Team APT Plus
Michael Vander Woude, President: Mike and his wife, Barbara, founded APT PLUS in 1997. Drawing on his experience gained from working in the physical medicine field since 1992, Mike has expanded APT PLUS from its original clinic in Griffith- with Barbara as the only employee- into three facilities placed throughout Northwest Indiana with a staff of over 40 of the most dedicated people in the industry. The 35,000 - square foot professional complexwhich completed construction and opened in the fall of 2003 in Dyer, Indiana, is just one example of how Mike's vision and business expertise have resulted in a patient-oriented, growing organization. Mike was awarded Small Business Person of the Year 2004 by the Northwest Indiana Forum.Mike realized from the beginning that APT's future success would be based on providing patients with not only the best care possible, but also a dedicated, caring staff to maximize patient recovery. Individual attention with a "hands-on" approach has been a cornerstone of APT's practice. Mike's attitude toward our patients' care is clearly expressed in our mission statement, which is "to ensure every individual the most rapid recovery possible by providing the highest level of personal treatment, resulting in the achievement of each patient's own optimal level of well-being."
Please click HERE to contact Mike via email.
Barbara Vander Woude, MSPT: Barbara is a 1989 graduate of the Academy of Physical Education in Poland. She holds a master's degree in physical therapy and rehabilitation.Barbara specializes in acute and chronic orthopedic, soft-tissue, and sports-related injuries. She has extensive experience in treating low back injuries, including SI joint dysfunction and improper pelvic alignment. She also has an active interest in working with high school, college, and professional athletes. Barbara loves to teach her skills as well and has been credentialed through the APTA as a Clinical Instructor of Physical Therapy. In 1992 Barbara worked with the Polish Olympic team and helped them earn a silver medal in track and field. She was also the physical therapist for a Polish professional basketball team. In 1984 she won a gold medal in the Junior Olympics. Ms. Vander Woude has been practicing in the United States since 1993.
Daniel P. Benjamin, PT Licensed in both Indiana and Illinois, Dan holds a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois. After graduation in 2001, Dan began practicing in a variety of settings to help broaden his expertise to the field of physical therapy that ranged from from both inpatient and outpatient settings and also treating the pediatric population. Over the past 5 years, Dan has initiated a variety of programs such as our industrial rehab program, work conditioning, and has become a mentor to our staff for the treatment of complex spinal pathologies. Special clinical interests include the utilization of spinal mobilization and the effectiveness of clinical prediction rules which allows him to avoid the arbitration of health care that sometimes exists. "Treating patients with manual techniques is the most effective way to get your patients better, this is not supported by clinical opinion, however with utilizing evidence based methods."
Donna Rosenthal, PT: Donna graduated with distinction and honors from Indiana University with a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy. She also attended Purdue University, where she graduated with a bachelor of liberal arts degree in movement and sports science, and a minor in psychology. Donna is also a strength trainer, certified by the International Weightlifting Association. She has been a youth instructor for the National Institute for Fitness and Sports and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Donna has been credentialed through the American Physical Therapy Association as a Clinical Instructor of Physical Therapy. Donna specializes in orthopedic and neurological challenges. She chose to be a physical therapist because it is a challenging, ever-changing profession where she can work with a wide variety of individuals and help them return to their normal, everyday functions.
Darci Ramirez, PTA:
Licensed in Indiana, Darci graduated from Ivy Tech State College in 2007, with an Associates of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Previously, she attended St. Joseph's college in Rensselaer, IN, where she graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. She began working at APT Plus as a PT technican in 2003 and started her position as a PTA in May of 2007. She enjoys working with pediatric patients and has an interest in work hardening programs. In her spare time, Darci enjoys running and dancing.
Kristen Barick, PTA. Licensed in Indiana, Kristen attended Ivy Tech for Nursing in 2000-2001 and received her LPN license and started nursing at age 19. She then attended PTA school and received her degree in May 2005. Kristen enjoys helping people return to their full functional ability and seeing them smile when they succeed.
Kristin Lundquist, PTA: Licensed in Indiana, Kristin holds an Associates of Science in Physical Therapy, which she obtained from Ivy Tech State College in May of 2007. She began as a student with APT Plus and joined the team shortly after she graduated. Kristin enjoys working with in the outpatient setting, especially with orthopedic diagnoses. She chose this profession because of the rewarding experience she receives by helping a patient achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Physical Therapy Students
APT PLUS is very involved in the education of our future Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. We have Clinical Affiliations with several schools, including Ivy Tech, Indiana University, Governors State University, Northwestern, Midwestern, Morton College, and others. Our Clinical Instructors are trained to give our students the best possible clinical experience. A good clinical experience gives students the hands-on practice they need before going out into the “real world”. It also gives them the opportunity to observe and treat patients for various types of diagnosis you would not find in the classroom. APT PLUS also benefits from this arrangement, as we can offer those students who excel an opportunity to join our staff of dedicated, caring professionals.
Employment
- Want to be a part of our team?
- APT PLUS is currently looking for qualified applicants to join our team. We have openings for caring physical therapists and PTAs. Indiana license and good communication skills are required. We offer a great compensation package and demand positive attitudes and team players. If you are interested in joining our team, please send us an email with your resume attached.
- Come and be a part of our team at APT Plus!
