Meet Our Duluth Heights Therapists
Dr. Annita Winkels, MA PT, DPT holds both a Masters (1999) and Doctorate (2011) degree in physical therapy from The College of St. Scholastica. In 2023 she obtained her certification at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Manual Medicine. Additionally, Annita has extensive postgraduate training in manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise for treating sports injuries, orthopedic/spinal conditions, neck pain/headaches, and conditions specific to women/men’s health issues including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, rectal pain, and bowel dysfunctions. Annita’s clinical focus is on restoring patients to their highest level of physical function so they can live their fullest lives. She opened In Motion Therapy in 2007, driven by a desire to provide comprehensive, hands-on care that prioritizes each patient’s individual needs. She has created a comfortable, private therapy environment where all therapists are empowered with the resources and education necessary to practice at their highest levels, and all patients are given the focused time and attention they deserve to return to their highest level of function. Annita is also passionate about treating local competitive and recreational athletes of all ages and disciplines. Outside the clinic, Annita serves as a resource for learning in the physical therapy community, as she lectures/presents 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 teacher's assistant for the Pelvic Rehab Institute and is credentialed as a Clinical Instructor for physical therapy students. Together with her husband and three sons, Annita leads an active lifestyle that includes biking, walking, running, and alpine/cross country skiing in the northland. An athlete herself, Annita has completed six full marathons and countless half marathons. Her family also enjoys camping, local festivals, and spending time together enjoying the great outdoors around Duluth.
Jana Whiting, PT, is a graduate of the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences, Program in Physical Therapy. Her continuing education has focused on osteopathic manual therapy techniques for the spine and extremities, neural and fascial mobilization techniques, and pelvic health. For over 30 years, Jana’s approach to physical therapy has been based on the idea that a calm, settled body is the foundation for health, for healing, and for helping others. To this end, she combines hands-on treatment with intentional, focused exercise, and she takes the time to understand and target the unique goals of each patient. Jana’s professional interests include women’s health issues, chronic pain, and pelvic dysfunctions, as well as general orthopedic concerns. Jana has worked in a variety of outpatient orthopedic/sports medicine clinics in both St. Paul and Duluth, MN and has been with In Motion Therapy since 2011. Outside the clinic, Jana enjoys spending time with her husband and their four grown children. She appreciates the beauty of the Duluth area and the opportunities for participating in outdoor activities throughout the year. She also treasures any quiet time she can spend with a good book.
Dr. Brianna Hall Nelson DPT earned her clinical doctorate in physical therapy in 2021 from Regis University. She is passionate about movement, creating individualized therapeutic solutions to help patients meet their goals. She combines hands-on therapy with exercise interventions to promote sustainable wellbeing. As a teaching dance artist, Brianna has special interest in rehabilitating performing artists, bringing strength into balance with their unique mobility demands. Brianna is a lifelong dancer. She holds a B.A. in Dance from St. Olaf College where she studied dance technique, performance, theory, and choreography. In her eight years of teaching dance, she has instructed and created work for dancers ages 3 to 65 in tap, jazz, modern, and ballet styles. Dance theater choreography credits include Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book for Reif Dance, Cabaret and The Toxic Avenger for the Underground Theater, and The Wizard of Oz for the Playhouse Family Theater. Recent projects include music video choreography in collaboration with local songwriter Emily Haavik and annual performances in Duluth’s outdoor dance festival Dances on the Lakewalk. Brianna is thrilled to integrate her body knowledge as a dancer with her analytical skills as a physical therapist to help Duluth’s performing artists stay in the spotlight.
Dr. Alyssa Mesedahl Swanson, DPT earned her clinical doctorate in 2021 from the College of St. Scholastica. Alyssa has completed specialty training in treating the pelvic floor through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and has a special interest in working with patients to restore optimal function. She also enjoys working with spinal dysfunction and back pain, and with athletes to achieve their goals following injury or surgery. She believes in combining manual techniques in the clinic with a specific progressive exercise program targeted to each patient to promote joyful ease of movement which is sustainable. Alyssa lives in Duluth with her husband and son. She enjoys mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, exploring the BWCA, and playing music with friends.
Cory Autio has practiced physical therapy in an outpatient setting since 2000 and has focused his efforts on becoming skilled in manual therapy treatment of the spine and extremities. He utilizes the knowledge gained through his Pilates training to develop exercise programs with focus on integration into the activities that are important into each individual client. Living an active lifestyle (mountain biking, hockey, kayaking, cross country skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, hiking) has allowed him to experience how to navigate his own injuries and prolong his own athletic career to relate to the challenges his clients are going through. Cory believes that in order to achieve success through physical therapy, the patient must play an active role in their treatment by understanding their body and have motivation. This combined with his treatment skills, knowledge of how the body recovers leads to successful outcomes. Cory's greatest satisfaction is seeing an individual return to their desired activities and giving them tools to continue their progression when graduating from PT.
Meet Our Lincoln Park Therapists
Suzanne Donahue, MA PT earned her Master's degree in Physical Therapy in 2003 from the College of St. Scholastica. In 2023 she obtained her certification at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Manual Medicine. Suzanne spent the first eight years of her professional career practicing in a small town rural setting, caring for patients both young and old. She has worked in pediatrics and in an outpatient orthopedic setting and has undergone extensive post graduate training in osteopathic manual therapy techniques for the neck, spine, and extremities as well as pediatrics. Recent classes include neural manipulation, headaches and head trauma, extremity mobilization, and fascial release. She is now working towards a certification in functional manual medicine at Michigan State University. Suzanne joined In Motion Therapy in 2012 to provide care that emphasizes the whole patient, and she is dedicated to meeting each patient's goals of living life to its fullest potential. In Motion Therapy allows her to grow professionally and provide excellent hands-on care. Her passion is empowering patients with the tools they need to improve their quality of life and meet their individualized goals. She loves making a positive difference in her patients' lives. Suzanne lives with her family in Proctor, MN and loves spending time outdoors. Her interests include running, biking, Pilates, snowshoeing, scrapbooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Jen Sorvari-Hedlund, DPT earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2005 and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2009. For all her patients, Jen is committed restoring mobility, improving function, and preventing re-injury in the future. As a therapist, she believes it is her role to not only provide comprehensive, individualized care, but also to empower patients with a clear understanding of their conditions and the tools necessary to achieve their goals and return to a lifestyle they enjoy. Jen has a passion for continual professional education to develop a comprehensive, full body approach to physical therapy care. She has a special interest in manual therapy techniques and has received specialized training in osteopathic manual medicine, spinal dysfunctions, orthopedic conditions, visceral manipulation, neural manipulation, Graston Technique, Myofascial Counterstrain Technique, and myofascial release. Jen lives in Esko with her husband, children, and goldendoodle. She loves spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Shanel Hatfield Kaldahl, DPT completed her clinical doctorate in 2018 and joined In Motion Therapy that same year. In 2022 she obtained her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist distinction from the American Physical Therapy Associated. Additionally, Shanel has completed a multitude of continuing education courses and has received certifications in dry needle therapy and for working with pregnant and postpartum women to achieve their exercise goals. She treats primarily orthopedic patients but also works with patients who suffer from headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. Shanel believes in a treatment approach that focuses on hands-on treatment for improved mobility and provides exercises specific to each patient’s needs. Outside the clinic, Shanel enjoys spending time with family. Her favorite physical activities include running, walking, weight lifting, biking, and downhill skiing.
Dr. Carrie Stanek, DPT earned her clinical doctorate in 2019 from St. Catherine University. Carrie is certified in lymphedema therapy through Comprehensive Lymphedema Management for American Health Care and has completed pelvic floor training through the Herman and Wallace Rehabilitation Institute. She has special interest in working with these patient populations in order to maximize overall function and wellness for each individual. Carrie has lived and worked in the Twin Cities for most of her life and is excited to explore all that Duluth has to offer. Carrie lives in Wrenshall with her husband and her dog, Aldo. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, running, and reading.
Dr. Hannah Johnson, DPT earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2011) from Concordia College and clinical doctorate (2015) from University of Wisconsin: Madison. Her interest in physical therapy developed from observing OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatments) from her father, an osteopathic physician. At the start of her career, she provided services in outpatient rural health clinics and school-based settings and enjoyed working with a wide range of ages and diagnoses. Hannah became a certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy in 2019. She values a holistic perspective and ongoing learning and is thankful to work for a practice that shares this viewpoint and supports long-term training. Therapy sessions typically incorporate a combination of hands-on manual techniques and patient-tailored exercises. Hannah also has a special interest in fall prevention and enjoys incorporating dance steps with older adult populations for home programs. She served on the advisory board for Ballroom Basics for BalanceTM for 3 years. Hannah lives in Duluth with her family. In free-time Hannah loves to travel, spend time on the Northshore, listen to music, and stay active (figure skating, cross country skiing, biking, kayaking, and hiking).