Staff
At Cary Physical Therapy you will be greeted by a staff of
professional Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers. Please
take the time to read a little bit about them!
Deb Gulbrandson, PT, Owner
Educational Background
Brent Busse, PT
Educational Background
Jennifer Schaffer, P.T. M.H.S.
Educational Background
Rick Stojak, P.T.
Educational Background
Sue Cash, P.T.
Educational Background
Todd Wallace, P.T.
Educational Background
Maria Churak, P.T.
Educational Background
Joyce Shulfer, P.T.
Educational Background
At Cary Physical Therapy you will be greeted by a staff of
professional Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers. Please
take the time to read a little bit about them!
Deb Gulbrandson, PT, Owner

Educational Background
- B.S. in Physical Therapy, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana – 1975
- Certified Pilates Instructor, Polestar International
- Mentor, Polestar Pilates Denver, Colorado
- CPR Certified
- Polestar Pilates Mentor, Denver, CO.,Certified Instructor – 2005 to Present
- Owner, Cary Physical Therapy -- 1993 to present
- Owner, Harvard Physical Therapy – 2003 to present
- Wisconsin School for the Deaf, P.T. -- 1996 to 2005
- Contract with Barrington Physical Therapy -- 1989 – 1993
- Program Development, Baxter Physical Therapy -- 1986 – 1989
- Manager, Physical Medicine Dept., Good Shepherd Hospital -- 1979 – 1986
- Special Education District of McHenry County -- 1977 – 1979
- Evangelical Health Systems Home Care -- 1976 – 1979
- St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana -- 1975 – 1977
- APTA – American Physical Therapy Association
- IPTA – Illinois Physical Therapy Association
- IPTPPF – Illinois Physical Therapy Private Practice Forum
- Pilates Method Alliance
- Skiing – snow or water
- Ballroom dancing
- Hiking/Biking
Brent Busse, PT

Educational Background
- Masters Degree in Physical Therapy Bradley University 2000-2002
- Lifeguard and CPR Certified
- Cary Physical Therapy: 2002-Present
- Clinical Instructor: 2003-presnt
- Clinical Coordinator of Education: 2004-Present
- Clinical Supervisor: 2004-Present
- APTA
- Sports section
- Aquatics Section
- IPTA
- McKenzie Part A and B
- Schroth Method for Scolioisis
- Clinical education credentialing class
- Juvenile Orthopedic spine symposium
- Volleyball
- 4 years varsity TIU
- NCCAA National Champions 2000 TIU
- USAV Member
- Tennis
“Throughout my education and clinical experience, I have had the opportunity to treat a variety of patients in a several different settings to include semi-pro and college athletics, inpatient acute and rehabilitation, and outpatient sports medicine. I am now able to use my education and life experiences to help my patients achieve their long-term goals.”
Jennifer Schaffer, P.T. M.H.S.

Educational Background
- B.S. in Physical Therapy, Northern Illinois University – 1987
- M.S. in Health Science, University of Indianapolis – 1997
- Clinical Instructor Credentialing – 1998
- CPR Certified
- Cary Physical Therapy -- 1990 to present
- Clinical Supervisor at Cary Physical Therapy -- 1995 to 2000
- St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin -- 1987-1990
- Northern Illinois Association (pediatrics) -- 1980 – 1981
- Enjoys gardening and outdoor activities with husband and children.
“I enjoy working with all age groups and levels of physical ability, from the “weekend warrior” to the higher level athlete. I feel the “key” to successful physical therapy is the patient’s ability to manage his/her problem independently through change in lifestyle, exercise and fitness. The most rewarding aspect of being a physical therapy is watching a patient progress from being dependent to being independent with their physical therapy.”
Rick Stojak, P.T.

Educational Background
- Master of Physical Therapy, NIU 2006
- B.S. degree from Northern Illinois University 2004
- Cary P.T. - present
- APTA
- Weight-lifting
- Body-building
- Nutrition
- Strength and conditioning
- Country Music
- Watching the Bears
- Working out
- Spending time with family
- Playing guitar
- NIU Football
"I look forward to working with a wide variety of patients and working together to returning/improving their levels of function."
Sue Cash, P.T.

Educational Background
- B.S. in Biology from Millikin University.
- Graduated from Chicago Medical School: Finch University of Health Sciences for Physical Therapy.
- Masters in Physical Education and Health with a concentration in Sports Medicine from Illinois State University
- Cary Physical Therapy -- 2004 to Present
- Orthopedic & Sport Medicine of Northern Indiana --1998-2001
- Sports Physical Therapy & Rehab Center – 1994-1998
- High School Athletic Trainer
- Eisenhower H.S. – 1991
- LaPorte H.S – 1990
- Illinois State Special Olympics Medical Staff – various years 1988 – 1990
- Piano
- Working out
Todd Wallace, P.T.

Educational Background
- BA: in Biology and Pre-Medicine with a minor in Biochemistry from Augustana 2001
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UIC 2007
- Cary P.T. - present
- Cardinal Health Chemist 2001-2004
- APTA
- IPTA
- CPR Certified
- Nutrition
- Health & Fitness
- Nature Preservation
- Da Bulls & Da Bears
- Open to learning new things
- Biking
- Skiing
- Running
- Kayaking
- Tennis
- Yoga
- Strength Training
Maria Churak, P.T.

Educational Background
- B.S. Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, 1996
- B.S. Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, 1998
- Alexian Brothers Occupational Health, January 2000 - Present
- Northwest Community Hospital, 1999 - 2000
- Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
- Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner
- Golf
- Tennis
Joyce Shulfer, P.T.

Educational Background
- Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy from University of Missouri, 1994, Summa Cum Laude
- Cary PT
- St. Joseph Medical Center (Kansas City) 2001 - 2006
- Health South Outpatient (Kansas City) 1999 - 2000
- Bala Nursing (Pennsylvania) 1998 - 1999
- Fort Worth Outpatient (Texas) 1997 - 1998
- Traveling PT (Various locations) 1996 - 1997
- Mid-America Outpatient (Kansas) 1994 - 1996
- CPR Certified
- Running
- Reading
- Spending time with family
- Scrap-booking
