Meet Our Duluth Heights Therapists
Annita Winkels, MA, PT, DPT | Owner & CEO
Annita Winkels is the Owner and CEO of In Motion Therapy, which she founded in 2007 with a vision of providing comprehensive, individualized physical therapy in an environment where therapists have the time, training, and resources to deliver exceptional care. She earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 1999 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011.
With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Annita has developed particular expertise in working with patients with complex, persistent, or multifactorial conditions. She enjoys helping patients who may have multiple areas of pain or dysfunction, symptoms that have not responded to previous treatment, or conditions that require looking beyond a single body region. Her whole-body approach considers how the musculoskeletal, nervous, and movement systems interact to identify contributing factors and develop an individualized path forward.
A cornerstone of Annita’s practice is her extensive postgraduate education in osteopathic manual medicine. After years of advanced hands-on training, she earned her Certification in Functional Manual Medicine through Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2023. She combines this advanced manual therapy expertise with therapeutic exercise and patient education to restore mobility, improve function, and help patients return to the activities that are most important to them.
Annita’s broad clinical background includes orthopedic and spinal conditions, sports injuries, neck pain and headaches, and pelvic health. Her pelvic health expertise includes treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, rectal pain, and bowel dysfunction in both women and men. She is also passionate about working with competitive and recreational athletes of all ages and disciplines.
Beyond patient care, Annita is committed to advancing the physical therapy profession through education and mentorship. She has lectured and presented at the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, and the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School. She has also served as a teaching assistant for the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and is a credentialed Clinical Instructor for physical therapy students.
As Owner and CEO, Annita remains committed to the philosophy that inspired In Motion Therapy: providing thoughtful, hands-on care centered on the individual while creating an environment where clinicians can continually advance their expertise and practice at the highest level.
Outside the clinic, Annita enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and three sons. She enjoys biking, walking, running, alpine and cross-country skiing, camping, local festivals, and exploring the outdoors around Duluth. An athlete herself, Annita has completed six marathons and numerous half marathons.
Jana Whiting, PT
Jana Whiting is a graduate of the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences Program in Physical Therapy and brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to her practice. She has worked in a variety of outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine settings in both St. Paul and Duluth and has been with In Motion Therapy since 2011.
Jana has developed particular expertise in posture, breathing mechanics, and the relationship between breathing and movement. She recognizes that how we breathe and position our bodies can influence muscle tension, mobility, core and pelvic floor function, and overall movement patterns. She incorporates breathing and postural strategies into treatment to help patients develop greater body awareness and more comfortable, efficient movement.
Her extensive postgraduate education includes osteopathic manual therapy for the spine and extremities, neural and fascial mobilization, and pelvic health. Her professional interests also include women’s health, chronic pain, pelvic dysfunction, and general orthopedic conditions. This broad background allows Jana to consider the whole body when identifying factors that may be contributing to a patient's symptoms.
Jana’s approach to physical therapy is grounded in the belief that a calm, settled body provides a foundation for healing and healthy movement. She combines skilled hands-on treatment with intentional, focused exercise and takes the time to understand each patient’s individual needs and goals.
Outside the clinic, Jana enjoys spending time with her husband and four grown children, taking advantage of Duluth’s year-round outdoor activities, and finding quiet time with a good book.
Alyssa Mesedahl Swanson, DPT
Alyssa Mesedahl Swanson earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2021. She has pursued specialized training in pelvic health physical therapy through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, with a particular passion for helping patients during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period.
Alyssa enjoys helping patients navigate the physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy. Her approach considers the relationship between the pelvic floor, core, hips, spine, breathing, and overall movement, allowing her to provide individualized care based on each patient’s symptoms, goals, and stage of recovery. She is passionate about helping patients feel strong, confident, and supported as they return to exercise, recreation, and everyday activities.
In addition to pelvic health, Alyssa enjoys treating spinal dysfunction, back pain, and orthopedic injuries, as well as helping athletes return to activity following injury or surgery. Her treatment approach combines hands-on manual therapy with progressive, individualized exercise to restore function and promote comfortable, sustainable movement.
Alyssa lives in Duluth with her family. Outside the clinic, she enjoys mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, exploring the BWCA, and playing music with friends.
Cory Autio, PT
Cory Autio has practiced physical therapy in the outpatient setting since 2000, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing advanced skills in manual therapy for the spine and extremities, while continually expanding his understanding of movement and whole-body function.
Cory has extensive training in Pilates-based rehabilitation, which strongly influences his approach to exercise and movement. He uses Pilates principles to help patients develop body awareness, mobility, strength, control, and efficient movement patterns. Rather than treating exercise as separate from everyday life, Cory designs programs that translate directly into the activities that are important to each patient—whether that means returning to a sport, an outdoor activity, work, or simply moving more comfortably throughout the day.
His manual therapy background also includes training in craniosacral therapy, adding another dimension to his hands-on approach. Cory integrates craniosacral techniques with his broader manual therapy and movement expertise based on the individual needs and presentation of each patient.
As an avid athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Cory brings a personal understanding of the challenges involved in recovering from injury while maintaining an active lifestyle. His interests include mountain biking, hockey, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and hiking.
Cory believes successful physical therapy is a partnership. His goal is to help patients understand their bodies, return to the activities they value, and leave therapy with the tools to continue progressing independently.
Journey Dockham, DPT, OCS
Journey Dockham earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2022. In 2025, she completed a post-professional Orthopedic Residency through Evidence in Motion and went on to become a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2026. Her residency and board certification reflect advanced training and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
In addition to her orthopedic expertise, Journey has a particular clinical interest in dizziness, vestibular disorders, and balance conditions. She has pursued extensive continuing education in vestibular rehabilitation and enjoys helping patients experiencing vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and movement-related symptoms. Her orthopedic background also allows her to consider how the neck, musculoskeletal system, and overall movement patterns may contribute to a patient's symptoms.
Journey enjoys working with orthopedic and active populations of all ages, from patients recovering from injury or surgery to those managing more complex movement concerns. Her treatment philosophy centers on providing hands-on, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's goals and lifestyle.
Her treatment approach combines orthopedic manual therapy, individualized exercise, vestibular rehabilitation, patient education, and Functional Dry Needling when appropriate. Journey believes in empowering patients through education and movement to build resilience, restore confidence, and achieve meaningful improvements in function.
Outside the clinic, Journey enjoys traveling, hiking with her husband and two dogs, rollerblading, and spending time with family.
Meet Our Lincoln Park Therapists
Suzanne Donahue, MA, PT
Suzanne Donahue earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2003 and brings more than two decades of clinical experience to her practice. Her background includes rural healthcare, pediatrics, and outpatient orthopedics. She joined In Motion Therapy in 2012, where she has continued to expand her clinical expertise while providing individualized, hands-on care.
A cornerstone of Suzanne’s practice is her extensive postgraduate education in osteopathic manual medicine. After years of advanced training in hands-on assessment and treatment techniques, she earned her Certification in Functional Manual Medicine through Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2023. This comprehensive training has enhanced her ability to evaluate how different regions and systems of the body interact and to use precise manual techniques to improve mobility, movement, and function.
Suzanne has developed particular expertise in treating headaches, concussion, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) dysfunction. Her advanced training allows her to consider the relationship between the jaw, neck, upper spine, nervous system, and surrounding tissues when evaluating headaches and facial or jaw symptoms. She combines skilled manual therapy with movement, exercise, and education to address contributing factors and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Suzanne values a whole-person approach to physical therapy, looking beyond the location of symptoms to identify factors that may be contributing to pain or movement limitations. Her passion is empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their quality of life, achieve their individual goals, and return to the activities that matter most to them.
Suzanne lives with her family in Proctor, Minnesota, and enjoys running, biking, Pilates, snowshoeing, scrapbooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Jen Sorvari-Hedlund, DPT
Jen Sorvari-Hedlund earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2005 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2009. With more than 15 years of clinical experience, Jen is committed to helping patients restore mobility, improve function, and reduce the risk of future injury.
A cornerstone of Jen’s practice is her extensive postgraduate training in manual therapy. She has pursued advanced education in osteopathic manual medicine, spinal dysfunction, orthopedic conditions, visceral manipulation, neural manipulation, Graston Technique, Myofascial Counterstrain, and myofascial release. This broad range of hands-on training allows Jen to assess the body as an interconnected system and select treatment techniques based on each patient’s individual presentation.
Jen takes a comprehensive, whole-body approach to physical therapy. Her treatment combines skilled manual therapy with individualized movement, exercise, and education to address factors contributing to pain and movement limitations. She believes an important part of her role is helping patients understand their condition and giving them practical tools to take an active role in their recovery.
Jen has a passion for continued professional education and is committed to continually expanding her clinical skills to provide thoughtful, individualized care. Her goal is to help each patient achieve meaningful improvements in function and confidently return to the lifestyle and activities they enjoy.
Jen lives in Esko with her husband, children, and Goldendoodle and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Shanel Hatfield Kaldahl, DPT, OCS
Shanel Hatfield Kaldahl earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018 and joined In Motion Therapy that same year. In 2022, she became a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, demonstrating advanced expertise in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Shanel enjoys treating a broad range of orthopedic conditions, from acute injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to persistent and more complex musculoskeletal concerns. She has particular clinical interests in hypermobility, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, and spine pain. Her extensive orthopedic background allows her to consider how the spine, joints, muscles, nervous system, and overall movement patterns may contribute to a patient’s symptoms rather than focusing only on the area that hurts.
Her treatment approach combines hands-on manual therapy, individualized exercise, dry needling, and patient education to improve mobility, build strength, and restore function. Shanel’s goal is to help patients better understand their bodies and develop the tools they need to stay active and confidently return to the activities that matter to them.
Outside the clinic, Shanel enjoys spending time with her family and staying active. Her favorite activities include running, walking, weightlifting, biking, and downhill skiing.
Hannah Johnson, DPT, OCS
Hannah Johnson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Concordia College in 2011 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2015. Her interest in physical therapy began through early exposure to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) from her father, an osteopathic physician. She began her career working in rural outpatient clinics and school-based settings, gaining experience treating patients across a wide range of ages and conditions.
In 2019, Hannah became a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), reflecting advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. She continues to pursue advanced education and values an approach that considers the whole person rather than focusing solely on the location of symptoms.
Hannah has also completed specialized training in pelvic health physical therapy, expanding her ability to care for patients with pelvic floor-related concerns. She incorporates this training into a whole-body approach, recognizing the important relationships between the pelvic floor, core, hips, spine, breathing, and movement. Her goal is to provide comfortable, individualized care that helps patients better understand their bodies and confidently return to the activities that are important to them.
Hannah has a special interest in balance and fall prevention and enjoys finding creative ways to help older adults improve strength, mobility, and confidence. She served for three years on the advisory board for Ballroom Basics for Balance™ and enjoys incorporating dance-based movements into home programs when appropriate.
Hannah’s treatment approach typically combines skilled hands-on manual therapy with individualized exercise, movement, and education. She values ongoing learning and appreciates being part of a practice that supports advanced training and a holistic approach to patient care.
Hannah lives in Duluth with her family. Outside of the clinic, she loves traveling, spending time on the North Shore, listening to music, and staying active through figure skating, cross-country skiing, biking, kayaking, and hiking.