Kelly Krese, PT, DPT, NCS

About Me

Kelly has been involved in many diverse roles in the organization since 2012. While completing her DPT degree at UIC, she assisted with research studies for individuals with strokes and spinal cord injuries in the Locomotor Recovery Lab. After graduating in 2015, she worked as a Senior Physical Therapist (PT) in the inpatient setting. Her clinical experience includes working with adult and pediatric neurologic populations, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease. She became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2020. She then transitioned to a research role, serving as co-investigator for studies combining brain stimulation (TMS, iTBS) with rehabilitation interventions for people with brain injuries, chronic pain and psychiatric diagnoses. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and has integrated this skillset into her research and clinical practice. 

In her current role as an Admission Liaison, she advocates for patients to receive the rehabilitation services they need after serious medical events and assists with medical clearance prior to acute rehabilitation admission. She believes it is a privilege to be able to help people in a time of hardship and cherishes her role in each individual’s recovery. 

Kelly has always enjoyed maintaining a broad skillset through extra projects outside of her primary role. Over the years, she has developed a passion for education and mentoring, teaching DPT students at local universities and delivering continuing education courses on a diverse range of topics to national and international audiences. She is a consultant educator for SRALab’s Global Affiliates, including the Specialty Rehab Hospital of United Arab Emirates. She is Associated Faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Adjunct Faculty at Midwestern University. She maintains her research acumen as a Research Scientist Consultant with Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, assisting with scientific writing and study conceptualization.

Kelly is fueled by lifelong learning and human connection. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, and learning.