PT Staff – Auburn Hills

Physical Therapy Staff

The Physical Therapy Staff works directly with the Center of Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine physicians or your physician.

We provide exceptional treatment for all musculoskeletal problems including shoulder, knee and spine rehabilitation as well as other orthopedic diagnosis.

Our staff will provide a comprehensive evaluation based on medical history including physicians’ diagnostic tests and surgical reports, as well as hands-on clinical testing. Based on these findings, we customize a treatment plan utilizing evidence based practice techniques. During our treatment, we focus on manual treatment and functional exercise programs.

Our goal is to provide the patient with a life-long education in orthopedic wellness.

lkowalickLaurie Kowalick PT, OMPT
Director of Physical Therapy for Center for Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Laurie Kowalick PT, OMPT has been the Director of Physical Therapy since 2002. She received her BS in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, and completed her Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Certification from Oakland University in 1997. Laurie has worked with the physicians in Orthopedics for 24 years becoming knowledgeable in their protocols for rehabilitation. Through her work experience and Physical Therapy Studies, she is accomplished in the field of Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Graston Technique, Spine Rehabilitation, Joint Replacement Rehabilitation, and Sportsmetrics (ACL Prevention Training). Laurie is diligent with using manual therapy skills and evidence based practice models for her treatment base. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

jmulcahy110Julie Mulcahy, M.P.T
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Julie Mulcahy received her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan in 1992. For the past 22 years she has specialized in orthopedics, sports medicine and women’s health. She joined the Center for Advanced Orthopedics Team in 2010. She has received additional training in the following areas: spine/pelvis, functional strength training, Graston Technique, core stability, yoga and Kinesiotaping. Other areas of expertise include balance training and fall safety education in the geriatric population. Julie is also a published author for Move Forward PT which is an American Physical Therapy Association sponsored online patient education resource. Being a lifelong athlete, marathoner and triathlete, she has a special interest in evaluation and treatment of running related injuries.

mbutcherMegan Walas Butcher, M.S.P.T., A.T.
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Megan Walas Butcher has worked with the Center for Advanced Orthopedic physicians for 18 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 1994. Megan has an extensive background in training and rehabilitating professional and collegiate athletes. As an avid runner, she is an accomplished marathon runner. Additionally, Megan’s love for golf has driven her to teaching and rehabilitating golf mechanics. Megan has been published in several journals and magazines. She offers experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and prenatal care.

amckouenAmy McKouen, L.P.T.A., A.T.
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Amy McKouen LPTA, AT joined the Center for Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine over 10 years ago. With a degree from Eastern Michigan University and a concentration in Athletic Training, Amy has worked with several professional athletes and Olympians. She has volunteered with the Youth Football Organization for over five years as a medic. As an athlete and accomplished runner herself, she is knowledgeable in the area of sports related injuries. Ms. McKouen went on to earn her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Kent State University and is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, the American Physical Therapy Association and National Athletic Trainers Association.

nbushong110x140Nicole Bushong, PT, DPT
Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialist

Nicole graduated from Oakland University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2009, and joined the Center for Advanced Orthopedics in 2014. Nicole has over 10 years’ experience in the field of physical therapy and 5+ years working as a PT in various outpatient orthopedic clinics throughout the Metro-Detroit area. She has taken a special interest in utilizing skilled orthopedic manual therapy techniques to restore joint motion. She also has advanced education in the analysis of biomechanics and prescription of specific corrective exercises to restore proper movement mechanics and prevent further injury by eliminating compensation patterns. Nicole is a Sportsmetrics-certified specialist through the Cincinnati SportsMedicine & Orthopedic Center, which allows her to provide specific ACL injury prevention and Return-to-Play training in patients and athletes at-risk of or recovering from ACL injuries. She believes a whole-body approach to movement patterns and rehabilitation is essential to providing long-lasting relief of symptoms and a full return to her patients’ function, whether it be a running or sports-related injury, ACL tear, rotator cuff tear, patellofemoral pain, or post-surgical diagnosis. Nicole personally enjoys running, cycling, resistance training, yoga, and cardio kickboxing and finds her knowledge and experience in exercise beneficial in individualizing each patient’s plan of care for maximal return of function.

nloveland_9452-110Nicole (Nikki) Loveland, P.T.A.
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Pursuits from Central Michigan University and an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Program from Macomb Community College. She has additional training and certification as a LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Certified Clinician from LSVT Global in Tucson, AZ and is licensed in the State of Michigan.

smcpherson9392-110x140Shannon McPherson, PT, DPT
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Shannon McPherson, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Oakland University in 2014 and joined CAO in 2015. She is a recipient of Oakland University’s Beth Marcoux Research Excellence Award and has been published in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal. Shannon believes in using an evidence based treatment approach that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle to restore function and help them live life to the fullest. Shannon is also Sportsmetrics certified, which is an evidence based program designed to reduce the risk of non-contact ACL injuries.

thouston9411-110Tim Houston, PT, DPT
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist

Tim Houston is a graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to studying physical therapy, Tim studied movement science at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where he first became involved in scientific research. Since then, Tim has presented research findings at several state and national conferences. In clinical practice, Tim’s evaluation follows a science-based foundation of functional anatomy and lifespan motor development. He individualizes treatment to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle. Tim is a member of the Sports Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. He enjoys running, mountain biking, swimming, and team sports. His athletic endeavors have led him to a special interest and expertise in treating endurance athletes.