Paul M. Theisen, D.C.

I am from the great state of Iowa, home of the Hawkeyes and Palmer College of Chiropractic.  I grew up playing many sports, including baseball, which I continued on into college.  While at Loras College I majored in Sports Medicine and was a trainer for various athletes. 

My first contact with chiropractic was after I injured my shoulder in baseball.  I learned very quickly that the conservative and natural method was going to keep me in the game.  Drugs or surgery would have kept me from playing from baseball and injured my body in the long run. 

After graduating from Loras College in 1994, I enrolled in Palmer College of Chiropractic.  Not only did I learn about the wonders of Chiropractic, but I also met my wonderful wife Dr. Tara Hulsebus-Theisen.  Tara was also a Palmer Chiropractic student at the time and a soon to be 3rd generation of chiropractors.  The 2nd was her father, Dr. Roger Hulsebus.  Wow!!  What a mentor to have for my profession. 

My wife, Dr. Tara, and I moved to Freeport in October of 1998 and had a son Brock in July of 2001 and a daughter Ava in August 2006. Who knows possibly a couple of 4th generation chiropractors? Our family enjoys spending time with friends and the community. Freeport has a lot to offer, I am glad that we may call Freeport our home.  

Education: Waldorf College - A.A.in Liberal Arts, 1992;  Loras College Bachelor's of Science (Sports Science) 1994; Palmer College of Chiropractic - Doctor of Chiropractic, 1999

Certifications:  OSHA Compliance and Safety, Lumbar flexion-distraction technique and board certified in physiotherapy as well as chiropractic with licensure in Illinois.

Affiliations:  International Chiropractic Association, Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, Palmer Alumni Association, Waldorf Alumni Association and Loras Alumni Association.

Community Involvement:  President of Freeport Sunrise Rotary, Former Aquin football team doctor, St. Thomas church, ergonomic and low back industrial classes, school scoliosis screenings, American Legion and United States Army Reserve where I was honorably discharged in 1998 after serving during the 1st gulf war and abroad in both Guatemala and Honduras.

Hobbies:  Golf, skiing, spending time with friends and family, basketball, swimming, scuba diving, and playing cards.

Matt Marine, D.C

I was born and raised in and around the Quad Cities area on the Illinois side of the river.  Growing up I was a multisport athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and running track.  I originally went to Iowa State University and graduated in 2007 with a major in Biology with a minor in medical illustration.  I first saw a chiropractor when I was 19 because I was having sensory problems with my hands.  My medical doctor had recommended drugs that I would have to have taken indefinitely, so I figured why not give chiropractic a shot?  After a few visits to a chiropractor my symptoms resolved and I was sold.  I asked my chiropractor what I should do and he told me to go to Palmer, so I enrolled at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport and graduated with honors in 2011.  I look forward to serving the Freeport community and making this a place that I can call home.

Education: Iowa State University-Bachelor of Science in Biology 2007.  Palmer College of Chiropractic-Doctor of Chiropractic 2011. Graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Certifications: Lumbar-Flexion Distraction, Advanced soft tissue techniques including Graston Technique, board certified in physiotherapy and chiropractic with licensure in Illinois.

Affiliations: Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, Palmer Alumni Association

Hobbies: Playing guitar and piano, drawing, running, watching sports and playing video games.

Misty Nieman, LCMT

I am originally from Mason City, IL - a very small, rural town in central Illinois. I relocated to Rockford when I met the love of my life, Matt Nieman - a Freeport native. Matt & I made Freeport our permanent home together in 2006.

I have always had a passion for helping people. I started as a nursing assistant at the age of 16 in my local nursing home and in the following years, I pursued nursing and became an EMT. However, my strongest skills were always in the office setting and I have spent the past 15 years as an Administrative Assistant and loved every minute of it.

I got my "fix" for helping others through mission work. I have been on several trips within the United States but in 2007, I took my first overseas mission trip. That was to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In 2009 & 2010, I served on a mission team to Manaus, Brazil. It was after my first mission trip to Brazil in 2009 that I was introduced to Massage Therapy. I came home, received my first massage, and that's all it took. I KNEW this was the perfect career for me!!! I am able to help others, not only physically but mentally. How often are we told to "slow down"?? We live in such a fast-paced society and this is my way of helping each person to relax!! The mental AND physical benefits to massage are numerous!

Massage Therapy Education:
May 2010 - Graduate of Arizona School of Integrative Studies-Massage Therapy.

License/Certification:
I am licensed by the State of Illinois and nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. I am a Professional member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Hobbies:
Spending time with Matt, my family & friends, traveling, attending sporting events, 4-wheeling, swimming, mission work, and volunteering. 

Stephanie Garner, LCMT

I am originally from Durand, IL and grew up in Lake Summerset.  I have lived the last several years in Freeport and Rockford but have recently moved back to my home town.  I think small town living is great especially for my young daughter.  I've always enjoyed helping people and knew it was something I wanted to do with my life.  After seeing a chiropractor and receiving massages, it sparked an interest in Massage Therapy.  I enrolled at Rasmussen College in the Massage Therapy program in April 2009.  I graduated the program in December 2010 with an Associates of Applied Science along with being on the Dean's list which I am very proud of.  Two weeks after starting school, I joined the co-ed fraternity of Phi Beta Lambda in which I became president.  Rasmussen and Phi Beta Lambda taught me how to become more involved in the community and volunteer my time.  I've participated in massage events at "On the Waterfront", stroke survivors camp and at other local businesses and on campus events.  With Phi Beta Lambda I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, March for Dimes March for Babies, Rockford Rescue Mission and adopted a road along  with putting on on-campus events and fundraisers.
My free time is spent with my daughter and friends and family.  I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible during the warm months.  I also enjoy listening to a wide variety of music and reading.  Free time seems to be limited, and I'm continuing my education by obtaining my Bachelors in Business Management.

Certifications-
I am Illinois state licensed and nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.  I am also a professional member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Education-
December 2010 - Graduate of Rasmussen College with and Associates of Applied Science in Massage Therapy.