MEET THE STAFF
The Physical Therapy Connection professional staff of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Massage Therapists have over 85 years combined experience in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
BETH LANDGRAF, P.T., GT CERTIFIED, NIKE GPS
Beth has been the owner of The Physical Therapy Connection since 2008. Beth has been licensed in 3 states and has worked in Sports Medicine based clinics, inpatient/outpatient hospital settings, skilled nursing facilities and has performed home physical therapy. She was the Director of a Physical Therapy Department in Indiana and Clinical Supervisor in Multiple Clinics prior to owning The Physical Therapy Connection. She has provided skilled physical therapy services in DeWitt since 1999.
Beth has been a Clinical Supervisor for the MSU Kinesiology Program for many years. She has also been a Clinical Instructor for Baker College. Beth has partnered with DeWitt Schools as a facility for job shadowing for many high school students who are interested in the field of Sports Medicine and/or Physical Therapy.
Beth has earned her Certification as a Nike Golf Performance Specialist and has also achieved her certification in Graston Technique (a form of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization). She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Michigan Physical Therapy Association, American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has also been a member of the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce and, prior to that, the DeWitt Business Association.
Beth lives in DeWitt and enjoys spending time with her son, Jake, her dog, and cats. It has been her goal to provide optimum care in a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. She has surrounded herself with a professional team who shares her commitment to excellence.
THOMAS LACLAIR, PT, DPT, CSCS
Tom received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to his doctorate, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Tom received his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in February of 2016 and is an active member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. He rejoined the Physical Therapy Connection family as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in September 2016. Tom previously worked at PTC as a Rehabilitation Tech prior to his acceptance to the graduate program at U of M. Tom specializes in outpatient orthopedics, but has clinical experience in acute care and neurologic settings. Outside of physical therapy, Tom enjoys working out at a local heath club and playing several sports including basketball, golf and tennis. He is an avid Michigan State Spartans fan!
Beth Barrie, PT, DPT
PTC would like to welcome our newest therapist – Beth Barrie! Beth has worked in the Lansing area for over a decade and we are so happy to have her join the PTC family!
Steve Jenkins M.Ed ATC
Steve has been the Athletic Trainer at DeWitt High School for 8 years. He specializes in sports injuries and returning athletes to performing at a high level following an injury. He received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Central Michigan University in 2006 and received his Master’s degree in 2009 from Auburn University. Steve enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with his wife Annie and daughter Palmer. You can see him around at all the DeWitt sporting events and say Hello.
AMANDA DEGRAAF
Amanda graduated from Michigan State University in 2014 with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a B.S. in Psychology. She joined the Physical Therapy Connection in 2014 as an Office Assistant and was promoted to Office Manager in 2015. Amanda is the lead insurance coordinator for our patients and physical therapists. She has created and implemented a training program to educate our therapists on current changes in all major insurance companies. Amanda volunteers her time to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund (MSTAF); a non-profit organization that gives financial assistance to Michigan first responders and their families when tragedies strike. She has led numerous fundraisers for MSTAF including organizing their first 5k Run/Walk that took place July 2017. Amanda enjoys Zumba, reading mystery novels and spending time with her fiancé and two cats Izzy and LuLu.
SPENCER SHELLBERG
Spencer Shellberg graduated in 2017 from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Health Promotion. Spencer interned in the clinic for the summer of 2016 and rejoined the team as PT Tech in August of 2017. Prior to joining PTC he worked as a summer camp counselor and daycare worker for 6 years at the Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club. He currently splits time between working at PTC and Playmakers as a footwear and running specialist.
He is an avid distance runner, triathlete and mountain biker. He currently races for Team TriggerPoint – a national endurance racing team. Spencer often works the Playmakers injury clinic and helps coach the Playmakers triathlon team. He often volunteers with the MSU Adaptive Sports Club introducing athletes become self-empowered through sport. Spencer will be pursuing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in the Fall of 2018 at Northern Arizona University.
MELISSA KEESLING
Melissa began at our clinic as an intern in 2016 and soon became a part of the PTC team as a physical therapy technician and yoga instructor. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in health promotion with a concentration in physical therapy. Melissa is a certified Yoga instructor, certified Barre Intensity instructor, and an independent representative of Wildtree organic nutrition and meal planning. She enjoys living an active lifestyle and is always motivated to expand her knowledge and experience in fitness training. She is currently studying to earn her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification. Her hobbies include golf, softball, kickball, hunting, cooking, and running 5k races. Combining her educational, fitness and sports background, Melissa provides valuable insight and instruction for all of our patients.
