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
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.
Megan Jones, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Megan graduated from Siena Heights University in 2017 with her Bachelors Degree in Biology & played four years of collegiate softball. She went on to attend the University of Michigan-Flint and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. She has experience treating patients of all ages, but has a soft spot for pediatrics (specifically torticollis and developmental delays). In regards to continuing education, Megan has completed multiple courses on functional manual medicine through the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Also, she has completed Stott Pilates Reformer and Mat Instructor training which she enjoys incorporating into patient rehabilitation. Outside of the clinic, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, attending concerts, reading and playing sports.
Sarah Edgerton, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sarah graduated from Delta Collee in 2005, and has completed almost 20 years as a PTA. She earned her orthopedic Manual Certification in 2021. She specifically specializes in pediatrics and geriatrics. In addition, she does PRN work in skilled nursing facilities. In her spare time, she crochets, does karaoke, and plays roller derby!
Kristin VanHove, OT
Occupational Therapist
Kristin graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, where she received her Bachelor's in Science Degree, as well as her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. She loves being a pediatric therapist, and seeing her patients grow to their full potential. Her favorite thing about OT is the wide variety of treatments she can work on with her patients including dressing, hygiene, feeding, strengthening/ROM, sensory integration, coordination & self-regulation. Kristin has furthered her education to include infant feeding and oral motor function. When she is not at work, Kristin enjoys drawing, painting, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
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 Wilson, SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist
Lisa graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2012 with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. She is licensed to practice in the state of Michigan and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Lisa is certified in PROMPT Level 1 for children with apraxia, oral motor, and articulation difficulties and Interactive Metronome used to improve cognition, attention, memory, executive functioning, and comprehension. She likes to incorporate family into her treatment sessions and enjoys working with a multi-disciplinary team to develop the best plan of care for her patients. When she is not at work, Lisa enjoys concerts, movies, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones.
Hannah Blake, SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist
Hannah graduated with her Bachelor's Degree from Grand Valley State University, then earned her Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology at Wayne State University. Her favorite part of speech therapy is the diversity in patient populations (pediatric-adult), and the wide range of areas she gets to treat including cognition, dysphagia, articulation, and expressive/receptive language. She loves watching her patients work towards and achieve their goals! When not at work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and traveling.
Aimee DeOliveira, OTRL
Aimee is an occupational therapist who transitioned from a career in marketing and design after raising her three children. Since graduating from Baker College in Flint in 2020, she has worked primarily with adults in home care with focus on the neuro population, and now also provides outpatient services for all ages. Aimee’s creativity, approachability, and life experience helps her uncover patient concerns and design unique solutions for purposeful living.
Samantha Vollweiler, CCC-SLP
Samantha earned her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Central Michigan University in 2024. She treats all ages from children to adults with disorders of expressive/receptive language delays, articulation disorder, Autism, strokes, cognitive deficits, Aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain injuries and more. Outside of the clinic, she loves to be outdoors camping or golfing, being with her friends and family, watching shows, and shopping.
Madison Buetow, OTRL
Madison Buetow graduated from Saginaw Valley where she received a Bachelor of Rehabilitation Medicine degree in 2022 and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2024. When she’s not at Optimal, she is working as a PRN OT in the acute and inpatient rehab settings. She loves helping the children and adults she sees find confidence in completing the activities they find meaningful. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, painting, and learning to crochet.
Regan Mayo, PTA
Regan graduated from Delta College in 2025 with dual Associate Degrees in Applied Science, concentrating in Health Fitness Specialist and Physical Therapist Assistant studies. She is passionate about working with pediatrics and sports rehab. Outside of the clinic, Regan enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping, traveling, working out, and watching sports.
Michael Holcomb Jr., PTA
Michael graduated from Mott Community College in 2022 as a physical therapist assistant and, prior to that, earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Wayne State University in 2018. He joined the Optimal family in February 2025 and has a strong passion for working with pediatrics. Michael finds great fulfillment in helping children reach their full potential through movement and play. He is married and has two cats, Rupert and Ellie. Outside of work, he enjoys video games, traveling, spending time with family, and watching professional wrestling.
Kailey Britton, PTA
Kailey is a 2025 graduate from the PTA program at Washtenaw Community College. Her passion is working with geriatrics, and she has an interest in Parkinson’s disease. She has experience in treating acute care, pelvic health, geriatrics, and post-surgery patients. Kailey has recently married, moved up to Saginaw, and just got a new Aussie puppy! Her hobbies include reading, baking, thrifting, and riding her horse.
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 18 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.
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 the 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.
Stephanie Bliss
Office Administration Manager
Stephanie Bliss serves as the office manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in the medical industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and business management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Her strong educational background and extensive industry experience allow her to effectively oversee operations, support clinical teams, and ensure efficient, patient-centered office management.
Outside of her professional life, Stephanie is a proud mother of four and grandmother to three. She also shares her home with three dogs who keep her busy and active. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, camping, and getting lost in a good book. Most of all, she values spending quality time with her family and embracing the outdoors whenever possible.
Tiffany Rausch
Office Administration
Tiffany is our administrative assistant, supporting patient scheduling and daily office operations. She’s known for her friendly personality and commitment to helping patients feel welcome and at ease. She has lived in Frankenmuth her entire life and loves helping the people in her community! Outside of work, she enjoys running her vintage western wear online shop, hand making polymer clay jewelry, reading, riding her horse & spending time with her pets.
