Meet Our Team
Who we are and why we love helping you
Dr. Nathaniel Hoover, PT, DPT, OCS - Clinic Director
Dr. Hoover is a Wisconsin native practicing since May 2012
Why did you want to be a physical therapist?
After sustaining a fracture of my low back when I was 16 years old when snowboarding, I personally learned the great benefits of physical therapy. My back injury motivated me at a young age to pursue my dream of helping patients regain their function and decrease their pain to participate in what they enjoy.
EDUCATION
Undergraduate: UW-La Crosse in Exercise Sports Science
Graduate: Doctorate in Physical Therapy at UW- Madison
Residency: UW Hospitals and Clinics and UnityPoint Health – Meriter Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
CERTIFICATIONS
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Trigger Point dry needling
- APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
- American Heart Association CPR and AED Certified (this is true for all clinicians)
What can the patient expect when they have you as a doctor?
“My patients can expect a detail-oriented, caring approach to their care. I take great pride in understanding what my patient is having trouble completing and work with them to meet personalized goals. I value education, manual therapy and exercise. I feel that if a patient can understand and learn the reason for their pain or dysfunction, they will be successful in changing it.”
What is the most important factor in a doctor-patient relationship and why?
Communication. Clinicians need to understand what a patient is going through to be able to help them most effectively. Sound communication allows for empathy, appropriate intervention, education and ultimately goal attainment.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
- American Physical Therapy Association Member
- American Physical Therapy Association - Wisconsin Chapter - Member
- Southwest District Committee Member
- AAOMPT Member
FREE TIME: Dr. Hoover is a devoted husband and father to his son, Edwin. His physical activities: Golfing, hunting, softball, biking and chasing after his rescue dog, Redbone Coonhound, Harley.
PATIENT INSIGHTS:
Dr. Jennifer Jeschke PT, DPT, CMPT, MFDc - Owner
Jennifer Jeschke is a Wisconsin native, born and raised in Racine, WI. She established her career in Lake Mills in 2004 and opened Optimal Physical Therapy in 2005.
She is an active member of the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association, currently serving as our district chair and board of directors for the Private Practice Special Interest Group.
She received her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Areas of special interest and expertise include orthopedic and sports medicine, Injured Worker rehabilitation and injury prevention, Trigger Point Dry Needling, Myofascial Decompression Techniques, and is a Certified Golf Performance Specialist through Nike and the Gray Institute.
In her free time she enjoys volleyball, golf, swimming, travel, and running her 2 Texas rescue dogs.
Dr. Lisa Smith, PT, DPT
Dr. Lisa Smith is a Physical Therapist who grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Why did you want to be a physical therapist?
Dr. Lisa values the opportunity to get to know her patients and help them achieve their goals as quickly as possible. She is passionate about demonstrating how capable the human body is and how it can adapt with age. Dr. Lisa enjoys empowering individuals to reach their physical potential through thoughtful care and education.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Graduate: Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Injured Worker Rehabilitation
What is the most important factor in the doctor-patient relationship and why?
Dr. Lisa believes that honest and respectful communication is crucial in fostering successful doctor-patient partnerships. Open communication allows for collaboration in overcoming barriers and ultimately leads to better outcomes for the patient.
What can the patient expect when they have Dr. Lisa as their physical therapist?
Patients can expect a compassionate and results-driven approach. Dr. Lisa is dedicated to providing effective care that improves both the physical condition and overall quality of life for her patients. She strives to create individualized treatment plans that facilitate lasting recovery.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
- STAYING FIT: Enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, yoga, and weight training to stay active
- FUN TIME: Spends quality time with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Rory. She also enjoys playing games with her family and exploring new ones.
Dr. Colleen Aubrey PT, DPT
Dr. Colleen Aubrey is a licensed Physical Therapist with expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and neurological conditions. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds licensure in both Wisconsin and Illinois.
Why did you want to be a physical therapist?
Dr. Colleen is passionate about empowering others to lead happy and healthy lifestyles. She finds great fulfillment in delivering personalized, results-driven therapy that not only helps patients recover physically but also improves their overall quality of life. Her goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of each individual she treats.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo
- Graduate: Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
CERTIFICATIONS
- LSVT Big Certification (specializing in Parkinson’s disease)
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Sports Injuries
- Neurological Conditions, specifically Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation
What can the patient expect when they have you as a therapist?
Patients can expect a personalized, patient-centered approach that is focused on achieving measurable, positive outcomes. Dr. Colleen takes pride in offering comprehensive care that not only addresses immediate recovery needs but also helps her patients regain functional independence and return to their active lives as quickly as possible.
What is the most important factor in the therapist-patient relationship and why?
Dr. Colleen believes that clear, open communication and a strong partnership between therapist and patient are essential. This mutual understanding allows for a treatment plan that is tailored to each patient's goals, leading to the best possible outcomes.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
- STAYING FIT: Enjoys running, biking, and swimming to maintain an active lifestyle
- FUN TIME: In her free time, Colleen loves gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys participating in various physical activities and staying active with friends and family.
Marissa Anderson, PT, DPT
Dr. Marissa originally grew up living in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but has now moved to the Madison area to establish herself as a practicing physical therapist here in Lake Mills.
Education
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from The University of Kansas.
Graduate: Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin.
Certifications
Animal Assisted Therapy Certification from Concordia University Wisconsin
American Heart Association Basic Life Support
Areas of Expertise/Special Interest
Post-op care
Sport-related injuries and orthopedics
Trigger point dry needling and manual therapy techniques
Crossfit, Pickleball, and Volleyball athletes
Approach to Care
I am dedicated to delivering individualized, patient-centered care aimed at maximizing function, with a strong focus on enhancing sports performance for athletic populations. My approach combines evidence-based techniques with a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands faced by those who are recovering from an injury. I strive to positively impact lives by fostering a compassionate environment, empowering patients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Through personalized rehabilitation plans and motivation, I aim to help each patient have the freedom and confidence to return to the activities they love to do.
Achievements
ACAPT National Honor Society Member
American Physical Therapy Association Member
Personal Touch
Why did you choose physical therapy?
I chose physical therapy because of my own experiences with injury and recovery. After facing a challenging setback in my athletic journey, I saw firsthand how impactful compassionate care and expert guidance could be. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others navigate their own challenges. I love the personal connections I build with my patients and the joy of seeing them regain their strength and confidence. Being part of their journey to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling for me.
Free time:
I love hanging out with my family and closest friends, whether we’re at the lake hiking and biking, battling it out on the pickleball court, trying not to burn the homemade sourdough bread in the oven, sipping coffee like connoisseurs, or getting overly competitive with board games—it’s always an enjoyable time.
Connect with Dr. Marissa on LinkedIn
Mara Martin, PTA
Mara grew up in central Wisconsin, moved to Madison to attend college in 2011. Mara joined Optimal in 2021 and provides physical therapy treatment at The Ranch in Marshall under Optimal Physical Therapy. She also operates a gym in Marshall called The Ranch Training Center with her boyfriend Max.
Why did you want to be a physical therapist assistant?
In high school, I realized from my anatomy & physiology class that I was fascinated by the human body. I researched potential majors and landed on studying Kinesiology in college. I was offered many unique opportunities working with different populations of people throughout the next few years, such as in-home caregiving, volunteering with UW-Madison’s Adapted Fitness program, becoming a personal trainer, and leading multiple programs for MSCR’s Adapted Recreational Department. From these experiences, I knew I wanted to continue working with people in a healthcare setting and was most interested in the profession of physical therapy. I decided to become a PTA because it was more cost-effective for me and I was able to stay in the Madison area, where I had been building invaluable relationships for the past several years.
Why Marshall?
Marshall is a community that has been lacking in both fitness and physical therapy resources. The Ranch had already established many connections in the neighboring town of Waterloo, so we decided to expand our small personal training studio into a fully operating gym in late 2020. We knew we could offer more services with the size of our new facility, so we reached out to Optimal about expanding its physical therapy services through our gym in Marshall.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from UW-Madison
- Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s degree from Madison College
CERTIFICATIONS
- Barbell Rehab Method Certification
- Injury Prevention Specialist Certification
- American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED Certification
Areas of special interest:
Barbell strength training, manual therapy, orthopedics, injury prevention
What can the patient expect when they have you as a therapist?
Listening to my patients because there is often much more to the puzzle underneath the surface. Being stubborn, solutions for your physical limitations can be found in many ways.
What is the most important factor in a therapist-patient relationship and why?
Trust. If you can’t trust your provider with your health, you’re not getting the care you deserve.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
- Associations: Marshall Area Business Association and the Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce.
- Memberships: American Physical Therapy Association—Wisconsin
- Volunteer: Assistant coach for The Ranch Training Center’s Powerlifting team
STAYING FIT: I enjoy lifting weights, biking, and hiking.
FUN TIME: Exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with my malamute, Arya.
Favorite treatment and Why?
I love incorporating manual therapy techniques into my practice, particularly soft-tissue mobilization (massage). The human touch is so important for both its physical and emotional benefits, such as establishing trust with a person.
PATIENT INSIGHTS
"Mara is not only my PTA with Optimal, but also my (Personal) Trainer at the Ranch Training Center, helping me to overcome some physical issues through treatment and strength. She has the ability and techniques to not only address the aches and pains that come with life, but also continue to build my strength and agility to be able to help me see my personal health goals become a reality. Her understanding of how the body works is amazing. I ask a lot of questions and she has great answers. She listens, she cares, and she strives to make me strong and healthy.” - Lynn P.
"Optimal Physical Therapy helped me by correcting a bicep issue that was holding back my strength gains, Mara is the best!!" - Patrick Edge
“When I decided to have my knee replacement, I knew I would have a ton of PT appointments. My insurance allowed me choices where I was able to go for therapy. I chose Optimal PT because of its location. From the first appointment, I felt heard, valued and respected. The pain was incredibly intense in the beginning and Dr. Nate devised an exercise routine that allowed for recovery with respect to my pain. He pushed me gently to respect my body and still meet my own goals. As I work with Mara PTA at The Ranch in Marshall now, she is continuing to build on what Dr. Nate started. She has continued to encourage me as I recover. I would highly recommend going to Optimal PT for post-op recovery!” - Rebecca Milam
Emily Jensen, PTA
Bio to come. Please stay tuned.
Kris Melcher, Patient Coordinator
Kris was raised in Beaver Dam, WI. and lives in Watertown. Her patient skills learned from Watertown Regional Medical clinic in Lake Mills and people skills as a hairdresser for 20 + years is perfect for Optimal Physical Therapy patients. She likes one-on-one interaction and making a patient’s life easier.
When can a patient expect to engage with you?
Kris makes it a goal to create a safe, positive, caring, and welcoming atmosphere for all who enter the clinic. She goes above and beyond to provide convenient schedules for the patients. She is thrilled to grow as a team member at Optimal Physical Therapy and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of all who enter our building.
What is the most important factor in patients choosing Optimal Physical Therapy?
Patient access to healthcare is so important. The people of Jefferson County can find unparalleled service and expertise in a very easy, uncomplicated way.
STAYING FIT: Walking, working out, paddling and snowshoeing.
FUN TIME: Kris has been married for 36 years to her Lakeside Lutheran high school sweetheart. Spending time with their 3 married daughters, 3 grandsons, 9-month-old English cream golden retriever "Callie".
Favorite Service at Optimal? Coming soon
Julie Larson, Office Manager
Role at Optimal Physical Therapy: Office Manager since 2018
-Responsible for the non-clinical aspects of the day-to-day operation, including insurance/benefits verifications, HR, staff training and onboarding . She has always been very passionate about people and wanted to work in healthcare all her life. After 20 years in retail, she decided to change her career path to be part of a wonderful team that has her goals and interests in mind!
When can a patient expect to engage with you?
During the intake process, I help patients with their insurance questions and make sure to get authorizations when needed. I will be there for you all your administration needs.
What is the most important factor in patients choosing Optimal Physical Therapy?
Movement is crucial to a person’s health, quality of life, and independence.
STAYING FIT: Walking my dog, hiking, playing pool and biking
FUN TIME: Family, friends, massage therapy, being outdoors, and traveling.
Favorite Service at Optimal: Manual Therapy
Favorite part of my Job: Helping patients navigate their care and working as a team with our patient care coordinators.
“Early treatment is the key to maximizing movement, managing chronic pain and recovering from surgery and injuries.”
Dr. Jennifer Jeschke PT, DPT, CMPT, MFDc
Words from Our Patients
Your Health is Our Top Priority
Request an Appointment today and we promise to help you with every issue you may have
