About Us
The Innovative Team
Keith Ellis, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Keith Ellis owns and operates Innovative Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation in Chesterton. He opened his private practice so that he could give his patients the personalized attention they deserve. Keith became a Physical Therapist because he enjoys helping people regain full mobility. He also finds satisfaction in knowing that his patients are getting the highest quality care from Innovative Physical Therapy’s hands-on methods.
Keith attended Purdue University as an undergraduate. He gained well-rounded preparation through three clinicals at the University of Chicago, Riley’s Children’s Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic. Keith received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy through Andrews University. He is also a certified Manual Physical Therapist through NAIOMT. Dr. Keith Ellis specializes in the treatment of pelvic issues and failed surgeries.
Dr. Keith Ellis decided to open his practice offering physical therapy in Chesterton– the very town where he grew up. He and his wife, Kristan, are animal lovers. They live together on, what Keith describes as, their “hobby farm” with four cats, three goats, and a dog. Keith enjoys riding his motorcycle, is into fitness, and likes to golf when he gets the opportunity. Keith is Titleist Performance Institute certified.
Nicole Kirkland – Physical Therapist Assistant
Nicole is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and graduate of Ivy Tech. She is a Certified Clinical Instructor and Weight Trainer as well. Prior to joining the Innovative Physical Therapy team, she was a former ACCE liaison at Ivy Tech Community College in Gary, IN.
Nicole continues to take extensive continued education courses outside of the typical coursework of her field. Some of her specialties include: Pelvic and Sacral Muscle Imbalances, Dynamic Movement Assessment, and Evidence-Based Treatment of Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Spine.
Nicole looks to promote overall well-being and self-awareness for each of her patients. She is a lifelong Northwest Indiana resident who now lives in Chesterton with her husband and two children. Nicole loves spending time with her family, vacationing, reading, and giving back to the community.
Having worked for other physical therapy practices, Nicole recognizes the small town gem that is Innovative Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation. Nicole says that the therapy team at Innovative always have their patients’ best interests at heart. Being a privately owned practice, Innovative Physical Therapy in Chesterton really allows her to focus on one-on-one patient interaction that she feels is harder to find in this field.
Jen Racette – Physical Therapist
Jen Racette is licensed Physical Therapist who earned her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2005. For nearly 14 years she has been treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic, vestibular and women’s health issues. Jen’s passion for physical therapy stems from her love of sports and desire to help everyone achieve their goals and return to maximal function.
When she is not devoting 100% of her energy to patient care, Jen enjoys gardening and taking care of her chickens. She is the mother of 2 active boys who keep her busy running from one sport activity to the next. She and her husband are originally from the great state of Kansas but they have enjoyed living in Northwest Indiana with its wonderful change of seasons, close proximity to Chicago and the ski slopes in Michigan. Jen also enjoys volunteering at her children’s school and taking as many pictures with her beloved camera as possible.
Jen Racette is licensed Physical Therapist who earned her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2005. For nearly 14 years she has been treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic, vestibular and women’s health issues. Jen’s passion for physical therapy stems from her love of sports and desire to help everyone achieve their goals and return to maximal function.
When she is not devoting 100% of her energy to patient care, Jen enjoys gardening and taking care of her chickens. She is the mother of 2 active boys who keep her busy running from one sport activity to the next. She and her husband are originally from the great state of Kansas but they have enjoyed living in Northwest Indiana with its wonderful change of seasons, close proximity to Chicago and the ski slopes in Michigan. Jen also enjoys volunteering at her children’s school and taking as many pictures with her beloved camera as possible.
Lisa Slavin – Physical Therapist
Lisa earned her Master of Science (MS) in physical therapy from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York in 1991. She subsequently earned a Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology, concentration in Applied Sport Science, from Indiana University Bloomington in 2002.
She has extensive experience in pediatrics in a variety of settings including: early intervention, school-based treatment (Special Education), outpatient and clinic, covering a variety of diagnoses including: cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, torticollis, spina bifida, prematurity and other developmental disorders. She taught Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratories at Purdue University Calumet. Lisa is proficient in gait analysis, orthotics, kinesiology taping, adaptive equipment and functional skills training. She is CPR certified. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, mountain biking, boxing, and roller derby. Lisa believes that physical fitness is important for good health and function and looks forward to helping you achieve optimal physical functioning!
Elizabeth – Physical Therapist
Elizabeth, a lifelong Duneland resident, graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s in science. She then continued on to the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She also has other certifications that include Graston Technique M1 and Blood Flow Restriction.
Elizabeth is a dog mom to two adorable pups, and has known since she was a young girl that she wanted to work in the medical field. She enjoys the challenge of treating post-operative patients and patients that have had joint replacements. Elizabeth is also skilled in treating athletes, as one of her main hobbies is gymnastics. In her spare time she enjoys coaching gymnastics at the local high school.
James – Physical Therapist
James is a licensed PT that grew up in the Philippines. He has resided in the local area for the last 10 years and specializes in senior strength training. He chose this field because he wanted to gain knowledge of how the human body works and apply that to provide relief for others in pain.
He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, kids, and their tons of fish. James likes to participate in outdoor hobbies, such as fishing or cycling. He loves working at Innovative PT because he’s able to work one-on-one with our patients to provide treatment that improves their overall function and quality of life, rather than just treating an injury.
Kimberlyn – Physical Therapist
Kimberlyn Thomas is a licensed Physical Therapist that found her passion for the field early on. She tore her ACL as a freshman in high school and had to do 9 months of physical therapy. Her therapist made her feel comfortable, capable, and helped her achieve her rehabilitation goals. She became inspired to be that helper for someone else, some day. Kimma later received her Doctorate in PT at Concordia University. Her experience is broad, including specialization in Geriatrics.
Kimma has been a resident of Indiana her whole life. She is currently married with hopes of adopting a bulldog in the future. In her free time, she enjoys various physical activities. This includes running and playing tennis. When she’s not getting her exercise in, she enjoys watching sports, reading books, and listening to podcasts.
Kimma loves working at Innovative Physical Therapy because she is able to spend each appointment, one-on-one with the patient. She believes having the opportunity to genuinely listen to the patient and cater to their needs is an important part of rehabilitation process.
Cheryl – Physical Therapist
Cheryl Snyder is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant that was born and raised in Indiana. She has always had a passion for fitness, health, and rehabilitation, so choosing physical therapy as her career path was a perfect fit. Some of her previous experience includes working with the geriatric population. Cheryl enjoys working for Innovative PT because she is abled to provide one-on-one patient care. She believes it provides more focus and attention to the individual. During her time away from work, Cheryl enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite hikes have been in Oregon and San Diego. At home she keeps busy with her new puppy and various fish. Some of her favorite things to do include reading and spending time with her child.
Nathan – Physical Therapist
PT/DPT Graston certified, LSVT BIG certified, No specialties Graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Human Biology and from Indiana State University for physical therapy. I originally became interested in physical therapy when I was able to job shadow my Aunt, who is a physical therapist, when I was in highschool. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare to help people and improve their quality of life but up until I started college I always had the idea in my head that I wanted to become a medical doctor. However, through more shadowing I realized that I wanted to be in a profession where I have more 1 on 1 time with patients to be more directly involved in their care and physical therapy was the answer for me.
I am currently living in Valparaiso with my fiancee and I have only been living here consistently since May 2021 but I have been visiting the area over the past 8 years or so. I was born and raised in Anderson IN. I attended Indiana University in Bloomington for my undergraduate studies and I then attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute where I received my DPT degree. I enjoy outside activities and sports. I played baseball throughout my childhood and through highschool. I have recently started disc golfing but I also enjoy golf, hiking, and running.
Testimonials
“I enjoyed working with the people at the Chesterton branch of Innovative Therapy…who helped me feel a whole lot better when I walked out after therapy than I did walking in.” – Carol S.
“These guys are great, what a team of professionals that get results quick.” – Kenneth P.
“Keith and the crew took great care of me for 2 rehabs I went through. Both a concussion and Achilles detachment/reattachment. You couldn’t ask for a more caring and focused group of trainers.” – Ed D.
“A wonderful mix of professionalism and a personal touch is what sets this place apart from the others . Of course, the fact that they really know what they’re doing helps too! From reception to discharge, Innovative PT is the place to go!” – Mike S.
“My experience at Innovative Physical Therapy was excellent. All employees were very professional and knowledgeable. They helped me with physical therapy following a bad shoulder injury. I am extremely happy with their service.” – Jody A.
If you have the need for any of our talented, experienced team then we’re here for you! Contact us today to see how we can help you!