About Us

Practicing as a physical therapist, Megan Frost discovered the need for more specialized care for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Along with her husband, Jay, they sought to make this a reality. STEP Therapies was opened in 2007 specifically for the treatment of spinal conditions and MS. STEP quickly made a name for itself, being at the forefront of the MS world in Minnesota. We became partners with the MS Society and had several therapists become MS-Certified Specialists (MSCS). We also hold continuing education courses, seminars and participate in MS-sponsored events, even holding one of our own, the MS Modified Triathlon!

Despite its success with MS, Megan had further ambitions and subsequently expanded STEP to include physical and occupational therapy for all neurological, as well as orthopedic, conditions. Although STEP remains a leading MS specialty clinic, we are now equipped to tackle nearly all conditions.

Since its inception in 2007, STEP has expanded several times in terms of space, staff and equipment to provide patients with the best chance at improvement and recovery.

Staff

Megan Frost, PT, MSCS

Co-owner, Director of Physical Therapy
Locations: Little Canada and Hopkins

Education: B.S. in Health Sciences
Masters in Physical Therapy (MPT) from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN

Credentials/Specialties:
Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist (MSCS)
LSVT BIG Certified (for people with Parkinson’s Disease)
APTA member since 1998
Member of the Acorda Professional Speaker’s Bureau

Personal Background: Megan grew up in Duluth, MN, participating in sports, outdoor activities and staying warm. Her and her husband, Jay, currently reside in Lino Lakes and have three wonderful children. When not practicing, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, running, traveling, and any outdoor activities.

Professional Background: Megan has been practicing physical therapy for 15 years. Upon completing her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy, she began her professional career at a private practice in Sioux Falls, SD. She was involved in the treatment of many spinal conditions, but this was also where her interest in Multiple Sclerosis and other neurologic conditions was developed. She co-founded STEP in 2007 and has since developed it into a well-known private practice. She has pursued several different treatment specialties over the years, greatly expanding her knowledge and scope of practice and conditions.

Awards:
2008 Starfish Award Healthcare Provider of the Year
2010 Healthcare Hero Award
2014 MS Research Council Voices for Multiple Sclerosis Community Commitment Award

Treatment philosophy: “The best way to summarize my treatment philosophy is individualized. There are many symptoms and conditions that are the same but there are no two people the same, so the treatment plan needs to be different for each patient. There is no protocol to individualized healing.”

Dan Kirkpatrick, PT, DPT

Director of Orthopedics, Associate Faculty for University of MN DPT program
Locations: Little Canada

Education: B.S. in Kinesiology and Coaching from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Regis University in Denver, CO
APTA, AAOMPT member since 2006

Credentials/Specialties:
Certified in Advanced Functional Dry Needling Level 3-Kinetacore/Evidence in Motion
APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Certified WorkSTEPS Employment Evaluator

Personal Background: Dan grew up in the Brainerd lakes area, but now claims the Twin Cities as home. He spent several years in both Denver and Omaha for physical therapy before finally making his way back to MN in 2011. He met his lovely wife, Julie, upon his return and they now have a beautiful daughter. Dan enjoys music and sports and is an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his free time hunting, lake and ice fishing, and foraging for wild mushrooms.

Professional Background: Dan has a broad background in both orthopedic and neurologic conditions, having practiced extensively in both settings. He is currently the Director of Orthopedics at STEP with strong interest and specialized techniques in manual therapy, functional dry needling, corrective exercise and neural mobilization. He was one the first practitioners in the state to become certified in dry needling, completing his training through Kinetacore/Evidence in Motion.

Treatment philosophy: “Be thorough, be an advocate, and do everything in my power and ability to get people back in action. There is nothing more satisfying in this world than to see someone feel better, move better and get back to the things that they want and need to be able to do.”

Tess Rybar, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist
Locations: Little Canada

Education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Sciences (BSOS)& Masters of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MOT) from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.

Credentials/Specialties:
AOTA member since 2015

Certified WorkSTEPS Employment Evaluator

Personal Background: Tess is a Twin Cities native and currently resides in St. Paul. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and walking with her dog Blue. With her adventurous personality she takes any opportunity to travel, but also loves spending some time at home to bake and be with friends and family.

Professional Background: Spending a year as a travel OT, Tess has experience in a multitude of settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and home health. Her specialties include home safety assessments, wheelchair assessments, evaluations for adaptive equipment/DME, cognitive retraining, bladder care/pelvic floor rehabilitation and ADL/IADL training. She has a strong interest in neurological conditions and is looking into getting her multiple sclerosis certified specialist (MSCS) certification.

Treatment Philosophy: “I ensure that the client’s goals are at the center of everything we do. I strive to be creative and problem solve with my clients to empower them to reach their goals by using meaningful activities.”

Cindi Madson, PTA, MSCS, LMT, CLT

Physical Therapist Assistant
Locations: Little Canada

Education: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN

Credentials/Specialties:
Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist (MSCS)
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Personal Background: Cindi is a native of the Twin Cities and currently resides in White Bear Lake with her husband, Scott, and their three children. In her spare time, Cindi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising and doing crafts. She also runs a private massage therapy business called Harmony in Health.

Professional Background: Cindi joined STEP shortly after its inception in 2007. Prior to this, she had extensive experience in outpatient orthopedic and hospital/skilled nursing facilities. She is proficient in the treatment of both neurological and orthopedic conditions as well as specializing in massage therapy, myofascial release and lymphedema management. She became a Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist in 2012.

Treatment philosophy: “I appreciate the ability to break down patients’ abilities and interests to help them reach their rehab goals and get them back to their desired activities.”

Amanda Swinghamer, PTA, MSCS

Physical Therapist Assistant/Office Manager
Locations: Little Canada

Education: B.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine from Minnesota State University in Mankato
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) from the St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN

Credentials/Specialties:
Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist (MSCS)

Personal background: Amanda is a MN native but currently lives in Somerset, WI with her husband, Nolan, and their hunting dog, Timber. Her favorite times are in the outdoors, whether going to the cabin, hiking, hunting or fishing. She loves musky fishing and is always looking for the next big fish to catch!

Professional background: Amanda began her professional career with a multi-disciplinary outpatient clinic prior to coming to STEP and also spent some time in a long term care/memory care setting. She has strong interests in manual therapy and corrective exercise.

Treatment philosophy: “I strive to develop trust and rapport with all my patients and work diligently towards their goals.”

Anne Anderson, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant
Locations: Little Canada

Education: B.S. in Kinesiology from University of MN – Twin Cities Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) from North Shore Community College in Danvers, MA

Personal Background: Anne is a country girl from Sebeka, MN turned city girl. She currently resides in Little Canada with her husband Derek and three sons. She loves horses and spends much of her free time as an instructor for therapeutic horseback riding. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, morning walks with her dog, visiting the family farm and taking care of her boys with their busy hockey schedules.

Professional Background: Anne started her PTA career in the outpatient setting in Salem, MA but has spent the better part of the last 20 years in home healthcare. Her interest has always been for people with neurological difficulties and has taken numerous courses focused on fall prevention and balance.

Treatment Philosophy: “Listen to patient’s wants and needs and then problem solve with them for the best treatment plan.”