MEET OUR TEAM
The team of physical therapists at Core Physical Therapy bring more than experience to patients who need physical therapy services. They also possess a drive to help each patient reach their therapy goals and a passion for making sure each patient receives the highest level of care. Get to know the team that serves patients at both our West Des Moines and Adel locations.
Connor Blythe, PT, DPT
Connor was born and raised in West Des Moines. Outside of receiving his degree from the University of Iowa, in Health and Human Physiology in 2015, he has lived his entire life in the Des Moines metro area. After discovering a passion in movement, human performance, and wellness, he attended Des Moines University and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2018. Connor enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic, sports-related, and chronic pain ailments. He especially enjoys treating spinal dysfunctions, shoulder impairments, and lower extremity injuries, as he is a past throwing athlete and a current runner. He likes treating these conditions utilizing various techniques including myofascial release, joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise, and craniosacral therapy. Connor and his wife Allysa now call Waukee home. When not in the clinic, he is often found socializing with family and friends, watching his favorite television shows or movies, and cheering on his favorite sports teams the Hawkeyes, Packers, and Dodgers. He enjoys staying active by running, weightlifting, and playing recreational softball.
Lindsay Brown, PT, MPT
Lindsay was born and raised in the Des Moines Metro. From an early age she had compassion for people in pain. She graduated with honors from the University of Iowa and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa in 2003. Lindsay joined Core Physical Therapy in 2005, and has since become a practicing partner. She has a strong interest in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, Zero Balancing, and the mind, body, spirit connection. Lindsay enjoys working with clients with previous physical and head trauma, digestive issues, and long term pain. It is her goal to educate and empower each client to learn and regularly practice the tools that will optimize their function and comfort. In her personal life, Lindsay resides on her acreage outside of Norwalk with her husband, their 5 spirited children, and a menagerie of animals. She enjoys the joys of family life, early morning coffee and meditation, hiking in the woods and mountains, spending time outside, fruit and vegetable gardening, working with animals, reading non-fiction, and learning new healing modalities.
Mike Burggraaf, PT, DPT, LAT
Mike is a founding partner at Core Physical Therapy. Mike practices at both our West Des Moines and Adel clinics. He graduated from Wartburg College in 1999 with a major in biology and minor in athletic training and received a Master’s Degree from Des Moines University Physical Therapy School in 2001. In 2011, he returned to school and received his DPT through Evidence in Motion’s Executive Program. Throughout his career, Mike has spent hundreds of hours continuing his education through courses that focus on how to treat the whole person and not just the specific area of pain that people are struggling with, specifically using techniques like myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and visceral manipulation. Mike enjoys working with all patients who hurt, but really relishes working with people that have tried multiple, varied healthcare options and continue to struggle with pain. Mike has been very active in the Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA), holding multiple positions throughout the years including President of the association. Mike was awarded the Olive Farr Distinguished Service Award by the IPTA in 2017. Mike and his wife Sarah have three boys and two dogs that keep them busy at home, and in his free time he loves to golf. He is also very active at his church, where he uses his gifts to help those around him. Mike believes that all people have gifts they have been born with, and when they use those gifts, it betters their own lives and the world around them. He wants to make sure that pain does not prevent people from using those gifts.
Kate Davey, PT
Kate graduated from the Ohio State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with distinction) and then obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 2000. While at Ohio State, she earned athletic and academic honors while part of the Women’s Swim Team including five time All-American and The Big Ten Medal of Honor. Kate has practiced in a variety of settings including a previous specialization in hand/upper extremity rehabilitation. She enjoys seeing a wide variety of orthopedic patients while at Core. Kate enjoys spending time with her family; being outdoors walking, hiking, or gardening.
Alicia Fisher, PT, DPT
Alicia is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy. She completed her undergraduate coursework at Central College in Pella, Iowa in 2007. There she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science: Health Promotion, graduating Summa Cum Laude. While at Central she participated in Volleyball and Track and Field for the Dutch. She then attended Des Moines University where she graduated from the 2013 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She returned to her hometown of Adel to practice physical therapy and enjoys staying active in her community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching and participating in sporting events, and being outdoors.
Robin Mulvey, PT, DPT
Robin is a Minnesota native who moved to Iowa in 2012 to pursue her education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Northern Iowa, then attended Des Moines University where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She has been a practicing physical therapist at Core since 2019. She is trained in myofascial release and craniosacral therapy, and is certified as a Clinical Vestibular Therapist which allows her to help people struggling with dizziness. Robin deeply believes that the best healthcare is self-care and loves helping her patients find healing strategies that are unique to their individual lifestyles, empowering them to take care of their health. Outside of the clinic, Robin loves spending time with her husband and their dog, mostly spent cheering on all their beloved Minnesota sports teams. She’s always working on a creative project, including running a part-time business selling her artwork. You can find her artwork all over her treatment room.
Blake Hardy, PT, DPT, OCS
Blake is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy. He began practicing as a physical therapist in 1995. His educational background includes attending St. Cloud State University where he played football and received a BA in Biomedical Sciences in 1993. Blake then attended Des Moines University, graduating with an MS in 1995, and a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005. Throughout his career Blake has pursued hundreds of hours of continuing education, mostly focused in the area of orthopedics and more specifically spine care and manual therapy. He has a special interest in myofascial release, cranial sacral techniques, and therapeutic exercise. In 2001 Blake obtained additional board certification as a certified orthopedic specialist, OCS, and has been recertified every 10 years since. Through clinical experience and continuing education Blake has been able to develop an outside the box approach that allows him to connect the treatment approach most appropriate for the unique needs of each patient. Blake has been involved in the Iowa Physical Therapy Association, holding various positions, which culminated in being President from 2009 to 2011. For his service to the organization, he was awarded the association’s highest honor in 2021, the Olive Farr Distinguished Service Award. Outside of work Blake enjoys spending time with his family, working outside, and enjoys the watching his various favorite football teams, Hawkeyes, Bulldogs, and Vikings.
Kerri Hardy, PT, DPT
Kerri grew up in Marion, Iowa. She went to Indiana State University on a basketball scholarship. Due to knee injuries, she ended up helping the team as an undergraduate assistant but also became more interested in rehabilitation. She graduated in 1992 and then obtained her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University in 1995. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy through Des Moines University in 2005. Kerri enjoys working with a variety of patients. Though she continues to enjoy working with orthopedic patients, she also has received extensive training in pelvic floor rehabilitation through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. This has allowed her to expand her practice into helping women, men and children with pelvic pain and dysfunction (including incontinence, urgency and constipation) which has been very rewarding. Kerri enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and participating in church activities.
Jodi Hook, PT, MS
Jodi graduated from Buena Vista University in 1998 Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She then attended Des Moines University where she graduated with distinction with a Master’s degree in 2000. Since then, she has spent time working in acute, skilled, and outpatient therapy— where she has spent the heavy majority of her training and practice. Jodi has taken numerous continuing education courses that specialize in myofascial treatment, craniosacral, and has completed a certification course as a corrective exercise specialist for pregnancy and post-partum patients. In her free time, Jodi enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, reading, singing, exercising and doing anything outdoors.
Ellen Majewski, PT, DPT
Ellen is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy. She completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Nebraska - Omaha in 2009. There she earned her Bachelors in General Studies, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and played basketball for the Mavericks. She then went on to attend Des Moines University where she graduated with distinction from the 2012 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Ellen is an active member of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association where she has held numerous positions in the Southwest District. She has been trained in Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, and Visceral Manipulation. Her passion is treating patients that are struggling with chronic pain. Ellen is also involved in donating her time and efforts in a variety of organizations. The Iowa Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America is one that is near and dear to her heart. When not in the clinic, you can find Ellen on the golf course. This is one of her favorite leisure time activities. If she’s not hitting the links, she is likely somewhere on a beach. She especially enjoys spending time at her family’s lake cabin in Minnesota. Ellen remains active with basketball, whether it is coaching or playing, and is quite the concert goer on weekends. Ellen's four musts are faith, family, friends, and fun - in that order.
Laura Palmer, PT, DPT
Laura grew up in Adel, IA and graduated from Dallas Center-Grimes High School in 2015. She attended Luther College to complete her BA in Biology in 2018. Laura then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University in 2022. Her favorite part about being a physical therapist is building strong relationships with her patients, empowering them to be advocates for their health, and helping people get back to doing the things they love. Laura is an active member of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association to help advocate for the future of the profession. She also keeps busy volunteering for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership on the Corporate Board and as Director of Programming as well as at her church with the praise team and altar guild. Laura recently got married and lives in Grimes. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, being outside, and hiking in National Parks.
Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT
Kirsten is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy and a 2015 graduate of Des Moines University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Kirsten has advanced training in pelvic health rehabilitation through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Craniosacral Therapy through Michigan State University and is also a Clinically Certified Vestibular Therapist (CCVT). In addition to these specialties, she is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). With these advanced myofascial, craniosacral, and vestibular skills, she has a passion for treating patients who are healing from inner ear and balance impairments, head trauma, and chronic pain. Before pursuing a career as a physical therapist, Kirsten graduated cum laude from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at BVU, Kirsten was a four-year member of the volleyball team. While there she met her husband; they now reside on their acreage near Ames. Kirsten and Scott have two children, Riley and Raymond; Riley was born still in 2020. Following Riley’s stillbirth Kirsten became active in the non-profit No Foot Too Small and is deeply passionate about caring for families that are navigating loss and infertility. She understands the physical impact and toll these experiences have on our bodies and how important it is to care for your whole-self while healing. Outside of the clinic, Kirsten can be found teaching and practicing yoga, hiking, kayaking, biking, traveling, and spending time in her greenhouse. She has a tendency to collect farm kittens, loves hanging out with her chickens, and considers the ideal post-work-pastime to be walking the gravel roads of Boone County with her two dogs.
Jacob Hardy, PT, DPT
Jacob is a native of Adel and graduated from ADM High School in 2016. He received his bachelor’s degree from Drake University where he studied Health Sciences, Psychology and Spanish. While at Drake, he spent 4 years on the football team. Jacob earned his physical therapy degree from South College in 2022. As a physical therapist, Jacob is excited to work with people to help them get back to doing the things they love with less pain, avoid future injuries and achieve overall wellness. In his free time, Jacob enjoys weightlifting, walking, watching football and spending time with family and friends.
Justin Scherff, PT, DPT
Justin is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy. He grew up in Denison, Iowa and received his BA degree in Exercise Science at Central College-Pella, Iowa in 2008. Justin then went to Iowa State University where he completed a MS degree in Kinesiology in 2010. He continued his educational journey to Des Moines University where he graduated in 2014 from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. In his free time, Justin enjoys spending time working and playing outdoors with family and friends, coaching his kids’ athletic teams, playing golf, and following Iowa Hawkeye athletics, particularly football.
Alex Spencer, PT, DPT
Alex grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 2013, she attended Iowa State University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health in 2017. She then attended Des Moines University where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. She has received training in pelvic floor rehabilitation from Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, allowing her to treat women with pelvic pain, urinary frequency and urgency, urinary leakage, and bowel dysfunction. She is also trained in treating infants and children both pre- and post-tongue or lip tie release. Alex and her husband recently got married and live in Waukee. They enjoy spending time at Lake Rathbun in the summer and cheering on the Cyclones together in the fall.
Noel Turk, PT, DPT
Noel is a native of Waukee. She traveled to Pella to attend Central College and achieve degrees in Athletic Training and Spanish. She then returned to the metro to attend Des Moines University and earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Noel began working at Core in 2018 and has loved the opportunity to help many individuals improve their quality of life and physical function. She enjoys working with a variety of physical impairments and is specifically passionate about helping people heal from chronic pain and headaches. Noel currently resides in West Des Moines with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going for walks, leading worship at her church, mentoring young women, and serving as an elder on her church’s leadership board.
Jordan Wachter, PT, DPT
Jordan Wachter is a Waukee, IA native. He completed his undergraduate studies at Central College in Pella, IA, graduating magna cum laude in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. While at Central, he was a three-year varsity letter winner with the football team. After graduation, Jordan spent time working as a pharmacy technician and a lab technician before deciding to become a physical therapist. In 2021, Jordan earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Des Moines University and joined Core in October of 2021. As a physical therapist, Jordan appreciates the relationships he is able to build while working with patients and helping them return to the activities they love and want to do, whether it is getting back to a sport or being able to move so they can spend more time with family and friends. Outside of the clinic, Jordan enjoys volunteering at church in a variety of roles, mainly as a small group leader for the student ministry program. He also enjoys trying new breweries and wineries with his wife (also named Jordyn), traveling with family and friends, and trying to improve his golf game.