Clinic Staff
Dr. Amy D. Zornow, Physical Therapist, Owner
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE OWNER:
Education is critically important and we must continually strive to 'stay in touch' with cutting edge physical therapy treatment. As the needs of individuals change, so must our treatment approaches adapt. Amy just completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, from Des Moines University, a nationally accredited program. Amy has been a Licensed Physical Therapist for 20 years and still gets 'fired up' about Physical Therapy and enjoys analyzing the best treatment approach for each individual patient. In addition to her formal education, she has taken numerous Continued Education courses regarding: back and neck pain, shoulder injuries, injured workers, knee and ankle pathology, pregnancy, core stabilization and more. The 'secret to success' at 1st Choice Physical Therapy, Inc, is the incredible team that we employ. The clinical and office staff is second-to-none and give each patient a unique and individualized plan of care. The level of care is 1st rate. Our Patient Satisfaction Surveys corroborate the outstanding efforts; confirming that our patients received a positive outcome, they appreciated our services, and they would recommend us to others.
Growth of the company has been successful, since the inception of the business. As the needs of the community have increased, so has the outreach of 1st Choice Physical Therapy. Our community involvement is diverse and extensive. We enjoy many special connections and sponsorships with sports teams, musical and dance groups, local school programs, Chambers, churches, charitable organizations, and MORE! Call us today! If you are unsure whether Physical Therapy will work for you, please take advantage of our Free 15 Minute Consultation. We thank you for your patronage.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts: Biology - Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
- Bachelor of Science: Physical Therapy - Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy: Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa
PERSONAL DATA:
Amy is originally from South-Central Minnesota. She enjoys outdoor activities, physical exercise, tennis and caring for her four active children. Physical Therapy continues to be a very rewarding career for her and ownership of the company has been an excellent experience. Amy is both a clinician and administrator of 1st Choice Physical Therapy, Inc. She has the privilege of directing an outstanding TEAM of individuals and enjoys treating patients of all ages!
GOAL:
Amy's first goal for each patient is to promote patient independence and offer quality care, while reducing pain and increasing function. The second goal is for continued growth as a result of 'Word-of-Mouth' marketing: The greatest compliment a patient can give us is to refer their friend to 1st Choice Physical Therapy.
Dr. Sue, Physical Therapist
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science: Physical Therapy - University of Illinois, 1994
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy: Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin
PERSONAL DATA:
Sue grew up in Elgin, Il. After she was married, she and her husband moved to sunny Florida. Later she relocated to Huntley, Il to be closer to her family. She enjoys traveling, tennis, exercise and being a mom to her two small children.
She is dedicated to her physical therapy profession. She loves to learn new treatment approaches to allow her to provide the best care for her patients. Sue is a very kind, funny and warm person, yet provides professional care for each patient. Sue is an APTA credentialed Clinical-Instructor for PT students and love to teach.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
- Foot, Ankle and Hand Rehabilitation
- Vestibular Rehabilitation for Dizziness and Balance Disorders
- Aquatic Therapy for Allied Health Professionals
- Manual Therapy for the Lumbar Complex
- Cervical Headache Management
- Functional Capacity Evaluation, Job Analysis, Pre-work Screening and Work Rehabilitation
- Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification
- Ergonomic Analysis and Certification
GOAL:
PATIENT EDUCATION is an integral part to each patient's recovery which leads to functional independence. EDUCATION leads to self motivation and active participation for quicker recovery and overall improved health.
Denise, Physical Therapist Assistant
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science: Geological Sciences/Hydrogeology - University of Northern Illinois, 1984
- Associate of Applied Science: Oakton Community College, 1997
PERSONAL DATA:
Denise has lived in Illinois her entire life but has traveled throughout the United States. She currently lives in Algonquin with her husband, three children, a dog, a mouse and a fish. Denise enjoys boating and water skiing, working out when time permits, bicycling, being active with her kids and developing speed and agility sessions for young athletes.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
- Functional Job Analysis, Prework Screening & Work Rehabilitation
- Strength and Conditioning
- Joint Mobilization of the Spine
- Weight and Balance training for the Seniors
- Functional Mechanics of the Lower Extremity
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation of the Shoulder
- Dynamic Stabilization of the Lumbar Region
GOAL:
Denise enjoys assisting patients reach their personal functional goal of wellness utilizing a multi-faceted approach.
Jodi, Licensed Physical Therapist
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science: Biology - Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, 1989
- Bachelor of Science: Physical Therapy - Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, 1991
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
- Credential in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute International, in 1997
- Female Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction and Treatment: Level 1, 2A, 2B
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Clinical Highlights
- Certified Moms in Motion exercise instructor
- Beyond Kegels I and II
- Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy: Part A, B, C, D, E and Advanced Clinical Skills Update
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Visceral Manipulation
- Numerous Other Orthopedic Courses
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DATA:
Jodi was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. She enjoys exercising, dancing and taking care of her son and daughter. She is proud to hear her daughter say, "My mom helps people at her job." Jodi finds it particularly rewarding to help patients who weren't aware physical therapy was available to them. During her 19 years of clinical practice, she has become specialized in women's health physical therapy. For the past 11 years, she has been treating incontinence, pelvic pain and pre/postnatal conditions. She is one of only a few therapists in the area treating these issues. She finds that physical therapy affords her a unique opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with her patients.
GOAL:
Jodi's goal for her patients is to maximize function, decrease pain and improve overall well-being. She enjoys assisting her patients in living life to its fullest.
Teresa, Physical Therapist Assistant
EDUCATION:
- Associate in Applied Science: Oakton Community College, Des Plains, Illinois, 1985
PERSONAL DATA:
Teresa was born and raised in Chicago and h as lives in the Crystal Lake area for the past 11 years. She enjoys walking and working out as well as gardening, reading, baking and spending time with her family. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and hope to visit every military base that her son is stationed at with the USMC.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
- Core Stabilization
- Balance Training
- Functional Exercise
- Manual Therapy and Mobilization
- Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of the Golfer
- Fighting Fat after 40
- Functional Capacity Evaluation Certificate
- Review of Anatomy
GOAL:
Teresa's first goal for each patient is that they become educated regarding their diagnosis, because through knowledge we create change. Her second goal is for each patient to achieve their maximal level of function.
Denise, Physical Therapist
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science: Physical Therapy - University of Montana, 1984
PERSONAL DATA:
Denise is originally from Montana and had lived all over the United States. Her husband was raised in Il. They have a teenage son and a "tweenage" daughter. Denise enjoys reading, movies and walks in the woods with her husband and naughty dog. She also enjoys volunteering for her daughter's theater group and listening to her son play guitar.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
- Certificate in Orthopedic Manual THerapy from Kaiser Hayward, CA, with emphasis on Manual (hands on) therapy of the spine and extremities
- Many continuing education courses emphasizing manual therapy and specific exercise of spine and peripheral joints
- Certificate in Functional Capacity Evaluation, Functional Job Analysis, Pre-work Screening and Work Rehabilitation
- Certificate in Facilitation and Training Techniques for Core Stability
GOAL:
Denise enjoys assisting each patient in reaching their goals and maximum level of function. She h as worked in orthopedics, neurology and geriatrics, and believes this varied background helps her bring a unique perspective to her the care of her clients. She enjoys the rewards of assisting patients who have complicated histories and may have met with frustrations from other health care providers. She loves working with such fun, supportive coworkers!
Jennifer, Physical Therapist Technician
Jennifer is a Physical Therapy Technician at the Huntley location. She is a student at the University of Illinois and has just completed a twelve week internship under the direction of Amy D. Zornow, D.P.T. Jennifer works at 1st Choice throughout the year during her school breaks. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is gaining much experience working at 1st Choice. Jennifer is a Certified Personal Trainer, former competitive cheerleader and gymnast, and an avid Illini fan. She takes pleasure in helping the therapist and patients at 1st Choice, and is looking forward to becoming a Physical Therapist.
Frankie, Office Manager
Frankie was a patient of 1st Choice and liked the company so much she decided to join the 1st Choice family. She has 15 years experience in customer service. Frankie lives in Marengo with her husband and two lovely daughters. She enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.
EDUCATION:
- Medical Coding and Billing Specialist, 1989
- Office Management Specialist, 2007
- Human Resources and the Law Specialist, 2007
- Legal Document Specialist, 2008
Her background also includes 20 years of customer service experience in many different office setting in the Chicagoland area.
PERSONAL DATA:
Frankie enjoys scrapbooking, garden, dancing and spending time with her husband and watching her two girls grow into lovely young adults. The whole family works on giving back to the community in which they love to live in.
As Office Manager, Frankie is working had to ensure that each patient gets excellent service from the front desk and the clinical staff. She is behind the scenes to to make sure all patients' insurance concerns are handled in a timely manner.
GOAL:
Frankie's goal is to treat every patient as if their medical bills were "hers" and to review each and every claim to ensure that their bills are processed correctly.
Kim, Front Desk Coordinator Algonquin
As the Front Dest Coordinator in Algonquin, Kim enjoys lending a hand to assist the staff in any way necessary. She is in Algonquin during the day and at night to ensure that all patients needs are met. Her background also includes ten years of medical office experience in the Chicagoland area.
EDUCATION:
- Medical Assistant Program: Harper Community College
- Massage Therapy Program: Elgin Community College
- Physical Therapy Aide Program: McHenry County College
PERSONAL DATA:
Kim and her family have lived in Algonquin for over 11 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, and attending her children's sporting events.
