Louisville, KY – Springhurst (Dunn Physical Therapy)

(she/her/hers)

Dr. Melissa McElroy grew up in southeast Kentucky. She began her collegiate studies at Thomas More College in northern Kentucky before transferring to Bellarmine University where she earned her bachelor’s in health science in 2005 and her doctorate of physical therapy in 2007. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work in various settings across the country including pediatrics and wound care, but returned to Louisville, KY, in 2010 to focus her career on her specialization in pelvic health. In 2015 Melissa became a board-certified Women’s Health Specialist (WCS) and has been committed to furthering the pelvic health aspect of physical therapy practice ever since. She is passionate about providing specialized care to all persons with pelvic health concerns. This is evident through her dedication to community education in speaking engagements and volunteer work, as well as her role as adjunct faculty in Bellarmine University’s physical therapy program.

Dr. McElroy is Dunn Physical Therapy’s clinical director and continues to practice at our Springhurst location.

“I take pride in knowing that I can help improve someone’s quality of life on a completely different level. For me, it’s about getting people back to living their lives without underlying fear or concern.”

She is a member of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Section on Women’s Health, APTA Private Practice Section, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and the International Pelvic Pain Society.

When not working, Melissa can be found listening to live music, trail running, or hiking, often with her husband and 2 children.

Sarah graduated from Bellarmine University with her bachelor’s in Health Science and a doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010. Her professional background primarily includes working in pediatrics across various settings, but she has also really enjoyed working with individuals of all ages. She completed her general pediatric clinical at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she gained professional experience in early intervention services and outpatient pediatric services focusing on neuro-developmental delays, as well as congenital and acquired impairments. Beyond pediatrics, she brings additional expertise within lifespan orthopedics (acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical care) and lifespan neurological impairments / disorders (CVA, traumatic and non-traumatic head injuries, and balance disorders). She has additional experience with aquatic therapy, neurological dysfunctions, balance and movement disorders, and orthopedic conditions.

Sarah decided to join Dunn Physical Therapy’s team to invest in her knowledge of pediatrics and pelvic floor dysfunction, providing the opportunity to help children and their families regain control. Areas of focus in pediatrics include bed wetting, constipation, fecal incontinence, and bladder incontinence. “Our children live in a complex world these days and they need to have a place where they can be heard and feel comfortable working on sensitive concerns. Working with them to better understand what is going on with their body as well as empowering them to take control of their life can be so rewarding. A child’s primary job is to be a kid, and we can help them get back to that job without fear of embarrassment.”

In her spare time, she loves to be with her husband exploring the world through the eyes of their two girls and dog.

“You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for learning to happen.” – Vince Gowmon

Dr. Schoenfeld is a graduate of Bellarmine University, earning her doctorate in physical therapy in 2010. Ellen first started her career in Glasgow, KY, however moved back to her hometown of Louisville in 2013. She has experience within acute care, short-term rehab, outpatient orthopedics, aquatics and pediatric physical therapy settings. Her passion for pelvic physical therapy developed after her personal experience of pelvic pain and pelvic floor weakness after having children. She has devoted her career to helping others decrease pain and restore function.

In her spare time, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Ellen loves the outdoors and sunshine, whether it being outside with her kids or spending time on the lake.

Dr. Kristen Schellhaas grew up in northern Kentucky, playing volleyball throughout her adolescence. She attended Georgetown College for her undergraduate studies where she continued her volleyball career. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology in 2016, and went on to attend the University of Dayton where she earned her doctorate of physical therapy in 2019. Kristen began her career in outpatient orthopedics, which allowed her to work with a variety of patients and diagnoses, including joint replacements, ligament reconstruction, acute injuries, and chronic pain.

Kristen is Pelvic Floor Level 1 certified through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She has completed courses on a variety of pelvic health diagnoses for all demographics and is in the process of attaining her CAPP certification through the American Physical Therapy Association. She is passionate about pursuing avenues to better assist her patients’ needs.

Kristen is very active in her spare time. She enjoys being outside, doing yoga, exercising, reading, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends.

She is a member of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health.

“I like to work with my patients as a team. As we determine their end goal, I make sure they know I will work through plans A–Z in order to get them there. Everyone deserves to feel good and allow their body to function at their highest capacity.”

Tessa possesses an extensive medical billing background and joined Dunn Physical Therapy in 2012 as the Billing Specialist. In addition to 16 years of experience in the medical billing and coding field, Tessa is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Since receiving this certification in 2011, Tessa has remained an active member of both the Louisville and Shively Chapters of the AAPC. “This is not just a job to me. This has become my passion to ensure that all patients receive the care that is needed. To provide the patient with the knowledge to understand their medical benefits and to make the billing process less stressful for the patient. To assure the patient that we care about each and every one of them.”

When not at the office Tessa spends most of her free time with her husband and her two very active sons. Tessa works out of the Springhurst location.