About Us

Aaron Swoverland

Physical Therapist

Aaron is a 4th generation resident of Northern Michigan. He and his wife Deb have twin one year old daughters, Grace and Annie. They also have a black lab named Gus who occasionally acts as the Kalkaska location’s mascot.

Aaron graduated from Kalkaska High School in 2006 before earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Cornerstone University. He received his doctorate in physical therapy from University of Michigan in 2015, and completed a fellowship in Applied Functional Science from the Gray Institute in 2016.  He has served in the Traverse City area the last 5 years, but is excited to be able to move back to Kalakaska and work in his hometown.

Nick Hawkins

Physical Therapist

Nick has been practicing physical therapy for about 7 years in the Traverse City area.  After graduating with his Doctorate in physical therapy, Nick went on to complete a fellowship at the Gray Institute.  In this fellowship, Nick developed effective diagnostic skills and learned how to create an optimal treatment plan based on the diagnosis.  More importantly, he learned how the entire body connects and how we must look above and below the painful area to truly find the solution for pain relief.  Nick and his wife Sara love the outdoors.   Whether it is running, cycling, hiking, swimming, yardwork, or even doing PT outdoors, you’ll often find Nick outside.   When you work with Nick, you will immediately notice his ability to engage with you and you will have his undivided attention during your treatment session.  Nick strives to make the rehab process enjoyable, fun, and effective. 

Kaitlyn Malaski

Physical Therapist, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Kaitlyn has practiced physical therapy in the Traverse City area since graduating with her Doctorate in physical therapy from Central Michigan University in 2013. She has worked in a variety of settings, with special interest in neurologic, vestibular, and post-concussion rehabilitation. In June 2021, Kaitlyn became a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist as designated by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Kaitlyn has also been a lifelong athlete with a background in sports including gymnastics, soccer, and eventually collegiate cross country and track at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. She now enjoys competing in marathons and triathlons to keep active. Outside of work, Kaitlyn can be found enjoying all Northern Michigan has to offer with her husband Brent and two young children, Elise and Isaac. Her favorite aspect about being a physical therapist is developing relationships with her patients based on mutual trust and respect to maximize their quality of life.

Lisa Thompson

Physical Therapist

Hi, I’m Lisa Thompson. I am from northern Michigan. I’m from a large family and grew up in a small town; Marion, where most of my family still lives. I have 2 younger sisters whom I enjoy spending time with playing softball, cards/games or just relaxing and catching up.

I did my undergraduate work at Spring Arbor University, graduating with my BS and my doctoral degree from Central Michigan University. I have continued my education post graduate school, and have earned my COMT from the Manual Therapy Institute. I love being a therapist and treating patients. It’s a rewarding career and I have met some great people along the way.

My husband, Caleb, and I love northern Michigan. We enjoy hiking, the beaches and being outdoors. We have 2 small children: Robyn who is 2 and Harold (Harry) who is 5 months. They are so much fun and a blessing to watch as they grow, learn and discover everything for the first time. We have 2 dogs; Bentley and Shelby. We like to go for family walks with the dogs and kids. We love to take weekend trips for family adventures. I also play a lot of slow-pitch softball during the summer months, which is a lot of fun and makes up a lot of weekend trips.

Lance Fulsher

Physical Therapist

Lance was born and raised in Marquette, MI and completed his undergraduate degree in Sports Science at Northern Michigan University. From there, he went on to complete his DPT at Oakland University in 2014. Following graduation from Oakland University, Lance completed his Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy certificate in 2017.

Lance and his wife, Lauren, are excited to have moved back to the Traverse City area as it gets them closer to family and friends. Lance enjoys getting to know his patients on a personal level and helping them reach their overall goals during therapy.

Outside of work, Lance enjoys sports, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with his dogs.

Julia Otwell

Physical Therapist

Bio coming soon!