Physical Therapy Team
TODD WATERKOTTE, PT, MPT – PHYSICAL THERAPIST/PT DIRECTOR
Todd graduated from Rockhurst University, in Kansas City, MO where he earned a bachelor of science in biology and masters in physical therapy. Todd brings over twenty years of experience in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy. He has a strong background in manual therapy and has been trained in the certification process of Maitland-University of St. Augustine, NAIOMT for the treatment of orthopedic and neuromuscular dysfunctions. Todd has recently become certified in dry needling and is working toward his certification from the Postural Restoration Institute. Todd is also trained in treating vestibular dysfunctions, specifically benign positional paroxysmal vertigo. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, golfing and barbecuing.
JESSICA TATE, PT, DPT, OCS – PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Jessica is originally from a small town in coastal Massachusetts. She moved to Phoenix with her family in 1995 and graduated from Desert Vista High School in 2002. Jessica completed her undergraduate education at University of Arizona where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology in 2006. She then returned to Phoenix and started exploring the world of physical therapy and orthopedics. Jessica spent two years working as a physical therapy technician before deciding to further her education in the field. In 2011, Jessica graduated with a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She immediately entered a yearlong orthopedic physical therapy residency program with HealthCare Partners in Torrance, CA. After completing her residency in 2012, she relocated back to Arizona and has continued to pursue her passion for orthopedic physical therapy. In 2012, Jessica was published in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy in 2012 and has been recognized as a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) since 2014. Beyond her career, Jessica enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring new local restaurants, running, interval training and cheering on her hometown Boston sports teams and U of A Wildcats.
ALEX RAMIREZ, PT, DPT – PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Alexander Ramirez is from Phoenix, Arizona where he graduated from Ironwood High School in 2014. Alex was a student-athlete at Grand Canyon University where he played for 5 years on the Division 1 soccer team. He was able to acquire a Bachelor of Science Degree with an Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in entrepreneurship during his 5 years at GCU and graduated in 2018. Alex then completed another 3 years of schooling at Midwestern University, where he graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2023. During his schooling at Midwestern University, he enjoyed his orthopedic rotation more than anything and knew he wanted to work in an orthopedic and sports physical therapy clinic. Alex enjoys playing pickup soccer, snowboarding, and traveling the world when he can.
JEFF KEIL, PA-C – PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Jeff is a Board Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) with experience in Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, Pain Management and Urgent Care Medicine. He worked previously before becoming a PA as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine Clinics and the High School setting.
Mr. Keil graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors of Science degree in Sports Science with and Emphasis in Athletic Training in 1999. He then moved to Phoenix and obtained a Master of Science Degree in Sports Health Care/Athletic Training in 2001 from AT Still University. Jeff later returned to school in to complete his Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007, also from AT Still University.
Mr. Keil has notable interest in treating the shoulder and knee. He enjoys spending time with his patients to provide them with proper patient education and treatment options to best serve their specific individual conditions. Jeff feels that spending appropriate time and answering patients questions is needed for patients to have their most optimal outcomes. He is very excited to be part of the Integrated Orthopedic team.
Jeff is married with two small children. He enjoys attending sporting events, traveling, exercise, golf and hiking in his spare time.
BRANDON HUNTER, PA-C – PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Brandon joins us from Illinois with experience as a PA in orthopedic surgery. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2003. After graduation, he worked as a laboratory technician and microbiologist for over 10 years. He went on to earn his Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Knoxville, TN in 2017.
Brandon will provide care for patients in clinic as well as serve as first assist to Dr. Gruber in the operating room. He has had a lifelong interest in sports and is excited for the opportunity to play an active role in managing sports injuries and returning athletes to peak performance. He has particular interest in pathology of the knee and shoulder.
Brandon is married with two young children. He enjoys traveling with his family, golf, hiking, camping, the occasional date night with his wife, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Chicago Bears football.
DANIELLE MCCONNELL PT, DPT - PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Danielle was born outside of Pittsburgh, PA and relocated to Phoenix with her family at a young age. She graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology and later earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from AT Still University in 2003.
Danielle continues to learn new skills and further her education. She has since earned certifications in treatment techniques including ASTYM, dry needling and functional range conditioning.
Danielle has worked in the orthopedic physical therapy setting throughout her entire career. She has over 17 years of experience in the orthopedic and sports rehab setting, which she uses to formulate custom treatment plans to quickly get clients back to what they love doing.