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 Certified Dry Needling Therapist

Josh received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Oregon State, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University.

With 18 years of BMX racing experience, Josh understands the physical and emotional challenges of recovering from injury. Given this background, Josh is incredibly passionate about helping athletes return to their sport after injury, as well as providing post-operative rehabilitation and addressing chronic pain through a variety of therapeutic techniques.

Josh's approach to patient care is rooted in his commitment to personalized, compassionate treatment. He takes the time to listen to his patients and understand their unique needs and goals and works with them to develop a customized treatment plan.

Josh is skilled in various physical therapy techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research and advances in physical therapy to provide the highest quality care to his patients.

Josh's ultimate goal is to help his patients achieve long-lasting, sustainable physical and well-being improvements.

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.

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

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 showcases her commitment to staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our clinic. Her seamless integration into our River North Physical Therapy family has been remarkable & we are thrilled to have you as part of our team.