HCHS Rehab Therapists

Marisa Gulizia

PT, DPT, CSCS, 200 RYT

"I grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, playing softball, basketball and participated in track. After high school, I had the privilege of playing softball at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and receiving All-Regional and All-Conference recognition. I graduated from Dana College with my B. A. in Biology. Taking my passion of sports and my time volunteering in the athletic training room, I pursued a career in physical therapy (PT). I was accepted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and graduated in 2009 with my doctorate in Physical Therapy. I worked in the Omaha Metro area as a Sports Medicine/Orthopedic PT for 7 years prior to moving to Alma in 2015. While in Omaha, I spear headed a non-profit website in education to the public on concussions called Concussion Focus. I am currently a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association. I currently serve as a clinical instructor for UNMC PT students. In 2016, I completed 200 hours of yoga training and currently teach classes in the Alma community. My treatment philosophy is “to create a committed, trusting and fun relationship with each patient through strong communication, progressive treatment and positive motivation to achieve the patient’s goals.” I’m married to my husband, Tony, and have two beautiful girls. I love being a mom and enjoying fitness training, running, playing a variety of sports, camping and fishing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being a sports fan, and being outdoors."

Carli whetstine

PT, DPT

"I grew up here in Alma, NE. I graduated from Alma Public Schools in 2009 and went on to receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2013. I then decided to pursue my interests in health and fitness and was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, graduating with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2016. I am affiliated with the American Physical Therapy Association and Nebraska Physical Therapy Association. I enjoy the rural community and working with people of all ages in such a rewarding profession. My treatment philosophy is "to empower each individual patient to achieve their optimal functional independence and physical performance through strong communication, patient education, and providing high quality innovative treatments." In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, boating, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and my husband, Chad."

tora knaus

PTA

"I graduated from Colby Community College in Colby, KS, with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in 1997. Over the past 20+ years, I have gained experience in a variety of settings including: outpatient, acute care, skilled nursing home care, and home health. I believe as a therapist, I need to get to know my patients individually to provide the best care to help them regain full function within their lifestyle. I also act as a Clinical Instructor for PTA students striving to enhance their knowledge of this profession and become successful clinicians. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, reading, performing and listening to music, fitness activities, and cheering at the various activities of my children. My husband, Ryan, and I have been blessed with 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl. I am active in my church family, participating in our church choir and leading as wedding coordinator."

Mindy dejonge

OTR/L

"I grew up on a farm near Macon, NE and attended Franklin High School prior to receiving a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in mental health from Doane College. While receiving my undergraduate degree, I stayed very active playing volleyball my Freshman year, serving as a peer advisor, course assistant, academic tutor, English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor, and as President of Psychology/Sociology Club. After an internship at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, NE, I knew I wanted to use my love of physical rehabilitation to help others. I received my Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree from Creighton University in 2010, where I was a member of The Student Empowerment Network, The Student Occupational Therapy Association, and was honored by being selected to participate in the ILAC program where I spent several weeks in the Dominican Republic working with children with disabilities. I have been at Harlan County Health System for 6 years, and prior to that worked at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha for 3 years. I really enjoy working in the variety of settings that rural healthcare has to offer including home health, skilled nursing, outpatient and inpatient services. I am certified in Physical Agent Modalities and a certified LSVT BIG clinician (for treating Parkinson's Disease). I am a member of The American Occupational Therapy Association, The Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association, serve as a Clinical Instructor for graduate OT students and enjoy being a Teammates mentor in the community. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, listening to live music, and spending time with my family including my fiance, Kyle, and our daughter, Ivy, and son, Otto."

tosha winheim

MS, CCC-SLP

"I grew up in Verdigre, NE. After high school, I attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk, and then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I received my Masters in Speech Language Pathology in 2009. Since graduating, I have worked in rural communities serving adult/geriatrics in long-term care, outpatient, and hospital settings. I am a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and serve as a clinical instructor for SLP student's from a variety of Master's programs. I married my husband, Dustin, in 2019, and we currently reside in Holdrege. We have a daughter, Ella, and two English Bulldogs, Hazel and Layla. I love helping my patient's improve and maintain their highest quality of life, as well as independence."

dusty frasier

PT

His educational background includes, a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, an Associates PTA from Colby Community College, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His specialties are: athletic training, golf, fitness, Parkin’s disease LSVT BIG, and dry needling. Dusty and his wife, Kami, are residents of the Alma community. Together they have 1 daughter, Brittyn. Dusty loves to golf and anything where he can be outdoors!