Orthopedic and Sports Therapy Institute

Marengo Staff

Diane Parrish, PT

Diane Parrish, PT is a 1995 graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy Magna Cum Laude. Diane was awarded the Clinical Performance Award for her performance during clinical training.

She has worked primarily in outpatient orthopedic settings treating post surgical conditions, biomechanics of the sacro-iliac joint and disorders of the spine and pelvis.

In addition she has worked in an outpatient neuromuscular setting with a focus on the complex patient using a team approach to treatment.

Her neuromuscular experience has included a variety of diagnoses such as Above and Below Knee prosthetic training, Multiple Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie Tooth, Post-stroke, spinal cord injury, Post-polio, and brain injury.

Diane has specialized training for vestibular rehabilitation working with balance deficits and dizziness. She has completed the Vestibular Competency Courses by Susan Herdman, PT, PhD. She has worked with vestibular hypofunction, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, acoustic neuroma resections including those who have had gamma knife, as well as a wide variety of other central problems.

Additional continuing education coursework has included manual therapy techniques for the spine and extremities with an emphasis on biomechanics, pediatric gait training, yoga therapy, and hippotherapy.

Diane has been committed to the clinical education of students by serving as a center coordinator of clinical education for seven years at two different facilities. She has mentored new graduates and continues to act as a resource for peers. She is active in community education with offering courses on balance and dizziness, and speaking at various support groups.

Diane is currently working toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at St. Ambrose University where the focus is on using evidence-based practices for clinical decision making.

Erin Randall, ATC, MS

Erin Randall, ATC, MS graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education: Athletic Training Magna Cum Laude. She returned to Eastern the following year to pursuit her Masters Degree in Physical Education: Exercise Science on full scholarship. While working on her Masters, she taught for the University in their Accredited Athletic Training Program and acted as a mentor to the students in the program. Erin specialized in Exercise Science and had the opportunity to work with phase three cardiac rehab patients. Erin has experience as an athletic trainer in the collegiate and high school setting. In the summer of 2005, Erin joined the staff at Marengo Physical Therapy as Marengo Community High School's Certified Athletic Trainer. She is responsible for covering all athletes and athletic events at MCHS. Erin also assists the staff at Marengo Physical Therapy and is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).

Katie Allen-Wacker, PTA

Katie Allen-Wacker, PTA is a 2009 honors graduate from Elgin Community College with a degree in Physical Therapy Assisting.

Most of Katie's clinical experiences were based in orthopedic outpatient settings, including Marengo Physical Therapy. She is planning to attend continuing education courses that will further enhance her knowledge in orthopedic and sports therapy. She enjoys providing physical therapy services to the McHenry County area!