Meet the Team

Dr. Macke grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada but frequently visited Nebraska during her youth to spend time with her extended family. Active in athletics from a very young age, she developed an early interest in physical therapy and knew by high school that she wanted to help others live a better quality of life through movement and rehabilitation.

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She began that journey by earning a Bachelor of Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2011, followed by a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Kentucky University in 2016. After graduate school, she moved to Nebraska to be closer to family. In 2018, she completed specialized training through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.

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Over the course of her human PT career, Dr. Macke gained experience across a wide range of settings including outpatient, home health, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and workers compensation. She developed a particular specialty in treating the geriatric population and patients with lymphedema.

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It was her own dogs, Bear and Max, two St. Bernards, who opened her eyes to the world of canine physical therapy. When Bear was diagnosed with a hip condition and surgery was raised as a likely outcome, Dr. Macke decided to apply the same rehabilitation principles she used with her human patients. The goal was the same: reduce the need for invasive intervention and give Bear the happiest, healthiest life possible.

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The results were remarkable. Bear was happier, playing more with his brother, going on longer walks, moving more smoothly, and no longer limping. That experience changed everything. She enrolled in the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and received her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) certification in October 2021. Today, she brings that same dedication - and that same belief in what rehabilitation can do - to every dog who walks through her door.

Emily is an occupational therapist who graduated from College of Saint Mary in 2019 with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has experience working across a range of settings including inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and pediatric care. Throughout her career she has treated patients with orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and chronic pain conditions, and has developed particular expertise in home modification and adaptation to promote safety and independence in daily living.

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Emily first discovered animal therapy when her own dog, Bailey, was injured and required physical therapy following surgery. Bailey began treatment at the Macke Institute, and Emily quickly recognized the impact - not just on Bailey's healing, but on her overall quality of life. Watching Bailey return to playing, walking, and managing stairs inspired Emily to pursue the same work for other animals and their families.

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Emily completed her animal rehabilitation certification in 2024 and is proud to join the Macke Institute team, bringing her clinical background and personal passion for animal therapy to every patient she treats.

As Chief of Operations, Chase is responsible for developing and maintaining Macke Institute of Canine Therapy as a business - integrating systems and building the processes that keep it running smoothly. He leads the clinic's marketing, finance, and strategic planning efforts.

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Chase graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2009 and served 12 years on active duty as a pilot in the RC-135 Rivet Joint. During that time he promoted to major, served on two executive staffs, completed extensive coursework in leadership, and led five deployments to overseas and combat locations. He also served as an instructor pilot, training the next generation of RC-135 aircrew.

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In 2020, Chase earned a master's degree in history from the University of Nebraska Kearney and completed a graduate certificate in nuclear deterrence from Harvard University. In 2021, he transitioned to the Nebraska Air National Guard, creating space to focus on family and the launch of Macke Institute of Canine Therapy.

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Chase brings the same discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence that defined his military career to every aspect of running the clinic, ensuring that the team can focus on what matters most: the dogs.