Kim DeChant, PT, DPT, NCS Clinic Coordinator

Kim is proud to be back at her alma mater helping fulfill the Marquette mission. She graduated from Marquette Physical Therapy in 2007 and furthered her clinical expertise by obtaining her Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification in 2010 and completing her recertification in 2020. She has a passion for providing patient-centered care using evidence-based principles to maximize patient outcomes in the neurologic population. Kim brings rich experience in patient care treatment and classroom teaching. She believes the Neuro Recovery Clinic can bridge gaps in patient care and further propel student experiential learning to help the next generation of rehabilitation providers. Her treatment approach focuses on holistic care that enriches each person's lives and improves quality of life. Along with patient care, she assists with research studies carried out by researchers at Marquette University and is the Primary Investigator for clinical trials that take place at the clinic. Kim has certifications in vestibular rehabilitation and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!).  She was honored with the Mary Pat Murray Award for Clinical Excellence from the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association in 2022. In her free time Kim loves to spend time with her husband and 3 kids, which is typically on a ball field or court!  She is a National level classifier for Wheelchair Rugby.

Ashley Miller, PT, DPT, NCS

Ashley moved back home to the Milwaukee area in 2022 and we were lucky to have her bring her specialty neurologic PT care to the NRC.  She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013.  Ashley worked 9 years at the nationally renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.  She earned her Neurologic Clinical Specialist Certification in 2021 and is certified in Dry Needling. She brings vast clinical experience in neurologic patient care with specialties in spinal cord injury, pediatric, and aquatic rehabilitation. She has a passion for providing individualized and evidence-based treatment to improve function and quality of life in individuals with neurological conditions. Ashley has extensive research experience with a concentration in the use of transcutaneous spinal stimulation publications and grants to support expanding clinical care in this area to promote recovery. She enjoys working with clients in adaptive sport and recreation activities. In her free time, Ashley enjoys playing volleyball and hanging out with her family.

Rose Tilton, OTR/L, OTD

Rose has over 10 years of experience treating clients with neurological disorders throughout the continuum of care. She graduated from Xavier University with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2014 and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Utah in 2019. She focuses on client centered and evidence-based treatment that engages patients, and challenges traditional treatment paradigms and improved functional outcomes. Rose specializes in upper extremity rehabilitation with a focus on translating research to clinical practice. In addition to patient care, Rose is a guest lecturer and adjunct professor in Marquette’s College of Health Sciences. She is the primary interventionist in an ongoing clinical trial and serves as a mentor in Marquette’s Occupational Therapy doctorate program for student capstone projects. She is on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of the United Spinal Association. In her free time, Rose enjoys hanging out with her family, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Bridget McDermott, PT, DPT

Bridget is excited to be back at Marquette to bring her passion for patient care and wellness to the Neuro Recovery Clinic. She received her undergraduate and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Marquette University. After graduating in 2022, she completed a Residency in Neurologic PT at Rochester Regional Health (in Rochester, NY) to further specialize in this field. She has worked with the neuro population across the continuum of care- including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, and on a consultative basis at a specialty interdisciplinary clinic for neuromuscular diseases. She has appreciated getting to work with people with a wide variety of neurologic conditions to achieve their specific goals. She prioritizes using evidence-based treatments to help her clients work towards what matters most to them! Bridget is passionate about making fitness and wellness fun and accessible to everyone. She is honored to be back at her alma mater to contribute to the mission of the NRC.

Joni Polzin, OTR/L, MOT

Joni is a dedicated occupational therapist who earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Carroll University in 2022. With a foundation built on clinical experience in acute and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, she specializes in neurological recovery, particularly in cases of spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Her approach is centered around personalized care, tailoring her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual to enhance independence and overall quality of life.  Joni is deeply passionate about promoting engagement in recreational activities as a pathway to long-term health and wellness. She believes in the transformative power of integrating leisure pursuits into rehabilitation and daily life. Outside of her professional endeavors, Joni finds joy in being active outdoors, exploring new destinations, and expressing her creativity through different art forms.

Aimee Smith, Patient Account Representative 

Aimee serves as the Patient Care Coordinator for the Neuro Recovery Clinic, where she aids both the Providers & patients with the care coordination. Prior to joining the NRC, Aimee served as a dental assistant and patient care coordinator at Marquette School of Dentistry for 10 plus years. In her free time Aimee enjoys spending time with her family and is the current President for her local USBC bowling association.

 

 

Melissa Dygulski, PT, DPT, NCS

Melissa brings specialized training through a neurologic residency program to provide treatment to people with a wide variety of neurologic conditions. She enjoys getting to know each person she works with to individualize care and focus on goals most meaningful to them. Melissa believes in providing patients with the knowledge necessary to empower them to make the most out of their rehabilitation journey. She is proud to provide care partnering with Marquette University- a known leader of rehabilitation education.

 

 

Anne Pleva, PT, DPT, PCS

Anne Pleva is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Physical Therapy Department. She has extensive clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics with an emphasis on treating patients with various developmental disabilities. Anne is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment and has expertise in adaptive equipment, serial casting, orthotics, electrical stimulation and aquatic therapy.

 

Ann E. Millard, MOT, OTD, OTR/L, SCSS

Ann Millard is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Marquette University College of Health Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy. Ann has over 15 years of experience working as a full-time Occupational Therapist with ages 3 to 21 in a public school setting.

Her clinical expertise is in the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing concerns and multiple physical disabilities. She also has a strong background in early intervention, assistive technology, interprofessional practice, program and procedure development, behavioral intervention techniques and distance education.

Tina Stoeckmann, PT, DSc, MA

Tina is a Clinical Professor in the Physical Therapy Department and the academic coordinator for the Neurologic Residency Program partnership with the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. She is a research consultant for labs in both biomedical sciences and exercise physiology and the faculty advisor for the Adaptive Abilities Club of student volunteers. Tina provides expert clinical consultation and physical therapy services on a part time basis for patients with a wide variety of neurologic disorders. She enjoys mentoring students and young professionals and problem solving with clients to optimize their recovery, return to life roles and community engagement.

Jeffrey Wilkens, PT, DPT, OCS
Clinic Director

Jeff is the Clinic Director of the Marquette Physical Therapy Clinic and the Neuro Recovery Clinics well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Jeff manages our clinics and a patient caseload. Jeff teaches courses in the Marquette Physical Therapy Program including Introduction to Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Evaluation, Tests & Measures. Jeff uses his expertise to treat a variety of injuries. He enjoys working with runners and patient with leg and shoulder injuries.