Cheryl earned her degree in occupational therapy in 1997 from Milwaukee’s Mount Mary University. She spent the early part of her career in sub-acute, acute, and outpatient settings before finding her true passion of hand therapy, where she is proficient in the treatment of pre- and post-surgical upper extremity orthopaedic conditions. As a life-long learner, Cheryl has earned certifications in hand therapy, wound care and orthopaedic manual therapy for the upper extremity. She is a member of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association and the American Society of Hand Therapists.

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In 2011, John Egge graduated from the University of Minnesota with a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In 2012, he completed a sports fellowship at Howard Head Sports Medicine in Vail, Colorado and is now a Sports Certified Specialist in Physical Therapy, as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Although he has extensive knowledge working with all types of injuries, John has a special interest in athletic hip injuries in both skating and running athletes. He also specializes in managing concussed athletes by facilitating a safe return to play program. John’s passion for athletics continues as he stays active in hockey and coaching; he is the head trainer for the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings and an assistant coach for the Lincoln High School boys’ hockey team.

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Steve completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Carroll University in Waukesha. After graduation, he worked in Minneapolis before returning to Wisconsin Rapids to focus on outpatient and orthopaedic physical therapy. He has a strong interest in working with athletes of all ages and abilities; he has a particular interest in orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) and has attended a series of continuing education courses focused on manual techniques and practices. He enjoys working with orthopedic injuries of all types, and as an avid outdoorsman and curler, he understands the importance of returning patients to their passions and not letting injuries become limiting.

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Emily completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Carroll University in Waukesha in 2019. While in school, Emily developed a strong interest in orthopaedics and completed three different clinical internships in outpatient orthopaedic settings, one of which was here at Wisconsin River Orthopaedics. Emily accepted her first PT position directly in orthopaedics in her hometown, and has developed a strong interest in post-surgical rehabilitation for the hip, knee, and ankle. Although she has experience with a wide variety of post-surgical conditions, Emily is passionate about helping individuals recover from total knee replacement surgery.

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Maria completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at St. Catherine University in Minneapolis. After earning her degree, she began working directly in the field of orthopaedics. As an athlete, Maria is passionate about helping patients with athletic injuries, which are a focus of her continuing education each year. Maria has completed certification through Cincinnati SportsMedicine and Orthopaedic Center for their Sportmetrics training program with an emphasis in ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation. Maria also focuses on running injuries for patients of at any age and ability and enjoys assisting athletes as they return to running and begin a safe, effective running program.

Maria is a competitive cross-country skier and has completed the American Birkebeiner each year since 2009. During the warmer months, she enjoys racing mountain bikes at an elite level and riding bikes and camping with her two sons.

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In 1996, Steve Thames received his degree in occupational therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. He received his hand therapist certification in 2007. Steve is a member of Wisconsin Hand Therapy Association, American Society of Hand Therapists, Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association and American Occupational Therapy Association.

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Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary College in 1989.  She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1998.  Specialty areas of practice include orthopedic hand and upper extremity.   An active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists.  She continues to learn by continuing education and conferences to refine and advance her skills.  She enjoys helping people through patient education and problem-solving to maximize recovery and facilitate each patient reaching their goals.