Meet Our Professional Therapists

Dr. Eva Norman, President & Founder

President & Founder - Doctor of Physical Therapy - Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults
MN: eva.norman@liveyourlifemn.com | FL: eva.norman@liveyourlifefl.com

Dr. Eva Norman has been practicing physical therapy for more than 25 years. Her passion and commitment continue to be to bring the benefits of physical therapy to the residents of her community and to those in need of it in the surrounding counties.

She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physical Therapy in 1996 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2009, from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Through the years, Dr. Norman has practiced in different practice settings with patients of all ages with various diagnoses. Early on in her career she developed a strong interest in geriatric rehabilitation. To expand her skill set over the years she has taken numerous continuing education courses and also worked in the areas of neurology, orthopedics and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. In April 2013, she became a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult.

Dr. Norman is currently licensed in Minnesota and Florida. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1994. Currently, he is the APTA Federal Affairs Liaison for Florida  and PT PAC Ambassador for Florida. Dr. Norman also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Dr. Ariel Cole, Doctor of Physical Therapy

ariel.cole@liveyourlifemn.com

Dr. Ariel Cole, graduated with two degrees from St. Catherine University. A B.S in Exercise and Sports Science (2013) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2016). She has experience rooted in pelvic floor therapy, orthopedic therapy, and acute care. For the last 6 years she has had a special interest in providing cares for individuals who are pregnant and postpartum, and those who are experiencing urine and bowel incontinence, constipation and or diarrhea, pelvic pain, chronic low back pain, and sexual dysfunction.

Ariel is a dynamic and positive provider who enjoys working in teamwork with her clients. She understands that each person comes with a unique background, history, and life circumstances that require good communication and problem solving to reach their goals! Personal interests include community education, advocacy, working with underserved communities, and female anatomy related issues. At LYLPT, she wishes to aid people of all walks of life achieve their goals and is willing to be creative to do so!

Dr. Christina Apfelbaum, Doctor of Physical Therapy

christina.apfelbaum@liveyourlifemn.com

Dr. Christina Apfelbaum, DPT graduated in 2013 from the University of St. Thomas with a B.S. in Exercise Science. She then graduated in 2016 from the University of Jamestown with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has primarily worked with the geriatric population in the acute care setting. She also has experience in cancer rehab, as well as wound care. She appreciates the uniqueness of each person and is motivated to tailor a plan to meet their needs and make life more enjoyable for them now and in the future!

She lives with her husband, young daughter, and Bernese Mountain Dog. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, cook, bake, and work out, usually in the form of running, cycling, or resistance training.

Dr. Kristen Reed, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Geriatric Certified Specialist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
kristen.reed@liveyourlifemn.com

Dr. Kristen Reed, PT, DPT, GCS, CLT, is a board certified geriatric clinical specialist and a certified lymphedema therapist. She graduated from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2011) with a B.S. in Kinesiology degree. She went on to graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Catherine University (2015) and completed the Geriatric Clinical Residency program from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities in 2016. Dr. Reed has spent her career working primarily with older adults in the Transitional Care/ Memory Care/Long Term Care settings. Dr. Reed is passionate about working with the aging person and excels in helping them improve their quality of life. She loves being a therapist and watching her clients reach their goals.

Dr. Sarah Petrich, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Postural Restoration Certified, PMA Certified, Pilates Instructor
sarah.petrich@liveyourlifemn.com

Dr. Sarah Petrich, PT, DPT, PRC, NCPT was first interested in movement and the human body through dance. Her fascination with movement propelled her to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, as well as Master of Physical Therapy in 2005 from St Catherine University. She continued her education to receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2006.

Sarah received her Postural Restoration Certification (PRC) in 2011and in 2013, she completed her Pilates rehabilitation training with Polestar Pilates and is Pilates Method Alliance Certified. She combines these two specialties to correct musculoskeletal imbalances and asymmetries, decrease pain and increase ease and efficiency of movement so clients become a stronger, balanced, and relaxed self. 

Alana Howey, PT, MS, Physical Therapist

alana.howey@liveyourlifemn.com

Alana is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist who graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 1985 with a B.A. biology degree. She went on to study at Texas Woman’s University and graduated with a MS in physical therapy in 1987. The bulk of her career she has been practicing in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, treating a wide range of client ages and challenges. Alana developed a specialty in treating temporomandibular dysfunction, headaches, and cervical dysfunction. In addition, she likes to apply a holistic approach to rebalancing the entire body system with postural restoration for complex, multi-joint challenges. She was board certified as a clinical specialist in orthopedics from1999 through 2019. Alana has practiced with Live Your Life since 2016 and enjoys creating specialized programs to guide clients to their highest potential.

When not working, Alana is kept busy with her husband and two daughters. She loves to garden, bike, travel, and take long hikes with her dog.

Danielle Flagstad, Occupational Therapist

danielle.flagstad@liveyourlifemn.com

Danielle Flagstad graduated from The College of St Scholastica with a BS degree in health sciences and continued at the same college for her Masters of science in Occupational therapy in 2015. With experience in transitional care, inpatient rehabilitation and acute care, she really enjoys meeting the patient where they are at in their recovery and continuing to focus on rehabilitation in order to gain optimal independence. With a passion for stroke rehab, cognitive therapy and overall better health she is excited to assist clients in reaching their goals.

When not with clients, Danielle spends her time with her husband and their young son. She enjoys all activities outdoors, Peloton workouts and cooking.

Briar Kleeman, Speech Language Pathologist

briar.kleeman@liveyourlifemn.com

Briar Kleeman graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology in 2019. Prior to graduate school, she was working as a secondary vocal music teacher at a small school district in Iowa when her father suffered a stroke. Inspired by her father’s recovery, Briar found herself drawn to speech pathology and in graduate school soon after. Briar has had experiences in both Iowa and Minnesota across various settings providing speech therapy services to older adults. Briar has expertise in areas of stroke recovery, aphasia, apraxia, Parkinson’s management, voice and resonance disorders, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and management of neurological disorders across the lifespan. Briar is a classically trained vocalist and certified in the Parkinson’s specific voice program SPEAK OUT!

Andrew Rapacz, B.S., EP-C, Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist

andrew.rapacz@liveyourlifemn.com

Andy holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota (2009) and a Master of Organizational Leadership Certificate from St. Catherine University (2016). He is accredited through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (2011).  Andy has been with Live Your Life since 2019.

Andy has worked in the adaptive fitness world of neurological rehabilitation since 2009. He has extensive experience working with a variety of neurological diagnosis including Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and more.  Andy’s professional passion lies in providing opportunities for individuals with neurological diagnosis within the rehab continuum beyond ‘traditional’ therapy.

Hillary Rotunda, B.A., Personal Trainer, Executive Assistant

hillary.rotunda@liveyourlifept.com

Hillary grew up being active her whole life which led her to attend Concordia College in Moorhead MN. She double majored at Concordia, earning her degrees in exercise science and Nutrition. While there she also played on the college volleyball and softball teams. . Following graduation she moved to the MN twin cities area where she earned her certified personal trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine along with a certified strength and conditioning coach through USA weightlifting. Hillary has a passion for motivating people to reach their goals by finding a personalized nutrition and exercise plan that worked best for them. She works with clients 1-on-1, as well as small group classes. Additionally, she is finishing up her prerequisites to apply for physical therapy school in June 2023. In her spare time, Hillary can usually be found at the gym, playing volleyball, or coaching softball. During the summer she enjoys all that Minnesota has to offer, such as sand volleyball competitions, rollerblading, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming. She loves playing board games with her friends and family and trying any new recipe she can find. Hillary is most excited to grow her knowledge base and help people achieve their health and wellness goals through Live Your Life!

Bethany Ranney, L.Ac, Acupuncturist

bethany.ranney@liveyourlifemn.com

Bethany is a licensed acupuncturist who discovered acupuncture after she had an injury that resulted in severe back pain and leg weakness. Before treatment, she was afraid to even walk up a flight of stairs, let alone resume exercise and other activities she loved. Acupuncture treatments helped her fully recover. After recovering, Bethany decided that she wanted to bring this type of healing to others, so she began her acupuncture study at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She graduated magna cum laude in 2012 with her master’s degree in Acupuncture. Bethany has worked in a variety of settings, providing care both one on one and in group settings. She cares deeply about her patients and wants to help them to achieve the amazing results that she knows are possible with the use of acupuncture.

Liz Rosenberg, BA, CMT, Massage Therapist

liz.rosenberg@liveyourlifemn.com

As a Certified Massage Therapist, Liz is experienced in the care of patients who have suffered an injury, an accident, or chronic/ongoing health problems. She embraces a philosophy of helping the body heal by helping you relieve the tension and imbalance within your body. Services promote relaxation, vitality, and life-long wellness. Liz listens to your body's wants and needs, then guides you on your journey to optimal health.

A 1986 graduate of the College of St Benedict and a 2001 graduate of Sister Rosalind Gefre School of Professional Massage, Liz has also completed post-graduate courses in Myofascial Release (MFR) and CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and Integrated Manual Therapy. She continues to increase her clinical knowledge and expertise as a CST teaching assistant allowing her to better serve her patients.

Sarah Johnson, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian

sarah.johnson@liveyourlifemn.com

Sarah Johnson MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian with a strong passion for helping people discover the healing power of food.

Today’s world offers more nutrition information at our fingertips than ever before. However, when it comes to nutrition, there is no one size fits all solution leading many to feel exhausted by years of “trial & error.” Sarah’s mission is to help people weed through the noise and to educate and empower them on simple ways food can help them regain their energy for life. She believes your body was designed to work well; you simply need the tools to get it back on track.

Andrew Wallner, B.S., Administrative Assistant

andrew.wallner@liveyourlifept.com

Andy is an administrative assistant who is originally from Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he obtained a B.S. in Kinesiology. He moved to the Twin Cities in 2021 to pursue his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Concordia St. Paul University. Andy found a natural gravitation toward physical therapy as he has always been interested in sports, rehabilitation, and overall health. In addition to his coursework, Andy takes great pride in advocating for the physical therapy profession, as well as the interests of patients. Once graduated, Andy hopes to work with neuro, orthopedics, and/or pediatric patient populations.

Aside from his professional interests, Andy also enjoys many activities that support overall health and wellness. In his free time, Andy enjoys fishing, playing soccer, or just doing anything outdoors.

Angie Swanson, B.S., Administrative Assistant

angie.swanson@liveyourlifept.com

Angie is an administrative assistant who graduated with a degree in Biokinetics from Bethel University in 2021. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Angie sparked interest in physical therapy from growing up as a dancer for nearly 15 years. Now, she enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through running with her dog, hiking, yoga, and traveling to national parks. Angie is interested in working with a variety of populations in the future, and dreams of opening an interdisciplinary health and wellness clinic of her own someday. Angie is excited about the opportunity to work with Live Your Life and learn more about the field through Dr. Norman.

Ariel Ruper, B.A., Administrative Assistant

ariel.ruper@liveyourlifept.com

Ariel is an administrative assistant who graduated with a degree in Exercise Science at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2020 and she is currently working toward her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Ariel is open to working with all populations as a future DPT but is very interested in working with the geriatric population. She enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and is currently training for her first half marathon. Ariel is very excited to work with Live Your Life and learn more about the field from Dr. Eva Norman outside of the standard class setting.

Kasey Kroiss B.S., Administrative Assistant

kasey.kroiss@liveyourlifept.com

Kasey is an administrative assistant who graduated with a degree in Biology and a certificate in Global Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Kasey hopes to work with the neurological population as a future physical therapist based on past volunteering and working experiences. She enjoys cooking new recipes, reading, and working out. In the future, Kasey hopes to open her own physical therapy practice and is thrilled to learn more from Dr. Norman.