About us
Meet the Team
Physical, occupational and speech therapists, assistants and support staff who share one goal and one motto: Never. Stop. Trying. Choose a department, then tap a name to read their bio.
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 a 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 Therapist 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.
Priya Vibhakar
Practice Manager
Priya Vibhakar is an accomplished healthcare operations leader with more than 15 years of experience in clinical management, team development, and operational excellence. Her career has included leadership roles across multiple healthcare locations, where she successfully managed teams, supported organizational growth, implemented new systems, and led operational initiatives designed to improve efficiency and the patient experience.
As Practice Manager at TRYAbility NeuroRecovery Center, Priya oversees the center’s daily administrative operations and works closely with the clinical team to support a high standard of patient care. She brings a thoughtful, organized, and solutions-oriented approach to leadership, with a strong focus on collaboration, accountability, and creating an environment where both patients and staff feel supported.
Priya is particularly passionate about healthcare because of the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her professional philosophy is rooted in compassion, integrity, and the belief that every patient and family deserves to feel heard, respected, and cared for.
Outside of work, Priya enjoys giving back through community involvement and volunteer work, including youth athletics, animal rescue, and therapeutic programs supporting children with disabilities. These experiences reflect her lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and helping others thrive.
Randi
Insurance and Billing Coordinator
Randi is the Insurance and Billing Coordinator at TRYAbility NeuroRecovery Center, where she specializes in medical billing and insurance coordination while providing additional front-office support as needed.
With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, Randi has developed a strong background in medical billing, insurance verification, benefit coordination, prior authorizations, Medicare appeals, and patient account support. Her experience spans rehabilitation, physician billing, surgical scheduling, and centralized scheduling, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and the challenges patients may face when navigating insurance and billing.
Randi is committed to helping patients better understand their insurance benefits and financial responsibilities. She believes in approaching every interaction with patience, compassion, and attention to detail, making it a priority to help patients feel informed and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Randi takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals and improve their quality of life.
Rose Conforti
Front Desk Coordinator
Stephanie Jordan
Community Engagement Specialist
Stephanie joined the team in early 2025, bringing a wealth of experience. After years of working in healthcare where her compassionate care was recognized with numerous patient care awards, an unimaginable tragedy reshaped her life, placing her in the role of spinal cord injury caregiver. It was in 2022 that she discovered TRYAbility when researching a clinical trial opportunity which brought her into the clinic the following year.
Recognizing TRYAbility’s unique offerings, Stephanie identified a need for a dedicated social media content creator to showcase the innovative activity-based therapies and its success stories. Stephanie captures and shares moments of resilience in an effort to inspire, educate, and build a supportive community. Witnessing the strength and progress of our patients reinforces her commitment to disability rights and patient advocacy. Because of her personal experience, she is dedicated to elevating the patient journey.
When she’s not in the clinic, editing content, or researching the next community event to share, this design enthusiast loves using creativity to transform spaces into efficient, beautiful, and inclusive environments. Stephanie also proudly serves as a board member of a nonprofit organization for individuals with paralysis.
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.
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.
Berit Vandenbroucke
PT, DPT
Berit received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from North Central College in 2025. She completed her terminal clinical rotation with TRYAbility, where her interest in neuro outpatient rehabilitation was sparked. She then joined the TRYAbility team as a physical therapist shortly after graduation in May 2025.
Throughout her time at North Central, she obtained her certification in LSVT BIG to enhance the quality of treatment for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. What Berit loves most about physical therapy is discovering something new every day about how resilient the human body is, and being able to use those discoveries to help people live more independently and improve their quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the lake.
Katie Erpenbeck
PT, DPT
Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio (Go Buckeyes!). She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, in 2026. Throughout her clinical education, Katie gained experience across a variety of settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient ortho, and outpatient neuro. During her final clinical rotation at OhioHealth Outpatient Neuro in Columbus, she discovered her passion for working with individuals with neurological conditions. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in neurorehab and ultimately led her to TRYAbility.
Katie is certified in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s rehab and has completed Level 1 training in dry needling. She specializes in outpatient neuro rehab, with a clinical focus on SCI, MS, PD, and CVA. Katie is passionate about helping individuals improve their mobility, maximize their independence, and achieve their personal goals through individualized, evidence-based care. Outside of work, Katie enjoys working out, baking, caring for houseplants, reading, and quality time with friends and family.
Sophia Christiansen
PT, DPT
Sophia received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas Campus in April 2026. Throughout her clinical experiences in both inpatient and outpatient neurological rehabilitation, she developed a passion for helping individuals improve their functional abilities and achieve greater independence. She especially enjoys creating innovative and individualized interventions to meet the unique needs of patients of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. She obtained her LSVT BIG certification to further enhance her ability to treat individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
What Sophia loves most about physical therapy is the opportunity to think creatively, help patients reach their goals, and make a meaningful difference in their daily lives. Outside of work she enjoys running or walking with her husband, exploring her creative side through crafting and thrifting, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Madelyn Nichols
PT, DPT
Bart Gumienny
PTA, LMT
Bart is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Rehabilitation Operations & Equipment Coordinator at TRYAbility Neurorecovery Center, where he has been a member of the team 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.
Bart’s background in kinesiology, anatomy, and human movement has shaped his approach to rehabilitation and his understanding of how the body moves, adapts, and recovers. Working in neurological rehabilitation has given him the opportunity to work with individuals with a wide range of conditions and functional goals. He enjoys finding creative, activity-based approaches that challenge patients while making rehabilitation meaningful and achievable. In his current role, Bart combines his clinical experience with his interest in equipment, problem-solving, and hands-on work to support the rehabilitation team and help maintain an effective environment for patient care.
Outside of TRYAbility, Bart enjoys working on remodeling, repair, and construction projects. He enjoys the hands-on nature of these projects and the creativity and problem-solving they require. During the warmer months, he spends his free time golfing, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying time outdoors.
Al Rainford
PTA
Al earned an Associate in Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) from Malcolm X College, graduating in 2024 with high honors. They started their career as a PTA in Pediatrics, which further developed their creativity and adaptability as a clinician. During their final clinical rotation, Al had the opportunity to work in an outpatient neuro setting which solidified their passion for working with individuals with neurological conditions.
Al also has experience in aquatic therapy and loves the freedom water can give people to explore movement and gain strength. Al is devoted to collaborating with their patients to work towards goals and increase their confidence when navigating everyday life. Outside of work, Al has a multitude of rotating hobbies, a few of which include sewing, dancing, and knitting.
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 the 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 been a trainer for three years; he specializes in 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 in Functional Electrical Stimulation, Locomotor training, and whole body vibration. To continue with expanding his knowledge in treatment he keeps up with current articles and research that could assist with treatments for patients.
Katheryn Rutherford
Clinical Aide
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. He is passionate about 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.
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.
Carla Ortiz
OTD, OTR/L
Carla received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University in December of 2024. Carla brings prior clinical experience in an acute care setting at a major hospital, where she spent a significant amount of time in the Neuro ICU. This experience sparked a strong interest in practicing in neuro-focused occupational therapy. Carla enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan, from pediatrics to older adults, and values building meaningful, collaborative relationships with those she is lucky enough to serve.
Carla’s favorite part of being an occupational therapist is working alongside individuals to find creative and personalized ways to regain independence and confidence in the tasks they need or want to do each day. During her free time, Carla enjoys staying active, running and walking along the lake front, going to yoga classes, and trying new restaurants in the city!
Laura Hartrich
MSOT, OTR/L
Laura earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2023. Her journey to occupational therapy began after a personal experience with elbow pain introduced her to the field and sparked a new passion later in life. As both a parent and a daughter to aging parents, Laura understands the challenges people face at different stages of life. She loves occupational therapy for its variety and the opportunity it provides to help each person return to what’s most meaningful to them.
Laura has experience in inpatient rehab and home health settings, where she has supported patients in achieving greater independence and quality of life. At TRYAbility, she is inspired by the collaborative community environment and continually learns from colleagues and patients alike. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and expertise in neuro-recovery. Outside of work, Laura enjoys early-morning weightlifting, quilting, and relaxing with a good TV show.
Matthew Potts
SLP, CBIS
Matthew earned his master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2009. He completed his clinical fellowship year at a hospital on the island of Oahu. He has experience in the ICU, medsurg units, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient rehabilitation. He enjoys the outpatient setting because of the specialized goal focused care he can provide for his patients. Matt enjoys working with friends and family members to help patients achieve their goals.
Matthew is a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS), and has a passion for working with patients with neurological disorders.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys sports, riding motorcycles, playing piano and guitar, surfing, traveling, and spending time with family.
Leadership & Administration (5)
Physical Therapy (11)
Occupational Therapy (4)
Speech Therapy (1)
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Call 331.775.2813 or request a tour online.