-quality, one-on-one care to patients at Cherry Creek Wellness Center. In addition to his work activities, Dean loves spending time with his wife and three children, as well as golfing, skiing, hiking, and running.
back to top » Denver Physical Therapists	>Glossary of Therapy Credentials
	Lea Klein, PT Clinical Manager/Women's Health Specialist Lea received her master's degree in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University in 2001 and has worked at Cherry Creek Wellness Center since June 2004. She is the clinical manager for the Denver clinic and began specializing in women's health in September 2008. Previously, she has focused on her manual skills using neuromuscular massage, muscle energy techniques, and joint manipulation. Her passion for treating patients suffering from neck and low back/sacral pain led her to learn prenatal and postpartum therapy. Lea is now certified for PT in women's health and enjoys treating pelvic pain and incontinence, in addition to a wide variety of other diagnoses. A Colorado native, Lea enjoys playing volleyball, tennis, skiing, and hiking.

	Krista Cable, PT Certified Pilates Instructor Krista began working at Cherry Creek Wellness Center in May 2005. She graduated with honors with a master's degree of science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2000. Since that time, she has been working primarily in an outpatient setting treating both adults and children with orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. She has gained additional training in headaches, disorders of the spine (including the neck, mid and low back and sacroiliac joint), disorders of the shoulder and pain associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is currently obtaining certification from Polestar to teach Pilates with emphasis in a rehab setting. Krista particularly enjoys working with athletes and the elderly. Krista has lived in Colorado for three years and enjoys running, biking, rock climbing, skiing and spending time outdoors.

	Jennifer Palmer, DPT Jennifer (Jen) graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. After working as a physical therapy aide for about two years, she decided to pursue her graduate degree in physical therapy. Jen graduated in 2004 from Regis University in Denver with a doctorate in PT. She joined Cherry Creek Wellness Center in February 2006 and says she can't imagine working anywhere else! Jen has been taking courses in manual therapy to expand her spine-treatment skills. Jen loves to educate her patients about their bodies, teaching them how physical therapy can and will help them to feel better and get back to living life to the fullest! A long time goal of Jen's is to teach at the collegiate level. When Jen is not working she loves to run, hike, rock climb, shop, travel and spend time with her family and friends.

	Sara Schoenle Randolph, DPT Certified Pilates Instructor Sara joined the Cherry Creek Wellness Center in April 2006. She graduated with honors from the University of Colorado School of Physical Therapy with a doctorate. She has primarily worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting with all ages and populations. Sara trained in Australia during her final internship, which focused on manual therapy techniques and working with athletes. She is working towards her Rehabilitative Pilates certification from Polestar Pilates. She plans to incorporate Pilates into treatments for appropriate patients and looks forward to offering mat classes at the Cherry Creek location. Additionally, Sara assists PT students at the University of Colorado when she has free time. She has lived in Colorado for eight years and enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, hiking and spending time with her husband.

	Erin Saether, DPT Erin graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in kinesiology. She went on to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to earn a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Erin then spent 2 years in Chicago working in an outpatient sports medicine clinic. She moved to Colorado and began working for Cherry Creek Wellness Center in October, 2006. Erin has enhanced her skills with continuing education courses dealing with sports injuries (emphasizing the shoulder and knee) and spine courses dealing with lumbopelvic alignment and dysfunctions of the cervical spine. In her spare time, Erin enjoys running, hiking, being outdoors, and traveling.
Denver Massage Therapists
	Alisha Bauer, ANMT Office Manager/Massage Therapist A native of Colorado, Alisha is a massage therapist at the Cherry Creek location as well as the office manager. She has been with Cherry Creek Wellness Center since June 2004 and continues to add more to her array of responsibilities. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelor's degree in business management. After working and living in England for two years, Alisha sought a career change to help others. She returned to Colorado in 2003 and studied basic massage and advanced neuromuscular therapy at the Center of Advanced Therapeutics. Alisha enjoys working with people with chronic pain and specific sport injuries. She truly finds it rewarding when she sees her patients begin to feel better. Alisha works with all types of patients, with a focus on prenatal massage, athletes and chronic neck/back pain. Alisha got married in June 2009 and enjoys road biking, swimming. running, hiking, skiing, laughing, and reading with her husband, Matt.

	Jessica Henry, OTR, ANMT, CLT Lymphedema Therapist/Post Surgical Breast Cancer Rehab/Marketing Director Jessica graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelors of science in occupational therapy. She moved to Denver from Vermont and began massage therapy training at the Center of Advanced Therapeutics. She also pursued the advanced neuromuscular techniques program and completed her certifications in April 2004. Jessica is experienced in treating a variety of soft-tissue dysfunctions. In the fall of 2007, Jessica completed her certification in Lymphedema Therapy from Klose Training and Consulting, including Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy. She also took a breast cancer rehabilitation course to enhance her clinical skills. Jessica specializes in treating upper and lower extremity swelling as a result of surgery or more commonly as a side effect of cancer treatment. She has worked for Cherry Creek Wellness Center for the past five years and became marketing director in 2006. Jessica loves traveling and spending time in the mountains.
Denver Personal Trainer
	Amy Bonkoski, CPT Certified Health and Fitness Specialist Amy graduated with a bachelor of science in kinesiology health and physical education from Biola University in Southern California. She has a passion for educating others on establishing a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and proper eating habits. Amy is certified as a health and fitness instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition, she is a certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant through the American Counsel on Exercise. During her spare time, Amy enjoys hiking, biking and running
back to top » Wheat Ridge Physical Therapists	>Glossary of Therapy Credentials
	Jaime Davis Leleszi, PT Clinical Manager Jaime attained a master's degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver. The program allowed her to develop a strong interest in orthopedic manual therapy and she continues extensive training in this specialty. Jamie has explored a variety of treatment techniques and principles, and reviews related research. Upon graduation, she attended the Center for Advanced Therapeutics and became a Certified Massage Therapist. Additionally, Jaime is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She completed the Certified Spinal Manipulation Program and is trained in Trigger Point Dry Needling. She believes this advanced course-work enhances her physical therapy knowledge and allows her to treat patients with a holistic approach. In her free time, she enjoys live music, photography and the Colorado outdoors.

	Becky Schwartz, PT Certified Pilates Instructor Becky has practiced physical therapy for seven years. She graduated with a bachelors of fine arts from Saint Mary's College in 1997. In 2000, she graduated from the Regis University Physical Therapy program with honors. Becky has special interests in manual therapy, sports injury and Rehabilitative Pilates. She has taken many continuing education courses in these areas and has received her certification as a Pilates instructor from Polestar Pilates and her massage therapy certification from the Center of Advanced Therapeutics. Becky believes that the combination of her PT skills, manual therapy skills and Pilates training greatly enhance patient outcomes. Her favorite areas to treat are the spine, shoulder, knee and sacral dysfunctions.

	Michael House, PT Board-Certified Orthopaedic Physical Therapist In 1997 Michael earned his master's degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College (NY), in his hometown. In his 12 years of practice, Michael has worked in settings ranging from a large advanced teaching hospital in New Jersey to a small clinic in Wray, Colorado. He spent a year in Costa Rica as a volunteer physical therapist in a public school for children with cerebral palsy. It was an enriching experience in many ways- Michael became fluent in Spanish and met his Costa Rican wife, Cristina. Michael is a Board-Certified orthopaedic physical therapist, one of the only two in Wheat Ridge. He is certified as a manual therapist by the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. Michael is currently pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. During his free time he goes to the mountains to hike, backpack, fly-fish and telemark ski.

	Melissa Williams, MSPT Certified Pilates Instructor Melissa gradated from Colorado State University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in biology/anatomy neurobiology. She then pursued other interests as an adventure traveler, raft guide and ski patroller. After five years of exploring, Melissa obtained a master's degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She is a Polestar Pilates Certified Rehabilitation Practitoner. She enjoys integrating movement analysis and Pilates into manual therapy and post-surgical rehabilitation. In her spare time Melissa can be found skiing, biking, and hiking with her husband Bryan and their dogs Tucker and Chloe!
Wheat Ridge Massage Therapists
	Jessica Elson, MT Office Manager/Massage Therapist Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Jessica graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in biology in 2001. She went on to pursue a career in therapeutic massage at the Center for Advanced Therapeutics in Denver. Jessica joined Cherry Creek Wellness Center in January 2003 and rose to manage the Wheat Ridge office. She enjoys treating patients who have suffered injuries from auto accidents, on-the-job accidents and those with chronic pain. In her spare time, Jessica loves running, Vinyassa yoga, weight lifting and exploring all the beauty Colorado has to offer.

	Laura Dahmer, MT Massage Therapist/Certified Maya Abdominal Massage Therapist Laura has been with the Cherry Creek Wellness Center since December 2005. She works as a massage therapist, and you might hear her cheerful voice answer a phone call or two around the office. She attended the Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins, her home town, for Therapeutic Massage in 2004. Laura looks forward to learning more about craniosacral and lymphatic massage. She is fascinated with the mind/body connection and therefore treats with a holistic approach. In her free time, Laura enjoys working on her home, loves music, the arts, bike riding on the trails, escaping to the mountains, visiting with family and friends and dancing in her free time.
Wheat Ridge Exercise Specialists/PT Aides
	Stephanie Uszacki, MS Stephanie earned her bachelor of science degree in physical education from Illinois State University and completed her master's degree in exercise and sports science from Colorado State University. Stephanie is a certified athletic trainer and works with our patients during the exercise portion of their therapy. She has taught elementary school physical education, served as a personal trainer, taught staff and students at the community college level and served as an athletic trainer at the high school level. Stephanie enjoys coaching her patients from therapy exercises into those they can incorporate into their daily lives, keeping them healthy and active. Stephanie loves to bike, hike, camp, and play whatever sport her kids and husband are into at the time.
back to top » Stapleton	>Glossary of Therapy Credentials
	R. Dean Hasse, President/Owner Physical Therapist/Massage Therapist Dean graduated from Northwestern University in 1990 with a bachelors of science in biology/biochemistry. He then earned a master's degree in physical therapy (PT) from the University of Michigan in 1993. He has practiced PT for over 15 years. In 1999, Dean completed a certification in massage therapy and then gained advanced training in neuromuscular massage therapy in 2000. Dean has taken numerous physical therapy continuing education courses including a spinal manipulation program. Dean focuses his practice on treating complex spinal disorders and soft-tissue injuries. In 1999, Dean started Cherry Creek Wellness Center with the goal of providing the highest quality physical therapy and related therapies in the metro area. Over the last 9 years, Dean has grown the practice to 4 locations and a staff of experienced physical therapists, massage therapists, pilates and yoga instructors and personal trainers. He continues to look for innovative ways to provide high-quality, one-on-one care to patients at Cherry Creek Wellness Center. In addition to his work activities, Dean loves spending time with his wife and three children, as well as golfing, skiing, hiking, and running. 123
back to top » Lone Tree Physical Therapists	>Glossary of Therapy Credentials
	Pete VanDoren, PT Clinical Manager/Physical Therapist Pete graduated from the University of Colorado's physical therapy program in 2004, and has been with Cherry Creek Wellness Center since August 2005. He is certified in Sports Physical Therapy through the University of St. Augustine, received his certified strength & conditioning specialist designation from the NSCA, and is a Sole Supports provider for custom foot orthotics. Pete is also trained in Pilates-based rehabilitation, spine and extremity mobilization, soft-tissue mobilization and joint stabilization therapy. He has a strong interest in sports injury rehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation for the spine and extremities. He uses an eclectic approach to therapeutic exercise that includes Pilates, Yoga, kettlebells, functional training, and sport-specific exercise. Away from the clinic, Pete enjoys being a dedicated husband and father, riding his motorcycle around Colorado and doggedly attempting to learn to play the guitar.

	Nick Holm, PT After growing up on the south side of Houston, Nick attended Boston University where he received his master's degree in Physical Therapy. Shortly thereafter he moved to Colorado and made Denver his home. Coming from a sports background, Nick has a passion for orthopedic physical therapy and looks forward to developing his manual therapy skills. Nick has traveled extensively through Mexico, Central America and Europe, learning Spanish as a second language. He also spent time studying marine biology in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Nick is dedicated to professional growth and advocating for his patients. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, basketball, football and snowboarding.
Lone Tree Physical Therapist Assistant
	Thecia Hall, PTA Thecia comes to Colorado by way of Montgomery, Alabama where she received her associate of science degree in the Physical Therapist Assisting program in 2006. She came to work for CCWC in February 2008 at the Lone Tree clinic, where she enjoys orthopedic and manual-based therapy. Thecia looks forward to pursuing a certification in massage therapy. Her interests include hatha yoga, hiking, camping and training her dogs, Ringo and Tallulah, so they can all enjoy the beauty of Colorado.
	>Glossary of Therapy Credentials