Aaron Buldak, PT, DPT
Aaron began his career at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, associated with the University of Missouri’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedics department, where he worked for 3.5 years. In October 2022, he returned to Illinois to join Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. In addition to treating patients, Aaron serves as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students from DPT programs nationwide. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling along the lakefront and reading.
Kara Glavan, PT, DPT, OCS
Kara is a physical therapist at the MOR Chicago OB Clinic. She has extensive experience in outpatient orthopedics, working with a variety of conditions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. As a graduate of MOR’s first orthopedic residency program, she applies her advanced knowledge, as well as a dedicated and compassionate approach, to help patients achieve their goals. Kara has a passion for helping people recover from injuries that impact their mobility and quality of life, tailoring her approach to each patient’s unique needs. In her spare time, Kara enjoys hiking, biking, rollerblading along Lake Michigan, and Pilates. She is also an avid slalom water-skier, competing in summer tournaments. Kara believes in staying active for physical and mental well-being and encourages her patients to find enjoyable activities to include in their rehabilitation.
Kelsey Kunkelmann, PT, DPT
Kelsey came to Midwest Orthopedics with vast clinical experience in all physical therapy settings such as post-operative, pediatrics, neurological conditions, inpatient rehab and orthopedic. Kelsey is an outpatient in- home therapist. Kelsey works closely with the physicians throughout therapy to ensure each patient’s rehabilitation is individualized to improve their quality of life and help them attain their goals. Outside of the clinic, Kelsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her goldendoodle, working out, and spending time with family and friends.
Shaun Ernst, PT, DPT, CSCS
Shaun has been a member of the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush physical therapy team in Joliet, IL, since 2021. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and has extensive experience working with athletes, particularly in returning to sport after basketball and baseball injuries. Shaun is an active learner and serves as a mentor in the MOR Advanced Clinical Mentoring program. He is also a participating member of MOR's Knee Special Interest Group.
Ellen Pavlovic, PT, DPT, COMT, MHA
Ellen earned her Bachelor of Science from Loyola University Chicago and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She specializes in post-operative care, lower extremity tendinopathies, and impairments of the shoulder, knee, and spine, serving a wide range of patients from young adults to geriatrics. With a passion for endurance sports, Ellen has completed over 15 marathons, ultramarathons, open water swims, and triathlons, including Ironman distances. She has climbed the highest peaks in Africa and Asia (Kilimanjaro and Mt. Everest) and traveled to more than 90 countries. Her professional experience includes living and working in Dubai, where she embraced a diverse approach to physical therapy. Ellen values a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing open communication and individual attention to help patients achieve their goals. She is excited to bring her passion and experience to her role as Program Lead for the Endurance Athlete Specialty Interest Group.
Colin McCarey, PT, DPT
Colin transitioned to a career in physical therapy after working in nonprofit organizations and as an electrical contractor in Chicago’s near west suburbs. His PT experience includes clinic-based treatment for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, workers’ compensation, work conditioning rehabilitation, and post-offer employment testing. Currently, Colin works with the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Outpatient in the Home program, specializing in post-operative home visits following total knee and hip replacements, as well as various knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. His personal athletic interests include endurance running and rock climbing.
Sara Rundgren, PT, DPT, OCS
Sara is a physical therapist at the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Chicago Clinic. Originally from Waxahachie, TX, she graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Motor Behavior in 2018 and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University-Houston in 2021. Sara discovered her passion for orthopedics during PT school, and she went on to complete a year-long orthopedic residency with the Harris Health System in Houston. This residency provided advanced training in evidence-based treatments, as well as opportunities for research and teaching at DPT programs. After her residency, Sara moved to the Midwest to join MOR. She is on faculty for the Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Residency program and serves as director of the Lumbar Spine Special Interest Program. Sara specializes in treating all orthopedic conditions, with particular interests in low back pain, pelvic health, and chronic pain. Outside of work, she enjoys weightlifting, skiing, backpacking, and exploring Chicago.
Michelle Cantave, PT, DPT, MS
Michelle has been a licensed physical therapist in Illinois since 2010. Her diverse clinical experience spans outpatient, home health, inpatient acute care, and rehabilitation settings. Before earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Michelle worked as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation and has experience in corporate, community, and hospital-based wellness and fitness programming. Today, Michelle provides direct patient care and wellness services in the Chicagoland area. She is a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-EP) and holds a Level 2 Exercise is Medicine (EIM) credential. She also has a Certificate of Advanced Competency in Home Health from the American Physical Therapy Association. Her clinical approach emphasizes personalized, evidence-based care with a focus on therapeutic exercise, functional mobility, and patient education, reflecting her commitment to promoting health and wellness across the lifespan.
Megan Kaminski, PT, DPT, ATC
Megan is a physical therapist at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush, specializing in athlete rehabilitation. She joined the Lincoln Park location in 2021 and brings a passion for gymnastics and working with athletes at all levels. Originally from Portage, IN, Megan earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. During her studies, she observed and participated in various rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing the performance of recreational, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, playing tennis, and traveling to National Parks with her family.