Kris understands the patient journey in a way that can’t be taught in a textbook because he’s lived it. As a Physical Therapist at Vertrae®, he brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to every session, helping patients move from limitation to confidence, one step at a time.
A former multi-sport athlete, Kris spent plenty of time on the other side of the treatment table recovering from injuries. Those early experiences shaped not only his career choice but the way he shows up for patients today, with empathy, patience, and a deep respect for how challenging recovery can be.
“Being a physical therapist allows me to assist others in recovering from debilities that are keeping them from enjoying life and doing the things they love.”
Why He Chose This Path
Growing up active meant injuries were part of the deal, and so was physical therapy. Kris remembers the quality care he received and how it helped him get back on his feet, back on the field, and back to living fully. That stayed with him.
Health and well-being remain a top priority in his own life, and physical therapy became the perfect intersection of his passions: movement, discipline, and helping others reclaim their independence.
The Experience That Shaped His Approach
Kris doesn’t point to one defining moment, but rather to years of experience across multiple clinic settings and countless patient interactions. Working with people from all walks of life helped him develop something he values deeply: rapport.
That ability to connect allows him to meet patients where they are, adapt to their needs, and guide them forward in a way that feels personal rather than prescribed.
His Role at Vertrae®
Although Kris is not in the clinic every day, when he’s there, his presence is felt immediately. He arrives prepared, reviews schedules and charts in advance, and connects with the team to ensure each patient’s day is organized, intentional, and smooth from the start.
For Kris, preparation is part of care.
Each session is more than a treatment. It’s an opportunity to educate, support, and empower patients so they can succeed not just in the clinic, but at home and at work.
“At Vertrae®, each patient is placed as a top priority in every aspect of care, and you feel that in every interaction.”
What Makes Him Most Proud
Progress. Especially when patients don’t realize how far they’ve come until he shows them.
Kris makes a point of pausing at key moments in a patient’s plan of care to reflect on their progress, big and small. Whether it’s reduced pain, improved mobility, or returning to an activity they thought was out of reach, those moments matter.
Seeing that realization click is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
His Care Philosophy
Kris hopes every patient feels valued and respected the moment they walk through Vertrae®’s door, and he believes that’s a standard the entire team truly lives up to.
On challenging days, he stays grounded by counting his blessings and keeping perspective. Working with people who are in pain has a way of reminding him what matters most.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Outside of work, Kris enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and tackling home projects. If he needs a reset after a long day, you’ll often find him at the gym—or relaxing on the couch with his wife and a good show.
And then there’s the fun stuff.
A Few of Kris’s Favorites
Guilty Pleasure: Ketchup… on almost everything (except steak—never steak)
Specialty Snack: Ketchup-flavored potato chips imported from Canada
Go-To Lunch Spot: Hot Head Burritos
Dream Skill: Mastering the acoustic guitar
Reset Button: A good workout at the gym
Final Thought
Kris is the kind of Physical Therapist who sees the whole person, not just the injury. His steady presence, commitment to education, and genuine investment in patient progress embody what Vertrae® stands for: care that’s thoughtful, personal, and focused on getting people back to living the lives they love.
Because real progress isn’t just measured in range of motion. It’s also measured in confidence, trust, and momentum forward.
