Physical Therapy - Outpatient - McLaren Oakland - Clarkston

Vicky Vaillancourt, PT, MS, CLT, CEEAA, is an alumna of the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Certificate in Physical Therapy in 1979. In 1985, Vicky graduated from Northwestern University with a Master of Science degree with a concentration in orthopedic physical therapy. Vicky has worked in rehabilitation, inpatient, home care and outpatient physical therapy environments. She has worked for McLaren for a total of 12 years in outpatient physical therapy. In 2013 Vicky completed the American Physical Therapy Association's certification Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult. In 2014 she completed intensive coursework and was certified as a Lymphedema therapist through the nationally recognized Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Vicky has also completed additional rehabilitation coursework to enable her to successfully treat a variety of vestibular disorders including BPPV, vertigo and vestibular weakness. In 2017 Vicky became an instructor for the community exercise program for persons with Parkinson's Delay the Disease through Ohio Health. She currently co-leads the program in Clarkston. Vicky currently serves as the rehabilitation services representative to McLaren Oakland's Cancer Committee. Her current special clinical interest is the rehabilitation of the cancer survivor. Vicky is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association's Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy. It is my privilege to work with older adults meeting the challenges of aging head on with customized, individual fitness plans to optimize their function. Some of my hardest working clients and my heroes are cancer survivors and persons with Parkinson's disease who understand the value of exercise throughout their lives.

Jennifer Cartier, PT, DPT, is an alumna of Oakland University where she earned her Doctorate of physical therapy in 2009. She also had focused undergraduate study in wellness, health promotion and injury prevention, which has helped her develop community health screening events with her colleagues. Jennifer is passionate about educating her patients, especially women, when it comes to pelvic floor health. She has successfully completed coursework in Level 1 Pelvic Floor function, dysfunction and treatment from the nationally recognized Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, allowing her the ability to help women with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic dysfunction and prolapse. She has worked in outpatient rehabilitation since graduating and enjoys helping people of all ages return to the activities and hobbies that they love.

Steve Ming, PT, DPT, has a Bachelor of Science in physical education and health fitness from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of physical therapy from Duke University.

He is a certified vestibular specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association. Steve’s clinical interests center around unlocking the burden that dizziness and vertigo capture on people throughout the community. Steve also enjoys returning athletes back from injury and the joys of reducing and eliminating pain and the impact it has on people throughout their lives.

Steve grew up in the Milford area fully immersed in the great sports and outdoor life that Michigan has to offer. When out of clinic, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and kids as well as continuing to enjoy Michigan’s outdoor treasures with particular attention on hiking, camping, golfing, and fishing.

Laurie Babcock, PT, is an alumna of the University of Delaware where she earned her Bachelor of Physical Therapy in 1984. She has worked alongside Dr. Nallamothu for the past 15 years having developed a strong professional relationship for communication of patient progression and limitations.

Her special clinical interest continues to be treatment and progression of total joint replacements of the hip and knee, attending continuing education for advancement.

Laurie is pursuing the coveted specialized training utilizing the Graston Technique of instrumented soft tissue mobilization. In addition, she has been trained and successfully utilized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technology treatment option. Research supports this new PT treatment option with significant strength gains in a reduced timeframe.

“I have always had enthusiasm for the athlete and those with orthopedic/sports related injuries. I help clients achieve their physical goals with proper, thorough education, optimizing their involvement in their rehabilitation. I believe in using evidence-based treatment approaches that are individualized for each client’s specific needs so they can return to a functional lifestyle. I remain motivated to continue to provide the most effective therapy for each of my clients, helping them to live life to their fullest.”

Christine Delvecchio, PTA is a licensed physical therapist assistant in the State of Michigan. She graduated from Mott Community College in Flint, MI in 2016. Christine has special interest in outpatient orthopedics, specifically with the pediatric population. She has a special passion to work with diagnoses involving the foot and ankle complex.

She also has pursued the coveted specialized training utilizing the Graston Technique of instrumented soft tissue mobilization, completing over 16 hours of formal hands-on instrumented training. She has completed the most advanced certification in December 2018.

In addition, Christine has been trained and successfully utilized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technology treatment option. Research supports this new PT treatment option with significant strength gains in a reduced timeframe.

“I love the holistic approach of physical therapy, recognizing most pains or limitations do not present in isolation. I want to get to know the client, learn their wants and needs and do my best to meet and exceed those expectations. I take pride in my clients success. I am thankful to work in such a supportive and encouraging clinical environment.”

Katie Duffey, PT, DPT, is an alumna of Central Michigan University where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2006. She has worked alongside Dr. Nallamothu for several years having developed a strong professional relationship for communication of patient progression and limitations.

Her clinical competency includes all orthopedic impairments, with her special clinical interests including the ankle and foot complex, women’s knee impairments and progressive treatment of the young athlete.

Katie is pursuing the coveted specialized training utilizing the Graston Technique of instrumented soft tissue mobilization. In addition, she has been trained and successfully utilized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technology treatment option. Research supports this new PT treatment option with significant strength gains in a reduced timeframe.

“My professional goal is to offer every patient the highest quality of care possible. I take great pride in helping patients achieve their goals and regain their ability to function at home, work and in the community. As an avid lover of outdoor recreation and activity, I personally want all of my patients to be able to participate in activities they are passionate about and am eager to help them achieve that goal.”

Marie King, PT graduated from Oakland University and has worked in various rehab settings from acute care, outpatient orthopedic/neurological rehab and home health care. Her experience led her to a deeper interest in spinal care because she started to see the spine as at the center core and the foundation of the body for all human movement. She has attended and completed multiple spinal training programs. Among these were a University of St Augustine spine and extremity training series and a Mulligan manual therapy program. She is also a MedX certified therapist.

Marie’s areas of special interests include spine care (using manual therapy and spinal neuroscience and stabilization); foot pain and dysfunction. She is also very interested in foot care, as she sees a close relationship between foot problems and underlying spine issues.

Her approach draws on an understanding of how different parts of the body interact and the ways that the spine is at the center of it all. Most importantly, she takes great care to provide each patient with tailored exercises and practical advice given their individual circumstances.

Outside of work, Marie enjoys spending time with her family, and loves cooking, gardening, shopping, traveling, and staying in touch with friends.

Kristie Koepke, PT, DPT, is an alumna of Oakland University where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010. She has determinedly pursued her educational goals with an impressive roster of continuing education courses. She is well versed in treatment options for a variety of medical conditions.

Kristie specializes in one-on-one patient care and skilled “hands-on” techniques to achieve successful outcomes. She applies the values of “quality of life” with exceptional care and individual dignity for each patient.

Additionally, Kristie has acquired formalized training and certification utilizing the Delfi Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) system. Very few clinicians in Michigan possess her working knowledge of this treatment option. Research supports this new PT treatment with significant strength gains in a reduced time-frame.

She also has pursued the coveted specialized training utilizing the Graston Technique of instrumented soft tissue mobilization, completing over 16 hours of formal hands-on instrumented training.

“I am truly dedicated to my profession where I develop individualized programs for each patient based on his or her deficits and needs. I strive to create a comfortable and healing environment with focused attention on each patient’s individual needs and I always try to add an element of fun to each session to uplift and motivate. The best success story is returning a patient to their work and leisure activities with full confidence.”

Christine Westbrook, PT, is a graduate of Oakland University. She has been a physical therapist for 29 years and a licensed massage therapist for 24 years. She specializes in the treatment of chronic pain patients using myofascial and craniosacral therapy techniques. Additionally, she has been working as a Women’s Health Therapist for over 10 years specializing in the treatment of women with incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain and pregnancy issues. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling and golfing.