At Merz Physical Therapy, our goal is to help you improve your wellness and maximize your functional potential.

Doug Merz, RPT

Doug is owner and president of Merz Physical Therapy which has provided services to The Marsh and its surrounding community since 1994. He specializes in acute biomechanical assessment and prescription of safe, effective therapeutic exercise protocols to help patients manage their conditions independently.

Utilizing the resources at The Marsh, Doug has also developed an active network of alternative medical practitioners in the Metro area to help meet the needs of those suffering from chronic conditions. Often, Doug utilizes Iyengar based yoga with his patients to help them maintain their wellness.

Doug has developed a special interest in the ankle/foot complex and its influence on the lower kinetic chain. He provides consultation services to Physical Therapists and clinics in the Metro area regarding this complex and its evaluation and treatment.

Pre-Physical Therapy experience includes two years in the Peace Corps in Honduras and five years working with The Menninger Foundation for emotionally challenged adolescents. Doug currently volunteers for the We Can Ride Corporation providing therapeutic horse back riding lessons to physically and mentally challenged adults and children.

Shawn Murphy Marquis, MSPT, Certified Polestar Pilates Instructor

Shawn has a special interest in the performing arts. Beginning with her undergraduate degree in drama and dance at the University of Connecticut in 1986, Shawn has not only been a professional dancer but has worked as a physical therapist with performing artists in New York. She continues to assist with touring companies as they come through the Twin Cities.

Since obtaining her masters degree in physical therapy at Mercy College in 1996, Shawn has worked with all ages and various diagnoses in private practice settings. Shawn also has expertise in the Pilates Method which can be used both during the rehabilitation process and as a post-rehab program. Her continuing education efforts have been focused on soft tissue mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and other orthopedic manual therapy techniques.

Kate Anderson, DPT

Kate received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Catherine’s University in 2010. She joined the Merz team in 2012. Prior to receiving her degree in physical therapy she worked as a therapeutic massage therapist for 12 years with focus on muscle specific techniques. Kate has strong interest in soft tissue mobilization and orthopedic manual techniques. Her continuing education efforts will be to focus on balance training and manual techniques. Kate looks forward to using a mind-body approach in combination of therapeutic exercise techniques to build strong independent programs for her patients.

Johnna Stob, PTA

Johnna obtained her Associates degree in Applied Sciences from Anoka-Hennepin Technical College in 1999. She has enjoyed working in long term care and outpatient settings, both of which have allowed her to work with diverse patient populations and diagnoses.

Johnna appreciates the mind-body approach and patient education aspects of working with Merz Physical Therapy. She is currently working to assist the Physical Therapy staff, and instructs patients in re-conditioning and aquatic programs.

Afton Thomforde, DPT

Afton joined the Merz team in July 2008. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the College of St. Catherine’s in May 2008. Prior to joining Merz, she worked at The Marsh as a certified personal trainer for 4 years. She is also currently involved in teaching swimming lessons weekly at The Marsh.

Afton has had the opportunity to grow in her physical therapy career by utilizing her manual techniques, expertise in the aquatic environment, and her personal training background to develop exercise programs for her patients. She enjoys treating orthopedic and neurological patients.

Marie Idelkope, DPT

Maire received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2005 from the University of Minnesota. She joined the Merz team in 2010 after working at Sister Kenny. Her experience is in outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy. She treats all muscoskeletal pathologies, but her interest lies in the foot/ankle complex, lower extremity kinematics and falls prevention. Marie approaches each patient as an individual and enjoys coming up with a plan of care that is going to work specifically for each patient to reach their full potential.

Jennifer Morrison BA, Intake Specialist

Jennifer joined us in the summer of 2009 as the Intake Specialist.  She received her Bachelors degree in Marketing in 2007, from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  Since graduating from college, Jennifer has worked in both Business and Health Care settings which has proven helpful working in the office at Merz.

Jennifer received her EMT certification, and CPR Instructor certification in 2008, and has worked as the on-site EMT for several events around the Metro area.  If you want to start Physical Therapy at Merz, she is the one to talk to!

Joanne Wellman, Office Manager