Meet Our Therapists

Patricia Staszak, PT
Email: pstaszak.andersonvillept@gmail.com

Pat graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1994 with a B.S. in physical therapy. She then worked at the University of Illinois Hospital and the University of Chicago Hospital, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. She has a wide variety of experience in all aspects of physical therapy and has an eclectic yet practical approach to rehabilitation. She specializes in lower-body biomechanics evaluations and rehabilitation up the kinetic chain: the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. She has a special interest in treating cycling and running injuries and helping patients get back to their exercise of choice.

In 2009, Pat became an instructor-trainer for the STOTT PILATES Rehabilitation program, and she now teaches continuing education to physical therapists at Elements in Motion, a Pilates training studio in Chicago. Since starting to teach, she has been more focused on exploring movement and its relationship to injury. Last year, she created the “Movement Education Center” and began offering classes taught by physical therapists that explore movement and teach proper body alignment. In 2011, Pat became a certified Nordic walking instructor through the American Nordic Walking Association. She is also certified in the Graston Technique for soft-tissue mobilization.

Pat has been involved in sport her whole life. She played team sports as a kid, in college, and through her thirties. These days, she exercises to stay fit and have fun—biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, golfing, hiking, and of course Pilates. Her newest activity is Nordic walking—which she is obsessed with. She has also recently rediscovered yoga and has been integrating this into her workout routine.

Pat is passionate about the services APT provides to their patients and the community and feels everyone needs to learn how to correctly move their body to stay strong and injury free. When Pat is not working or exercising, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and traveling. She is also a member of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Michelle Carlevato, PT, DPT, CSCS
Email: mcarlevato.andersonvillept@gmail.com

Michelle is a 2007 graduate of the Northwestern University Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Since the start of her career, she has been working in the outpatient orthopedic setting, treating a variety of pre- and post-surgical orthopedic conditions of the shoulder, spine, knee, and hip. She specializes in rehabilitation of the shoulder, the spine, and overuse injuries resulting from faulty posture and poor body mechanics.

Since starting at APT, Michelle has enjoyed learning more about Pilates and incorporating it into patient treatment. She has been amazed by the whole-body transformation of her patients. By focusing on posture and alignment, she finds patients are truly able to make the changes necessary to prevent future injury.

Outside of work, Michelle is busy chasing after her two energetic sons. She enjoys a good White Sox game, and she bleeds the Notre Dame blue and gold (thanks to her husband). When she has time for an “official” workout, she enjoys Pilates, kickboxing, running, and power walks with friends. Michelle’s next athletic challenge will be to complete a triathlon—she just needs the time to train!

Catherine Lewan, PT, DPT
Email: clewan.andersonvillept@gmail.com

Before starting her career as a Physical Therapist, Catherine was a professional dancer, dance teacher, certified personal trainer and a STOTT Pilates instructor.  As the sole owner and lead instructor of Equability Pilates studio in Forest Park from 2003-2007, she worked with many post-rehab clients, which fostered her interest in orthopedic rehabilitation and women’s health. Catherine earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2010. 

Catherine aspires to help her patients understand their injuries so that they can avoid pain and return to the activities that are important to them with a sense of how to preserve health, wellness, and optimal functioning in their bodies.  She is committed to ongoing professional development and continuing education so that she can help her patients reach their goals using a wide range of therapeutic and evidence-based Physical Therapy techniques in addition to traditional therapeutic exercise, Pilates, and Yoga.  Catherine is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Orthopedic and Women’s Health sections, and has a special interest in Pelvic Physical Therapy. In addition to seeing patients, Catherine is involved in creating wellness and injury prevention programming at APT, and teaches various fitness formats for Cheetah Gym. She loves to travel, be outdoors, breathe deeply and move.  Her perfect workout would be a run along the waterfront, followed by a Pilates/Yoga session on a beach towel and an afternoon of surfing.  She can frequently be found doing the first two along the lakefront when Chicago weather permits. 

Dennis Frawley, PT, DPT
E-mail: dfrawley.andersonvillept@gmail.com

Dennis graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011.  Prior to his career as a physical therapist, Dennis worked in the field of molecular biology research.

During his education at UIC, Dennis excelled in the area of orthopedic manual therapy and was able to further develop his skills during clinical rotations and as a teaching assistant.  Dennis utilizes a variety of musculoskeletal manual therapy techniques, including manipulations, to help alleviate pain and restore proper range of motion of various joints throughout the body.

Dennis specializes in sports-related injuries along with pelvic, spine, shoulder, foot and ankle disorders.  He is interested in pursuing further specialization in manual therapy and STOTT Pilates.  Dennis is an experienced marathon runner and enjoys strength training, yoga, cycling, swimming and volleyball.  His interests include traveling, cooking and educating patients on the importance of proper diet/nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Jennifer Hungate, PT, DPT, WCS, MS
E-mail: jhungate.andersonvillept@gmail.com

Jennifer has extensive clinical experience in pelvic physical therapy.  Her primary practice is at RIC where she specializing in women’s health services and pelvic PT. She is also trained in McKenzie levels A, B, C, D. She will be working part-time at APT and will assist in the development of our pelvic physical therapy program.  Jennifer will be a great resource and we are very excited to have her join our team.