“We firmly believe that the therapist and the patient should decide the plan of care – not the insurance company. You shouldn’t have to go back to your activities without feeling ready. Nor should you have to wait for pain in order to seek knowledge on how to prevent it.
We give you back your control and provide you the care you deserve with treatment plans customized around YOU.”
Meet the Team
Denise Smith
Physical Therapist, Certified Manual Physical Therapist, Running Technique Specialist, Owner
Denise Smith
Denise Smith graduated from Marquette University in 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy, is a consultant for the Russian Olympic/National Triathlon Team, and instructs courses in Kinesiology at McHenry County College. Denise also travels the country as part of the Pose Method education team with a lecture series on injury prevention and treatment along with the running technique certification course.She is a recreational runner and triathlete who loves spending time with her two active children and husband. As a busy mom, Denise understands the importance of using your time wisely and opened Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy to help her patients get better faster and to help athletes run smarter.
Denise has spent her years obtaining certifications that allow her to treat each patient as an individual with a focus on hands-on manual therapy techniques, functional movement patterns, return to sports testing, and advanced treatment of athletes of all levels. Read about Denise’s reasons for starting Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy in this article by The Northwest Herald.
Denise’s advanced training includes: Certified Manual Physical Therapist, Pose Certified Running Specialist, Pose Certified Sports Technique Specialist, Functional Movement Screen Specialist, Gary Gray 3DMAPS Specialist, Certified Graston Technique Specialist, Y-Balance Test Specialist, ACL Injury Prevention and Return to Sport Specialist.
Her love of community drives Denise to give back with time. She is a proud member of City Council for the City of Crystal Lake and serves on several boards, including Leadership Greater McHenry County and the Downtown Crystal Lake Association’s Org Committee. She volunteers for many charities and actively fundraises for local children’s charities by acting as a race director for The McHenry County Santa Run and Patriot Run, Crystal Lake Aquathon, and Crystal Lake Half Marathon.
Watch this video to learn more about Denise’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
Dana Tress
Physical Therapist, Certified Concussion Specialist, Ergonomic Specialist
Dana Tress
Dana Tress graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Bradley University in 1997 and joined Smith Physical Therapy in March of 2017. She went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership after joining the company. Dana is also an ambassador and leadership team member for VeDA (the Vestibular Disorder Association), and instructs courses in neurological rehabilitation and human lifespan development at McHenry County College.
While she enjoys working with all patients, Dana has focused more than half of her career on extensive continuing education and training to effectively treat individuals living with dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, concussions, high fall risk, headaches and TMJ disorders.
Dana’s combination of manual skills, functional movement analysis, balance and vestibular techniques, fall prevention skills, and clinical instruction techniques allow her to personalize each treatment to every individual. Additionally, Dana is a Certified Concussion Specialist, Certified Clinical Instructor, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, Gary Gray 3DMAPS Specialist, and Graston Technique® provider.
Watch this video to learn more about Dana’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
Megan Long
Physical Therapist, Performing Arts Specialist, Running Technique Specialist
Megan Long
Megan graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2006. She has been working in outpatient orthopedic for the past 18 years treating athletes, performing artists and general orthopedic injuries. She is a Graston Technique trained clinician as well as specializes in kinesiology taping, and manual therapy techniques.Megan has a passion in treating patients in the performing arts community including traditional dance, competitive dance, gymnastics, ice skating and cheerleading. Personally, she has been a dance instructor since 1995 in areas including ballet, pointe and conditioning for dancers. Megan is excited to join Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy and bring performing arts therapy to the community.Watch this video to learn more about Megan’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
April Flood
Physical Therapist, Running Technique Specialist
April Flood
April found the field of physical therapy through multiple first-hand encounters, as she was involved in competitive gymnastics until the end of high school, and transitioned to pole vaulting in college. Her experience with many broken bones and orthopedic surgeries has given her the ability to empathize with her patients, and she has personally learned the power of exercising and rehabilitation.April graduated from Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2016, and again with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. Since then, she has spent her career working in the outpatient orthopedic field, treating a variety of post-operative and non-operative patients to help them return to their desired activity levels and improve their quality of life. April enjoys working with athletes and runners, as well as post-operative and general orthopedic conditions. She is a certified Pose Running Technique Specialist and has completed training in dry needling, Rock Tape, Rock Blades, and manual therapy.
When the weather is warm, April enjoys hiking local trails. She also takes aerial classes for fun and fitness. In the winter, she can be found at home crocheting stuffed animals, blankets, and hats. And when she gets the chance, she enjoys traveling to new places to relax, hike, or try new adventures.
Watch this video to learn more about April’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
Lauren Albanese
Physical Therapist
Lauren Albanese
Lauren joined the Smith Physical Therapy+ team in 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University in 2021 and graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in 2024.While Lauren enjoys working with patients of all ages and activity levels, she is particularly passionate about treating athletes at all levels, focusing on reducing injury risks and promoting safe return to sport. Having grown up in the competitive dance world, she has a special affinity for treating performing arts athletes, including dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts. Lauren emphasizes manual therapy and hands-on techniques, complemented by in-depth analysis of biomechanics and movement patterns. She is also IASTM certified through Hawkgrips.
With over 20 years of experience in various dance styles, Lauren remains active in the dance community as a competitive dance coach at a local studio, helping young athletes enhance their performance while prioritizing injury prevention and overall wellness. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, and exploring new coffee shops. Lauren stays active through weightlifting and running, and checked off the Chicago Marathon from her bucket list in 2023!
With a strong educational background and diverse range of experiences, Lauren is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to her patients, empowering them on their journey to recovery and optimal health.
Watch this video to learn more about Lauren’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
Tracy Kroening
Physical Therapist Assistant
Tracy Kroening
Tracy has an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies and an Elementary School Teaching Certification.She previously worked as an elementary school teacher and tutor, and embarked on a second career in physical therapy after being a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. Her passion for physical therapy came later in her adult life, when her father suffered a stroke, and she witnessed firsthand his progress with physical therapy. “I love seeing people benefit from therapy, decreasing their pain and improving the way they move and function in the world.”
After completing her Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy in 2015, Tracy found herself specializing in spinal and back health. She loves a challenging case and has a drive to learn and grow with each new patient.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys dancing, hiking and anything that gets her closer to the water, including traveling, boating, stand up paddle boarding, scuba diving and surfing.She was born and raised in Canada, but now calls Crystal Lake home along with her husband, Mike, two daughters and fox red lab, Timber.
Jennifer Myatt
Physical Therapist Assistant
Jennifer Myatt
Jennifer joined the Smith team in 2023 after graduating from the Physical Therapy program at McHenry County College. She has also been a licensed esthetician since 2010 and loves working with people. Jennifer is driven and has passion for continuing to learn and honing her skills as a therapist.Jennifer’s passion for physical therapy continues to grow every day. While Jennifer enjoys working with all orthopedic conditions and injuries, her focus is on balance disorders, vertigo, and concussion rehabilitation. She believes in using guided movement and education to help people get back to feeling like themselves. She listens to her patients and is quick with a joke.
Outside of work, Jennifer loves to garden and hike. She enjoys playing games with her family and has 2 Catahoula Leopard Hound dogs. Jennifer is always up for going to a hockey game but hates the cold weather.
Watch this video to learn more about Jen’s passion for physical therapy and why she loves helping patients move and feel their best.
Megan Sloan
Director of Special Programs, Running Technique Specialist
Megan Sloan
Megan was a patient at Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy (a few times!) before she joined the team in March of 2021. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2010 with a degree in Communications. Since then, her experience in health & fitness, chiropractic offices, and education, have helped shape her into a very well-rounded professional.Megan is also an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) certified running coach and has been coaching runners of all ages for the past 7 years. Having finished 14 marathons and 7 Ironman triathlons, she is no stranger to stepping outside of her comfort zone. She believes that hard work, discipline, and a positive and open mind can get you what you are striving for.
Megan has been a part of the McHenry County community since the ripe age of 10 years old and does not plan on leaving anytime soon. Her heart belongs in Crystal Lake with her husband Robert. Megan is an avid runner and triathlete with a passion for good food and competition.
Karie Stringer-Arand
Patient Experience Coordinator
Karie Stringer-Arand
Karie joined the Smith Physical Therapy & Running Academy in May of 2021 as the Patient Experience Coordinator. Karie comes to the Smith Team with years of experience as the manager of Dick Ponds Athletics from 2011 to 2020. She also has been certified by the Road Runners Clubs of America since 2005 and coaching runners ever since.At the same time in 2005, she added Race Directing to her resume and directed 4 different annual races for Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin from 2005 to 2017. Karie also coordinated the Run Club at Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin from 2003 to 2019 and she is currently the Cycle Club Coordinator since 2008.
Karie is a mom of 3 to Jordan (26), Madison (18), & Ethan (17) and new puppy Dakota. She has been racing in the endurance world since 2001 and enjoys traveling and racing with her husband Greg. With over 30 full marathons and 4 Ironman Triathlons under her belt, she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon!
Kim Roseland
Patient Experience Coordinator
Kim Roseland
Kim joined Smith Physical Therapy + in June of 2022 as a Patient Experience Coordinator. She’s been a Patient of Denise’s for the past 12 years and is super excited to be part of the Smith family! Kim graduated from Valparaiso University in 1992 with a degree in Sociology.After spending many years being CEO of the Roseland Household and earning her PhD as a Child Activity Coordinator and a Masters in Patience Management, she decided to enter the world of Helping others’ outside her home. She’s worked for Weight Watchers, a naprapath and multiple chiropractors. Kim loves watching patients work towards being pain free.
Kim is a mom to Allison, Emily and Benjamin. In her free time, Kim loves spending time with her family and friends, crafting, traveling and working out (no running for her unless being chased by a bear)!
Jennifer Diaz
Patient Experience Coordinator
Jennifer Diaz
Jennifer joined the Smith Physical Therapy team in August of 2024 as a Patient Experience Coordinator. With a passion for helping others, Jennifer found a perfect fit at Smith Physical Therapy+, where she ensures that every patient has a positive and welcoming experience. Outside of work, Jennifer loves enjoying the outdoors with her dog, Frank. She also enjoys spending time with friends and traveling any chance she gets.
Sara Coleman
Patient Experience Coordinator
Sara Coleman
Sara joined Smith Physical Therapy+ in June 2025 and is one of the first smiling faces you’ll see when you walk through our doors. She brings patience, kindness, and a calm energy to the front desk, making sure every visit runs smoothly from start to finish.Outside of the clinic, Sara taps into her creative side as a writer and coordinating independent animation productions. When she’s not working on a new project, she might be enjoying impromptu karaoke sessions in the car.
Christine Olsen
Content Supervisor
Christine Olsen
Christine joined the Smith Physical Therapy team as content strategist in May 2024. While earning her Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal and Public Communication at the University of Findlay, she pursued her dream in thoroughbred racing and continued to ride racehorses for a decade across the country.Her experience with physical therapy after recovering from a serious injury significantly shaped her career path to helping others in their path to recovery and wellness. From there she began working across a wide range of clinical environments. Her favorite thing is watching the process of patient care and success. As a storyteller and horse lover, she is an author and frequent contributor to multiple equestrian magazines and blogs.
Melissa Nickle
Public Relations Specialist
Melissa Nickle
Melissa graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Her expertise encompasses both corporate and non-profit work. She began her career at Edelman, a global public relations firm, where she helped develop, execute and manage a variety of national initiatives for KFC’s consumer brand. She also assisted in the internal and national launch of KFC’s Corporate Charity, giving her much desired experience in the community relations arena. Desiring a role more community based, Melissa transitioned to the not-for-profit sector where she assumed the role of Director of Public Relations for an Illinois-based organization focused on adolescent health education. In addition to serving as the spokesperson for the organization, she developed and managed all marketing and PR programs on a local, state and national level.Throughout Melissa’s early career, she worked in a limited capacity with Corporate Teams as an event facilitator, as her schedule would allow. As a result of her passion for the work she did with Corporate Teams, she decided to shift gears in 2009 and commit herself completely to Corporate Teams as the Regional Manager of the Midwest Region and Master Facilitator, while also focusing on her growing family. Melissa has worked on a variety of initiatives and has become the primary lead facilitator for Corporate Teams, working with hundreds of their clients.
Melissa’s favorite and most cherished role has been that of being a mom to her four kiddos! After dealing with multiple sports-related injuries among her children and seeing the positive impact of physical therapy and preventative movement therapy on their wellbeing, she jumped at the opportunity to join the team at Smith Physical Therapy +. Melissa is going back to her roots and diving back into the Public Relations arena in her new position, and is excited to spread the word about all the great things Smith PT+ has to offer.
Melissa has spent the last 18 years as a Huntley resident. She loves spending time with her husband and four kids (and her dog, Roxie), typically on the sidelines of a sporting event. She enjoys reading, live music, hiking, cheering on her kiddos and would love to one day live in Colorado!
Rookie
Staff Therapy Dog
Rookie
Meet Rookie! The best staff therapy dog a business could ask for! Rookie considers the Crystal Lake clinic his second home. Whether he is greeting patients in the lobby upon their arrival, keeping clinic staff company in the back office or seeking out patients who may need a little extra attention, Rookie is sure to put a smile on your face with his kind, compassionate demeanor.
Megan graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2006. She has been working in outpatient orthopedic for the past 18 years treating athletes, performing artists and general orthopedic injuries. She is a Graston Technique trained clinician as well as specializes in kinesiology taping, and manual therapy techniques.Request a Speaker for Your Event
We have experienced physical therapists who are available to speak on a variety of topics related to health, wellness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Learn more about requesting an expert for your next event.
Reviews from Our Clients
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Smith is so great! Tracy and Megan have really helped me with strengthening my leg after injuring it and getting ready to return to play!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Megan and Jennifer were wonderful!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After one visit with Dana, my vertigo has been eliminated. I've been having bouts of positional vertigo for years. I've been doing epley maneuvers at home. I had no idea PT for vertigo was a thing. Dana helped me with the correct way to do an epley. I feel like I've been given a new outlook. Thank you Dana and Smith PT.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Smith Physical Therapy is fantastic! They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and really care about helping you reach your goals. I made great progress with my foot and running thanks to their personalized approach and support. Every session felt tailored to my needs, and they took the time to adjust things as I improved. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch, individualized physical therapy!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been to Smith PT numerous times and have had the best experience. Megan Long has helped me with my knee & hip replacements and other problems I've had.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Smith PT is amazing at what they do. I’ve pretty much lived with lower back pain for years and recently go into running which caused other issues through my lower body. Working with April has truly been life changing. I’m no longer in daily pain and can go about my day and workouts pain free! I am so grateful we have a place like this in the community. If you are a runner especially, this place gets it and will work with you to meet your goals!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough good things about Smith Physical Therapy+ - they absolutely deserve five stars! From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and cared about. Scheduling appointments was a breeze, and the app made keeping up with my at home exercises easy. A standout feature of Smith Physical Therapy+ is their aquatic therapy. It is something you will not find at most local physical therapy places, and it made a world of difference for my knee replacement recovery. And Tracy’s aquatic exercise class and the punch pass - fantastic! I want to give a special shout out to Lauren. Your knowledge, patience and knowing just how and when to push me a little was truly motivating and made such a difference in my pre-surgery therapy and post-surgery recovery. You kept me positive throughout the whole process. Thank you! Unlike other PT clinics where you can feel like just another appointment slot, Smith Physical Therapy + treats you like an individual. Truly unmatched in my experience. If you are looking for dedicated professionals and genuine support, this is the place to go!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about SmithPT! After an extensive foot surgery, I came in slowly walking with very limited strength and mobility really unsure how recovery would go. Thanks to their incredible team, I’ve regained strength, flexibility, and confidence in my movement and walking. Each session was thoughtful, encouraging, and perfectly tailored to my needs. I especially loved being in their aquatic center for my first session. If you’re looking for a team that genuinely cares and helps you get back on your feet—literally—this is the place to go! Thanks to Denise and her team!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lauren Apa at Smith PT helped me through my recovery after my 2nd major back surgery, through aqua PT and land PT. She was professional, compassionate, kind, and motivating. She always had a smile on her face and I wouldn't be where am I at today with my recovery without her! Thanks Lauren! The staff at Smith PT was always friendly and easy to work with scheduling appointments. Thanks!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people and a great atmosphere!! 10/10 would recommend!! Dana was very helpful, and knowledgeable! Thanks again🏆
