Karlene graduated from Merrillville High School in 1975 and followed her dream to be a physical therapist when she graduated from Northwestern University’s Physical Therapy school in 1980, where her love was manual techniques and pediatrics. She worked in the area for RSI at several facilities- Hobart Mercy Hospital, CP Center, Hammond Clinic, Munster Community Hospital, Ludemann Developmental Facility, Lake County Coop infant and preschool program, Blue Island School, East Chicago School- profound class and mainstreamed students, and consultant to local Autistic and developmental group homes. She completed numerous continuing education courses in pediatric and manual techniques, including sensory integration, NDT, feeding, speech, etc.
As successful as she was with her patients, she always was searching for something more. She knew that there was something that connected the body and was already looking at the whole person when she treated. She knew that her training in dance and martial arts would help her treatments but wasn’t sure how. She found that something more when she attended her first course in Myofascial Release by John F. Barnes in March of 1986. MFR was the missing piece. Adding MFR to her treatments unlocked the tissues allowing her patient’s bodies to move and function better. She began taking all of John’s courses and began assisting John at his seminars, as well as, having treatment herself at his clinic in Paoli, PA. In 1990, she began teaching internationally for John Barnes- his course on Pediatric MFR- basic theory and techniques and how to incorporate MFR in the pediatric and neurological settings.
Karlene believes that no one should have to live in pain or learn to manage pain. All the little bumps and injuries, as well as, the major traumas- falls, surgeries, car accidents, etc- effects the body by tightening the fascia (connective tissue). Adding MFR to the treatment plan allows these tissues to be released and elasticity to return to the body. When the fascial system is relaxed and mobile, everything can function better. It is when the skeleton is in normal alignment with the muscles, and the muscles in their proper length that allows freedom of movement. No matter your age, newborns to great grandparents, these restrictions can be effected allowing for ease of movement and a better life.
Karlene graduated from Merrillville High School in 1975 and followed her dream to be a physical therapist when she graduated from Northwestern University’s Physical Therapy school in 1980, where her love was manual techniques and pediatrics. She worked in the area for RSI at several facilities- Hobart Mercy Hospital, CP Center, Hammond Clinic, Munster Community Hospital, Ludemann Developmental Facility, Lake County Coop infant and preschool program, Blue Island School, East Chicago School- profound class and mainstreamed students, and consultant to local Autistic and developmental group homes. She completed numerous continuing education courses in pediatric and manual techniques, including sensory integration, NDT, feeding, speech, etc.
Karlene believes that no one should have to live in pain or learn to manage pain. All the little bumps and injuries, as well as, the major traumas- falls, surgeries, car accidents, etc- effects the body by tightening the fascia (connective tissue). Adding MFR to the treatment plan allows these tissues to be released and elasticity to return to the body. When the fascial system is relaxed and mobile, everything can function better. It is when the skeleton is in normal alignment with the muscles, and the muscles in their proper length that allows freedom of movement. No matter your age, newborns to great grandparents, these restrictions can be effected allowing for ease of movement and a better life.