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

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.”

Cindi Madson, PTA, MSCS, LMT, CLT

Physical Therapist Assistant

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

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, her two kiddos and their hunting dog, Timber. Her favorite times are in the outdoors with her family, whether it is 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.”

Madelyn Downing, DPT, PT

Physical Therapist

Tyler Thurmes, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Nicole Dobbs, Front Desk