Meet Our Staff

Amanda Waldmarson

Amanda Waldmarson,
PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

Meet Amanda. Amanda expressed an interest in therapy in high school, so she “shadowed” us at TriCore years ago and decided this was the career path for her. After graduating from Fox College with a PTA degree, she began working in orthopedics and destiny brought her back to TriCore. We are glad she heard and answered the call. 

She is married to Tyler and is the proud mother of 2 beautiful daughters. Outside of the busy life surrounding motherhood, she serves at her church and gets outdoors any time she can. 

Amanda’s caring demeanor and infectious smile is backed by years of orthopedic experience and knowledge of human movement that is an incredible asset to everyone she has the privilege to treat. She is a true “team” player and loves the collaboration with so many experienced clinicians at TriCore.

Barbara Black

Barbara Black,
Office Admin. (St. John)

Meet Barb. Barb is the voice you hear and the face you meet when you walk through the doors of our St. John office. From welcoming smiles to multitasking marvel, Barb ensures our front desk is a haven of efficiency and warm hospitality. Her years of experience in the physical therapy world is very evident. 

Barb raised her family locally and now has 3 grown boys; Tyler, Nick and Alex. With the boys all grown, she is now the “mom” to 2 pugs.

Barb’s quick wit and winsome personality will make you feel at ease as she’s the first voice and face you see in therapy. When she’s not keeping the office running smoothly, she loves to search for treasures at antique stores and farmer’s markets or satisfying her green thumb in her garden. 

Carolyn Ghezzi

Carolyn Ghezzi,
PTA, WCC
Physical Therapist Assistant, Wound Care Certified

Meet Carolyn. Carolyn is our dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant whose hands-on approach to healing is as unique as her love for farm animals and cheese, (but who doesn’t love some cheese?). After receiving her PTA degree, marrying her husband, Jordan, and wrangling a large collection of “fur babies”, Carolyn began practicing in a multitude of settings, earning advanced certifications in wound care. This background gives her a unique perspective and skill set treating complex conditions and working with an interdisciplinary approach to help people achieve their goals. But don’t let this impressive resume fool you.  Carolyn is down to earth and knows how to make therapy enjoyable with her “cheesy” humor.

When she's not in the clinic, Carolyn can be found at the “farm”, on the back of her horse or hanging with her pet pig, Lucy.   Graced with a huge heart to serve others, Carolyn uses her passion for riding by offering equine rehabilitation to kids with disabilities or emotional stresses. 

Carolyn’s hands-on approach to treatment is a breath of “fresh country air” in the healthcare world. That may sound a bit cheesy, but if was up to Carolyn, we’d all have a bit more cheese in our lives.

Danielle Bultema

Danielle Bultema,
PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

Meet Danielle. Danielle is a remarkable Physical Therapy Assistant who gracefully balances two worlds—nurturing her family of four children with her husband, Dan, and healing others with her therapeutic touch. With boundless energy and unwavering dedication, Danielle seamlessly transitions from mom-mode to healthcare-heroine on the daily. 

Danielle’s clinical expertise shines brightly through years of hands-on experience, continuing education and a deep understanding of human anatomy and movement mechanics. But it's not just about textbook knowledge; Danielle’s compassionate approach sets her apart. Her nurturing instincts extend to her patients, offering not just physical therapy but also a comforting shoulder to lean on during their healing journey.

Outside of her dual roles, Danielle finds joy in the outdoors. In the summer, you’ll find her hiking or working on her family farm and on the slopes in the winter, skiing with her husband and kids.

Kathleen “Casey” Belford

Kathleen “Casey” Belford,
PT
Physical Therapist

Meet Casey. Energizer Bunny. Caring Soul. Magic Hands. These are just a few of the terms used to describe Casey. We are simply thankful she is part of the TriCore team. With over 30 years of experience in physical therapy, she offers a plethora of knowledge and expertise patient's love. 

Casey is married to Jim and has three grown children. Traveling, water sports, serving in an after school program, and spending time with family and friends are what she enjoys in her free time.

Lori Groen

Lori Groen,
Office Admin. (Cedar Lake)

Meet Lori. Lori was the first employee hired in 2012, and for good reason. She is the conductor of our physical therapy orchestra. Her passion for making every visitor feel like part of our extended family is the heartbeat of our organization. When not enchanting our patients with her warmth, she's on a mission to conquer office clutter and transform it into a symphony of organized chaos.

Lori met her match in her husband, Randy,  and resides on 70 beautiful acres in Cedar Lake. They have 3 grown, married children, and a bevy of grandchildren that keep them young and active.

Her family recently opened Sandy Oaks Ranch Wildlife Adventure on 80 acres in Lake Village, IN. Yes, they literally bought a zoo. Shameless plug coming next. Check them out at: https://www.sorwildlife.com/

With a gift for gab and the ability to connect with everyone who walks through our doors, Lori will make every visit feel like it’s time well spent.

Megan Dekam

Megan Dekam,
PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Meet Megan. Megan is the newest PT on the TriCore team. An undergraduate of Dordt University, she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Midwestern University.

It was in college that she met and fell in love with Monte. They were married, had a daughter named Kaelyn, and are living their happily ever after story, one house project at a time. She’s the hostess with the mostest, a loyal friend and a lifelong learner. You’ll often find her with a good book in her hand, or AirPods in, listening to a podcast.

Megan has a well-rounded clinical background and uses that knowledge base to make therapy both engaging and enjoyable.  She believes in the notion that though laughter may not be the BEST medicine, it’s pretty helpful in recovery. But don’t let her incredibly kind demeanor fool you, she will do everything she can and use every tool she’s learned to get you back as quickly as possible.

 

Paula Skurka

Paula Skurka,
PT, ATC, CSCS
Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer Certified, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Meet Paula. Paula's journey into the world of physical therapy began on the playing fields, where her passion for sports and movement ignited a spark that led her from Lake Central High School to the University of Indianapolis, where she received a softball scholarship and a degree in PT and athletic training.

Paula's love for sports isn't limited to her professional life; it's a family affair. Alongside her husband, Kevin, and 2 children, theirs is a household where everyone is involved in sports, from weekend warriors to committed coaches to aspiring athletes.  Because of this background, Paula knows the importance of teamwork, dedication, and the joy of competition. She has a unique ability to motivate and inspire both her patients and the staff she helps lead in our St. John location. 

Paula’s extensive experience and passion for excellence makers her the perfect “teammate” on your road to recovery and success

Ryan Flipse

Ryan Flipse,
PT
Physical Therapist, Founder

Meet Ryan. In a world of “cookie cutter” physical therapy clinics, Ryan founded TriCore with the goal of creating something that breaks the mold, offering expertise, customer service, compassionate care and healing no “franchised” clinic can match. As a resident of Saint John with his wife, Lisa, Ryan’s desire was to offer a local clinic that understands the complexities of rehabilitation, and searching for and creating a staff that desired to be a part of something different.

That vision has become a reality. Under Ryan’s leadership, TriCore has become one of the most respected and experienced physical therapy providers in Northwest Indiana, along with one of the few that is owned and operated by someone who lives and serves in the community it is located. His impact doesn’t stop within the clinic walls. Ryan is actively involved in community activities, coaching and supporting local teams and serving in the church he attends with his family.

Ryan has spent his entire career staying up to date on new approaches and using that knowledge to create effective and customized treatment plans for his patients and mentoring other clinicians in their pursuit of excellence. Ryan states, "Every person who walks through our doors has a life story and we now enter into that story. I think one thing that sets us apart as a medical provider is we don't view our clients as someone merely having a painful or injured body part, they are a human being, with a body, soul and spirit. If we only treat the body, we miss the great privilege of caring for the whole person, who has a life filled with successes, failures, hobbies, family, and a future, which we get to positively impact."