Learn More About Optimal Rehabilitation & Wellness

Optimal Rehabilitation & Wellness Is Run by a Small, Tight-Knit Team

Branden McDowell, PT, DPT, SCS – Owner / Physical Therapist

Branden has worked in physical therapy and sports medicine since 1996. He received his Physical Therapy degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2003.

Upon graduation, he worked in a hospital as a physical therapist and supervisor, and pursued manual therapy training through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. He was Board Certified as a Clinical Specialist in 2008, and is also certified in sports metrics.

In 2007, Branden opened a private practice in Davison. In 2012, he expanded his practice to the Frankenmuth community. As business continued to grow, in August 2021, he opened a new state of the art facility on Main St in Frankenmuth.

Branden is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Michigan Physical Therapy Association, and the Frankenmuth and Davison Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Columbiaville with his family.

Staff

Kristen Bentley, PT, DPT - Physical Therapist

Tonya Barger, PT - Physical Therapist

Tonya graduated in 1994 with a Master's in Physical Therapy from University of Michigan - Flint. She has a broad base of knowledge and experience in acute care, pediatrics, outpatient, home care and geriatrics/skilled nursing settings. She is married with 4 adult children and loves reading, traveling, camping, learning about health and wellness and walking. Recently her passion is treating acute and chronic pain, pelvic health issues, geriatric care and helping patients to live their best lives through increased strength and flexibility.

Stacy Flowers, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant

Sarah Edgerton, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant

Jenna Franks, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant

Jenna graduated from Delta College in May 2023, with her Associates Degree in Applied Science of Physical Therapist Assistant. She am thrilled to be able to get her career started in an outpatient clinic. She was inspired to become a PTA after attending physical therapy for her own sports injury, and was amazed by physical therapy rehabilitation. In her free time, Jenna enjoy playing sports, crafts, camping/ hiking and most importantly spending time with her young son and fiance.

Darwin Cheeseman, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant

Toni Altman, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant

Kristine Janke-Stefanko, OT - Occupational Therapist

Michelle Borton, OT - Occupational Therapist

Michelle has worked as an occupational therapist for the past 20 years; specializing in pediatrics, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. She loves helping her patients live life to the fullest! Michelle's life goal is to help her clients while providing inspiration, motivation, and creativity through all their treatment sessions. She is attentive to her client's needs and strives to deliver compassionate, high–quality care to help her patients accomplish their goals to reach their full potential. She utilizes research-based treatment techniques and unique individualized care plans while educating parents and caregivers on ways to incorporate therapy at home.

Carissa McDougall. COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Carissa graduated in 2021 from Mott Community College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science and obtained licensing to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L). Carissa is compassionate about family, furbabies, camping and coaching girls volleyball.

Lisa Willson, SLP-CCCE - Speech and Language Pathologist

Laura Veverka, SLP-CCC - Speech and Language Pathologist

Sara Keller, ATC - Certified Athletic Trainer

Sara is a 1997 graduate of Central Michigan University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine. Sara has recently joined the Optimal team, and brings with her over twenty years of experience in various settings, including high school, industrial, clinical, and fitness. She has served as the Reese High School ATC for over 15 years. Sara hates seeing athletes get injured, but truly enjoys being able to assist athletes in their rehab goals to return to their passion. Sara has two daughters in college, and has been married for over 25 years. Her hobbies include watching her kids play sports, working out, crafting, and reading.

Eric Neuenfeldt, ATC - Certified Athletic Trainer

Eric is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University’s Athletic Training and Exercise Science Programs. He is a Licensed and Board-Certified Athletic Trainer in both the State of Michigan and Pennsylvania. He has been in the Athletic Training field for a decade, during which time he has worked with patients and athletes of all ages helping to prevent and rehabilitate injuries of all kinds. He spent time as Head Athletic Trainer at multiple High School settings, a Stretch Therapist, and an Ergonomic and Injury Prevention Specialist. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jordan, and playing a variety of sports including basketball, golf, and disc golf.

Gabby Townsend, ATC - Certified Athletic Trainer

Gabby graduated from Central Michigan University in May of 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training with a minor in Substance Abuse Education, Intervention and Treatment. She is a native of Farmington Hills, MI. She is thhe Athletic Trainer at Goodrich High School as of November 2023. Gabby resides in Lapeer with her husband Tyler, dog: Hiccup, two cats: Frodo and Samwise. When not on a field, track, court, etc. for whatever sport she is covering for the high school she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking.