Residency faculty and mentors

Dr. Cameron Bentz is a resident mentor at our Woodbury location.  His desire to help others stems from the excellent guidance he received throughout his own career. He aims to instill in students a passion for patient care, critical thinking in all patient encounters, and the application of evidence-informed care in their examination and treatment. Cameron has spent the last five years at TRIA in the mentoring program, working with new hires and serving as a clinical instructor for DPT students.  Additionally, he has been a teaching assistant and guest lecturer in the DPT program at St. Catherine University for the past four years.

Cameron received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from St. Catherine University in 2018 and completed his Orthopedic Residency at Mayo Clinic in 2019. He remains a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and served as the co-chair of the Early Professionals Special Interest Group (EPSIG) of APTA Minnesota from 2021-2024. In that role, he assisted in developing a statewide program to match recent DPT graduates with seasoned clinicians to help guide them through the early years of their career.

Dr. Brandon P. Busch is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapy specialist with over 17 years of experience. He currently practices at TRIA in Bloomington, where he treats a wide range of orthopedic patients, from post-operative cases to those with persistent pain.

Brandon earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota in 2007, with a thesis focused on the role of the trapezius muscle in shoulder movement. He became a board-certified orthopedic specialist in 2014. As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and its Orthopedic Section, he stays actively involved in the professional community.

Passionate about mentoring, Brandon guides new hires, physical therapy students, and residents. He leverages his expertise in treating persistent pain, sports injury rehabilitation, and motivational interviewing to help residents become successful physical therapists.

Dr. Kathleen Caulfield serves as the rehabilitation manager at TRIA Physical Therapy Roseville and the HealthPartners Neuroscience Center. She is a part of the core faculty in our Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program.  She holds the titles of Orthopaedic Certified Specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. Additionally, she is an associate faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Minnesota.

Kathleen earned her physical therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed the Meriter Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at UW Hospitals and Clinics and UnityPoint Health, as well as the University of Illinois at Chicago Fellowship in Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research, and Education. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, specifically the Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Sections, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, and the Minnesota Physical Therapy Association.

Her publication, “The Pelvic Girdle: Evidence-Informed Physical Therapy Patient Management,” is featured in the fifth edition of Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, edited by G. G. Simoneau and G. Riddle, and published by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA.

Dr. Cameron Cooper is a faculty member and clinical mentor in the TRIA Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry from Minnesota State University – Mankato, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Concordia St. Paul. Cameron completed his orthopedic residency with Evidence in Motion at Park Nicollet and his fellowship training with Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.

With three years of experience as a clinical mentor in the orthopedic residency program and one year mentoring fellows in training, Cameron’s mentoring style emphasizes hypothesis-based reasoning. He guides residents through evidence-based and patient-centered care, focusing on modern approaches to manual therapy and exercise training. Cameron and his residents have presented at the MN APTA conference.

Cameron is actively involved in various programs, including hockey, return to sport, LEAP, headache, TMJ, and spine care. He also serves on committees for the TRIA Musculoskeletal Conference, clinical practice guidelines, new hire mentoring program, and the acute injury clinic. He is a member of the APTA, AAOMPT, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and Academy of Sports Physical Therapy.

Cameron has contributed to research projects and case reports on topics such as PT utilization following ACL injury, return to sport programs post-ACL injury, psychologically informed care post-ACL injury, and the cervical otologic connection.

Dr. Kent Deardorff is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) who works on the running team at TRIA. With five years of experience at TRIA, Kent is passionate about teaching and mentoring, as it allows him to stay current with the latest research and trends in physical therapy. He enjoys fostering a collaborative learning environment where both students and mentors can learn from each other’s experiences.

Kent earned his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College and completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Mayo Clinic. As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Minnesota Physical Therapy Association (MNPTA), he actively participates in continuing education and presentations.

Dr. Lucas Dueffert is a physical therapist at TRIA Maple Grove and has been with TRIA for over 10 years. After graduating from St. Olaf College, he earned his physical therapy degree from Mayo Clinic. Lucas completed his physical therapy residency through Evidence in Motion as the first TRIA-hosted resident in 2014.

A member of the APTA (Orthopedics Section, Minnesota Chapter), Lucas has been published more than ten times, including PT-related research in Sports Health and numerous articles from his time as a research assistant at Mayo Clinic in journals such as Neurology and Sleep Medicine.

Lucas believes in the transformative power of education and the importance of guiding the next generation of therapists. His experience as a mentor for three residents and numerous PT students has shown him the value of fostering growth, building confidence, and professional development in the profession. He works hard to provide residents with personalized support, practical insights, and a collaborative learning environment that shapes their practice and encourages them to be the best PTs they can be.

Dr. Travis Gunderson is the residency program director and has over 14 years of experience as an orthopedic physical therapist with expertise in chronic pain rehabilitation, manual therapy, ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, and psychologically informed care. Travis completed his residency training at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison WI, and fellowship training in orthopedic manual physical therapy at Regis University in Denver, CO. He is a member of the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy as well as a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Travis is also an assistant professor at Concordia University-Saint Paul where he teaches musculoskeletal management, biomechanics and medical screening. Currently, his research focuses on the application of the biopsychosocial model in ACL rehabilitation, as well as the role of manual therapy in musculoskeletal care. Some examples of recent dissemination include:

• Palmsten A, Gunderson TC, Neimuth L, Yungtum W, Chmielewski TL. Higher Knee-Related Confidence and Younger Age Contribute to Risk Appraisal after ACL Reconstruction. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Houston, TX Feb 2025.
• Cooper C, Gunderson TC, Courtney CA. The Cervical Otologic Connection; Was DD Palmer on to Something? A Case Report. AAOMPT Annual Conference, Orlando, FL Oct 2024.
• Chmielewski TL, Meierbachtol A, Aberman R, Gunderson TC, Sikorski J, Cummer K. Go to the Back Before Moving Forward: Addressing Psychological Responses in ACL Reconstruction. J Sport Health Sci. 2024; Sep;13(5):666-669.
• Gunderson TC, Sikorski J, Aberman R, Chmielewski TL. What’s the Risk – Understanding Risk Appraisal after ACL Reconstruction. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Boston, MA, Feb 2024.
• Gunderson TC, Benecuik JM, Bialosky JE, Russel H, Chmielewski TL. Physical Therapist Readiness to Manage Fear of Re-Injury after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA Feb 2023.

Dr. Bill Koch has been a practicing clinician since 2001 and currently serves as a clinical mentor and core faculty member in our Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. He earned his MPT degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and his DPT from Regis University in Denver, CO, where he also completed an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship. Bill holds certifications in MDT, dry needling, and pain management.

Beyond direct patient care, Bill is actively involved in quality improvement initiatives, focusing on mentoring and onboarding new clinicians, enhancing direct access to PT services, and improving spine care. With over a decade of experience as a residency mentor, he has made significant contributions to the field.

Bill is an adjunct faculty member and guest lecturer in the Physical Therapy program at the University of Minnesota, where he co-leads a summer elective in advanced clinical orthopedics and assists with lab instruction. He has also taught online residency courses through Evidence in Motion. Bill has presented at state and national conferences and conducts continuing education courses in the Midwest, covering topics such as clinical communication, patient education, neurodynamics, and orthopedic PT. He firmly believes that effective communication with patients is the most crucial skill and responsibility in clinical practice.

Dr. Chris Kramer has been a practicing clinician since 2000 and currently serves as a clinical mentor and core faculty member in the TRIA Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. He holds an MPT degree from the University of Minnesota and a DPT from Regis University, where he also completed an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship Program in 2011. Chris is board certified in orthopedics and certified in dry needling.

With over a decade of experience mentoring residents, Chris has also instructed online residency courses for Evidence in Motion. He is actively involved in the University of Minnesota’s Physical Therapy Program as a teaching assistant, guest lecturer, and course instructor. Chris has presented at both state and national conferences and has led continuing education courses in the Midwest on topics such as clinical communication, patient education, neurodynamics, and orthopedic manual physical therapy.

Chris believes that physical therapists are primary care musculoskeletal providers, and through mentoring residents, he is helping to shape the future of medicine.

Dr. Jill Lawrence serves as an instructor in our Physical Therapy Residency Program. She also plays a key role in several initiatives: she co-facilitates the Chronic Pain Group Series Class, serves as a provider in the Value Based Knee Osteo-Arthritis Care Program, mentors new hires through the lumbar spine onboarding curriculum, and contributes to multiple system-wide committees, including Spine, Pelvic Health, and Pain Committees, as well as being a contributing member to the TRIA Women’s Sports Medicine Program. Additionally, Jill serves as faculty in the Pain Science Division at Evidence in Motion

After obtaining her physical therapy degree from Des Moines University, Jill earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion. She is currently pursuing a Health and Wellbeing Coaching Certification.  Her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership shapes her work.  An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Jill has presented on the national level in topics of pain science and also contributes at the state level as co-chair of the annual Health Care Leadership Symposium.

Jill is committed to providing meaningful education to the next generation of physical therapists. She brings extensive expertise in spine care, pelvic health, and the management of complex pain conditions. Jill is deeply invested in helping students and residents develop strong communication skills that support therapeutic alliance, improve patient outcomes, and reduce clinician burnout – an area that has become a professional passion of hers.

Dr. Myers is a fellowship-trained orthopedic physical therapist and board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist at TRIA Orthopedic Center in Roseville, Minnesota. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Clinical Anatomy from Creighton University and is currently advancing his expertise as a Fellow-in-Training with the Northwestern University Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. In addition to his clinical practice, Thomas teaches anatomy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Minnesota.

With a passion for teaching and mentorship, Thomas believes that developing strong clinical reasoning, movement analysis, and hypothesis-driven examination skills are the foundation for exceptional patient care. As an instructor for the TRIA Physical Therapy Residency program, he is dedicated to guiding residents as they refine their decision-making skills, apply evidence to practice, and build efficient, effective treatment plans grounded in sound clinical reasoning – equipping them for a successful and impactful career.

Thomas is an active member of the APTA, the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Dr. Kaitlin Schultz, PT, DPT, OCS, is a clinical mentor in the Physical Therapy Residency program at our TRIA Plymouth location. She earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before discovering her passion for physical therapy. Kaitlin went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. At TRIA, her involvement in our vestibular and concussion specialty programs along with her contributions to the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee underscores her commitment to evidence-based care and clinical excellence.

Beginning her PT career as a resident, Kaitlin has always embraced the mindset of a life-long learner. Through our new hire mentoring program, she’s guided numerous physical therapists in their first year of practice. She is dedicated to helping therapists apply research and delivering high quality outcomes. Additionally, Kaitlin has mentored numerous physical therapy students, sharing her expertise in clinical reasoning, hands-on skills, and the vital role of therapeutic alliance. As a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association, she continues to support the growth of the profession through leadership, mentorship, and clinical innovation.

Dr. Trent Stensrud is a dedicated core faculty member in our Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Calvin College in 2012, his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2015 and completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) at Bellin College in 2020. Currently, Trent serves as the PT supervisor at TRIA Maple Grove, specializing in treating spine disorders. He teaches the cervicothoracic content of our curriculum, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession through continuous education and mentorship.

Since 2016, Trent has been deeply involved in clinical education, serving as a clinical instructor for PT students and teaching the cervicothoracic content of our curriculum. He is an adjunct faculty member at Augustana University, a resident mentor, and an instructor in a dry needling continuing education program. Trent is passionate about teaching hands-on skills and ensuring that therapists can effectively apply what they learn from literature into practice. He challenges residents to reach their highest potential and become future leaders in the profession.

A member of the APTA and AAOMPT, Trent has also independently published three books, showcasing his dedication to the field and his drive to contribute to the future of physical therapy.

Dr. Kaitlyn Stimson serves as a clinical mentor in our Physical Therapy Residency program at our Burnsville location. She earned her Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota before pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Following graduation, Kaitlyn completed an orthopedic residency and is board-certified.

Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has remained committed to advancing evidence-based practice and fostering education. She has served as a clinical instructor for numerous physical therapy students from a variety of academic institutions, mentoring them to become skilled, evidence-driven therapists.

Additionally, Kaitlyn is actively involved in several specialized programs, including Sports-Dance Medicine, LEAP, Headache, Vestibular, and new hire mentoring, and contributes to the creation and updates of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Kaitlyn’s unwavering dedication to education and professional development ensures a lasting impact on the next generation of physical therapists.

Dr. Jessica Stoner is a dedicated physical therapist and residency mentor at TRIA Maple Grove. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and completed her orthopedic residency training at Creighton University. Jessica is actively involved in several specialty groups that are committed to delivering high-quality care to patients dealing with chronic pain, spine pain, headaches, and those recovering from total joint replacements.

Passionate about giving back to the profession, Jessica enjoys teaching and mentoring both students and residents, recognizing the positive impact it had on her own career. As a mentor, she emphasizes patient-centered care, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice. Jessica is enthusiastic about collaborating with colleagues and mentoring new physical therapists to continue advancing the profession.

Dr. Jeremy Tan is a mentor at the Woodbury location for the TRIA physical therapy residency program. Jeremy received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX. After graduation, he completed an orthopedic residency at UTMB and became board-certified in orthopedics in 2020. Jeremy then completed a fellowship in orthopedic manual physical therapy from OPTIM Physical Therapy in Houston, TX.

Jeremy has been with TRIA since 2020 and is involved in several specialty programs, including spine and pain, headaches, running, and dry needling. In addition to these roles, Jeremy has served as a clinical instructor to numerous DPT students and is a mentor in the TRIA mentoring program.

Since becoming a physical therapist, Jeremy has been passionate about continuing education, not only for his own knowledge and practice but also to inform and guide colleagues and new graduates. He brings a unique skill set to residency mentorship that includes a combination of evidence-based care, advanced skills in manual therapy, and years of experience in mentorship (both as a mentee and mentor).