Staff Profiles

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

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	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 went on to obtain a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan in 1993. He has been practicing for over 15 years as a physical therapist. In 1999, Dean completed a year long certification in massage therapy. He then went on to further his massage education by completing a 220 hour Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy course in 2000. Dean has taken numerous continuing education courses in the field of Physical Therapy including a year long spinal manipulation program which he successfully completed in 2004. Dean has focused his practice on the treatment of 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 that seek out services at Cherry Creek Wellness Center. In addition to his work activities, Dean loves spending time with his wife and 3 children as well as golfing, skiing, hiking, and running.
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	Lea Klein, PT Clinical Manager/Women's Health Specialist Lea received her Masters in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University in 2001 and has been working at Cherry Creek Wellness Center since June of 2004. She is now the clinical manager for the Denver clinic, and began specializing in women's health in September of last year. Previously, she has focused on her manual skills using neuromuscular massage, muscle energy techniques, and joint manipulation. Lea's passion for treating patients suffering from neck and low back/sacral pain has led her to prenatal and postpartum therapy. In listening to her patients and reading about women's health, she realized that many patients struggling with low back/hip pain, or sacral dysfunction often times have pelvic floor dysfunction. So, she pursued her women's health certification and now enjoys treating pelvic pain and incontinence in addition to treating a wide variety of other diagnoses. Lea looks forward to better serving her patient population, especially postpartum women. Lea is a native to Colorado and in her free time 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 Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2000. Since that time, she has been working primarily in an outpatient setting and has treated both adults and children with various orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. Most of her continued training has been in treating headaches, disorders of the spine, including the neck, mid and low back and sacroiliac joint. She has also had additional training in treating headaches, disorders of the shoulder, as well as pain associated with pregnancy and post-partum. She is currently getting certified by Polestar to teach pilates with emphasis in a rehab setting. She particularly enjoys working with athletes as well as with the elderly. Krista has lived in Colorado for 3 years and enjoys running, biking, rock climbing, skiing, and spending time outdoors.

	Jennifer Osborne-Kernan, PT TMJ Specialist Has 34 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Physical Therapy in 1975. She worked at Denver General Hospital for 2 1/2 years before working at a private practice in Lakewood primarily treating patients with cervical spine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. She studied with internationally known therapist Mariano Rocabado, PT ultimately completing a year long internship with him in the area of spinal therapy and TMJ dysfunction. She traveled to Chile to further her studies with Mariano. She has spent time teaching physical therapists and dentists around the country about the role of physical therapy in the treatment of cervical spine and TMJ disorders. She joined Cherry Creek Wellness Center in April 2007 with a goal of continuing patient care while teaching the staff at all locations how to treat these painful problems.

	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. In 2004, Jen graduated from Regis University in Denver with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Jen joined Cherry Creek Wellness Center in February 2006 and can not imagine working anywhere else! Since that time, she has been taking courses in manual therapy in an effort to expand her manual skills related to the spine. She has taken courses in evaluation and treatment of the cervical, thoracic, lumbopelvic, and sacroiliac joint regions and is always learning ways to enhance her skills. Jen loves to educate her patients about their bodies and 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 Physical Therapy with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has primarily worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting and enjoys working 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 currently working towards her Rehabilitative Pilates certification from Polestar Pilates. She plans to incorporate Pilates into most of her treatment for all appropriate patiients and is looking forward to also offering mat classes at the Cherry Creek location. Additionally, she assists in Physical Therapy student labs at the University of Colorado when she has free time. Sara has lived in Colorado for 8 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 then went on to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She spent 2 years in Chicago working in an outpatient sports medicine clinic. Erin moved to Colorado and began working for Cherry Creek Wellness Center in October, 2006. Erin has taken a variety of continuing education courses dealing with sports injuries with emphasis on the shoulder and knee, as well as spine courses dealing with lumbopelvic alignment and dysfunctions of the cervical spine. In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, being outdoors, and traveling.
Denver Massage Therapists
	Alisha Bauer, ANMT Office Manager/Massage Therapist A native to Colorado, Alisha is one of our massage therapists 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 there. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. After working and living in England for 2 years, she decided that she wanted a change in career - one that would help others - she returned to Colorado in 2003 and pursued a career in massage therapy. Alisha attended the Center of Advanced Therapeutics for the basic massage program as well as the advanced neuromuscular therapy course. Alisha enjoys working with people with all sorts of chronic pain as well as specific sport injuries, but 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 and treating chronic neck/back pain, as well as athletes. Alisha recently 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/Massage Therapist/Marketing Director Jessica graduated from the University of New Hampshire with her Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy. She moved to Denver from Vermont and began massage therapy training at the Center of Advanced Therapeutics. During her training, she attended 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 went on to complete her certification in Lymphedema Therapy from Klose Training and Consulting including Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy. She also attended their 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, the side effects of cancer treatment. She has worked for Cherry Creek Wellness Center for the past 5years 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. Upon graduation , she discovered a passion for helping educate others on how to establish a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and proper eating habits. She has received a certification from American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Health and Fitness Instructor. In addition, she is a certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant from American Counsel on Exercise (ACE). During her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking and running
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	Jaime Davis Leleszi, PT Clinical Manager Jaime attained a Masters in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver. While in the program, she developed a strong interest in orthopedic manual therapy and continues extensive training within this specialty. She enjoys exploring a variety of treatment techniques and principles as well as reviewing 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, completed the Certified Spinal Manipulation Program as well as training in Trigger Point Dry Needling. She believes this advanced course work serves as an adjunct to 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 multiple continuing education courses in these areas and has been awarded her certification as a Pilates instructor from Polestar Pilates and her massage therapy certification from the Center of Advanced Therapeutics. She feels 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 Masters in Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, which is his hometown. To broaden his clinical skills, during his 12 years of practice, Michael has worked in several different settings from a large medically advanced teaching hospital in New Jersey to a small clinic in Wray, CO. He served for 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 including, becoming fluent in Spanish and most importantly meeting his Costa Rican wife, Cristina. Michael is a Board Certified orthopaedic physical therapist. There are only two in Wheat Ridge. He is a certified manual therapist by the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Science of Physical Therapy. Michael used to spend summers in Denver with his grandparents and has enjoyed moving here and making it his home. During his free time he travels into the mountains for hiking, backpacking, fly-fishing and telemark skiing.

	Melissa Williams, MSPT Certified Pilates Instructor Melissa gradated from Colorado State University in 1997 with a BS in Biology/Anatomy Neurobiology. Upon graduation, she pursued other interests as an adventure traveler, raft guide and ski patroller. After 5 years of exploring, she returned to The University of Colorado Health Sciences to obtain her Master's degree in Physical Therapy. Melissa is a Polestar Pilates Certified Rehabilitation Practitoner. She enjoys this aspect of physcial therapy as she can integrate movement analysis and pilates into her other interests, which include manual therapy and post-surgical rehab. In her spare time Melissa can be found skiing, biking, and hiking with her husband Bryan and their dogs Tucker & Chloe!
Wheat Ridge Massage Therapists
	Jessica Elson, MT Office Manager/Massage Therapist Originally from Long Island NY, Jessica graduated from Indiana University with her Bachelors in Biology in 2001. She went on to pursue a career in therapeutic massage at the Center for Advanced Therapeutics in Denver, CO. Jessica joined Cherry Creek Wellness Center in January 2003and is currently the office manager at our Wheat Ridge office. She enjoys treating auto, work comp and chronic pain patients; she treats patients in the Denver office periodically. In her spare time, she loves running, Vinyassa yoga, 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 the autumn of 2004. She looks forward to learning more about craniosacral and lymphatic massage. Laura is fascinated with the mind/body connection and therefore treats with a holistic approach. 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 Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Illinois State University and completed her Masters 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 worked with a range of populations including teaching elementary Physical Education, doing personal training, teaching and working with staff and students at the community college level and serving as an athletic trainer at the high school level. She enjoys transitioning her patients from therapy exercises into those that 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.
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	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 went on to obtain a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan in 1993. He has been practicing for over 13 years as a physical therapist. In 1999, Dean completed a year long certification in massage therapy. He then went on to further his massage education by completing a 220 hour Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy course in 2000. Dean has taken numerous continuing education courses in the field of Physical Therapy including a year long spinal manipulation program which he successfully completed in 2004. Dean has focused his practice on the treatment of 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 8 years, Dean has grown the practice to 3 locations and a staff of 11 physical therapists, 6 massage therapists, and 4 pilates instructors. He continues to look for new and innovative ways to provide high quality, one-on-one care to patients that seek out services at Cherry Creek Wellness Center. In addition to his work activities, Dean loves spending time with his wife and 3 children as well as golfing, skiing, hiking, and running.
back to top » Lone Tree Physical Therapists	>Therapist credential abbreviations glossary
	Pete VanDoren, PT Clinical Manager/Physical Therapist Pete graduated from the University of Colorado physical therapy program in 2004, and has been with Cherry Creek Wellness Center since August of 2005. He is certified in Sports Physical Therapy through the University of St. Augustine, received his Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist designation through the NSCA, and is a Sole Supports provider for custom foot orthotics. Pete has also been trained in Pilates-based rehabilitation, spine and extremity mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and joint stabilization therapy through a variety of continuing education courses. He has a strong interest in sports injury rehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation for the spine and extremities, but also enjoys using 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 how to play the guitar.

	Nick Holm, PT After growing up on the Southside of Houston, Nick attended Boston University where he received his Masters 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 being an advocate for his patients. In his spare time, Nick 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. Thecia began working 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.