Sakina Valika, PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS

Sakina Valika is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified Neuro Clinical Specialist. Sakina has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University.  Her postgraduate training includes a clinical doctorate in physical therapy with a focus on neuro-rehabilitation obtained in 2007 from Rosalind Franklin University. She holds certifications in Locomotor training, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Whole body vibration and Aquatic rehabilitation. She sub-specializes in treating individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries with a focus on activity based therapies to maximize neuroplasticity and neuromuscular recovery.

She possesses advanced certifications in gait training individuals with quadriplegia and paraplegia with the ReWalk and the Indego exoskeleton. She is also trying Certified Clinical Instructor Affiliate (CCCE/CI) through the American Physical Therapy Association. She was an educator for the Wayne State University Physical Therapy doctoral program in Detroit, Michigan, as well as other universities that have Physical Therapy Assistant programs in Illinois.

Sakina’s clinical expertise lies in using a combination of novel approaches to maximize neuromuscular recovery in individuals suffering from paralysis due to various neurological conditions. She has presented seminars and CEU courses in Activity Based Rehabilitation and the NRS scale because of her unique expertise in this area. She draws upon current research, to incorporate scientifically validated methods into her daily practice. During her years of clinical practice, she has enjoyed treating individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis. Spinal Cord Injury, Inflammatory Neuropathies, Neuromuscular Scoliosis, and more.  Sakina consistently takes   continuing education courses to further her knowledge in treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders.

Kristin Barrowman

Kristin joined TRYAbility as Office Manager in the summer of 2021, driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. She was thrilled to become part of the TRYAbility team, where empowering patients to overcome adversity stands at the heart of the mission. Kristin plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication and operational efficiency, guiding patients through behind-the-scenes processes with care and dedication.

With extensive experience managing high-volume businesses—including bars, restaurants, and dispensaries—Kristin brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and insight into diverse management styles and perspectives. Her adaptability and leadership contribute to the smooth operation of TRYAbility and the well-being of both patients and staff.

Outside of work, Kristin cherishes time with her husband and family. She loves traveling, visiting friends, and embracing her favorite role—being a grandparent. Her 4-year-old granddaughter and 1½-year-old grandson light up her life and remain her greatest joy.

Bart Gumienny PTA/LMT

Bart is a Physical Therapist Assistant, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor at TRYAbility, where he’s been a team member since 2021. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 2016, became a licensed massage therapist in 2018, and completed the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Elgin Community College in 2021.With a strong background in kinesiology and muscle anatomy, Bart brings a comprehensive understanding of the human body to help patients achieve their goals and optimize their progress. His experience in a neuro-focused setting has refined his ability to develop activity-based interventions tailored to each patient’s unique needs, empowering them to regain strength and function.

Outside of the clinic, Bart enjoys tackling hands-on projects such as remodeling, repairs, and construction—activities that fuel my creativity and problem-solving skills. When summer rolls around, you’ll likely find Bart on the golf course or cruising scenic roads on my motorcycle.

Arjun Kumar OTD, OTR/L

Arjun received his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from RUSH University in 2023 and is the OT Team Lead. He completed a clinical rotation with TRYAbility, and joined the TRYAbility staff as a full-time occupational therapist after graduating in July 2023. His passion is held in all things neurorecovery, with a specialized interest in exploring novel ways that functional electrical stimulation (FES) can be incorporated into how patients return to their daily tasks.

Arjun’s favorite part about being an OT is the opportunities he gets to show his patients that they are capable of doing much more than they think. In his free time, Arjun enjoys spending time with loved ones, cycling, and cooking.

Dana Smith PT, DPT

Dana earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since graduating in 2022, she has gained experience in various settings, including acute/neuro ICU, outpatient neuro/SCI, inpatient rehab, and skilled nursing facilities. During her final clinical rotation at Froedtert Hospital’s spinal cord unit, Dana discovered her passion for working with individuals in the spinal cord injury and neurological populations, which has shaped her career.

Dana now specializes in outpatient neuro/SCI therapy and holds a Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!) certification to enhance her work with patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of work, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Francesca Lingat PT, DPT

Fran received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University in 2023 and completed a neurological clinical rotation at Brooks Rehabilitation where her interest in neuro rehabilitation sparked. Her passion lies in neurorecovery, with a focus on enhancing functional mobility, strength, and independence to improve her patients’ quality of life.

Fran is committed to creating a supportive, compassionate, and fun environment, where each patient feels encouraged and heard throughout their recovery journey. Fran’s favorite part of her job is when she gets to be her patients’ biggest cheerleader, helping them feel empowered to take control of their recovery. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants with loved ones, reading, working out, cooking, and baking.

Shannon Possardt PT, DPT, NCS

Shannon received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2020. She completed her residency in neurologic PT with the University of Washington and EvergreenHealth in 2021 and earned her Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification in 2022. She has practiced in acute care and inpatient rehab, but has found her niche in outpatient rehabilitation. She is motivated by neuroplasticity and human resilience.

What excites her most about PT is the unique opportunity to merge her love for teaching, creative problem-solving, and collaboration to help individuals overcome challenges related to movement and function. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, photography, and playing with her dog. 

Laura Whipple PT, DPT

Laura earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2014. She served as the acute care mentor for the neurologic PT residency at University of Washington and Evergreen Health from 2020 to 2022. Throughout her career, she has worked across the US in various settings from acute care to outpatient, gaining diverse experience and knowledge along the continuum of recovery within neurologic Physical Therapy. With a passion for all things neuro, she is driven by the endless possibilities of neuroplasticity, specializing in early mobility in the neuro ICU as well as helping individuals maximize function to reintegrate into the community. She is also motivated to improve global access to healthcare within underserved communities, spending time volunteering in rural Peru and Southeast Asia.

Drawing from her background in competitive ballet, Laura is always seeking creative approaches to therapy, using music and dance to inspire innovative treatment ideas. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys exploring cultures and countries other than her own, spending quality time with her dog Ella, finding new music, and dabbling in video editing.

Joyce Webb, PTA

Joyce earned her Associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from the College of DuPage in 2020. After a successful 30-year career in corporate America, she became a caregiver and therapy advocate for a loved one recovering from a stroke. This experience ignited her passion for physical therapy and led her to pursue a PTA degree.

Joyce’s professional journey includes work in acute care hospitals and inpatient recovery settings. In December 2023, she joined TRYAbility, to pursue her professional goals of serving and treating patients with neurological conditions, helping them restore movement and regain independence. Her approach combines evidence-based treatments with the continually evolving science and understanding of how the body responds, moves and heals, while also recognizing the critical role of a patient’s mindset and determination.

Joyce volunteers her time and therapeutic skills to an Equine therapy stable and has been an assistant coach for Rock Steady boxing program.  A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Joyce also teaches boxing, fitness and spin classes, and finds joy in caring for her husband, teenage son, and dog. Her personal philosophy, “A body in motion stays in motion,” reflects her belief in the power of consistent movement to foster health and well-being.

Joyce is dedicated to not just restoring function but inspiring her patients to overcome challenges and reclaim their lives through determination and compassion.

Ken Panfil – Certified Personal Trainer

After six years in the military, Ken had decided to get out and look for other opportunities to help others. Ken has a sister who had a traumatic brain injury at a young age, which had sparked his interest in finding a way to contribute to helping others who have neurological disorders. Starting as a rehab technician at an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation center, Ken had found a bigger passion with neurological disorders and devoted himself to expanding his knowledge and experience into becoming an exercise physiologist. Ken has currently been working as an exercise physiologist for three years, he specializes working with traumatic spinal-cord injuries mainly focusing on activity based therapy to help address goals of patients.

Throughout the years Ken has had the joy of working with individuals that had traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and strokes. Ken had been trained under Sakina Valika and other physical therapists with activity based therapy for neurological disorders. Ken currently has certifications as a NASM Personal trainer along with certifications with Function Electrical Stimulation, Locomotor training, and whole body vibration. To continue with expanding his knowledge in treatment he keeps up with current articles and researches that could assist with treatments for patients.

Jamie-Ann Keeteman MSOT, OTR/L

Jamie-Ann earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University in May 2022. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of cognitive and motor dual-tasking to enhance functional independence and improve overall quality of life for her patients. Jamie-Ann is also pursuing a certification in Dry Needling to expand her expertise and provide even greater value to individuals with neurological conditions. Her hobbies include spending time with family and traveling. 

What Jamie-Ann loves most about her job is building meaningful relationships with her patients and collaborating with them to overcome the daily challenges they encounter. It is incredibly fulfilling to help them recognize and reach their fullest potential.