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.

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. There are no big machines, or other equipment that you don’t have at home. We want you to feel all the stress and anxiety from your day melts away as soon as you walk through the door. 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 with something to work on at home.

The Team

Des Moines – Beaverdale

Dr. Kristen Strawhacker-Bonzer

PT, DPT, ATC, LAT

Dr. Heather Alaniz

PT, DPT

Dr. Kelli Jarrard

PT, DPT

Dr. Lily Mehta

PT, DPT

West Des Moines

Dr. Lily Gasway

PT, DPT

Dr. Kaylee Carroll

PT, DPT

Dr. Liz Lahr

PT, DPT

Dr. Randi (Kass) Curtis

PT, DPT

Dr. Stephanie McColloch

PT, DPT

North Liberty

Dr. Mary Hagerty

PT, DPT

Administration and Experience Staff

Dr. Molly Lechtenberg

Owner, PT, DPT, CMTPT

Jaden Adams

Office Manager

Dr. Libby Trausch

Owner, PT, DPT

Wendy Rivas

Client Experience Representative

Reanna Spain

Director of Marketing & Relationships

Alison Jensen

Client Experience Representative

Sophi Brenneman

Client Experience Representative

Deborah English

Client Experience Representative

Dr. Kristin 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. Heather Alaniz

PT, DPT

Heather (she/her) brings a wealth of experience working with diverse populations as a physical therapist in Chicago for nine years. She is knowledgeable and passionate about understanding cultural differences in pregnancy and birth. The quote “don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because courage can be contagious and hope can take a life of its own,” guide her practice and life approach.

She wants you to know that you are supported and listened to, and that you have an entire team cheering you on your pathway to healing. She’s known as “naturally caffeinated” and is energized and focused by helping clients enjoy their lives to the fullest and not miss a moment due to an uncomfortable pregnancy, traumatic birth experiences, pants peeing, painful sex, or impossible exercise. The mother of two boys, her birth stories include both a c-section and a VBAC. You can frequently find them running in their double stroller. She loves to bake and is always up to the challenge of making a cheesecake that rivals the Cheesecake Factory.

“I want to change what pre and postnatal care in America looks like. All women should have access to both pre and postnatal physical therapy!”

Dr. Kelli Jarrard

PT, DPT

Kelli (she/her) is described as “tiny but mighty”, living her life by the quote “life is tough, my darling, but so are you”. She became a physical therapist following a lifelong passion for being active and developing a deep understanding of the importance of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing for herself and so many others. As a young girl, she envisioned working in the healthcare field as a way to help others.

One of her very favorite things is helping people understand what they can do, providing hope and guidance so each and every one of her clients can become healthier and happier humans through movement, education, empowerment and so much more! She’s extremely proud of her accomplishment as a 5x Hooverball National Champion - think volleyball with a 4-6 pound medicine ball.

“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. Lily Mehta

DPT, Intern

Lily (she/her) wanted to become a physical therapist out of a desire to be a light for those experiencing hardship/pain; to give people hope and show them what they CAN do! She enjoys building a point of connection with her clients so they feel strong and capable! She lives her life by the motto “one step at a time” aiming to stay present and focus on only the things she can control. She’s known as an “adventure seeker” and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania - approx. 19,000 ft) for her dad's 60th birthday. She describes it as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences - helping set her up for success in grad school and continues to serve as a constant reminder that a sense of humor can go a long way, especially during hard times.

“I want more women in the community to understand that their pelvic health is important and to shatter the stigma around it!”

Dr. Lily Gasway

PT, DPT

“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” guides Lily (she/her) in everything she does. She is blanket obsessed, calling herself the “cozy queen”. She chose a profession in pelvic health because she is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported while working on vulnerable topics.

Her interest is in individualized care, learning each person's unique goals and helping create a plan to work towards them. She has practiced yoga for years and was immediately drawn to Breathe. to combine her medical and yogic training. She is known around the office for having the best smelling coffee, and the cutest 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. Kaylee Carroll

PT, DPT

Kaylee (she/her), 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. Liz Lahr

PT, DPT

Liz (she/her) lives by the mantra “there is beauty in the sweet, slow and simple”. She knows that she shows up as the best version of herself when she creates space to rest and recharge and offers that same grace to those around her.

Her education in pelvic health and medical therapeutic yoga guide her ability to help women with a wide variety of problems, from bladder leakage to headaches and foot pain to shoulder stiffness and everything in between. Nicknamed the “sourpatch kid” she’s a perfect mix of sweet and salty, in addition to the combination of creative and science minded.

She hopes to help every client achieve their own version of success whether that be picking up their kiddo without back pain, crossing the finish line of their first half-marathon, or entering into pregnancy and birth feeling fearless and strong. She knows and lives by the belief that all women deserve to feel beautiful and confident in their own bodies. She married her high school sweetheart and wants everyone to know If she ever goes missing, look in Maine, a place she fell in love with after residing there for the summer.

“My dream for my clients out in the community is to feel limitless.”

Dr. Randi (Kass) 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 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. 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. Mary Hagerty

PT, DPT

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” is a quote that guides each interaction with Mary. As a dancer since she was 4 years old, her own injuries and PT experience inspired her to become one herself, helping dancers, postpartum women, and even individuals in their 50s and 60s. As a traveling PT she treated clients all over the country, so her experience helping all kinds of humans is a true gift. She believes the things we love to do and the people we share those things with are life giving, and aims to help clients feel confident and capable in doing the things they love to do. Known for using a lot of gestures when she talks or tells a story, she’s usually laughing at herself in the process.

“I want all of my clients to trust that their body is strong (even when it doesn’t seem like that) and know that it will heal with time, persistence, and the guidance of a provider who truly cares.”

Dr. Molly Lechtenberg

Owner, PT, DPT, CMTPT

Molly (she/her) envisions a reality where every time she walks into a room, “Hotel, Motel” by Pitbull 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 has worked with clients through all phases of life for over 10 years. Her interest and focus on women’s health are the product of her personal experience with years of infertility and the traumatic birth of her first daughter.

She focuses on hands-on therapy to ease pain quickly and she is certified in myofascial trigger point dry needling. She also has training in Medical Therapeutic 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 has two beautiful daughters and an irrational fear of penguins.

“After a traumatic delivery myself, I want women to know that it's okay to not be okay after you give birth, and there are lots of people to help you.”

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.”

Dr. Libby Trausch

Owner, PT, DPT

Libby (she/her) has had 3 babies and experienced nearly every pelvic floor and low back symptom we treat, in addition to most kinds of birth (C-section, VBAC, and almost a home birth). Alongside co-owner Molly, Libby identified gaps in traditional models of care and relentlessly went to work creating a company that inspires women to hope.

Libby is driven to create a space where energy, vibrance, and activity are accessible for all women and guides Breathe. on that intention. A fluent Spanish speaker, Libby was a high school exchange student in Argentina. She’s currently learning French, knitting, and climbing! She authored Peaceful Pushing: How to Train Your Pelvic Floor & Improve Chances of an Easy Birth and is currently writing an all-inclusive Postpartum Guide to help all women recover comfortably and confidently after delivery.

“I dream of a society where women are valued in birth, where they are supported physically, emotionally and socially and empowered to improve their outcomes.”

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.”

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.”

Alison Jensen

Client Experience Representative

Alison (she/her) is a native of Des Moines and loves being part of a locally owned business that centers on holistic healthcare. Her warm and welcoming personality creates a safe space for every client that calls or walks through our clinic doors.

In addition to her passion for serving each and every person as the face of Breathe. Beaverdale, she is a licensed massage therapist, with a deep understanding of the healing potential of this modality. Outside of work, she likes to spend time exploring nature with her dogs, traveling, going to live music, and trying to find the best cup of coffee in Des Moines. Ask her to share the story of how she got an umbrella stuck in her mouth as a child.

“I dream that women in my community have safe spaces to pursue health, happiness, and pleasure.”

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.”

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.”