Meet The Staff

Physical Therapist Kevin

Kevin Kucko, PT, DPT, MA, ATC, Director, Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, Dry Needling Certified

Meet Kevin, Our Expert in Sports Therapy and Performance:

Education
  - Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training from the State University of New York at Cortland.
  - Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Touro College in 1995.
  - Doctorate Degree from the University of Montana in 2020.

Professional Journey: 
  - Certified Athletic Trainer with experience in the NFL and college athletics.
  - Director of Rehabilitation at various centers on the east coast since 1997.
  - Specializes in accelerating rehabilitation for injured athletes and treating adults and seniors.

Areas of Expertise:
  - Extensive experience in reducing time lost to work injuries and ergonomics.
  - Expertise in treating jaw pain and TMJ dysfunctions, collaborating with dentists and surgeons.
  - Lecturer and presenter at over 200 seminars on Manual Treatment, TMJ management, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Entrepreneurship: 
                - Founded K2-Sports Therapy and Performance in 2011, serving the Lake Norman Community with physical therapy                          services.

              Passions: 
                - Enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking outside of work.

Kevin's dedication to advancing his field and commitment to patient care make him a valuable asset to our team.


Physical Therapist Gwen

Gwen VanRyen-Sink, PT, ATC, L-AT, Licensed Physical TherapistCertified Athletic Trainer, Dry Needling Certified

Introducing Gwen, Our Expert in Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy:

Education: 
  - Graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991.
  - Started her journey as a certified athletic trainer.

Professional Experience: 
  - Worked with prestigious National Teams including USA Team Handball, USA Rugby, and RCA Tennis Championships - Men's Tour.
  - Provided outreach services to several NASCAR and INDY car teams.

Career Focus: 
  - Specializes in outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine.
  - Passionate about extending her expertise into the community.

Gwen's extensive experience with elite athletes and dedication to community outreach make her an invaluable member of our team.


Joshua Malutan Physical Therapist


Joshua Malutan, PT, DPT, CSCS

Meet Joshua, Our Dedicated Physical Therapist:

Background: 
  - Originally from Chicago, IL.
  - Graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2016.
  - Completed the doctorate program in Physical Therapy at Franklin Pierce University in 2021.

Professional Experience: 
  - Practiced in various settings in the Phoenix area, including inpatient facilities, outpatient facilities, and home health.
  - Experienced in working with patients in all phases of the rehabilitation process.

Journey to K2 Sports Therapy: 
  - Moved to the Charlotte area in April 2022 to be closer to family, leading him to join K2 Sports Therapy.

Passions and Hobbies: 
  - Avid golfer for over 10 years, Joshua enjoys working with golfers to help them play injury-free.
  - Enjoys hiking, traveling, and recently picked up mountain biking with his wife.

Joshua's diverse experience and commitment to patient care make him an invaluable member of our team, dedicated to helping individuals achieve their optimal physical health and wellness.


Brittany Sheehan Physical Therapist Assistant

Brittany Sheehan,  PTA

Meet Brittany, Our Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant:

Background: 
  - Hails from outside Philadelphia, PA, but found her home in the Carolinas since 2013.
  - Graduated from Limestone University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
  - NCAA Division 2 athlete on the women's lacrosse team during her undergraduate years.

Professional Journey: 
  - Furthered her studies at Central Piedmont Community College to become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
  - Passionate about working with diverse populations in therapy, from young athletes returning to sports to individuals aiming to resume daily activities without pain.

Yoga Expertise: 
  - Holds a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification, integrating yoga principles into therapy to promote holistic wellness.

Personal Interests: 
     - Enjoys spending time outdoors and at the lake with her husband and dog.
     - Actively engages in teaching and practicing yoga during her free time.

Brittany's multidisciplinary approach to therapy and dedication to holistic wellness make her an invaluable asset to our team, committed to helping individuals achieve their optimal physical health and well-being.


Michael Neilsen PT

Michael Nielsen,  DPT

Meet Michael, Our Passionate Physical Therapist:

Background: 
  - Originally from Savage, MN, Michael developed a love for sports, particularly basketball and baseball.
  - Graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology Health and Wellness.

Career Path: 
  - Pursued his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) at High Point University, graduating in 2020.
  - Specializes in Outpatient Sports and Orthopedics, driven by personal experiences with sports injuries and a desire to help others.

Areas of Expertise: 
  - Treats patients of all ages, with a focus on athletes, concussion management, and vestibular dysfunction.
  
Personal Interests: 
  - Enjoys indulging in barbecue, cheering for college football teams, and going on family walks with his dog, Maisy.

Michael's blend of personal passion for sports, academic expertise, and dedication to patient care make him an                                                                                                          invaluable member of our team, committed to helping individuals recover and thrive.


Zackary Parris Physical Therapist Assistant

Zackery Parris,  PTA

Meet Zack, Our Energetic Physical Therapist Assistant:

Background: 
  - Raised in eastern North Carolina, Zack's roots run deep in the community.
  - Graduated from Guilford College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Health Sciences and Exercises and Sports Science.

Professional Journey: 
  - Furthered his education at Guilford Technical Community College, graduating from the PTA program in 2020.
  - Specializes in outpatient Sports and Orthopedics, honing his skills in Roanoke Rapids before joining our team at K2.

Certifications and Goals: 
  - Holds an L1 CrossFit certification and aspires to become a coach at a local gym.
  
Personal Interests: 
  - Actively engages in the CrossFit community during his free time.
  - Enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and recreational sports.

Zack's enthusiasm for fitness, dedication to professional growth, and love for the outdoors make him a dynamic additionto our team, committed to helping individuals achieve their physical wellness goals.


Ian Hull Physical Therapist Assistant

Ian Hull,  PTA

Meet Ian, a compassionate member of our team whose diverse background and dedication shine through in everything he does. Here's why Ian is an invaluable part of our team:

Background: 
  - Ian's degree in hospitality from Johnson and Wales University ensures a customer-centric approach in all his endeavors.

Professional Journey: 
  - With extensive experience in sales across the United States and Canada, Ian excels in connecting with people from various backgrounds.
  - He graduated with excellence from the PTA program at Central Piedmont Community College in 2023.
  - Ian's personal experience with a sports injury ignited his passion for healthcare.

Area of expertise: 
  - Ian's firsthand understanding of physical therapy drives his commitment to helping others through their own injury recoveries.

Active Lifestyle:  
  - When not at work, Ian can be found on the tennis court, in the gym, or sharpening his billiards skills, showcasing his dedication to staying active and excelling in all aspects of life.