Courtney Yamada, PT, DPT, OCS

MCO has an extensive team of dedicated medical professionsals including our physical therapy team. Learn about these team members and their experience here.

Luke began work at Carle MCO in 2018. He was excited about the opportunity because of Carle MCO’s reputation in the community and how it provides its employees with opportunities to continue their education. Luke has always had a desire to help others, which is why he embarked on his first career with Ministry and Counseling Services at a variety of churches throughout the state. After 15 years, he decided to pursue a career in physical therapy after a personal experience involving his daughter. Luke is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified. Outside of Carle MCO, he enjoys spending time with his wife, who is a nurse in the community and his daughters. Luke enjoys exercising, kayaking, hiking, reading, and doing yard/housework. He wants his patients to know that he practices patient-focused care with compassion, care, and listening.

Nicole graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate’s in the Physical Therapist Assistant program in May 2017. She joined Carle McLean County Orthopedics just after her graduation in June 2017. She first experienced Carle MCO during her clinical rotation in school and appreciated that Carle MCO is more than just orthopedics; they treat all kinds of conditions. Nicole grew up in Washington, Illinois, and played multiple sports throughout high school. Nicole found an interest in physical therapy when she was 13 years old. She was injured playing basketball and tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and had to attend physical therapy for six months. That was when she fell in love with physical therapy. Nicole is FMS and YBT certified. When not working, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, hiking, traveling, and crafting.

Austin earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2017 with an emphasis in orthopedics and manual therapy. Prior to joining CMCO as a PT, Austin was a member of the team as an intern, then a therapy technician while he was working on his Exercise Science Degree at Illinois State University.  Austin prioritizes personalized hands-on care to best assist the patient in achieving their personal and clinical goals. Between graduating from ISU and attending physical therapy school, Austin worked as a strength and conditioning coach with experience in exercise programming. When Austin is not in the clinic he enjoys a mixture of strength and endurance hobbies, golf, grilling, and spending time with friends and family.

Sarah graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009. She joined Carle MCO in 2010, as she always wanted to have a career in medicine and enjoys interacting and helping people. She saw her grandfather receiving physical therapy and thought the occupation would be the perfect fit for her. She is is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Her interests include raising her four children, horseback riding, fishing, and traveling.

Michelle grew up in Danvers, IL on a small farm. After graduating high school, she went on to receive her Associate’s in Applied Sciences and Physical Therapist Assistant Degree in May of 2009 from Illinois Central College in Peoria. She chose to work at Carle McLean County Orthopedics in June 2015 with the ambition to work hard, serve others, and live a fulfilling, quality life.  Her favorite part about being a physical therapist assistant is helping people achieve their personal goals. Michelle is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified. She enjoys working with aquatic exercise mostly to assist patients with pain relief. Exercise has also always been a passion of hers since she started dance at age 3 to 18 with her mother as her teacher. When she is not in the office, Michelle is busy taking care of her family and always makes time for her hobbies including hiking, camping, fishing, and gardening.

Sarah joined Carle McLean County Orthopedics in 2016. She attended Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, IL where she earned her Associates in Applied Science in the Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2000. Sarah has worked in outpatient orthopedic, sports medicine, work injury, and skilled nursing settings. She is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified.Some of Sarah’s favorite passtimes include biking and the watching the Boston Red Sox.

Stormie graduated with a Bachelor’s in Health Science from Bradley University in 2009. She then went on to graduate school and graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bradley University in 2012. Stormie has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 2009 and has an interest in orthopedic physical therapy and manual therapy techniques. She is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified.. Stormie has a strong desire to help her patients meet their goals, reduce pain, and return to their normal activities. She uses manual therapy skills and drives functional exercises to assist in her patients’ return to action. She is also the leader of the Work Conditioning Program. Outside of physical therapy, Stormie’s interests include exercising, walking her dog, watching movies, and relaxing outdoors.

Ann has been a part of the Carle McLean County Orthopedics’ Physical Therapy team since 2018. The excellent reputation of the physical therapy and medical staff is what led her to Carle MCO. She decided she wanted to pursue medicine at an early age. When she was 13, she tore her ACL. Her therapist was so knowledgeable and helpful during that difficult time that she was inspired to be that person for others. Ann, a Roanoke native, is familiar with Bloomington-Normal, as she attended Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. She received a psychology degree from Illinois Wesleyan University before completing her Bachelor of Science Pre-Physical Therapy Degree from Illinois State University. Ann completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Ann has been working as a physical therapist in Central Illinois for over ten years. She is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified.

Jim attended Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL, to earn an associate’s degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant program. He joined Carle MCO in 2004. He is certified in Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) and enjoys treating athletes of all ages. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, and cooking.

Alissa joined Carle McLean County Orthopedics in January 2017. She received her Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2015 and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in December 2016 at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  She is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified. Alissa grew up in a small town outside of Peoria, IL. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, playing basketball, and spending time with friends and family.

Samantha started working at Carle MCO in August of 2017. She graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Heartland Community College in May of 2017. Samantha decided to pursue medicine because she has a passion for caring for people and helping get them back to their everyday lives. She is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified. Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors with her husband, and gardening.

Becky graduated from Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Heartland Community College in May of 2020.  Becky pursued this profession because she has a passion to help others meet their individual goals in health and fitness.   In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, and being outdoors.

Tana earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University in 2019. She has recently joined Carle MCO in December of 2021. She joined Carle MCO because it would allow her to grow within the profession and improve her skills as an independent healthcare professional and work with a variety of populations. She chose to become a physical therapist to help individuals return to normal everyday activities without limitations. Tana’s hobbies include spending time with friends, family, and especially the dog, traveling, hunting, and working out at the gym.

Lauren joined Carle MCO in 2019. During her time in school, she was able to do a clinical rotation at Carle MCO and found that Carle MCO would be an excellent place for her to expand her skills and knowledge. She decided on a career in physical therapy because she enjoys helping people and is fascinated with how the body works. Lauren is Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT) certified. As a Bloomington-Normal native, she is an Normal Community High School grad and played softball there. After high school, she attended Eastern Illinois University, where she started a club softball team. She now participates on a slow-pitch travel co-ed team. In addition to playing softball, Lauren enjoys her women’s bible group, working out, walking, and hiking.

Courtney grew up in Springfield, IL, and earned a Bachelor of Natural Sciences from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1997. She earned a Master’s in Physical Therapy (1999) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree (2012) from Des Moines University. She is designated as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is certified in FMS, SFMA, and YBT. Courtney worked at Carle MCO from 2002 to 2015, then took time off to teach in the Heartland Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program for two years. She returned to Carle MCO in June 2017. Courtney is certified in Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y-Balance Test (YBT). Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exercising, and watching her two sons play sports. Courtney wants her patients to know that she uses a variety of treatment methods to address pain and improve mobility so they can achieve their highest physical potential. One of her favorite things about working at Carle MCO is the wonderful teamwork environment.

Carle McLean County Orthopedics complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Click here for our non-discrimination policy.

Convenient Self Check-in Kiosk! Now patients coming to Carle McLean County Orthopedics for follow-up or post-op visits can easily check in at our new kiosk located in the main lobby. At this time, new patients or workers compensation patients, or third-party liability patients must still check in traditionally. We hope this new service will shorten lines and improve service – thank you!

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