Meet the Therapists | Core Veterinary Rehab

Meet our Rehabilitation Therapists

CORE Veterinary Rehab is proud to have a team of licensed veterinary professionals and physical therapists, who have received post-graduate training and certification in the areas of animal rehabilitation and massage therapy, as well as Companion Animal Laser Therapy. Our CORE Rehab therapists are dedicated to providing high quality, low stress animal rehabilitation.

Leah Stapelman
DPT, CCRT

I graduated from Carroll University in 2018 with my doctorate in physical therapy (DPT). While in college I enjoyed competing in golf and swim. Since graduation I specialized in lymphedema and canine physical therapy.

I received my certification in canine physical therapy (CCRT) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2021. I was inspired to go into canine rehab when our family’s Golden Retriever, Savannah, was no longer able to use her hind legs.

I’ve always had a love for animals and a desire to improve their quality of life. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog Cali, a Shepherd/Blue Heeler Mix, running, and spending time outdoors.

Michele Grob

DPT, CCRT

At a young age I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field. A high school sports injury, combined with my desire to help others, led me to a career in physical therapy. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University in 2016. As a physical therapist, I have specialized in manual therapy, dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue massage, pelvic floor therapy, and canine rehabilitation.

I have been interested in canine rehab since I became a physical therapist, but was inspired to pursue my certification after helping my Bloodhound mix, Mabel, recover from patella luxation surgery in 2020. In 2023, I became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my skills and physical therapy experience to Core Rehabilitation.

Dani Schmidt

CVT, CCRVN

Dani is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) who joined the IVS team in 2019. She has worked across the veterinary field for over a decade, and obtained certification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse (CCRVN) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2022. She is particularly passionate about geriatric care, and loves to help senior pets continue to thrive in their golden years. In her free time, Dani enjoys hiking with her husband and two dogs, exploring the Milwaukee restaurant scene, and traveling.

Vicky Price

CVT, CVMRT

Core Rehab Coordinator

My career in the veterinary field began in 1998. In 2009 I became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). I then completed postgraduate education and training through The Healing Oasis in 2018, becoming a Certified Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapist (CVMRT). Since that time, my educational focus has been on canine massage training at Canis Bodyworks since 2019, completing courses in general massage therapy, myofascial trigger point therapy, lymphatic massage, orthopedic friction for tendon and ligament healing, oncology massage for cancer care, and canine trust building to help our four-legged friends feel more at ease during their session. Beyond massage and rehab, I am also a level one reiki practitioner through Usui Shiki Ryoho, and a level one medicinal aromatherapist with Wisdom of the Earth.

During 2018 I joined the wonderful team here at IVS and CORE. I come from a family of Border Collie lovers with a sheepherding background. In my spare time, I like to write short stories, learn to knit, go to the farmer’s market and craft fairs, and help with Monarch butterfly conservation. Having the opportunity to work with animals in this capacity is a blessing. I feel most passionate about providing healing therapies for senior and palliative care animals.

Dr. Allison Dunlop

DVM, CCRT, CVA,
Certified in Animal Chiropractic

My love of veterinary medicine began with my grandfather, Dr. Gary Troutman, who was the only veterinarian for a small town in rural Iowa. He embodied the values that I see as important in a veterinarian: compassion, knowledge, a strong work ethic, practicality, honesty, and fairness. Values which I strive to emulate in my practice of veterinary medicine every day.

I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and spent most of my childhood there. There isn’t a part of my memory where animals were not a part of it. I grew up with dogs as a part of our family and was always befriending the barn cats on my grandparents’ farm. Over the years I had guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, frogs, many fish, and a snail (god bless my poor mother). Like every young girl (at some point in their childhood) I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. The difference between most young girls and me is that dream never went away.

I spent much of my free time in veterinary clinics before and during high school. I moved to Wisconsin to begin my undergraduate studies in Bacteriology and Genetics at UW-Madison, and went on to earn my degree in veterinary medicine from the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

My interest in integrative medicine began during veterinary school. In addition to my required studies, I attended the Chi Institute during my third year of veterinary school and became a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. During my fourth year of veterinary school I become certified in Animal Chiropractic by Options For Animals College of Animal Chiropractic and by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. I also have a special interest in whole food and species appropriate nutrition, and could talk for days about all of the things that good food can do for the body. I'm currently working towards my Canine Rehabilitation Therapist Certification (CCRT) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

I have had the privilege of having an incredible mentor, Dr. Barbara Royal, who continues to teach me the value of integrative veterinary care; incorporating western, eastern and complementary modalities to create the most individualized, effective, and comprehensive wellness plan for every animal.

I opened Integrative Veterinary Service in November of 2015, and have happily settled here in the Milwaukee area with my husband, Drew, our beautiful daughters, Avery, Hayden, Noa, and Ryleigh, and our furry family—a snuggly Vizsla named, Indie, and a silly young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Luka. We also have a spunky cat named Lark and our sweet Wren with her insatiable hunger and crooked feline tail.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Certified in Animal Chiropractic, Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic, International Veterinary Chiropractic Association
Certification in Veterinary Topographical Acupuncture (pending), Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Canine Rehabilitation Institute

Associations, Memberships and Professional Service

Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA)
Committee Chair, Student American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (SAHVMA), 2015-2017
Board of Directors, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), 2016-2023

Disclaimer

CORE Veterinary Rehab therapists are not permitted to diagnose or treat medical conditions, or prescribe medications for your pet. If your pet is experiencing a medical concern, please seek out care with your primary veterinarian or local animal emergency center. Services are provided by physical therapists and certified veterinary technicians, who have received training and certification in animal rehabilitation and massage therapy through The Canine Rehabilitation Institute and The Healing Oasis. Veterinary Technicians and Assistants are under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.