APT PLUS Founders and Leaders

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 four 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 complex which 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."

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.

Some of Our Professional Team Includes:



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.  

 

Angie Blissett, MSPT, STS, Certified Fitness & Nutrition Specialist:   Angie holds an associate of science degree as a Physical therapist assistant, a bachelor degree in health studies with an emphasis on psychology and a Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Findlay  where she graduated Cum Laude. She is a certified professional fitness and nutrition specialist and a certified strength training specialist with the International Weightlifting Association.  She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1998.  Angie is certified in CPR and First Aid and has specialized continuing education training in shoulder rehabilitation.  Angie chose the profession of physical therapy in order to help others in the process of rehabilitation following injury, as well as guide them in the prevention of future injuries.

Daniel P. Benjamin, PT Licensed in both Indiana and Illinois, Dan holds a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois. Prior to joining APT PLUS, he worked in the hospital setting focusing on surgical spine and joint issues as well as specializing in orthopedic injuries/problems at a hospital-based outpatient clinic. Dan’s background includes post-surgical/replacement rehabilitation, wound care, return to work programs, and treatment program management.

 

Eric Deakins, DPT. Licensed in Indiana, Eric holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) with honors and a BS in Healthcare Administration with honors from Indiana University. Prior to joining APT PLUS, he worked in both in-patient/hospital settings and outpatient facilities. Eric's clinical experience includes orthopedic and sports therapy, acute neurological rehabilitation, as well as pediatric therapies and treatment program management.

 

 

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.