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.  

Dr. Hays graduated from University of Missouri with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011. She practiced in Missouri before completing a Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency program at Moss Rehab in Philadelphia in 2013 and became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in 2014. She is proud to have returned to the midwest and has quickly made Omaha her home. 

 

She has extensive experience treating human patients with a variety of neurologic disorders in various settings. She also has experience treating patients with severe pain, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary disorders, and end of life care. 

 

After listening to stories of dog owners, who had trouble with adequate care after their pet suffered an injury, Dr. Hays became interested in animal therapy. The prospect of providing care to injured dogs and teaching owners how to guide their pets to greater health motivated her to pursue her animal therapist license and begin treating canine patients.

 

Dr. Hays completed her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner training in 2023 and is excited to join the Macke Institute of Canine Therapy and treat dogs with a variety of diagnoses. 

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.