It matters WHO you get your care from. It can make all the difference in the world. We understand this and practice what we call “Creative Care Service”. We believe nothing is impossible! Learn more about our team below.
Mike Uhrlaub, PT, Director, CEO
I believe, “In life its not how hard you can hit, but how much you can get hit and keep moving forward.” I am the founder of Flex Physical Therapy which was opened in February 2006. I graduated from University Nebraska Medical Center with my physical therapy degree in 1997. I have special interests in knee, shoulder, and foot injuries which I have extensive training and continuing education on. However, I see patients with all types of orthopedic injuries. The patients and staff both make working for Flex Therapy enjoyable.
My can do, nothing is impossible approach is what’s gotten me this far in life and what patients love most about me. I enjoy bringing out the best in my patients.
Patients love my caring empathic attitude which I believe helps the patients get better and become more independent. I earned the US Army Commendation Medal for service as a calvary medic during the Battle of 73 Easting in Operation Desert Storm.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife, Shawna and kids Kaia and Garrett. I enjoy working out and spending time outside (fishing, hiking, skiing) and watching football. My weakness is ice cream and being a procrastinator. On the flip side I am a former USA power lifting judge and competitive power lifter. I was nationally ranked in the top 25 in 1997 and 1998 (275 and 308 pound weight class).
Steph Madsen, BA/ATC
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in August of 2007 as an athletic trainer. I moved into the physical therapy tech roll, then receptionist and I am currently the Office Manager. Working at Flex Physical Therapy is like working with a second family. Both the patients and co-workers see me being pretty easy going, a great listener and someone easy to talk to. I graduated in 2007 from University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Athletic Training. I became a Certified Athletic trainer and provided local high school football coverage. I have provided other sports coverage including baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track and wrestling. I am also certified in Sportsmetrics ACL prevention.
I believe, “The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.” -Anson Dorrance. In my free time I love to coach softball, spend time with my family, and be outdoors.
Joe Johns, MPT
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in April of 2017 as the lead physical therapist at the West Broadway location. I received my physical therapy degree from Des Moines University in 2000 where I developed a special interest in manual treatment techniques and was trained in the Graston Technique. The Graston Technique is 1 of the 2 top recognized instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques. I really enjoy treating low back and shoulder injuries. I practiced physical therapy in the Des Moines area for 12 years before moving to Council Bluffs.
A good friend of mine was in a serious accident and I saw how physical therapy helped him regain his motion, strength, and ability to participate in sports again. This is when I figured out physical therapy was what I needed to do!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 boys. As a family we enjoy renting a cabin on a lake and doing some fishing and boating. Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska I am a huge Nebraska Cornhusker fan. I consider myself open minded and a great listener. My biggest weakness would be procrastinating.
“Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions” -Tony Robbins
Paige Lager, DPT
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in May of 2017 as a tech. Helping the other therapists in the clinic and learning the ropes at Flex. I got to know everyone and really enjoyed the atmosphere and how well everyone worked so well together. So when I passed my boards in July, it made it very easy to accept the Physical Therapist position when it was offered. I was born and raised in Mo. Valley, where I’ve played softball since I was 5 years old. I started pitching lessons when I was 7 years old and continued to pitch through my college years. I went to Dana College in Blair until it closed and transferred to Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids. I received my physical therapy degree from University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas in May of 2017.
The reason I wanted to be a PT was because of the care I received after my 4 knee surgeries. I saw how they helped people get back to doing fun things and they see you go from being hurt to being mobile again! I wanted to be that person that helped someone go from hurt to feeling awesome! My hobbies outside of work include camping with my family (total of 76) in Okoboji, listening to classic rock, binge watching any James Bond movie or That 70’s show. I look forward to meeting you and helping you move forward each day.
Jason Day, PTA
I am a Physical Therapist Assistant and graduated from Nebraska Methodist in 2010 and have worked for Flex since June 2010. I also have taken continuing education courses for Kinesio Taping and Clinical Instruction. Patients and staff love how laid back I am.
My family and I enjoy camping, watching all sports especially Husker football and Royals baseball. My favorite quote is “Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks” and favorite movie is Forrest Gump. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you get moving again!
Brennan McNitt, PT
Brennan started with Flex in May of 2018. He has been a life long athlete and enjoys playing soccer competitively during his free time. His goal as a physical therapist is to make sure his patients enhance their movement to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. While therapy can be difficult on some days Brennan believes that his humor can help patients find the best reward, of being able to move better at the end of each session.
Brennan’s words to live by “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. ” – John Wooden
Dawn Volff, Marketing Assistant
I have been the marketing/administrative assistant at Flex Physical Therapy since April 2015. My job is to keep the public and patients of Flex Physical Therapy up to date with events and the latest treatment options available via email, social media, brochures and flyers that I distribute throughout the community.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 sons, baking (I’ve been told my banana nut bread and chocolate chip peanut butter banana bread is pretty amazing), taking photographs and planning extended family get togethers.
Dani Behrens, Certified Yoga Instructor, LMT
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in October of 2014. I am Flex’s Yoga Instructor and Massage Therapist. In addition to these achievements, I received my bachelors degree in psychology from University of Nebraska Omaha in 2016!
I graduated from Omaha School of Massage Therapy in 2003, and become a certified yoga instructor in 2007 through One Tree Yoga. I believe my yoga students love my classes because I can modify the class to each individual. In my free time I enjoy socializing with friends and family and hanging out with my two daughters! I love the atmosphere of all sporting events, but my love for the St. Louis Cardinals is true!
Megan Higgins, Health Coach
I started with Flex in January 2016 and my role is physical therapy tech/aide. I assist the physical therapist and physical therapist assistants with the care of the patients. In addition to helping in the gym, I am also Flex’s Health Coach! I am a certified coach for the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program and I also help patient’s with Fitness Training.
I was born and raised in Council Bluffs, graduated from Lewis Central High School in 2007 where I played basketball, volleyball, and participated in track. I went on to get my psychology degree from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and then transferred to Grand View University in Des Moines in 2012 where I played volleyball and was on the track team. With my psychology degree and my passion for sports I believe I can improve my patients’ therapy sessions as I can take their mind off therapy and relate to them on a personal level.
When I have free time I enjoy hanging out with my 2 boys doing an outside activity or reading books (my favorite author is Jody Picoult). My weakness is chocolate…especially tootsie rolls. My bucket list would be to travel to every state to watch football and basketball games, college or professional.
Courtney Laymon, Tech
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in June 2017 as a tech on my clinical rotations while in school to be a physical therapy assistant (PTA). I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida and started PTA school in January 2016. I was very active in gymnastics while in elementary, middle and high school. I even went to the 2012 Jr. Olympic National Championship. Being a gymnast meant getting some injuries. After receiving physical therapy for these injuries that’s when I decided I wanted to become a PTA and help people get better and get back into their daily routines. I am proud to say I passed my boards in October 2017!
I love spending time with my husband, taking walks, watching music videos, games shows especially Jeopardy. One day I would love to travel to East Asia and have a minimum of 3 Great Dane dogs! My favorite restaurant in Florida is Joe’s Crab Shack and my go to chocolate is kit kats or ice cream.
I really enjoy working at Flex as all the people are really nice. I look forward to meeting you and helping you get better!
Cheyenne Pratt, LMT/Tech
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in July 2017 as a tech at our West Broadway location. I am also a licensed massage therapist in the state of Nebraska and Iowa. I grew up in Manhattan, Kansas and graduated from Manhattan High School where I was active in the drama club. I decided I wanted to become a massage therapist to help people with pain management and to heal faster from any pain or discomfort they may have.
I married my husband in July 2017 and have an amazing step son. We enjoy camping, hiking and spending time together playing card and board games. One of our family traditions is a card game called hand and foot whenever we get together. My favorite movie is The Mummy with Brendan Fraser and the newest Wonder Woman movie.
I like working at Flex because I get to interact and talk with patients and really get to know them. I feel I am a great listener and that helps the patients get better faster.
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”-Jim Watkins
Jennakah Burke, Tech
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in August 2017 as a tech. I was raised in Glenwood, Iowa and graduated from Glenwood High School in 2015. While in high school I was a competitive swimmer and went to districts which was a great experience! I was also a competitive swimmer with the YMCA, went to state 5 years in a row and regional 4 years in a row. My strength was the backstroke.
After high school I originally wanted to get my psychology degree and realized that was not my true passion. I am now completing my exercise science degree and will go on to get my doctorate in physical therapy. Your goals are my goals and I strive to reach any goals that are put in front of me.
In my down time I like to read (any genre or author), binge watch American Horror Story, The Office and Stranger Things on Netflix. My bucket list is to travel to Australia and Greece! My most “traumatic” memory as a child was when I was trying to make myself a peanut butter sandwich and the bread just kept ripping as I tried to spread the peanut butter. I can now laugh about but have not forgotten. My favorite memory is playing BINGO on Christmas Eve at my grandmas.
Matt Grimm, Tech
I started with Flex Physical Therapy in August of 2017 as a tech. I am from Fremont Nebraska and graduated from Fremont High School in 2015. I started out with an interest in engineering but realized after a hand injury in high school that required physical therapy that’s where my true passion lies. I decided to study exercise science with the intent of going on to get my doctorate in physical therapy.
I love watching basketball, baseball and football. My dream is to watch the Green Bay Packers play at Lambeau field and visit every state. In my spare time I enjoy reading self development books, working out, golfing and cooking. My favorite food is breakfast food, specifically omelets and breakfast burritos. I do not like spicy food or Chinese food.
I believe my background working as a CNA, good work ethic and a passion to do my best is what helps me connect with the patients. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve your goals at your physical therapy appointments.
Preston Jager, Tech
Preston started with Flex in November of 2017. He graduated from Underwood High school. Preston is still considering what path he wants to continue with education. His favorite thing about working at Flex is seeing the improvement the patients make. One of his hobbies outside of Flex is weight training.
His ideal weekend would be with family grilling outdoors and being around a bonfire. One day Preston hopes to own his own home gym since training it an important part of his life.
Preston’s motto to live by is “Train Insane or Remain the Same”
Abby Schlater, Receptionist
Abby started with Flex in March of 2018. She graduated from St. Albert’s here in Council Bluffs. Abby has an infectious positive attitude that spreads around the clinic. She is the second youngest of five siblings. Abby really enjoys people watching in her spare time. She considers herself a professional at this.
While Abby prefers to be a busy individual, she knows the small things like a random act of kindness are what makes days amazing. In a great day for her there would be no alarm clock, lattes, music, and family time. She is a fan of sweets and fall smells. For Abby stretching is an important part of the day. Abby is a firm believer that ‘once in a lifetime opportunities’ are risks that are worth taking.
