Our Staff
This clinic was started with one thing in mind. To treat the whole person the way everyone deserves to be treated…the best way possible! For that reason you will only be seen by a licensed physical therapist when you come to Crystal Lake Physical Therapy Inc. and you will receive that therapist’s full undivided attention. Because we don’t use unlicensed support staff to provide your treatment we believe that you will get better faster, which will equate to less money out of your pocket and more time for you to focus on what is important to you.
Emily Craigen, PT, DPT
Emily has over 14 years of experience as a pelvic floor specialist for both men and women and an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist. She graduated from Marquette University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Emily has called Crystal Lake her home for over 30 years and is very passionate about helping her clients achieve their health goals and to bring the best therapy services possible to her hometown.
Emily has over 14 years of experience as a pelvic floor specialist for both men and women and an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist. She graduated from Marquette University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Emily has called Crystal Lake her home for over 30 years and is very passionate about helping her clients achieve their health goals and to bring the best therapy services possible to her hometown.
Alyssa Pollastrini, PT, DPT
Alyssa graduated from Carroll University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her passion for physical therapy began after she experienced the benefits of physical therapy for a whiplash injury from a skiing accident in high school. She enjoys outpatient orthopedics and loves working with a variety of conditions. Alyssa also enjoys working with the Parkinson's community and has participated in Rock Steady boxing, an exercise class that incorporates non-contact boxing for the Parkinson's population. She is excited to serve the Crystal Lake community and will strive to always give the best quality of care!
Alyssa graduated from Carroll University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her passion for physical therapy began after she experienced the benefits of physical therapy for a whiplash injury from a skiing accident in high school. She enjoys outpatient orthopedics and loves working with a variety of conditions. Alyssa also enjoys working with the Parkinson's community and has participated in Rock Steady boxing, an exercise class that incorporates non-contact boxing for the Parkinson's population. She is excited to serve the Crystal Lake community and will strive to always give the best quality of care!
Gem Catama, PTA
Gem is a registered Physical Therapist in the Philippines and a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois with more than 20 years of experience. He has treated various patients in different clinical settings. He finally called Crystal Lake, IL his home when he decided to be reunited with his family in 2014 from Victoria, Canada. Gem believes in a HOLISTIC approach in the treatment of various medical conditions. He is very passionate and always considers this career as a mission. Come and see him and experience Holistic care!
Gem is a registered Physical Therapist in the Philippines and a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois with more than 20 years of experience. He has treated various patients in different clinical settings. He finally called Crystal Lake, IL his home when he decided to be reunited with his family in 2014 from Victoria, Canada. Gem believes in a HOLISTIC approach in the treatment of various medical conditions. He is very passionate and always considers this career as a mission. Come and see him and experience Holistic care!
Sarah Huber, PT, DPT
Sarah received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine
and Science in North Chicago, IL. She is passionate about treating a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Her interests include manual therapy and joint mobilizations as well as incorporating functional movements into her treatments. She is a firm believer in educating patients about their diagnoses to empower them to understand their body and the treatments they are receiving. Sarah is eager to assist the Crystal Lake community in achieving their goals to attain their purpose in life after an injury or diagnosis.
Sarah received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine
and Science in North Chicago, IL. She is passionate about treating a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Her interests include manual therapy and joint mobilizations as well as incorporating functional movements into her treatments. She is a firm believer in educating patients about their diagnoses to empower them to understand their body and the treatments they are receiving. Sarah is eager to assist the Crystal Lake community in achieving their goals to attain their purpose in life after an injury or diagnosis.
Kathy Nisius, MPT
Kathy has spent 30 years in the care and prevention of orthopedic injuries from the neck to the ankle and everything in between. She started her career as an athletic trainer in college and high school, focusing on field injuries and return to sport. She decided to go back to school and received her Masters in Physical Therapy 21 years ago. Most of those 21 years have been
spent in orthopedics emphasizing hands-on care; however, she has worked in various settings, including occupational health, hospital acute care, and home health. She is licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Her therapy toolbox includes certifications in Dry Needling, Cupping and Myofascial Release.
Kathy has spent 30 years in the care and prevention of orthopedic injuries from the neck to the ankle and everything in between. She started her career as an athletic trainer in college and high school, focusing on field injuries and return to sport. She decided to go back to school and received her Masters in Physical Therapy 21 years ago. Most of those 21 years have been
spent in orthopedics emphasizing hands-on care; however, she has worked in various settings, including occupational health, hospital acute care, and home health. She is licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Her therapy toolbox includes certifications in Dry Needling, Cupping and Myofascial Release.
Tara Northway--Practice Manager
Tara has worked in the medical field for 15 years. With years of experience in non-clinical patient care, insurance verification, and referral/preauthorization management you can be confident she will be able to assist you with questions or concerns. She has a strong commitment to the community and strives to provide the best customer service and excellence during each and every visit.
Tara has worked in the medical field for 15 years. With years of experience in non-clinical patient care, insurance verification, and referral/preauthorization management you can be confident she will be able to assist you with questions or concerns. She has a strong commitment to the community and strives to provide the best customer service and excellence during each and every visit.