Meet The Team

Joe Baxter DPT, CERT. SMT, CERT. DN
Co-Owner, Physical Therapist
Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree from Alma College majoring in Integrative Physiology and Health Science. He then earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2015. Joe utilizes a wide range of treatment techniques including joint and soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, muscle energy and direct action mobilization. He has completed extensive continuing education and is certified through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy in spinal manipulation and dry needling for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Outside of work, Joe loves to spend his free time outside or at sporting events with his wife Tori, and their two daughters.

Leslie Skiera DPT
Co-Owner, Physical Therapist
Leslie received her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University majoring in Recreation and Sport Management. She then went on to complete a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2015. Leslie completed her final academic internship at Ithaca Physical Therapy and has since received extensive instruction in manual therapy techniques including manipulation, myofascial release, muscle energy and direct action mobilization. In her free time, Leslie likes to spend time with family, walk with her dog, go for boat rides and be outside.

Blake Mueller DPT
Physical Therapist
Blake completed his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University majoring in Health Fitness and Preventive Rehabilitation. He then went on to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan in 2015. Through his career, he has worked with a variety of patient populations ranging from acute post-operative care to outpatient sports injuries. He has a special interest in pediatric rehabilitation as well as sport-specific care. Blake's hobbies include golfing, weight lifting and reading.

Cheryl Jacob PTA, CMT
Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified Massage Therapist
Cheryl obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater with a major in Physical Education in 1985. She then went on to Delta Community College where she obtained her Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 1997. She has received training in Craniosacral Therapy and became a Certified Massage Therapist in 2002. Cheryl was previously active in coaching and teaching Physical Education to children. Cheryl has been a part of the Ithaca Physical Therapy team since it began in 2004. She recently earned her Black Belt and continues to train in Jiu Jitsu in Clare.

Jim Tilton PT, MA, MS, OMPT
Founder, Physical Therapist
Jim founded Ithaca Physical Therapy in 2004.
He received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University. From there he went on to complete a Master's Degree in both Exercise Science and Physical Therapy in 1997. He then completed a two year post-graduate residency in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy qualifying him as a specialist in the field. Jim has practiced manual therapy locally in Shepherd, Edmore, Alma and Ithaca, and also treats patients from Lansing, Grand Rapids, Midland and surrounding areas.