Biographies

Susan, RPT / Director

Sue has been the Director of the Therapy Department of the Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois since 1991. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Distributed Studies from Iowa State University and Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1988.

Sue has attended numerous continuing education courses specific to treatment of the sacroiliac joint. She also has specialized training in the use of myofascial release, which is a skilled manual therapy technique, for the relief of pain and movement dysfunction.

Unlike many physical therapists working in a supervisory role, Sue maintains a full patient caseload. This is evidence of her devotion to patient care and her desire to maintain a clinical presence. Sue's commitment to her patients and willingness to assist and mentor staff members does not go unnoticed by her team.

Sue ranks highly among physical therapists in the region. Her expertise and successful patient outcomes have earned her a solid referral base from physicians and surgeons as far away as St. Louis. Sue's positive reputation is largely based on the fact that she is often able to provide significant pain relief to sacroiliac joint patients who have failed to respond to previous therapies.

Scott, PT, DPT

Scott attained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Maryville University in 2011 with Summa Cum Laude honors. He has attended several continuing education courses specific to treatment of the Sacroiliac Joint and Myofascial Release for the Pelvis, and is also certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations.

As a former athlete, Scott has a good understanding of sports related injuries and the potential impact on an athlete's physical and psychological status. He has several years of experience in the outpatient orthopaedic physical therapy setting at the Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois.

Playing several sports in high school, as well as baseball and basketball in college, Scott endured several injuries. He received his fair share of physical therapy to get back on the field or court throughout his athletic career. Scott was always intrigued by his high school physical therapist and the exercises and stretches that he was taught to do. After Scott researched the profession, he quickly knew PT was something that fit his personality and background.

Scott's passion for sports combined with his education and desire to help others are all key ingredients to his success.

Stacie, MPT, COMT

Stacie attained her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Findlay in 2008. Prior to that, she worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant from 1998 until 2008, and received an additional Certification in Massage Therapy in 2002.

Since becoming a Physical Therapist, Stacie has attained the added credentials of a Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist [COMT]. She is 1 of 7 Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapists in Illinois, with Stacie being the only COMT in southern Illinois. This involved 7 courses which were 40 hours each with written testing at every level and followed by 4 case studies including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine and radiating pain. She then had to show her competence at 2 levels each with a 2 hour practical examination testing her ability to screen out potential serious medical pathologies, diagnose movement dysfunction and treat with the appropriate grade of mobilization or manipulation, then give the appropriate exercises for all areas of the body.

Stacie has attended several continuing education courses specific to treatment of the Sacroiliac Joint and Myofascial Release for the Pelvis.

Stacie's love for health and healing is evident in her years of continued learning. She enjoys being a part of her patients healing process, and loves the connection that she forms with her patients.

Hayden, PT, DPT

Hayden earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri in 2019. His clinical rotations included subacute and outpatient neurological rehabilitation sites, an outpatient hospital clinic, and facilities focused on outpatient sports medicine and young athletes. He has also attended multiple continuing education courses focusing on joint replacements, rehab after ACL reconstruction surgery, and assessment of foot/ankle conditions in adolescent athletes.

Hayden has always been fascinated by the resilience and complexity of the human body and how its systems work together. His interest in health science combined with his desire to serve people in a tangible way drew him to the physical therapy profession.

He is passionate about helping people feel and move better so that they can be independent and enjoy life without pain. His variety of clinical experiences and continuing education courses keep Hayden a well-rounded therapist prepared to treat conditions from head to toe.

Kim, OTR/L

Kim Rubenacker is an Occupational Therapist and leads a very successful Occupational Therapy program at OCSI. Kim graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern Indiana in 2002. She also is certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations.

In addition to Kim's outstanding Occupational Therapy skills, she is trained to fabricate custom dynamic and static splints for the upper extremity.

Before starting her career at OCSI, she worked for 5 years in home health, specializing in pediatrics. For the past several years Kim has specialized in the treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity.

Kim chose Occupational Therapy for her profession so that she can help patients achieve their specific goals after an injury or surgery.

Stacey, PTA

Stacey has worked at OCSI as a PTA since 2002. She graduated from Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Southern Illinois University in 1995, and a obtained a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at SIU in 1997.

Stacey has attended numerous continuing education courses specific to myofascial techniques for the lumbar and pelvic regions, advanced exercise programs for frail elderly, therapeutic taping for manual therapy, and rehabilitation for the post surgical orthopaedic patient. Stacey is also a Certified Clinical Instructor.

Prior to working at OCSI, she worked at Good Samaritan Hospital's Inpatient Rehabilitation Department for 7 years. Stacey has also worked in the nursing home setting and has extensive home health physical therapy experience.

Stacey knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Her grandmother experienced a broken arm and received physical therapy. At that time, she realized that she wanted to help others in her career. She enjoys her job because she gets to spend one on one time with her patients. She enjoys getting to know them personally, which helps to gain a deeper understanding of the problems they are experiencing.