Laura Peterson

Clinic Director

Laura was born, raised, and currently resides in Gillespie, IL. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Maryville University of Saint Louis in 2018. Throughout her schooling, she worked as a physical therapy tech at both the Staunton and Litchfield APT locations. She completed clinical rotations in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and has 3 years of experience working in the outpatient field with a variety of diagnoses and patient demographics. She enjoys treating post-operative orthopedic patients and helping athletes return to sport after an injury. She loves getting to know her patients, educating them on their diagnosis, and helping them return to their highest level of functioning. When she is not working as a PT she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, running, and traveling, especially to Disney World.

Steven Schahl

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Steven was born and raised in Mt. Pulaski, IL. He attended Maryville University in St. Louis, earning his Bachelors of Health Science in 2018 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in December 2020. He experienced clinical rotations in the outpatient orthopedic, acute inpatient, and home health settings, including at the Litchfield APT location.

He decided to pursue physical therapy in high school after rehabbing for 6+ months from a significant knee injury, drawn to the close patient interaction and high activity level aspects of the profession. He especially enjoys treating hip, knee, and ankle injuries as well as the geriatric population, emphasizing self-efficacy and return to the highest level of function.

In his free time, he enjoys going on adventures with his wife Katie, finding great cups of coffee, and weightlifting.

Sydney Fuchs, P.T.A.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Sydney is a 2011 graduate from Southwestern Illinois College earning her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Growing up in Mount Olive, Sydney played multiple sports and enjoyed many outdoor activities such as  biking, hiking, and camping.

Sydney is currently part-time in the Litchfield clinic providing both outpatient and inpatient care. Some of Sydney’s favorite aspects of therapy include sports rehabilitation and orthopedic care.

Working with APT has helped to expand her knowledge and she enjoys the relationships built within the company itself and with the patients she sees.

In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband and three children on their farm.

Katie Bodner, P.T.A.

Physical Therapist Assistant/Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Katie was born and raised in Staunton, IL and currently resides there. She graduated in 2015 from St. Louis College of Health Careers in Fenton, MO. She received her degree in Radiography in 2010 and worked for a Chiropractor in Staunton when she decided to switch her degree to Physical Therapy.

She enjoys working and helping patients regain their strength and previous functions. She was working PRN with Alton Physical Therapy in Staunton before accepting her full time position in Litchfield. When not helping others,  she enjoys baking, camping and spending time with her family.

Ryan Kovarik, P.T.A.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Ryan was born and raised in Edwardsville, IL. After graduating from SIUE in 2015 with a degree in Exercise Science, he went on to pursue his degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from SWIC, and graduated in 2018. Ryan was working PRN for Alton Physical Therapy in Staunton and Litchfield, before accepting a full time position in Litchfield.

Ryan enjoys working with a variety of patients, from athletes to patients recovering from a recent orthopedic surgery. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, cooking, and playing sand volleyball and slow pitch softball.

Nicole Chatham

MOTR/L, CLT

Nichole was born and raised in Jacksonville, IL where she grew up running around the rehab department that was attached to the Wound Center her mother established. Her interest in rehabilitation, athletics and wound care led her to pursue her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Maryville University of Saint Louis in 2016. Nichole has worked in the acute care setting for close to 8 years treating a variety of diagnoses and patient demographics. She is new to working in the Litchfield area and is excited to embark on a new path in the Outpatient setting. She loves conversing and joking with her patients as well as empowering them to manage their conditions through education, tools, and techniques to return them to their highest quality of life. When she is not at work, she is usually enjoying the great outdoors playing any or every kind of sport imaginable with her family and friends.

Jonathan Dickman

PTA

Jonathan was born and raised in Highland, IL. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in exercise science at SIUE in three years, and, following graduation, he completed the Physical Therapist Assistant program at SWIC in 2024. Additionally, Jonathan served as the PTA program’s class president while at SWIC. Jonathan’s second clinical rotation was with Alton PT in Staunton, where he enhanced his skills under the supervision of Janelle Franke. He also gained valuable experience on the orthopedic and spinal floor during his final clinical in an acute inpatient setting.

Jonathan knew he wanted to pursue physical therapy once he watched his grandpa navigate Parkinson’s Disease with the help of his physical therapist. Jonathan takes pride in providing his patients with an outstanding care experience and he loves the joy patients demonstrate as they realize their improved functional capacity.

Outside of the clinic, Jonathan enjoys spending time with family, taking road trips, hiking rugged trails, and playing baseball, basketball and chess.

Halley Schmidt

COTA/L

Halley was born and raised in Staunton, IL and graduated from Staunton High School in 2017.  She attended Lewis and Clark Community College where she earned an Associates in Applied Science- Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2019.

She has clinical experience with outpatient settings, pediatrics with disabilities, and skilled nursing.  Halley is interested in many treatment areas including mental health, pediatrics, upper body injuries, and geriatrics. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, pets and traveling!