• Team Categories: Physical Therapists

    Leah Crull, OTR/L, CHT (RKFD)

    ROCKFORD

    Education:

    • Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, University of Kansas, 1985

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
    • Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy Certification Commission, 1999

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Extensive training focus on differential diagnosis and treatment of complex upper extremity disorders.
    • Leah has gained a reputation for individual care including a personalized treatment plan developed along with the patient.
    • Evaluating and assisting patients who have not achieved their therapy goals elsewhere.
    • Fabrication of custom orthotics/splints with a strong focus on not only effectiveness of the device but comfort.
    • Over 39 years experience in specialized treatment of orthopedic injuries including but not limited to fractures, tendon/nerve repairs, nerve entrapments and overuse syndromes. This includes all aspects of the upper extremity; shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.

    Professional Associations

    • Active Member, American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

    Hometown: McLouth, Kansas
    About Me:  I was born and raised on a dairy farm near the small lovely farming community of McLouth, Kansas
    Personal Interests:  I love to cook!  I also enjoy photography, working out, being active in my church and watching my 2 awesome kids grow into adulthood!
    Family:  I have been married to a Rockford native since 1997 and have 2 wonderful children.  I also have a brother who still farms in Kansas.

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    Aaron Engel, MS, LAT, ATC (RKFD)

    ROCKFORD

    Education:

    • Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, South Dakota State University, 1998
    • Master of Science Degree in Athletic Administration (MS), Eastern Illinois University, 1999

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT)
    • Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC)
    • Fascial Movement Taping Certified
    • Graston Technique Therapy Provider

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Provides lead athletic training services to Stillman Valley High School athletes.
    • Interests include orthopedics, sports medicine, and industrial rehabilitation.
    • Performs pre-employment testing for local industry including WorkSTEPS.

    Professional Associations

    • Active Member, National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
    • Active Member, Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA)

    Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Washington High School Graduate
    Family: I met my wife in graduate school at Eastern Illinois University and together we enjoy spending time with our son.
    In my spare time: I enjoy playing and watching sports with my family and friends.
    Bet you didn’t know: I’m an avid South Dakota State University Jackrabbit fan!

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    Holli Burkhart, LMT (RKFD/BAGO)

    RKFD/BAGO

    Education:

    Certified in Massage Therapy by Northern Prairie School of Massage & Bodywork in Sycamore, IL in 2007. Specializes in Swedish and prenatal massage.

    Hometown: Winnebago, Illinois
    Furry Friends: 3 dachshunds: Ryleigh, Roxy, Chevy; 1 cat: Emma
    Interests: Spending time with family and friends, racecars, music

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    Erin Thomas, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

    Education:

    • Bachelors of Arts degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science from Northwestern College, Orange City, IA (2013)
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL (2020)

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
    • APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CI)

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Experienced in conducting thorough assessments and developing personalized treatment plans for various orthopedic conditions.
    • Significant experience with total joint repairs and postoperative care for knee, hip, and shoulder. 
    • Planned added education in both Pelvic Floor and Manual Physical Therapy.
    • Dry Needling Certified
    • Professional Associations
    • Active Member of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
    • Active Member of Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)

    Hometown: What Cheer, IA (yes, that is a real town!)
    Moved to IL in 2013
    Husband Kyle grew up in Rockford
    We have 2 children, Eyla and Rutledge (Rutt) and a dog, Gus.
    We love to spend time in the spring/summer/fall camping with our camper & other family members. We have traveled as far as Moab, Utah with it!
    Weird Fact: I hiccup every day, multiple times a day!



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