Lindsey Nordstrom PT, DPT
BOARD CERTIFIED CLINICAL SPECIALIST IN GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
ADVANCED CERTIFIED EXERCISE EXPERT FOR AGING ADULTS
CREDENTIALED BALANCE AND FALLS PROFESSIONAL
LSVT CERTIFIED THERAPIST
It was never a question for me that I would become a Physical Therapist. While many of my collegiate peers changed their majors several times, I graduated high school knowing what I wanted to do, and I spent the next 6 years working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences and Master’s in Physical Therapy at Northern Illinois University. I worked at Elmhurst Hospital before returning to Ottawa to work in the hospital outpatient clinic, where I had worked for many years throughout college. After two additional years at the hospital, life eventually took me away from Ottawa, where I practiced in various outpatient, home-based, and nursing home settings while going back to school for additional degrees and certifications. During that time I earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, took several specialized courses to be certified as an Advanced Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, and became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy. My passion for treating the geriatric population grew immensely during this time of my life, and now having planted my roots once again in Ottawa, that passion and my enthusiasm to provide quality care has birthed Spry.
I am thrilled to once again call Ottawa home and to be focused on building this clinic for the residents of the Illinois Valley. If I’m not at the clinic, I’m probably playing with my three kids or three dogs, jogging around town, listening to a good book, or testing out a new recipe.
Heather Lehr PT, DPT
LSVT CERTIFIED THERAPIST
Hi, my name is Heather Lehr! I grew up in Utica, Illinois graduating from LaSalle Peru High School where my interest in Physical therapy began due to my love for sports. After high school, I continued my education at the University of Indianapolis where I received my Bachelors in Exercise Science. I then moved to Tampa, Florida for 3 years of graduate school earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Although I loved the beach and warm weather, I love my family even more and moved back to the Illinois Valley. After school, I worked at Morris Hospital as a split acute care and outpatient therapist for a few years until I transitioned to the Liberty Village of Peru (skilled nursing facility, ALF, and ILF) due to my love for the geriatric population. When I saw Spry was growing and taking on another therapist, I could not pass up the opportunity to join Lindsey’s team to make a difference in our aging community. I am passionate about helping people and have a strong desire to improve the quality of life for the geriatric population. I aspire to provide individualized, evidence-based treatment approaches to meet the unique needs and goals of every patient. When not at work you can find me spending time with my growing family, playing golf, spending time outside, reading, or tackling a new house project.
Russa Aussieker PTA
Hi, I’m Russa Aussieker. I was born, raised and am now raising my family in Wenona. I knew I wanted to go into Physical Therapy when I was in high school. My older cousin is a physical therapist and that’s what sparked my interest. After four years of college I graduated as a Physical Therapist Assistant and began working at St. Mary’s Hospital, working in a variety of areas. I left there to work in a small outpatient clinic. And after a few years I transitioned to find my passion with the geriatric population working in skilled nursing facilities. I spent 8 years in Minonk at Heritage Manor and the past 12+ at Liberty Village of Peru where I got the opportunity to work with Lindsey and Heather. I am so excited to be working with and learning from them again in my favorite setting and to have the opportunity to improve peoples lives. My passion is connecting with my patients on a personal level and help them reach their individual goals. I bring 25+ years experience with me and I am always excited to keep learning and growing. When I’m not working I’m spending time with my family, including my teenage kids, planning our next family vacation to visit all 50 states, baking, and shopping.
Mary Yuhas MS, CCC-SLP
LSVT CERTIFIED THERAPIST
Hello! I was born and raised in Streator, IL where I graduated from Streator High School in 2007. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2011 and my Master’s degree from Illinois State University in 2013. With 11 years of experience working with adults and geriatrics, I am focused on providing highly-skilled, evidence-based, and functional services for swallowing, speech, voice, language, and cognition. I love making connections with my patients and developing personalized therapy plans to achieve their goals in communication and swallowing. I am passionate about the field of speech-pathology and bringing awareness to its importance for the adult and geriatric population. I have a particularly strong passion for working with individuals with Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.
In my spare time, I can be found making memories with my husband and three boys. When that isn’t keeping me busy, I love spending time cooking, reading a new book, or practicing yoga!