Physical Therapists
Physical therapy (PT) is a non-invasive way to rehabilitate the body, reducing pain and restoring function and mobility. Doctors may prescribe physical therapy after an orthopedic or sports injury, especially before or after surgery to improve patient outcomes.
PT may also be used to prevent disability from degenerative or other conditions. Regardless of the reason, physical therapy is always customized to your unique needs. Your therapist will review your medical history and evaluate your condition, then develop your treatment plan.
At Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence, our physical therapists help you achieve an optimal state of wellness after an orthopedic injury or condition has limited your ability to move freely without pain. Learn more about our Colorado Springs physical therapists.
Michael Buckler, MPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Director of the Rehabilitation Department
Mike specializes in orthopedic extremity care, with an emphasis in the throwing shoulder and overhead athletes. He has treated athletes of all levels from high school to professional and Olympic caliber. Mike has served as Rehabilitation Consultant for several minor league baseball teams. He is passionate about injury prevention for the young athlete and regularly speaks at workshops, schools, and club organizations on topics related to preventable sports injuries. He is currently a rehabilitation consultant for several local high schools, The Colorado Rampage Hockey Club, 7K Skating Club, and has served as the Medical Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain State Games since 2002.
Joel F. Dixon, PT, DPT, OCS
Physical Therapist
Joel specializes in treating high school, collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes with specific interest in the orthopedic needs of performing artists. He has worked with nationally and internationally touring theater productions, and that experience carries forward to treating competitive figure skaters in the Colorado Springs Olympic community. Orthopedic patients, both surgical and non surgical, are provided complete care from evaluation to discharge. Joel collaborates with sports performance staff to transition athletes from rehabilitation to sport specific training. He has provided sports medicine coverage for the Rocky Mountain State Games since 2006.
Shannon Spangler, DPT, OCS
Physical Therapist
Shannon graduated from Penn State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Rehab and Human Services. She continued her education with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant in 2013, followed by completing her DPT from Neumann University in 2016. In her spare time she enjoys hiking Colorado 14ers, going to Crossfit, snowboarding, and spending time with friends. She is also the Commissioner for the CCOE Fantasy Football League. Shannon is also an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, obtaining her certification in 2021.
Kyle Sanders, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC/L, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Kyle obtained his doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis. He then completed his sports residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and became a SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist). This certification in addition to being a licensed athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist allows Kyle to better serve athletes under his care. Kyle enjoys working in all areas of the rehab spectrum, but return to play and prevention of injury are two of his highest interests. In addition to serving the sports community, Kyle is also passionate about education. He enjoys teaching students and preparing them to treat patients of their own.
Kyle and his wife have lived in Colorado since 2016. Although originally from the Midwest, they have quickly made this state their home and enjoy seeing all that it has to offer. When Kyle is not outdoors, he is usually watching sports. He is an avid Indianapolis Colts football and Pacers basketball fan.
Micah Menges, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Micah grew up in the Midwest, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Minnesota State University – Mankato in 2007, followed by his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse in 2011. He has experience in a variety of outpatient orthopedic settings and has treated athletes from a multitude of sports, levels, and backgrounds. He had the opportunity to intern with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and subsequently served as a spring training clinical consultant for 2 seasons. His treatment style focuses on first understanding his patient’s background, motivations, and goals, and then tailoring a progressive treatment plan utilizing specific exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to achieve those goals.
Outside of the clinic, Micah enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 kids, Colorado getaways, cooking, playing and watching sports, visiting his parents and 8 siblings, and trying new things. He loves humor, and can frequently be heard quoting some of his favorite movies. He is also a passionate Wisconsin sports fan, tirelessly rooting for the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers!
Amanda Doughty, PT
Physical Therapist
Amanda Doughty received her PT degree in 1989 in AZ. She initially worked in Boston gaining experience in spinal cord injuries and out-patient orthopaedics. She was also involved with the Boston Running Club both as a participant and leading prevention workshops. Amanda moved to Colorado Springs in 1992 and has worked in outpatient orthopaedics since. She expanded her education with certification in manual therapy from the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. She also became certified in dry needling level I /II. She enjoys working with weekend warriors, high school athletes, runners from a variety of levels, and neck/back injuries. Her passion is assisting people to achieve their goals; everything from returning or expanding a level of sport, safe return to walking in the community/through the house/stairs, or working towards controlling pain due to overuse, physical labor etc.
Amanda enjoys running, hiking, cross country and downhill skiing, reading, camping, and river rafting with her husband and 2 adult children.
Claire Garber, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Claire grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and completed her bachelor’s degree in 2019 at Saint Louis University. She stayed at SLU and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021. While a Midwest girl at heart, she has always had a love for the mountains and moved to Colorado Springs in 2023. Claire has worked with all types of patients and particularly enjoys working with patients experiencing hip and knee pain. She has a passion for helping people achieve their goals and return to the things they love to do. Outside of the clinic, Claire loves to run, hike, and explore new restaurants.
Andrew Wu, PT, DPT, ATC
Physical Therapist
Andrew was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and certification in Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, he primarily worked with their wrestling and football teams. He then received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, PA. Andrew is passionate and eager to work with all patients and his Athletic Training background assists him when working with athletes or any patient looking to return to sports and athletic activities.
Andrew’s best decision in life was moving to Colorado. In his free time, he enjoys the many activities Colorado offers including mountain biking, skiing, hiking, camping, and climbing.
Grace Mainwaring, PT, DPT, OCS
Physical Therapist
Grace graduated from University of Rhode Island with a doctorate in physical therapy in 2019. Since beginning to practice in Colorado Springs, Grace has loved working with youth hockey players, elite figure skaters, runners, and hikers. She has also continued her education, become certified in dry needling and taking courses in spinal manipulation.
On the weekends, she can usually be found on the top of a mountain, exploring Colorado, or at home watching rugby.
Lindsey Bauman, PT, DPT, OCS
Physical Therapist
Lindsey is originally from Indiana, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at DePauw University. She then graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015 from Washington University in St. Louis.
Upon graduating, Lindsey moved to Utah and began working at an outpatient orthopedic facility. While there she obtained her Orthopedic Certified Specialist designation in 2019. She enjoys treating all diagnoses but finds extra enjoyment in working with active female patients who have hip and knee pain. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2012.
In order to move closer to family, yet still enjoy the mountains, she came to Colorado Springs in 2021. Outside of the clinic, Lindsey competes in triathlons and enjoys spending time in the mountains.
Hannah Williams PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Hannah graduated from Kansas State University in 2019 with Bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Spanish Language. She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University in 2021. Hannah is passionate about human performance, wound care, and chronic pain. She enjoys training tactical and high school athletes, with her background being in gymnastics, endurance running, and CrossFit. She hopes to continue her education in dry needling, sports performance, and pain science.
Hannah is a Colorado Springs native, returning to the area after graduation. Outside the clinic you’ll find her running around the mountains, throwing weights in the gym, playing with furry friends, or soaking up the sunshine and enjoying good food with friends. Hannah is a die-hard K-State and Steelers fan, so don’t be surprised when she breaks out in cheers during football season.
Erica Emanuelson, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Erica has spent most of her life in Colorado, spending the vast majority of that time in the Colorado Springs area. She attended the University of Northern Colorado graduating in 2015 with a B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science. After spending several years working as an Exercise Specialist in the PT setting, she pursued her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant graduating with honors from ACC in 2021. She has since been recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association for completing the requirements to achieve Advanced Proficiency in Orthopedics. Erica has experience treating a wide range of diagnoses in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, and is excited to partner with her Patients at CCOE as they navigate the rehabilitative process.
Outside of the clinic, Erica is an avid cyclist and enjoys trail running, hiking and downhill skiing. On the weekends, you can be sure to find her exploring the mountains with her friends, family and dog.
Albert Song Levingston, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Albert was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in a military family in Colorado Springs, CO. He is a graduate of Sierra High School where he competed in football, baseball, and tennis. Albert was also heavily involved in Taekwondo where he has won several Colorado State Championships, Jr. Olympic, Junior National, and U.S. National titles. He was also a medalist at the 1991 U.S. Olympic Festival and trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center as a member of the Resident National Team. In 1992, he missed an opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games, finishing fifth at the U.S. Team Trials having to withdrawal due to an ankle and foot injury.
Albert attended Colorado State University and received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. He is a practicing licensed physical therapist assistant with over 22 years’ experience in orthopedics, sports injury and rehab, acute care, and geriatric rehab. Albert’s core philosophy can be summarized by a simple quote from legendary coach Bill Bowerman – “If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” Albert considers everyone an athlete, at least an athlete at heart, and has trained and rehabilitated athletes as young as 5 years old, including many high school, college, semi-pro, and professional athletes from a variety of sports. He was a Certified Combine Performance Trainer (C360III/i360III) through Under Armour/Ignite (IMG) and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from 2000 to 2007. His experiences as an athlete, physical therapist assistant, and performance trainer have shaped his career with practical and applied knowledge.
Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, a busy executive, had surgery, injured, or simply an active person who wants to challenge yourself to get better; Albert is committed to helping people of all walks of life, both young and old, enhance their quality of life, achieve a greater level of success, and truly find their own personal excellence.
Nicole Cook, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Nicole is originally from Kansas where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Kansas State University. She then pursued her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from KCKCC in 2016.
Nicole began working at an outpatient orthopedic facility in Kansas before moving to Colorado Springs, where she continued to work in orthopedics with both adults and pediatrics. She enjoys treating all diagnoses, especially knee and ankle pain. In addition to orthopedics, Nicole has experience in pediatrics, inpatient rehab, and home health.
Outside of the clinic, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 golden retrievers. They enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, and fly fishing.
Cristin Winslow, PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F
Physical Therapist
Graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in 2008; then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from George Washington University in 2012. She has also pursued advanced certifications as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), tactical strength and conditioning facilitator (TSAC-F), and functional dry needling through Evidence in Motion. Upon graduating, Cristin worked in Washington, DC before moving to Denver in 2019 and finally settling in Colorado Springs in late 2020. In her free time, Cristin enjoys golfing, hiking, Orangetheory, and competing in sprint distance triathlons all to balance out her love of cooking and exploring the food scene.
Kory Landers, PT, DPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Kory graduated from Marquette University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and obtained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marquette in 2021. Kory has completed strength and conditioning internships, working with youth, high school, college, and professional athletes, helping them achieve their functional and performance goals. After graduation, he continued his education and training, becoming certified in Dry Needling and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Kory has experience working in outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy clinics, working with all patients and diagnoses, including patients post total joint replacement surgery, baseball players returning to throwing/pitching following injury and leading an ACL injury prevention class for high school athletes. Kory believes in treating the patient as a whole and ensures that each patient plays an active role in their recovery. He is passionate about helping patients of all ability levels achieve their goals, return to their desired activity or sport, and help them regain their independence.
Kory enjoys staying active, playing basketball, golf, working out, and hiking. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and keeping up with the San Antonio Spurs and Marquette Basketball.
Bethany Navarro, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Bethany grew up in Georgia, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in 2019 in Health and Physical Education with minor in Exercise and Sport Science from University of Georgia, GO DAWGS! In 2021, she and her husband moved to California to attend Loma Linda University and graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024.
She has experience in a variety of health and fitness coaching both as her online business and in person since 2018. She has gained experience in outpatient orthopedic settings treating a wide range of patients from chronic pain to athletic populations. Through her treatments, she enjoys dry needling, manual therapy and functional exercise with a holistic care approach.
Outside of the clinic, Bethany enjoys spending time with her husband and friends traveling, going to concerts, playing tennis or pickle ball, watching Georgia football games or Friends, and competes in bodybuilding spending a lot of free time at the gym and eating chicken.
Kimberly Kasper, PTA, NSCA-CPT
Physical Therapist
Kim moved to Colorado in 2017 after graduating from Penn State University with Bachelor’s Degrees in both Recreation Management and Public Relations. She spent several years working in outdoor recreation as a whitewater raft guide and stand-up paddle board instructor until she decided to pursue her passion for therapeutic exercise and sports performance. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Level 1 Weightlifting Coach through USA Weightlifting, and a Certified Level 1 CrossFit Coach. She continued her education and graduated with honors from Pikes Peak State College with an associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2024. In her free time, Kim enjoys skiing, traveling, and spending time in the mountains with her Golden Retriever, Teddy.