MEET
the team

Dr. Macke grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada but frequently visited Nebraska during her youth to visit her extended family. She was active in athletics from a very young age, which piqued her interest in physical therapy. By the time she was in high school, she knew she wanted to become a physical therapist to help people enjoy a better quality of life. She started on that path by receiving a Bachelors of Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2011. She went on to obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Kentucky University in 2016. After graduate school, she moved to Nebraska to be closer to her family. In 2018, she underwent specialized training to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. 

 

She has experience treating patients in a variety of settings including workers compensation, home health, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. She specialized in treating the geriatric population, as well patients suffering from lymphedema. 

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She is a proud dog mom to Bear and Max, two St. Bernards. It was her dogs that first opened her eyes to the power of canine physical therapy, when she was told Bear would likely require surgery for a hip condition. She decided to experiment by applying the same physical therapy treatments used for humans, for Bear. The goal was similar to her human patients, reduce his chances of ever needing an invasive surgery, and ultimately give Bear a happier, healthier, and longer life.

 

Soon after starting treatment, she quickly observed the benefits. Bear was happier, playing more with his brother, able to go for longer walks, moving more smooth, and no longer limping. From that moment on, she knew her purpose was to save a million canine lives by the power of canine physical therapy. Shortly after, she enrolled in the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She received her certification in October 2021 and is excited to use her knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life of your best friend.  

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 in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and pediatrics. She has treated a variety of conditions including orthopedic, neurologic, severe/chronic pain, cardiopulmonary, and cognitive. She also has experience in home modification and adaptation to promote safety and independence with daily living. 

 

Emily first discovered animal therapy after her own dog, Bailey, suffered an injury and required physical therapy after surgery. Bailey began treatment with Dr. Macke and Emily quickly recognized the positive impact therapy had, not only on Bailey's healing injury, but on her quality of life. Watching Bailey get back to playing, walking, and managing stairs, piqued Emily's interest in helping others experience the same benefit for their animals. 

 

Emily completed her animal rehab training in 2024 and is excited to join the Macke Institute of Canine Therapy in pursuit of improving her patients' quality of life so they can live happier, healthier lives.

As Chief of Operations, Chase is responsible for developing and maintaining Macke Institute of Canine Therapy as a business, integrating systems and developing the processes that make it run smoothly. He is heavily involved in the business's marketing, finance, and strategic planning.

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Chase graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2009 and enjoyed a 12-year active duty career as a pilot in the mighty RC-135 RIVET JOINT. During this time he promoted to major, served on two executive staffs, completed several courses on leadership, and led five deployments to overseas and combat locations.  He was also an instructor pilot, teaching young students to fly the RC-135.

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In 2020, Chase graduated from the University of Nebraska, Kearney with a masters in history, and in the same year completed a graduate certificate in nuclear deterrence from Harvard University.

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In 2021, Chase transitioned to the Nebraska Air National Guard, giving him more time to focus on family and the launch of the Macke Institute of Canine Therapy. Chase is an avid reader and enjoys learning about business, finance, history, psychology, and leadership.