North Lincoln

Husker Rehabilitation Physical Therapist

Michelle Spicka, D.P.T.

A native of Wahoo, Nebraska, Michelle attended UNL for undergraduate studies and then graduated from Creighton University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree in 2001. Follow Michelle on Instagram.

She began her work career at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln, where she worked as a physical therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She transferred her knowledge of outpatient physical therapy treatment to Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers in 2006. In addition to treating neurologic and orthopedic patients, Michelle specializes in pelvic physical therapy for women and men, including treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic and abdominal pain, constipation, urinary dysfunction, diastasis recti and pain during and after pregnancy. She lives in Lincoln with her husband Brian and their two children. She enjoys landscaping her yard, photography, spending time with her children and logging many hours in the bleachers at sporting events at Pius X high school, where her husband is a coach and teacher.

• Undergraduate studies, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
• Doctorate degree in physical therapy, Creighton University
• Certification in Pelvic Physical Therapy click here
• Birth Healing Specialist
• Member, American Physical Therapy Association and the Nebraska Physical
• Therapy Association
• Clinic with a Heart, Physical Therapist volunteer
• Member, St. Joseph’s parish

Husker Rehab Physical Therapist

Ben Petersen, D.P.T.

A talented physical therapist who focuses on postural restoration and manual therapy for a variety of ages and conditions, Ben has nearly a decade of experience that began during college at Iowa State University.

He received his doctorate in 2004, then began working as an outpatient physical therapist at Sue Jeffrey Physical Therapy in Lincoln. He joined the Husker Rehab physical therapy team in May 2010, and since then has served our patients in a variety of areas. Ben says the most common postural mistake people make is …”dominant overuse of one side of their body.”

When not working with Husker Rehab patients, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy and two boys. He also enjoys hiking, camping and playing softball. He’s a member of the Workforce Inc. team in Lincoln.

• Grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Undergraduate degree in Zoology/Genetics, Iowa State College
• Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, University of Iowa
• Involved in Heartland Big Brothers Big Sister program

Physical Therapist Assistant

Tessa Dunse, P.T.A.

Tessa grew up outside of small town Malcolm, NE with her parents and three siblings. She participated in volleyball, basketball, and numerous fine arts activities at Malcolm High School and graduated in 2015.

She went on to continue her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received her Bachelor of Education and Human Sciences degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology in the spring of 2019.

Upon her graduation from UNL, Tessa attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln and graduated with her Associate of Applied Science degree in April of 2021 and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. In her spare time, Tessa enjoys watching and attending sporting events, spending time with her family and friends, and taking her dog, Kyzer, for walks. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and does a lot of fishing during the summer with her boyfriend.

Husker Rehab Office Manager

Patty Gerlach

One of the founding members of Husker Rehab, Patty has served the North Lincoln office since it first opened its doors in March of 1999. She graduated from high school in Lincoln and also attended college here.

Patty and her husband Dan have one son, who is grown and resides in K.C. MO. Outside of working hours at the Husker Rehab North Lincoln office, Patty is an active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, and when she can she likes to read, bake, walk and ride her bike. If you ask her, Patty will say without hesitation that the best part of her job is meeting people as a part of the Husker Rehab team. Through her years of working at Husker Rehab. she has met many wonderful people and made some great lasting friendships. She states that because we see people for a series of visits and a longer time period we have the opportunity to really get to know the people we serve.
Native of Lincoln, Nebraska
Graduate of Lincoln High
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences Degree, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Member St. Luke UMC, Outreach Leader
CPR certified