• Archives: Our Team

    Mallory Blassingham, PT, DPT (BYRON)

    BYRON

    Education:

    • Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology, Augustana College, 2018
    • Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Northern Illinois University, 2023

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
    • Special interest in orthopedics, manual therapy, and concussions.
    Hometown: Pecatonica, Illinois.
    Favorite Team: Chicago Cubs.
    For Fun: I love spending time with my family, walking with my puppy, and being outside hiking, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.

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    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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    Patrick Burke, PTA (BAGO)

    WINNEBAGO

    Education:

    • Associates of Science in PTA, Clarkson College 2021. Bachelor of Science and management in PTA, Clarkson College 2023.

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Experience treating all ages and various conditions.
    • Special interest in manual therapy and advancing skills in orthopedic and sports related injuries.

    Hometown: Beloit, Wi. Attended Rockford Christian high school. Graduated in May 2018
    Activities: Love sports/any outdoor activity. Go Brewers, Bucks, Packers. I enjoy hiking and kayaking as well as traveling to different national parks.
    Fun Fact: I am from a large family of 8 kids, 2 girls and 6 boys.

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    Penny Beelendorf, PTA (DIXON)

    DIXON

    Education:

    • Associate of Applied Science/ PTA, Blackhawk College 2008
    • Bachelor of Science, Findlay University 2010
    • Business Administration and Management, The University of Findlay, 2023

    Special Interest in Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Vestibular disorders, and Neurological conditions. Great success in providing years of quality care to patients to help them regain their desired health outcomes.

    Loves: My four beautiful children, my grandchildren, dogs, sports, the ocean, beach, the sunshine, and a beautiful sunset. Being by or on the water on a sunny day brings me joy.
    Personal Interests: Travel, working out, Yoga, walking my Goldendoodles, family gatherings, spending time with friends, great healthy food, a good drink, boating, and biking.

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    Debra Hills, PTA (DIXON)

    DIXON

    Education:

    • Bachelor of Science in Biology, St Ambrose University, 1995
    • Physical Therapist Assistant, Black Hawk College, 1999

    Certifications:

    • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Total Joint Replacement Certification

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Post surgical rehabilitation
    • Sport and work-related injury rehabilitation
    • Manual techniques to decrease pain, improve range of motion and improve function
    Hometown: Morrison, IL
    Family: Married to my husband Craig since 1995. We have two daughters. Our oldest daughter Taylor is a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Our youngest daughter Sydney is a Mechanic/Shop Manager.
    For Fun:I love spending time with my family. I enjoy a variety of exercise from yoga to weightlifting. I enjoy vegetable gardening, planting flowers, taking walks and playing fetch with our dog. I love relaxing in the many peaceful locations around our home, especially outside.

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    Chris Dusing, PTA (DIXON)

    DIXON

    Education:

    • Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from North Dakota State University
    • Associates of Science in PTA, Blackhawk College

    Treatment Specialties & Focus:

    • Special interest in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.
    • Has been involved with Northwest Illinois athletics for the past twenty-five years plus.
    Hometown: Polo, IL. Attended Polo High School.
    Family: I am married with two daughters.
    For Fun: I love to do anything outdoors from snowmobile to fishing, especially in the U.P., and a Huge Saturday College Football FAN!!

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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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    Julia Fischer, LMT (RKFD)

    ROCKFORD

    Education:
    Attended First Institute in Crystal Lake to obtain her license as a Massage Therapist. Julia specializes in deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal and hot stone massage. She also utilizes multiple techniques such as cupping, myofascial work, trigger point and stretching.

    Hometown: Anitoch, Illinois
    Family: I married my husband Chase in November of 2021. Together we parent our new son, our dog and our lizard!
    For Fun: Some of my favorite things are long walks, good food, and finding the most unique ice cream spots in an area!

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    Stephanie Ingram, LMT (RKFD)

    ROCKFORD

    Education:

    Attended BodyCraft Wellness and Massage Center of Rock Valley College to become a licensed Massage Therapist. Stephanie specializes in Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Migraine Miracle & Sports Massage techniques.

    Hometown: Rockford, IL (Graduated from Boylan HS)
    Current Interests: pottery wheel, golf, cuddling with her dogs
    Passions: Good coffee, good food of all kinds, quality time with friends and family

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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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