Staff

Brad J. Sidener, PT, Cert. MDT

After obtaining a degree from San Joaquin Delta College, Brad completed his undergraduate work at San Francisco State University. He then went on to earn his Physical Therapy Degree from California State University Fresno in 1987. His involvement in Sports Medicine spans back over 22 years, during which he has worked for professional baseball teams and with professional rodeo athletes, as well as intercollegiate baseball, football and basketball teams. Brad completed his post baccalaureate and credentialing by the McKenzie Institute, USA and in 1995 became one of the physical therapists in Nevada to achieve Board Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine. Brad has held several positions in the Nevada Physical Therapy Association and he currently serves in an "at large" position with the Board of Directors. He is an active father, who enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in addition to competitive team roping, an occasional golf game and his commitments with the Reno Rodeo Association.

Kathy Sidener, PT, Cert. MDT

Kathy completed her undergraduate work at the University of Nevada, Reno before receiving her Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Utah in 1985. Following her graduation she worked in inpatient rehabilitation treating such conditions as CVA (stroke), multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic brain injury. Kathy also worked with pediatric patients before moving into the area of outpatient orthopedics. Over the last twelve years, she has specialized in the treatment of the outpatient orthopedic population. Kathy has attended extensive continuing education courses staying abreast of the latest technologies and treatments for the spine, foot, ankle, shoulder, elbow and hand, knee, and women's health issues. In 1995 Kathy completed credentialing and became Board Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine by the McKenzie Institute, USA. Kathy has been active in the Nevada Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1985. She has served as district secretary, continuing education chairman, and also served on the Executive Committee for four years as State Secretary and four years as State Treasurer. She is a native Nevadan that also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children skiing, running, and horseback riding.

Karen Kottinger, MPT, OCS, Cert. MDT

Karen Kottinger is a native Nevadan. She attended University of Nevada, Reno and attained her Bachelor's in Science. She then attended Western University of Health Sciences; she received her Master's in Physical Therapy in 1997. Upon graduating, she moved to Dallas, Texas. She was the in-patient coordinator, in addition to an out-patient orthopedic physical therapist at Trinity Medical Center (Carrollton, TX). She is currently the clinic director of the Double Diamond Athletic Club location (DDAC). In 2002, Karen received her certification in the McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine (Cert. MDT) She has attended many courses to stay current with effective treatments for the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and foot. Courses have included treatment in osteopathic approaches utilizing muscle energy techniques and strain/counter-strain. She also completed a year long course in the Australian Approach to Manual Therapy. All patient treatments are specific to the needs of the patient. Her treatment philosophy is education based, realizing that prevention is just as important as alleviating what ails today. Karen recently received her Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist certificate from the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Karen has been involved in the Nevada Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1998. She was the Nevada Chief Delegate to the APTA's House of Delegates (2001). She served as Public Relations Chairman (1998-2002), the Board Member at Large (1999-2001), and also Membership CO-Chairman (2003-2005).

Mike Barry, MPT, OCS

Mike is a 5th generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno. He graduated from the University of Nevada in 1994 and received his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 1997. Prior to joining RSSI he was a staff therapist in Portola, California for 4 years where he gained invaluable experience practicing the spectrum of physical therapy: acute hospital, outpatient, orthopedics, and home health. Recent continuing education has focused on manual treatment of the spine, prevention and treatment of knee and shoulder injuries and independent reading of orthopedic and sport related topics. Combining his clinical practice experience, continuing education, and self treatment of his own injuries, Mike has established a well-rounded approach in treating various neuromusculoskeletal injuries and stresses the importance of prevention, therapeutic exercise and self management of one's injuries. In his leisure time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons in the outdoor areas of the Sierras and Plumas National Forest. As a "washed-up-has-been" basketball and baseball player, Mike now enjoys snowmobiling, mountain biking, golf, and adventure racing in the Reno-Tahoe area.

Deanna Mandichak, PT

Deanna Mandichak grew up in Manhattan Beach California and went to college at California State University Long Beach where she received her Bachelors in Physical Therapy. She moved to Reno with her husband in 1996, continuing her work in physical therapy. She has worked in all areas of therapy, but primarily enjoys and has specialized in the outpatient orthopedics and women's health. She has taken course work in orthopedics, manual therapy techniques, exercise, disease issues and many others. Deanna is also interested in women's health issues and has taken courses in and been treating osteoporosis and urinary incontinence/pelvic floor dysfunction for several years. She has also taken courses in frozen shoulder in women and exercise regimens for post mastectomy patients. She will continue to pursue her education in this field and alternative health issues and treatments. On her free time she enjoys snow skiing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and 3 boys.

Marla Brennan, MPT

Marla grew up in the Reno area, attending local schools, graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1992. Marla graduated from DeAnza College in 1997 with honors. Upon graduation she returned to Reno working in a variety of inpatient and outpatient facilities. Marla has worked at Reno Sport and Spine Institute since 1998. In January 2007, Marla returned to school at the University of Findlay; Findlay, Ohio to advance her education; she received a Master's in Physical Therapy in July 2009. Marla works at all locations as the caseload changes.

Marla's primary focus with continuing education coursework is current concepts in orthopedic and sports injuries. Marla is working towards finishing her coursework in McKenzie methodology of neck and back pain. Other coursework she has completed includes dysfunctions of the upper and lower quadrants, balance and vestibular work. Marla believes it is important for the patient to be educated, receive as much information as possible and to take an active role in their rehabilitation.

Marla has been active member in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1995. She has held offices at the state and national levels and remains active working on issues that important to the field of physical therapy.

During her free time, Marla enjoys golfing, hiking, snow shoeing, and spending time with her husband, Sean, and their three dogs: Misty, Buddy, and Kira.