MEET THE STAFF
The Physical Therapy Connection professional staff of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Massage Therapists have over 45 years combined experience in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
BETH LANDGRAF, PT, 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 Certification in February of 2016 and is an active member of both 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, OCS, CMPT
Beth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, earning her degree in 2007 at Grand Valley State University. Upon graduation, Beth was certified by the ABPTS as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2013 and acquired her Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) certification through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2015. She has also taken courses through the MSU manual medicine program and the Gary Grey Institute. Beth is an active member of the APTA, functions as the Clinical Coordinator for Continuing Education for The Physical Therapy Connection, and is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor. In her personal time, Beth enjoys yoga, walking, running, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
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 his daughter, Palmer. You can see him around at all of DeWitt High School’s sporting events and say Hello.
AMANDA DEGRAAF
Amanda graduated from Michigan State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology as well as a Bachelor’s degree 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 in July of 2017. Amanda enjoys Zumba, reading mystery novels, and spending time with her fiancé and their two cats, Izzy and LuLu.
LINDA SAYLOR
Linda began at The Physical Therapy Connection after the summer of 2018 as part of our administrative team as an office assistant. She graduated from Baker College of Owosso in 1993 with an Associates Degree in Office Administration where she was soon after employed by a law firm in East Lansing. Linda has spent the last sixteen years working the front desk at a physical therapy clinic. She enjoys crocheting, cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family.
MELISSA KEESLING, RYT-200
Melissa began at our clinic as an intern and soon became a part of the PTC team as the lead 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 through Yoga Alliance, RYT-200 hour, a 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 and her entire field of study. She is currently studying to earn her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification. She enjoys golfing, yoga, 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.
EMILY MURDOCH
Emily joined the PTC team in 2018. She graduated from Northwood University with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an OPS major. There she was a part of the university’s soccer, cross country, and track teams. Emily gained knowledge of sports medicine and rehabilitation throughout her sports career, sparking a career interest in the subject. Her plans are to continue taking classes and apply to schools to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and help others stay healthy and be able to enjoy the things they love to do. Other interests of hers besides soccer and running, are working out at the gym, reading, enjoying time with her family and friends, and taking care of her dogs.
KATHRYN DAVARN, LMT
Kathy joined PTC in January 2017 as our Licensed Massage Therapist. She did her training at Lansing Community College and has worked as an independent contractor since 1995. Kathy retired in 2009 from Sparrow Hospital after 27 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She enjoyed 39 years of nursing practice and feels that massage therapy is an extension of her nursing.
“I enjoy helping people feel better!”
