Our Board Leadership

A Brainard, Nebraska, native, Joel’s journey from the football field to leadership in physical therapy reflects his commitment to excellence. As a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student-athlete, he was part of three National Championship football teams before playing professionally for the Arizona Cardinals. After his NFL career, Joel coached at the University of Virginia, where he discovered his passion for rehabilitation and patient care. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and now dedicates himself to expanding access to quality physical therapy services throughout Nebraska. Joel maintains active membership in the American Physical Therapy Association Nebraska Chapter.

Natalie’s career embodies clinical excellence and professional leadership. Born in Omaha and raised in southern Colorado, she returned to Nebraska to earn her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she served as Student Regent on the Board of Regents. She later completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Creighton University. Since becoming a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist in 1999, Natalie has distinguished herself through exceptional patient care and organizational leadership. As an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, she shapes the next generation of physical therapists. Her expertise in healthcare administration has earned her numerous professional honors, and she has contributed to the profession through service on the Nebraska State Board of Physical Therapy and as Treasurer of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Board of Directors.

Cory brings versatile clinical experience and a deep dedication to the community to Makovicka Physical Therapy. A South Dakota native from Irene, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry from Mount Marty College before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Creighton University. His diverse background spans outpatient orthopedics, home health, inpatient care, and skilled nursing facilities. Since 2001, Cory has focused on outpatient orthopedic care with a sports medicine emphasis, incorporating advanced training in Postural Restoration. Cory and his family reside in Wahoo, Nebraska, where he actively serves his community through volunteer work. He maintains a membership in the American Physical Therapy Association Nebraska Chapter.

Jordan represents the evolution of modern physical therapy practice through advanced clinical training and business acumen.

A Brainard native, he competed in baseball while earning his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Creighton University, then stayed to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Jordan has pursued excellence through specialized certifications in manual therapy from the North American Institute of Manual Therapy and functional dry needling from KinetaCore.

In 2022, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Omaha.

Jordan is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association Nebraska Chapter.

John’s pioneering career laid the foundation for Makovicka Physical Therapy’s legacy of excellence. Growing up in Ulysses, Nebraska, he was a standout multi-sport athlete at East Butler High School and Kearney State College, where he earned 12 varsity letters and became the 1970 national scoring champion in football. He pursued his physical therapy education at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, returning to Nebraska as one of the state’s first licensed physical therapists. For over four decades, John has served patients throughout central Nebraska, and his wisdom and experience continue to guide the organization as a valued member of the Board of Directors.