Melissa Gonzalez is an experienced Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in orthopedic injuries, pediatric neuromuscular rehabilitation, and neurological physical rehabilitation.  She earned her A.A.S. PTA degree from College of DuPage in Illinois.  Melissa has substantial expertise with weightlifting and contact sports including wrestling and lacrosse.  She has over 10 years of experience improving the lives of students/young adults with differential diagnoses.  Melissa’s aquatic therapy skills bring a special fluidity to her treatment sessions.  Melissa supports the educational process of future therapists in her role as a Clinical Instructor and the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education at a post-acute community re-entry facility in Downers Grove.  Melissa’s philosophy of treatment combines functional movement and manual therapy with prescribed therapeutic exercises specific to each patient to promote successful return to sports and community choices.  She partners with her patients to create individualized treatments that lead to achievements of patients’ personal goals.  Melissa brings her bilingual background of English/Spanish to promote an inclusive cultural rehabilitation experience for all patients.

Melissa is a passionate sports enthusiast who runs multiple 5Ks to benefit a vast assortment of children and animal charitable organizations.  When she has valuable free time, Melissa enjoys traveling to any outdoor destination with her husband, Brandon, and children, Niko and Max!