Meet the Rehab Department Team

	Michelle Brungardt, PT, MSPT Education: Morland High School 1987 BS Biology, 1991 - FHSU MS Physical Therapy, 1993 - WSU Certification: Dry Needling, ASTYM, ACLS, Kinesio tape, Clinical Cancer Exercise Specialist Michelle was raised in the St. Peter, Kansas area and attended Morland High School. Michelle then attended FHSU, graduating with a biology degree. Being accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Wichita State University, Michelle moved to Wichita to complete her degree. Upon graduation, Michelle worked at Hays Medical Center for seven years. In October of 2000, Michelle started at TCLMH as the Director of Rehab. Michelle has experience in inpatient rehab, orthopedics, sports medicine, vestibular rehab, geriatrics, home health and wound care. Michelle is Certified in Dry needling, ASTYM and Kinesio taping. Michelle enjoys working with her patients, achieving goals to gain strength and mobility to live life to the fullest.
	Debbie Riedel, COTA Education: Hays High School Associate in Applied Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program - Barton County Community College-1994 Debbie was born and raised in Hays, Kansas. After graduating from high school, she worked in multiple areas of the Hadley hospital but never found her real passion. Debbie was introduced to Occupational Therapy while attending nursing classes. Debbie applied and was accepted into the COTA condensed program at Barton County Community College where she received her degree in 1994. Debbie has provided OT services throughout Western Kansas in her career including Hays, Ellis, WaKeeney, Hill City and Quinter. She has worked in a variety of settings including Acute, Home Health, Skilled Nursing facilities and Outpatient services. In 2008, Debbie began working at the TCLMH Rehab Department. Her experience in working in a variety of settings has been extremely helpful in providing quality care for her patients.
	Lynette VanAusdale, CPTA Education – Ness City High School Dodge City School of Cosmetology Physical Therapy Assistant Degree, 1994 – Colby Community College Lynette grew up in Ness City, Kansas. After graduating high school, she attended Dodge City School of Cosmetology. The same year she married and started a family. For the next 12 years, she stayed home with her 3 children. Lynette returned to college and graduated in 1994 from Colby Community College. She began her PTA career at HMC working in inpatient rehab, skilled care, and home health area. Lynette assisted many different patients helping them recover and regain their independence. Lynette then worked in a skilled nursing home for 3 years providing PT services and acting as program manager for therapy services in the facility. Lynette joined TCLMH in 2008 and brought years of experience in the areas of orthopedics, geriatrics, and home health care. Lynette enjoys helping her patients with chronic pain to live an improved life.
	Lindsey Mong Education: Jetmore High School & FHSU Bachelor of Arts in Communications (2012) Lindsey grew up in Jetmore, KS, attended Fort Hays State University, and moved to Wakeeney to start her family in 2014. She joined the Rehab team in 2025 and works to keep the front office operating smoothly. Lindsey assists with patient scheduling, department communications, and supporting the therapists. She is excited to help patients and be part of this encouraging atmosphere.
	Brooke Blackwill , CPTA Education: Quinter High School, 2017 Health and Human Performance emphasis in Exercise Science (BS), 2020 - FHSU Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Degree, 2021 – Colby Community College Brooke grew up in Quinter Kansas where she graduated from Quinter High School. Brooke continued her education at FHSU where she received a degree in Exercise Science. While in Hays, Brooke worked at DSNWK caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Concluding her time in Hays, Brooke moved back to her hometown and traveled to Colby where she received her PTA degree. Brooke completed 4 clinical experiences, the first one being here at TCLMH. It was her favorite clinical experience that taught her the importance of good patient care and increased her love for working in the rural area. She takes particular interest in outpatient joint replacements, sport medicine, and neuromuscular re-education. Brooke is excited to work with patients utilizing her skills to help patients of all ages and conditions.
	Karassa Prochaska, CPTA Hays High Associates of Physical Science (2013)-GCCC  Biology; Pre-Physical Therapy (2016)-FHSU  Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Degree (2018)-Colby Community College Karassa grew up in the country southwest of Hays Kansas where she graduated from Hays High School. Karassa continued her education at GCCC where she played soccer & received a degree in Physical Science. She then transferred to FHSU where she continued her education, getting bachelor’s in biology Pre-PT. Concluding her time in Hays, Karassa moved back to Colby where she received her PTA degree. Karassa completed 4 clinical experiences, where she split most of her clinics working mixed settings [inpatient, outpatient & home health.] Upon receiving her CPTA degree & license she moved to rural Colorado working again in a mix of inpatient, outpatient & home health giving her a well-rounded background. Karassa is passionate about providing evidence-based care while creating a positive and encouraging environment where every patient feels supported. Karassa believes that successful rehabilitation is built on trust, education, and individualized treatment. Her approach focuses on understanding each person's unique needs and developing strategies that promote long-term wellness and independence. Whether helping patients recover from injury, surgery, or physical limitations, Karassa is committed to delivering high-quality care and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.
	Misty Smolarkiewicz, MSOTR Education: Elwood High School 1998 BS Biology/Minor Chemistry, Chadron State College 2002 MSOT, Western Michigan University 2005 Misty was raised in NE, attending Elwood High School and later moving to Chadron, NE to pursue her biology degree. She graduated from Chadron State College in Dec of 2002 and moved to Kalamazoo, MI to continue graduate studies at Kalamazoo, MI, where she was accepted into the first class of mid year students; This small class of 7 mastered a fast paced curriculum and was trained by many OT and entrepreneurs; Misty is a highly skilled and dedicated Occupational Therapist with over two decades of clinical experience spanning acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health services. Known for her patient-centered approach, she specializes in developing customized therapeutic protocols that empower individuals to overcome physical hardships and achieve their personal recovery goals. Misty’s clinical career began in Virginia Beach, VA, where she specialized in geriatric care within skilled nursing facilities. She later transitioned to Kansas, dedicating over a decade of service to HaysMed. Her career then evolved into home health care, where she served with the University of Kansas Health System (Great Bend Campus) and currently works with a premier Kansas home health agency, providing vital in-home support to patients in the Great Bend area. Throughout her career, Misty has also maintained consistent weekly collaborations with TCLMH and RehabVisions, demonstrating her versatility and strong reputation across multiple healthcare networks. Her comprehensive clinical expertise includes: Geriatrics: Skilled nursing, assisted living, Inpatient, Rehab, and age-related functional decline. Acute & Critical Care: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) intervention and acute medical stabilization. Specialized Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehab, orthopedics, neurology, and outpatient therapy. Home Health: Restoring independence and safety in the patient’s home environment. Driven by a passion for helping others navigate life-altering transitions, Misty combines her extensive background in diverse medical settings with a deep commitment to evidence-based, empathetic care.