Our Team

Our staff and facility offer an environment and culture in which clients and therapists strive together for achievement of functional goals and improved health. Functional goals may include: improved walking and standing, transfer ability, trunk stability, posture, balance, and strength, and sport participation.

Health and wellness goals include: significant gains in cardiovascular and pulmonary function, increased bone density, decreased spasticity, reduction in the risk of skin lesions, and enhanced glucose tolerance.

Physical Therapists

Maryleen "Mary" K. Jones, PT, MPT, DHsc, CLT, NCS

Maryleen “Mary” K. Jones, PT, MPT, DHSc, CLT, NCS is an Assistant Professor at Governors State University, currently teaching courses in patient management, neurotherapeutics, clinical education, and integrative research. Mary, received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Governors State University, and Doctor of Health Science degree from The University of Indianapolis with a concentration in Neuroscience and Adult Education. Mary is a board certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Mary’s research interests involve chronic neurological conditions as related to function, health, wellness, and quality of life. Mary is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, with active involvement in the Neurologic, Orthopedic, Oncology, and Acute Care Academies. Mary also serves in leadership of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association.

Eileen Johnson, PT, DPT

Eileen Johnson, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist from Chicago, IL joining as a Senior Physical Therapist and Clinical Director. Eileen received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove and her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She joins us with a variety of experience including Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Shriners Hospitals for Children where she has worked with patients across the lifespan with a variety of neurological and orthopedic impairments throughout their levels of recovery. Eileen has a special interest in patients with spinal cord injury and complex patient populations.

Taylor Kramer, PT, DPT, NCS

Taylor Kramer, PT, DPT, NCS is a Physical Therapist from Chicago, IL who received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University Bloomington. She joins us after working at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital as a physical therapist working with both neurological and orthopedic conditions. Taylor spent a great deal of time working with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease with additional training while at Northwestern. She has treated patients across the lifespan with a continued special interest in treating adults with brain and spinal cord injuries. Taylor is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association with involvement in the neurological academy.

Morgan Phenix, PT, DPT

Morgan Phenix, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist who grew up in St. James, Missouri. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science with a Rehabilitation emphasis from the University of Missouri in 2020 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri in 2023. She joined the team following graduation after her clinical experience at Next Steps Chicago. Morgan is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, with involvement in the Neurological Academy. She is passionate about neurological rehabilitation and excited to help patients gain more independence and participate in things they love to do.

Exequiel "Ex" Rosaldo, PT, DPT

Exequiel “Ex” Rommel Rosaldo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy whose journey is defined by ambition, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to transforming lives through movement. A proud graduate of Governors State University, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Community Health in 2022 as a Summa Cum Laude, followed by his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2026. Throughout his academic career, Ex consistently distinguished himself through his dedication to excellence, earning recognition and attracting the attention of multiple honor societies. Although his introduction to neurotherapeutics began in the classroom, he quickly recognized that neurorehabilitation was more than an area of study, it was his calling. That realization became a defining moment in his professional journey. When presented with the opportunity to work alongside one of the most respected therapists in the neurorehabilitation field, he accepted without hesitation, embracing the chance to turn his passion into purpose. Today, Ex is living the dream that first took shape in the classroom: helping individuals reclaim movement, restore function, and rediscover possibilities they may have thought were lost. He approaches every patient with the understanding that rehabilitation extends far beyond physical recovery, it is about restoring independence, rebuilding confidence, and empowering people to be great through thoughtful and intentional physical therapy.

Emily Kurley, PT, DPT

Emily Kurley, PT, DPT, earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University and is passionate about helping individuals with neurological conditions improve their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Having lived in Arizona, she developed a love for adventuring outdoors and trying new things. Emily has a particular interest in neurological rehabilitation, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and balance disorders. She believes successful rehabilitation starts with building meaningful relationships and understanding what matters most to each patient. Emily strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and enjoy a little laughter along the way. Outside of work, Emily enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending time with the people closest to her.

Occupational Therapist

Patricia O'Brien, MS, OTR/L

Patricia (Tricia) O’Brien, MS, OTR/L is a Chicago native. Tricia received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Rush University in Chicago. Throughout her career, Tricia has worked with clients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. During her time at Shriners Hospitals for Children, she served as the lead OT on the Spinal Cord Injury team. In addition to training staff and students in spinal cord injury care and rehabilitation, this role offered her exposure to a research study that followed their pediatric spinal cord injury patients into adulthood to monitor their quality of life. It also allowed her the opportunity to attend multiple national spinal cord injury conferences. More recently, Tricia has worked in the acute care and inpatient rehab settings with adults with a variety of diagnoses, including stroke. Tricia loves to learn and enjoys the complex challenges that are often inherent to the neurologically impaired population. She is also an enthusiastic educator, always willing to help clients, families and students alike to better understand a topic. Tricia embraces the roots of OT, always striving to help her clients to maximize their independence and engagement in whatever it is they love to do.

Neuro Exercise Specialists

Creighton Goss, CIFT

Creighton Goss graduated from Benedictine University in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Studies. Creighton is certified through ACSM as a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer, ReWalk certification, RTI certifications for electrical stimulation and has his locomotor training certifications with Lokomat and Therastride. He started as an aide in 2015 and quickly moved up to becoming an exercise therapist and then moved in the manager position of the Neuro Adaptive Fitness & Wellness program. Creighton comes from a unique background as he has been around spinal cord injuries since 2010. Creighton’s dad has been his inspiration to become a Neuro Exercise Specialist and help others who have neurological disabilities as his dad is a paraplegic. Creighton is always passionate about providing the best care to his clients and interacting with everyone who has questions about neurological disabilities.

Cheyenne Moser

Cheyenne Moser joins Next Steps as an Adaptive Fitness and Wellness specialist. Cheyenne earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Illinois State University in 2026.

Administrative Staff

Coreen Mentgen

Coreen Mentgen serves as a vital member of the administrative team, bringing extensive experience in patient coordination and healthcare operations. From managing appointments and insurance inquiries to ensuring seamless communication between patients and clinical staff, Coreen keeps the daily operations of Next Steps running efficiently. Her attention to detail and genuine care for every person who walks through our doors make her an essential part of the patient experience. Coreen understands that families navigating neurological rehabilitation often face overwhelming logistics, and she's committed to removing as many barriers as possible.