Founder / Owner PT, DPT, CSCS, DNcert., Certified Pilates Instructor Doctor of Physical Therapy Certified Dry Needling Therapist Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Craniosacral Therapist

Stephanie graduated from Emory University with a BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and then obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from University of Miami. She has her comprehensive Pilates Certification from Polestar Pilates. She is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is a Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner through the Upledger Institute, a Certified Dry Needling Therapist, and a member of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. She is always pursuing continuing education is Women’s and Pelvic Health, as well as pre and post-natal rehab.

Dr. Owens-Burkhart is committed to treating the patient in a holistic manner, using a variety of techniques, such as manual therapy, identifying and correcting muscle imbalances, Pilates and yoga-inspired exercises, as well as functional movement screening, and sport-specific training/rehab programs. As an athlete herself, she is well educated on developing treatment programs to both rehab existing injuries and prevents future injuries. Stephanie loves traveling, pilates, weight lifting, yoga, meditation, trying new restaurants, drinking good wine, and going on every new adventure that she can! Her favorite activity is spending time with her husband, Peter, and two kids, Stevie and Pearson.

PT, DPT

Helen Owens has been in Private Practice her entire PT career since 1977. Her emphasis is in Orthopedics and Sports Injuries and practices as a manual physical therapist with a hands-on approach to patient care. In addition to Manual Therapy, she incorporates CranioSacral Techniques, Class IV Laser, Kinesiotaping, and Foot Levelers custom Foot Orthotics with her care. She has a passion for TMJ and associated Head and Neck disorders and SacroIliac joint pain, areas she feels are challenging yet rewarding to treat. She has publications related to shoulder, elbow, head, and neck dysfunction, TMJ, and connective tissue changes due to joint immobilization.

Member of:

• The American Physical Therapy Association

• The Illinois Physical Therapy Association

• The Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy

• The Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

• The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy

She enjoys teaching and has taught at both Northwestern University and Rosalind Franklin University of Medical Science in their PT programs.

In her free time, Helen enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out by the lake, going to the theater and museums, collecting art, and traveling.

PT, DPT, CDNT Doctor of Physical Therapy Certified Dry Needling Therapist

Eric graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and obtained my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Rosaland Franklin University of Medicine and Science. He has also gained specialty certification in Dry needling, and has extensive experience in a multitude of manual therapies including, Maitland, Ola Grimsby, McKenzie, and Paris. Further, He loves to treat all forms of musculoskeletal disorders and pain, but is especially proficient in the treatment of high-level athletes, headaches, shoulders, lower back, neck pain, and chronic pain.

In his free time, he is in the never-ending search for the best Cheeseburger in the world, as well as enjoying weight lifting and sweating it out in Hot Yoga class.

Eric is very passionate about what he does and can’t wait to help you be the best version of yourself!

PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Maddie has a passion for treating pelvic floor dysfunction in all populations, with personal interest in the athletic populations & people on their pre/post-partum journeys. She is from St. Louis Missouri, attended Saint Louis University for undergraduate and graduate school where she received her Doctor in Physical Therapy.

She has lived in Madrid, Spain but now resides in Downtown Chicago! Maddie enjoys spending time traveling internationally, hanging out with friends and family, playing with her 2 black labrador retrievers who are named "Huck and Finn", running, and learning new things!

Office Manager / PT Technician

Mariella graduated from Wilmington College with a BS in Exercise Science. Her interest in physical therapy was sparked during her years on the volleyball court. She explored this spark at a college internship at Drayer Physical Therapy and since graduating, is eager to gain more hands-on experience.

Her experience working in her college’s Advancement Department allowed her to hone her office skills. With a keen eye for order and detail, she excels in office organization and being the ultimate multitasker.

Her favorite activities are thrifting, reading, and exploring Chicago. She also enjoys spending time with her critters including her cats, horse, parakeet, and tarantula!

Office Manager / PT Technician / Comprehensive Pilates Certified Instructor

Lexie is from Central Illinois and pursued her education at Lake Land College for two years.

Following college, she gained valuable experience in Florida and Colorado before ultimately deciding to call Chicago home. With a strong background in sports showcasing her commitment to staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the clinic.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Kate Strozak is a movement professional specialized in neuroscience as it relates to human movement. She has a Masters in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London and has dedicated her career, since 2004, in studying and applying neuroscience to movement training.

Kate’s movement education background includes Pilates, Oov, athletics, dance, yoga, Gyrotonic®, and functional strength training. Her bodywork/massage therapy background has been focused on myofascial release and cranial sacral therapy. Combining her education in movement, bodywork, and neuroscience, Kate delivers client focused movement sessions aimed at helping her clients reach and exceed their goals, improve their movement efficiency, and dailyfunction.

She has a deep passion and curiosity for her work which drives her to continue learning. She continues her education in embryology, anatomy, physiology, meditation, movement and more. Kate strives to find a balance between evidence and science supported along with real life application in her work.

Kate is committed to supporting students and other movement professionals in their educational endeavors through her work as a faculty member of Polestar Pilates, Oov Education, and The Center for Women’s Fitness. She fosters a collaborative environment conducive to meaningful education. Her priority is to encourage critical reasoning, questioning, and curiosity in her professional education offerings.

NASM CPT, RYT-200, CHHC, AADP / Certified Pilates Instructor / Certified Personal Trainer / Registered Yoga Teacher / Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach

Liz is a movement and health coach with over 15 years experience supporting clients to feel better in their bodies. A personal trainer, pilates instructor, yoga teacher, and holistic nutrition coach, Liz uses an interdisciplinary approach to help her clients reach their fitness and health goals. A classically trained mezzo-soprano and former musical theatre actress, Liz uses breath and postural alignment work as the foundation for every fitness journey. Liz specializes in post-rehab clients and believes in a collaborative, compassionate, and body positive approach to coaching. Whether you are looking to transition from physical therapy to a regular exercise routine, reduce your risk of injury, or explore what your body is capable of, Liz's special brand of "nurturing intensity" will help you achieve your goals. 

500 HR Certified Yoga Instructor / NASM Certified Personal Trainer / NASM Certified Nutritionist

Sarah graduated from Columbia College of Chicago with a bachelors in Dance and Kinesiology after completing a two year Theater program at Indian River State College in Florida. She continued to pursue a variety of trainings in dance and many other sports, jiu jitsu, climbing, swimming, and cycling. In 2018 she completed her 200 HR yoga teacher training with Amber Daniel Cook and continued her training in trauma informed, kids and family, pre to post natal trainings, comprising 500 HR with Careid Suprenant. During that time she has co-facilitated Dance Movement Therapy as a choreographer and producer. Her experience allows her to work with broader demographics especially in age. Sarah currently facilitates weekly strength and yoga classes in the city and is dedicated to building community through them.

Sarah believes in movement as medicine as well as ritual. She remains a student to the body’s abilities and approaches her clients with compassion and curiosity alongside the support and structure of her training. Outside of the gym, Sarah enjoys reading, learning languages, astrology, and gardening with her cat, Courage.