vestibularPT.com

Colleen Sleik, PT, DPT, NCS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Neurologic Clinical Specialist, specializing in the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders. Dr. Sleik graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Master of Physical Therapy in 2003. She earned a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through The University of St. Augustine, Florida in 2010. She completed the Competency-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation course through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in 2010 and has continued her education by attending “Vestibular Rehab: An Advanced Course and Update” through the University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh in 2018 and virtually in 2021. She has also attended the International Conference on Vestibular Rehab in 2018 and 2022. Dr. Sleik has been teaching continuing education courses nationally since 2015. She maintains her knowledge through reading current research on various topics to provide evidence-based treatment in her clinical practice, guided by the most current research available. Dr. Sleik is a board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist 2017-2027 and was previously a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist 2012-2022. She is a member of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapists and the Vestibular Special Interest Group. Dr. Sleik is works at Bellin Health in Iron Mountain, MI, a small, rural community, where 75-90% of her caseload consists of patients with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems. She has worked in a variety of settings over the years, including hospital-based outpatient, inpatient, home health, skilled nursing facilities and private practice. It is not uncommon for patients to drive several hours to access her specialty vestibular rehabilitation services due to the scarcity of providers in the area. This need inspired her to begin teaching continuing education courses, and she has been teaching nationally since 2015. Her goal is to increase clinicians’ knowledge and understanding of vestibular rehabilitation, ultimately patient access to quality care. Dr. Sleik is pleased to have this opportunity to share her passion for treating vestibular patients and to provide guidance along your journey in helping your patients.

Jack Cervantes, PT, DPT, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a residency-trained board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He currently works in the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Health System (UWHC). Dr. Cervantes graduated from the Carroll University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2022 and completed the UW Hospital & Clinics and UnityPoint Health - Meriter Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program in 2023. He works with advanced spine and general orthopedic patients with a growing vestibular population in an outpatient setting at UWHC. Dr. Cervantes is working to increase his vestibular case load to promote more convenient access to vestibular care. He is a part of the Concussion Work Group with physical therapists with orthopedic and neurological specialties. As a clinician, Dr. Cervantes utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches to provide his patients with the best care available, while also providing them with strategies for long-term management. Dr. Cervantes’ interest in vestibular rehabilitation began following an intensive 8-week clinical experience with Dr. Sleik, treating patients with various diagnoses of dizziness. He has assisted in the development and presentation of Vestibular Rehab Certificate for Clinicians: Foundation and Clinical Application since 2023, educating both students and clinicians. This course has allowed Dr. Cervantes to pursue his passion and career goal of educating current and future clinicians as a way to give back and advance the profession of physical therapy.