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 attending concerts, watching movies, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.

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.

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.