Our Story

THEN UNTIL NOW

How We Got Started

Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness was founded by two PT School classmates and friends with a shared vision for a different kind of physical therapy. Molly started school with a goal of opening her own business one day, and Libby never dreamed she’d own her own business. =They took very different paths to get there, but one hot summer afternoon in August 2016, dreams started to become reality, and Breathe. was born.

We are tremendously grateful for all of the voices in our community and support we’ve received along the way. We ask for your continued support as we begin to change the conversation about how physical therapy is delivered. We are especially grateful to our husbands and families, without whose support this tremendous step would not be possible. Namaste.

WE PRACTICE A HOLISTIC APPROACH

A Different Kind of Physical Therapy

When you enter our clinic, you’ll know immediately that this is the place for you, a place unlike any other physical therapy clinic. We want you to feel all the stress and anxiety from your day melt away as soon as you walk through the door. There are no big machines or other equipment that you don’t have at home. We have private treatment rooms, and you spend the entire time one-on-one with your physical therapist. We truly listen to you, and work with you to find solutions to all your concerns. You will leave each session feeling comfortable and confident with something to work on at home.

The Team

Des Moines – Beaverdale

Dr. Kristen Strawhacker-Bonzer

PT, DPT, ATC, LAT

Dr. Kelli Jarrard

PT, DPT

Dr. Heather Alaniz

PT, DPT

Dr. Liz Lahr

PT, DPT

West Des Moines

Dr. Kaylee Carroll

PT, DPT

Dr. Stephanie McColloch

PT, DPT

Dr. Randi (Kass) Curtis

PT, DPT

Dr. Rachel Gage

PT, DPT

Dr. Jeni Foster

PT, DPT

North Liberty

Dr. Lily Gasway

PT, DPT

Administration and Experience Staff

Dr. Molly Lechtenberg

Owner, PT, DPT, CMTPT

Dr. Libby Trausch

Owner, PT, DPT

Reanna Spain

Director of Marketing & Relationships

Jaden Adams

Office Manager

Wendy Rivas

Client Experience Representative

Deborah English

Client Experience Representative

Sophi Brenneman

Client Experience Representative

Dr. Kristen Strawhacker-Bonzer

PT, DPT, ATC, LAT

Kristen (she/her) calls herself a numbers nerd, she loves seeing how outcomes can be measured with statistics. Her passion as a physical therapist comes from her ability to help people in a visible way, and the fact that physical therapists have significantly more time with clients than many other health professionals. She finds joy in getting to know people and being present for their growth and life changes. She combines training in Movement System Impairment, Medical Therapeutic Yoga, and dry needling with her pelvic and women’s health training to use a truly holistic approach.

Kristen is an avid runner and yearly marathon competitor (she just completed her 14th!). She is passionate about health advocacy and encourages speaking up, asking questions, and collaborating with providers to achieve the best health outcomes. When not cross-training, she can be found in her garden or cooking.

“It is my dream that all humans feel confident and comfortable in their bodies to enjoy movement (however they define it).”

Dr. Kelli Jarrard

PT, DPT

Kelli (she/her) is described as “tiny but mighty.” She is an Iowa native but returns to Des Moines after spending the first two years of her career as a physical therapist in Cottonwood, Arizona - a small little town just outside of the beautiful Sedona. Kelli became a physical therapist following a lifelong passion for being active and developing a deep understanding of all the physical, mental and emotional benefits that movement brings.

One of her very favorite parts of her work is guiding people back to the things that they love so that every client can become the happiest and healthiest version of themselves through movement, education and empowerment.

Kelli’s favorite things in this world are snuggling up to her babies (both human and fur), Crossfit, reality television, and coffee. Her least favorite things are snakes, mac and cheese, and staying up past 9 PM.

“My dream for the clients and all the humans in my community is for them to be strong in their bodies and minds, confident in their ability to move and be active, and involved in all the things that make them happy.”

Dr. Heather Alaniz

PT, DPT

Heather graduated from the University of Iowa with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010. She then moved to Chicago where she lived and worked as a physical therapist for almost a decade completing an orthopedic residency program and becoming a certified orthopedic specialist.. After the birth of her first child, Heather, took her first pelvic health course and found she had a passion for treating this client population. She continued to pursue further education in the area of pelvic and women’s health completing her capstone in pelvic floor physical therapy in 2021. Heather and her family moved to Des Moines in March of 2020 and she fulfilled her dream of working for Breathe that same year. Heather’s birth stories include a c-section and 2 VBACs. When she is not working she spends her time with her husband, two sons and daughter. She loves to be active and has always been an avid runner but recently took up soccer, refined her basketball skills and updated her dance moves to keep up with her three young children and their passions.

When you come to Breathe, Heather’s goal is that you feel supported, heard, find hope in healing and motivation to work toward your goals. She wants you to leave every session feeling better than when you came in, both on the outside and the inside. She believes every woman should have access to pelvic floor physical therapy, perinatal and perimenopausal care so they can live the vibrant and active life they deserve.

Dr. Liz Lahr

PT, DPT

Hi! I’m Liz Lahr, and I am a physical therapist in Breathe.’s Beaverdale office. I attended Des Moines University where I earned my doctorate in physical therapy, and I clearly loved Des Moines so much that I never left! Following graduation, I further specialized my skills by taking continuing education courses in pelvic health, dry needling, and pregnancy/postpartum rehab. My hope when you step into this space is that you feel supported and heard. When women are supported that radiates out into their homes and communities, and that is a mission I can most definitely get behind! As a mama myself, when I am off the clock, you will find me spending time with my daughter (Reese); strolling the block with my goldendoodle (Kirk); or exploring new brunch spots around Des Moines with my husband (Sam).

Dr. Kaylee Carroll

PT, DPT

Kaylee, a self-proclaimed “little fireball”, began her journey with Breathe. just a few months after our doors first opened. A natural go-getter, she has pursued extensive professional training in women’s health as a CAPP-Pelvic Certified Provider, including pelvic floor and core dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, pre-natal and post-natal care, dry needling, and a variety of manual therapy techniques.

Kaylee’s treatment style makes her clients feel confident and comfortable in their lives – breaking through the obstacle of hopelessness and dropping concerns of body impairments that have gotten in the way of their best lives.

Her Type-A tendencies show up in her personal life as characterized by her love creating and planning everything she can! Whether it’s building an indoor playset or home organizational system, to coming up with itineraries and lists in preparation for every event or trip she’s excited for. She loves being surrounded by friends and family, traveling as often as possible, and snuggling her two little boys.

Dr. Stephanie McColloch

PT, DPT

Stephanie (she/her) considers herself equal parts gritty and kind. As the little sister to two older brothers, she is no stranger to making a bet that boasts either a high reward of being allowed to hang out with them, or high risk of having to eat a jalapeno. All she remembers is running around the house screaming for five minutes. Luckily her experience in nutrition evolved as she studied nutritional science and psychology in undergrad. With the desire to find a profession that allowed her to build longer lasting relationships with her clients and treat with a more holistic approach, she pursued additional schooling as a physical therapist and loves the opportunity to combine her interests to help people live full, active lives.

“I hope women become empowered to seek out help from places like Breathe. as a standard of care to enable them to live the full, active lives they're meant to live. When they arrive, I hope they feel validated and leave hopeful!”

Dr. Randi Curtis

PT, DPT

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around," is a quote that Randi is guided by. Considering herself the calm during your storm and your biggest cheerleader, she chose to pursue a career in physical therapy because she fell in love with the power of movement on both the body and the mind - "motion is lotion" and "movement is medicine"! She loves the personal connections that can be made with clients during, often, a very vulnerable time in their lives. Her aim is to empower women (and men) to advocate for their health in order to live happy and healthy lives and gain confidence to do the things they want to achieve in life without barriers. She has specialties in femaleand male pelvic pain, dry needling including pelvic floor, bowel and bladder dysfunctions, pessary fitting / management, iCareBetter Endometriosis Physical Therapy Specialist. She was so excited to join Breathe. that she dove right in, but not before she got married, went on a honeymoon and moved to Iowa from Arizona all within 2 weeks!

“My dream is that no one feels that they have to go through life's ups & downs alone. Everyone deserves to live the life they dream of, and throughout the journey, there are times when you need a listening ear or a personal cheerleader, and I love that Breathe can provide that safe and welcoming space for the clients in this community.”

Dr. Rachel Gage

PT, DPT

"Be the reason someone smiles today”, is a philosophy Rachel (she/her) lives by, trying to approach everyday as a new opportunity to create moments of joy. She is said to have inherited a gift of cheesy "dad jokes" and bad puns from her father, and hopes her son, Scott, will grow to appreciate them someday! Her passion for physical therapy lies in her fascination with the human body as a complex and amazing puzzle to solve. She gets excited about taking a holistic view that includes drawing information from a client’s life, as well as their symptoms, to help them put the pieces together so they can move forward and achieve their goals, energetically. She and her husband love to cook together and consider themselves “amateur foodies”. They have a rule that they will try any food twice because sometimes you realize the second time that you actually may like it! There are very few foods she doesn’t like but she is confident she won't be trying tripe again.

I want women to realize how resilient and strong they are! I am empowered by my clients every day by seeing their perseverance and achievements when they are presented with physical challenges.

Dr. Jeni Foster

PT, DPT

Jeni finds the body truly amazing in all that it can do. Believing in it’s restorative, resilient and adaptive nature, she finds all the connections and complexities within the body to be truly fascinating. She loves the ability as a physical therapist to teach clients about their body to help them achieve their unique and personal goals. A self-proclaimed bookworm, she loves to spend a whole weekend reading. “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care,” is a quote that she lives by.

“I take pride in being an advocate for my clients. I enjoy building relationships and providing one-on-one, personalized care that focuses on their needs. I feel fortunate to provide a needed service for our community.”

Dr. Lily Gasway

PT, DPT

Lily (she/her) is thrilled to be back on her home turf in Eastern Iowa, providing PT for women in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She chose a profession in pelvic health because she is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported while working on vulnerable topics.

She is passionate about normalizing perinatal physical therapy as a way to thrive through a monumental life change. She also enjoys educating on pelvic floor topics and empowering women to compassionately care for themselves.

In addition to her extensive training in pelvic health, Lily has completed training in Medical Therapeutic Yoga - a training specifically for healthcare providers - and enjoys using this skill set to help patients feel strong and practice yoga without pain. Lily is passionate about the benefits of yoga, and about spreading the word that yoga is for anyone who is interested - not just highly-skilled or long-term practitioners.

She is known around the office for her laugh, and her adorable dog, Archie. You might just get a chance to meet him at your appointment!

“My dream for my clients is that they can see and be amazed by their wonderful strength and abilities and that they gain a valuable toolbox of skills to help themselves feel vibrant and free to do whatever they choose.”

Dr. Molly Lechtenberg

Owner, PT, DPT, CMTPT

Molly envisions a reality where every time she walks into a room, "High Hopes" by Panic! At the Disco plays in the background to pump her up. She has known since she was in eighth grade that she would be a physical therapist and after graduating from Des Moines University in 2008 she knew she wanted to make Des Moines her forever home. Her interest and focus in women’s health is the product of her personal experience with years of infertility and the traumatic birth of her first daughter. She utilizes myofascial trigger point dry needling to ease pain quickly. She also has training in Medical Therapeutic Yoga, Soma Yoga and uses that to restore strength & flexibility after the muscle restrictions are released. Author of Planned C-Section Guide: How to Prepare and Recover Fearlessly, she wants all women to know that cesarean birth doesn’t have to be scary. She loves playing golf with her husband, and has two beautiful daughters and an irrational fear of penguins.

Dr. Libby Trausch

Owner, PT, DPT

Dr. Libby Trausch envisions a world where women have the tools and motivation to live the vibrant, active and energetic life they deserve. She has birthed 3 babies and experienced an unscheduled c-section, a VBAC with considerable pelvic floor injuries and an easy 3rd birth that almost didn't make it to the hospital. Through preparing for, and healing, recovering and rehabilitating her body and mind from these births, she has learned a lot and loves to use her experiences to help other women. Some of Dr. Libby's favorite clients have complicated histories with pain. She is always learning and applying something new, whether it's about just being a more open-hearted human being or striving to live an active, energetic life until she's 100. In her free time, find her on a walk with a podcast or a personal growth audiobook, in her living room doing crazy exercises while her family looks on skeptically or out traveling the world in funky glasses and red lipstick.

Reanna Spain

Director of Marketing & Relationships

“In a gentle way you can shake the world,” is a quote that guides Reanna (she/her). A deep thinker and a deeper feeler, she savors simple moments and the opportunity to harmonize and mobilize others through her creative marketing strategies. Using her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication she identifies new and innovative ways to connect with Breathe. clients and the women we hope to serve.

As a spirited storyteller, her intention and purpose for the work she does are to elevate the voices of people and companies that are creating meaningful change and putting good into the world. This is why she is head-over-heels for Breathe. She is transformed by her experience as a mother of two.

“My vision is for all people to be empowered to connect to their authentic voice, and be fearless and honest in their experience with vulnerability and love.”

Jaden Adams

Office Manager

Jaden (she/her) is the office Fashionista. She spent several years working in the fashion industry and developing a love of style and loves to be the best dressed, smiling face you encounter when you walk in the door. She transitioned to Breathe. following her love of health and wellness, and a deep desire to connect with clients and watching them discover that hope and healing are within reach.

In the past 12 years, she has lived in Chicago, IL, Florence, Italy, and Los Angeles, CA. She is so excited to now be rooted in Des Moines with her husband and young son. A few of Jaden’s favorite things outside of work include listening to 70’s music and spending time with her family.

“No one should have to suffer mentally or physically after having a baby. There are resources out there for you to get help and feel like yourself again.”

Wendy

Wendy (she/her) calls herself “oenomel”, a combination of strength and sweetness. Having a background in public health, she is passionate about impacting her community and finding ways to create accessibility to health and wellness. Deemed a “helper” she has always wanted to be an ally and aid in any way she can. She has a strong dislike for peanuts and peanut butter, though she’s not allergic, so if you bring snacks omit those!

“I would love to see greater access to care, breaking barriers in healthcare disparity and making wellness accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status or gender.”

Deborah English

Client Experience Representative

Debbie (she/her) is known as the “cuddly” personality in the office. She lives by the verse “Love never fails” and leads each interaction from those words. Her passion for our clients and her job shines through in her fresh perspectives and welcoming demeanor. She’s the bright light and smile that greets you on the phone or at the door, and the office “baby whisperer”, who delights in allowing moms their appointment time with attention undivided. She has a major fear of heights, but once climbed up three stories high to jump into an airbag. She calls the experience exhilarating!

Outside of her role in the office, Debbie has flower gardens that she tends to and two granddaughters that she cannot live without.

“I wish all women had the tools to TRULY take care of themselves because then we have what we need to help others.”

Sophi

Sophi (she/her) lives by the quote “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". She leads every interaction from a place of love and joy, hoping to be remembered as someone who always has a smile, which makes her the perfect fit to be the face of our North Liberty clinic. Outside of Breathe. she is a part-time photographer capturing graduating seniors and beautiful Iowa landscapes. When going for her morning walk, she doesn’t stop to smell the roses; she stops to pet the dogs! She currently has three “fur babies” and her two little nephews are her favorite humans, but don’t tell her fiancee or daughter.

“I want to help women know that instead of being told that "they just have to live with it" that there truly is help for the pain and issues they are experiencing.”