Meet the Staff

Kelly McFarland, PT, DPT received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science in 1992 from Texas Tech University. After teaching junior high for 3 years, she decided to go back to school to further her skills in the exercise field. Kelly graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Master's of Science, in July 1999 and with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from TWU in August 2010. Kelly has worked in outpatient orthopedic clinics in the Metroplex Area since her graduation and in November 2003 founded Premier Rehab. As the owner of Premier Rehab, she has worked closely with area orthopedic surgeons in high quality patient care specializing in advanced orthopedics. Kelly is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and enjoys being a part of the profession as a guest lecturer for TPTA conferences, Hydroworx conferences and local PT schools. Kelly has an intense passion to provide the highest quality of care that makes physicians proud to send their patients to her and her team.

Maria Underwood is Premier Rehab's Administrator. She has worked in the medical field since 1999 which is when she received her Medical Assistant Certification. Maria assisted in the ground breaking endeavors of Premier Rehab when it opened in November 2003. Maria specializes in supervising all office staff and billing at each of Premier Rehab's locations. She loves spending time with her husband of over 15 years and her two beautiful daughters.

Ellen Murray, PT, DPT, is Premier Rehab's Clinic Director for the North Richland Hills Director. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science in 1986 from the University of California, Santa Barbara. After working as a Systems Analyst in the Dallas/Ft Worth Area for several years she decided to make a career change. Ellen graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Master of Science I Physical Therapy in July 1999. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Ellen has worked in outpatient orthopedic clinics throughout the Metroplex. Ellen joined the team at Premier Rehab in May 2004. Ellen is committed to excellence and meeting the needs of her patients and the physicians for whom she serves. She plans to work toward a specialization in manual therapy over the next year. Her interests include manual therapy, orthopedics, spine rehabilitation and sports injuries. Ellen is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Texas Physical Therapy Association and the Orthopedic Specialist Sections.

Jana Mulligan, PT, joined Premier Rehab on a part-time basis in January 2008. She attended Abilene Christian University prior to obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the UTMB School of Allied Health Sciences in Galveston in 1982. Over the past 26 years she has experienced a variety of physical therapy settings including inpatient and outpatient neurological rehab. The past 10 years she has worked in outpatient orthopedics. Jana is also co-owner, with her husband, of continuing ED which provides continuing education seminars for physical therapists.

Lori Day, PT, MS, received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 1991 from Brigham Young University. In 1993, she graduated from Texas Women's University Houston with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Over the last 13 years, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient neuro, inpatient rehabilitation hospital and outpatient orthopedic geriatrics and vestibular rehab. Her current interests are in Manual therapy and orthopedics.

Erika Rodriguez, PTA, was born raised in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area and graduated from Trinity High School. She attended Tarrant County College and graduated in 2010 with an Associates in Applied Sciences for Physical Therapist Assistant. She hopes to receive her Bachelors degree soon. When Erika is not working she likes to watch T.V., download music, and take long naps with her dog, Franklin. She also enjoys anything that has to do with Harry Potter, hanging out with her family and eating great food.

Caitlin Stout was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In 2006 she graduated from Grapevine High School, and attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology of May 2011. She is currently applying to Physical Therapy Doctoral programs, hoping to attend school in fall 2012. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends or simply settling in for a good book or a great movie. In the future she hopes to join the Peace Corps and travel the world.

Jeff Taylor graduated from Grapevine High School in 2009. He spent one year at Texas State University seeking an Electrical Engineering degree. He is now taking online classes from Liberty University from the State of Virginia seeking a Bachelor's degree in Religion. He hopes to become a Pastor of a church one day. In his free time, he likes to play football, basketball, softball, and soccer. Jeff has joined Premier Rehab as a Physical Therapy Aide February of 2011.

Carrie Jackson graduated from Fossil Ridge High School in 2003, and continued her education at the University of North Texas where she majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology. Carrie graduated with her Bachelor's in 2009. Premier was happy to have Carrie join their team in May of 2011. In her free time Carrie loves to hang out with her Friends and family - where she is the youngest of her two siblings, but most of all she adores doting on her Great Dane Veda.

Stefanie Peterson received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2000 from Kansas State University. After many years of customer service and 4 years as an Office Manager, she decided to pursue a career change in Physical Therapy. Stefanie joined the Premier Rehab team in June 2008. She loved working with people and helping them reach and accomplish their personal goals. In her spare time, Stefanie loves to shop, decorate and most importantly spend time with her husband, friends and her Chihuahua, Bailey.

Dave Benson, DPT David Benson, PT, DPT received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Brigham Young University in 1999. He completed his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Utah in 2003. After practicing in Orthopedic settings for several years, he returned to the University of Utah in 2007 to complete his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Dave is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Texas Physical Therapy Association, and the Orthopedic section of APTA. When he is not at work, he enjoys gardening and spending time with his wife and five children.

Alex Gustaf will receive his Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with an “Emphasis” on Motor Behavior from Texas A&M University in August of 2011. Alex is currently applying to Physical Therapy Schools in the DFW area to obtain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Before coming to Premier Rehab, Alex has worked as a lifeguard and swim coach. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Alex plans to stay in the Metroplex to pursue a career in the field of Physical Therapy for a long time. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with his Family, loves a good Baseball game, and construction projects.

Candy Mercado, PT, DPT, is Premier Rehab's Clinic Director at the Keller location. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University in August 2010. She worked as a rehabilitation technician for 4 years and an Education Therapist for 2 years with traumatic brain injury patients in the Irving area. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University. Candy joined the Premier Rehab team in August of 2006. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends along with her dog, Scooby. She is seeking her manual certification from NAIOMT. Candy is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Texas Physical Therapy Association.

Linda Downs, PT Linda Downs PT attended New Mexico State University prior to obtaining her Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 1989. Over the past 21 years she has worked in a variety of orthopedic clinics throughout the DFW area. Linda is committed to helping patients meet their highest level of function through teaching, manual therapy and exercise. Linda is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and orthopedic specialist section.

Brenda Kinzler graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After spending five years in the electronic distribution industry she has decided to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry. She is currently taking prerequisite at the University of North Texas, and is working on applying to Physical Therapy Doctoral programs, hoping to attend school in fall 2013. She is certified in TRX Training, and is working on becoming a certified ACSM Personal Trainer. She loves spending time with her husband, her two lovable rhodesian ridgebacks, and two cats.

Jessica Miller graduated from Haltom High School in 2008. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sports Medicine from Tarleton State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She interned for three and a half years with the director of Sports Medicine at Tarleton and worked as a Physical Therapy Tech in Stephenville. Jessica was the Secretary of The Tarleton Athletic Trainers Association. She enjoys spending time with her family and boyfriend.

Angela Wilson, PT Aide bio coming soon...

Hollie Dam is the office coordinator for Keller location. Hollie graduated from Victor Valley High School located in California in 1982. She worked for Victor Valley Community Hospital for 15 years. In April of 2006, Hollie and her family moved to Texas when she joined Premier Rehab in October of 2006. Hollie loves to spend time with husband of 14 years, her two children ages 14 and 9, and their dog named Shiloh. Hollie and her family love to spend their spare time camping outdoors and skiing.