Community Hospital

Adult Outpatient
Physical Therapy Services

Community Hospital Outpatient Physical Therapy is offered in three convenient locations to serve you. Services are offered at Community Hospital, Fitness Pointe and Community Hospital Outpatient Centre in St. John.

Outpatient Physical Therapy - Community Hospital

Outpatient Physical Therapy at Community Hospital is located on the ground floor of the West Pavilion is an 8,000 square foot area, with state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology and equipment, and private treatment rooms. Our newest equipment includes LiteGait for advanced gait training, Biodex balance unit, and GaitRite gait analysis walkway. We utilize our equipment, combined with specific clinical treatment techniques, to maximize our patients’ functional outcomes.

At Community Hospital, we specialize in the evaluation and treatment of:

  • neurological problems such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain injury
  • vestibular and balance disorders;  frequent falls
  • generalized weakness due to conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and arthritis
  • amputees

Outpatient Physical Therapy Services at Community Hospital are available Monday - Friday 7:30 am through 4:30 pm. To schedule an appointment, please call 219-836-4527. Please have your diagnosis, therapy prescription and insurance information available when calling.

The Treatments

Physical therapy treatment is provided one-on-one by a licensed physical therapist in 45 minute uninterrupted time blocks. The same therapist works with the patient throughout the treatment series to provide continuity of care and maximize patient improvement.  Our therapists use the most current research to design each patient’s physical therapy treatment, to achieve the best functional outcomes and assist the patient to achieve desired mobility goals.

We provide a team approach, which includes the patient, family/caregiver, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, physician and orthotist as appropriate. We collaborate with the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Excellence (COPE) to provide the best orthotic intervention possible, either with bracing or neuroprosthetic unit.

After physical therapy has been completed, we offer a weekly exercise class for interested older adults (patients and spouses) on Tuesdays from 12-1pm, free of charge - to facilitate ongoing exercise after discharge.  We strongly encourage our patients to continue on with lifelong fitness and wellness practices. The exercise class is listed with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

Meet the Outpatient Physical Therapy Staff at
Community Hospital

Priscilla Mulesa PT, MS, GCS
Clinical Specialist

  • 2010 APTA Geriatric Clinical Specialist Certification
  • 2010 APTA Clinical Instructor Certification
  • 1988 Master of Science in Physical Therapy: Northwestern University, Chicago
  • 1973 Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy: California State University, Northridge
  • 38 years of experience
  • Worked at Community Hospital since l989
  • Worked at University of Illinois Physical Therapy Program: full-time academic instructor and Coordinator of Clinical Education 1984-1989
  • Worked at regional spinal cord injury/brain injury centers at TIRR in Houston, Texas and Craig Rehab Center in Colorado 1974-1979
  • Wrote booklet: “An Approach to the Physical Therapy Management of the Individual with C6 Quadriplegia” TIRR, 1979
  • Specializes in neurologic PT, geriatrics, vestibular/balance disorders, clinical education

Cheryl Bosse, DPT
Senior Physical Therapist

  • 2008 Doctorate of Physical Therapy: Indiana University, Indianapolis
  • 2005 Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Indiana University, Bloomington
  • 3 years of experience
  • Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
  • Indiana University Track and Field Team: 400 meter runner
  • Recreational trail runner: mini-marathon through ultra-marathon races
  • Specializes in neurologic PT, neuroprosthetics, vestibular/ balance disorders, incontinence, lifelong fitness and wellness

Mary Pawlicki, PT, CLT-LANA
Outpatient Physical Therapy Supervisor

  • 2009 LANA Certification (lymphedema)
  • 2002 Certified Lymphedema Therapist
  • 1996 Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy: University of Illinois, Chicago
  • 16 years of experience
  • Continuing education and clinical experience includes treating patients with neurological and geriatric conditions, in addition to cancer rehabilitation, myofascial release, and advanced lymphedema techniques.

Outpatient Physical Therapy - Fitness Pointe® and
Outpatient Centre St. John

Outpatient Physical Therapy Department located within the Community Hospital Fitness Pointe®, is a 4,600 square foot, state-of- the-art department featuring the latest in rehabilitation technology and equipment. It includes 6 private treatment rooms, 3 semi-private treatment booths, mobilization tables, Repex, Biodex isokinetic testing, treadmills, Biodex upper body ergometers, stationary bikes, NuStep, stairmaster, Body Master progressive resistance equipment and free weights.

The department at Fitness Pointe utilizes two pools for its Aquatic Physical Therapy Program. The 75 ft by 28 ft, 84 degree lap pool is used by our therapists for speedy rehabilitation of athletes. The 50 ft by 28 ft, 92 degree warm water therapy pool is used for patients with back pain, arthritis, neuromuscular dysfunction and orthpedic/sports injuries. The pool includes a hydraulic lift for special access needs and features a deep lane for non-weightbearing exercises.

Outpatient Physical Therapy is also offered at the Community Hospital Outpatient Centre in St. John at 9660 Wicker Avenue, St. John. The outpatient physical therapy department features private treatment rooms and the latest in rehabilitation technology equipment including mobilization tables, stationary bikes, Nustep, treadmills, upper body ergometers, elliptical, Biodex resistance equipment, Total Gym, cable columns and free weights under the guidance and supervision of highly trained physical therapists.

Our Therapists

Our physical therapists are graduates of accredited physical therapy programs and are licensed by the state of Indiana. Many hold advanced Masters and Doctorate degrees in physical therapy as well as board certification of orthopedic physical therapy, certifications in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine and specialties in strength and conditioning.

Our therapists aggressively pursue continuing education in a wide range of areas including spinal disorders, shoulder and knee injuries, sports medicine injuries and total joint replacements.

All of the therapists on staff participate in the hospital's speakers' bureau and regularly present topics on prevention with our hospital's physicians.
Your physical therapist will:

  • Perform a complete initial physical therapy evaluation upon your physician's referral.
  • Perform special tests to identify the basis for your movement problems.
  • Develop an individualized treatment plan of care to address your specific functional goals.
  • The same therapist will treat you from evaluation through discharge to ensure your best possible functional outcomes.

Meet the Outpatient Physical Therapy Staff at
Community Hospital Fitness Pointe®

  • Jan Duncker, DPT, MPA, OCS, CSCS- Supervisor
    • 2009 Doctor of Physical Therapy University of Indianapolis
    • 2004 Masters in Public Administration IUN
    • 1993 Masters in Physical Therapy Northwestern
    • 1976 BS Physical Education
    • 17 years of experience
    • Specialty in Aquatics 
    • OCS-APTA Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
    • CSCS - NSCA- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
    • APTA clinical instructor certification
    • Sports: Swimming, Bicycling, Racquet Sports
    • Presentations:  Aquatic Therapy, Low Back and Neck Care, Arthritis Management
  • Karen Johnson, PT, CSCS- Clinical Specialist
    • 1985 Bachelors of Physical Therapy Northwestern;
    • 1983  Bachelors of  Bioscience U of I
    • 25 years of  experience
    • CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)
    • Certified Fitness Therapist - ISSA
    • Certified Personal Trainer- ACE
    • Univ. of Illinois Women’s Volleyball 79-83 Captain, MVP, All-State, All Region, Honorable Mention All American
    • USA Masters Track and Field  National Indoor Sprint Champion 60 M   All American Masters Status
    • World Masters Games 100M Finalist 
    • Basketball Coach YMCA Hammond, IN; Park District; Holy Ghost, St. Kieran and IJP
    • High School Girls AAU Basketball Coach - CHICAGO HOOPS EXPRESS- Adidas sponsored team
    • Presentations:  Golf Fitness; Foot and Ankle; Vertical Velocity
  • Dr. Sylvia Gould, DPT, MHS, OCS, Cert MDT, Clinical Specialist
    • 2008 Doctor of Physical Therapy
    • 2004 MHS at UINDY
    • 1994 BA PT UIC
    • 1990 BA Phys. Ed Illinois State
    • 16 years of experience
    • Specialty- APTA OCS Board Certified in Orthopedics
    • Spine Cert MDT Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine and Extremities,
    • Canadian Junior National Team member Javelin
    • Illinois State Track and Field Team (Throwing, Javelin, Discus, and Shot Put) Team Captain, record holder in Javelin, Rookie of the year 1986, Most dedicated thrower 1987, Most improved thrower 1987, All Conference 1987-88
    • High School Track and Field, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Broomball (HS Outstanding Athlete of the Year, 82-83, 83-84, 84-85)
    • Presentations:  Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis; Care and Treatment of Problem Knee,  Low Back and Neck Disc Disorders, Care and Treatment of the Problem Shoulder
    • Current Interests: Golf, Kayaking and Fitness
  • Cory Ingelse, MPT, OCS, Cert MDT- Clinical Specialist
    • 1998 MPT Midwestern University
    • Trinity Christian College BS Biology
    • 12 years of experience
    • Specialty:  APTA OCS Board Certified in Orthopedics
    • Cert MDT Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine
    • Collegiate Soccer,
    • High School Basketball, Soccer, Tennis ( 1st Team All Conference Tennis, Soccer and Most Valuable Player)
    • Presentations:  Low Back and Neck Disc Disorders
    • Current Interests:  running, youth soccer coach
  • Amy Castillo, MPT, SCS, CSCS- Clinical Specialist
    • Doctoral Candidate University of Indianapolis
    • 1999 Master of Physical Therapy SLU
    • Bachelors in Exercise Science St. Louis University
    • 10 years of experience
    • Specialty: SCS (Sports Certified Specialist)  
    • APTA Board Certified in Sports PT
    • CSCS Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
    • Specialization Academy of Content Experts Sports Physical Therapy
    • Division 1 Softball SLU,  NCAA Division 1 All Academic Team
    • Andrews HS softball, golf, basketball
    • Current recreational runner
    • Presentations: Vertical Velocity, Runners Footwear Screening Clinic, Ski Injury Prevention
    • Community Outreach:  Munster Magic Softball 12 and under Assistant Coach
  • Marika Zandstra, MPT- Clinical Specialist
    • Candidate for MBA Purdue University
    •  2000 Bachelors of Physical Therapy Bradley University
    • 9 years experience
    • Specialty/ Interests:  Pelvic floor and incontinence, vestibular, APTA clinical instructor certification
    • Presentation:  Are you dizzy?, Incontinence: The Secret Epidemic
  • Dr. LaTrese Wynn, DPT, OCS- Clinical Specialist
    • 2001 Doctor of Physical Therapy Northwestern University
    • Bachelor of Science in Biology Talladega College
    • 8 years of experience
    • Specialty: OCS, Board Certified in Orthopedic PT
    • Manual Therapy
    • APTA clinical instructor certification
    • Presentations: Shoulder Injuries in the Overhead Athlete, Run/Walk Clinic, Body Mechanics Training for the Caregiver
  • Dr. Sarah Skinner, DPT, OCS- Clinical Specialist 
    • 2001 Doctor of Physical Therapy Northwestern
    • BS in Exercise Sports Science University of San Francisco 
    • 8 years experience
    • Specialty: OCS Board Certified in Orthopedics,
    • APTA clinical instructor certification
    • Collegiate Level Div. 1 Soccer 
    • Currently in IL and IN recreational soccer, coed softball, sand volleyball
    • Presentations: Vertical Velocity. Runners Clinic/ Foot screen, Obesity Research, Shoulder Injuries in the Overhead Athlete
  • Noli Santos, PT- Clinical Specialist
    • 1993 University of East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center- Philippines
    • 15 years experience
    • Specialty:  Manual Therapy
    • Presentations:  Swing into Spring
    • Interests: golf
  • Dr. Stephanie Yekich, DPT, ATC/L- Staff Therapist
    • 2006 Doctor of Physical Therapy Marquette University,
    • ATC/L- Certified Athletic Trainer-Licensed; BS Exercise Science
    • 4 years of experience
    • Specialty: Sports Medicine and Athletic Training
    • Athletic Training Experience in Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Women’s Volleyball, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. ATC Internship with Milwaukee Wave Indoor Soccer League
    • Sports: Softball, POMS
    • Presentations:  Balance, Obesity Research, Foot Screen, Vertical Velocity
  • Dr. Amber Hanas, DPT-Staff Therapist
    • 2008 Doctor of Physical Therapy University of Indianapolis:
    • BS Kinesiology Indiana University
    • 2 years of experience
    • Specialty: Ortho, Sports & Conditioning, SCI  
    • Hanover Central Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball.
    • Presentations: To Stretch or Not to Stretch
    • Intramurals: Girls Basketball, Coed Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Coed Volleyball
    • Others: Volunteer at Stroke Camp in Southern Indiana
  • Dr. Meagan Patton, DPT- Staff Therapist
    • 2009 Doctor of Physical Therapy IUPUI 
    • BS Fitness Management Purdue University Calumet
    • 1 year of experience
    • Specialty: Ortho, Sports & Conditioning
    • North Newton Sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track
    • Collegiate NAIA Division I Basketball player PUC
    • Assistant Coach for Lowell Junior Varsity Girls Basketball
    • Intramurals: Girls Basketball, Coed Volleyball
    • Others: MS Swim Leader
  • Dr. Maria Liberio, DPT- Staff Therapist
    • 2003 Doctor of Physical Therapy Northwestern University
    • 7 years experience
    • Specialty APTA Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic PT
    • Candidate for Pelvic PT certification
    • Interests:  Pelvic pain, incontinence and yoga

Meet the Outpatient Physical Therapy Staff at
Community Hospital Outpatient Centre, St. John

  • Dr. Suzanna Clark, DPT- Clinical Specialist
    • 2001 Doctor of Physical Therapy Northwestern University
    • BS Kinesiology Indiana University
    • 7 years experience
    • Specialty:  Orthopedics
    • Manual therapy
    • APTA clinical instructor certification
    • Presentations:  Fall Prevention, Managing Back Pain during Pregnancy, Back Care Tips for the Gardener, Prevention and Treatment of Neck and Low Back Pain
    • Interests:  running
  • Jo Nueros, PT-Clinical Specialist
    • 1993 Bachelors of Physical Therapy, De La Salle University, Philippines
    • 15 years experience
    • Specialty:  Manual Therapy, Candidate for Women’s Health Program
    • Presentations:  Problem Knee, Incontinence
  • Dr. Jayne Barsic, DPT- Clinical Specialist
    • 2008 Doctor of Physical Therapy Simmons College
    • 1982 BS Physical Therapy, Marquette University
    • 28 years experience
    • Certified Clinical Instructor, APTA
    • Specialty:  headache, neck pain, Leads a weekly Ball Exercise Class

Community Hospital Fitness Pointe®
Outpatient Physical Therapy
9950 Calumet Ave.
Munster, IN 46321

Hours of Operation
M-W-Th: 5:00 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tu-F: 5:00 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat: 6:30 am-2 p.m.

Phone: 219-934-2840
Fax: 219-934-2841

Community Hospital Outpatient Centre
Outpatient Physical Therapy
9660 Wicker Ave.
St. John, IN 46373

Hours of Operation:
M-W-Th: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tu-F: 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: 219-226-2326
Fax: 219-226-2327