Meet The Team

Tod

The Arfit philosophy was conceived by our founder, Tod Miner, PT CCRP. Graduating with a Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1990, Tod has devoted his entire career to orthopedic and neurological physical rehabilitation. He has extensive continuing education training in manual therapy, trigger point release, spinal mobilization, spinal manipulation, dry needling as well as multiple hours of training in myofascial, craniosacral and manual therapy, muscle activation and instrument assisted manual therapy. He has multiple patent applications. Tod has lectured extensively on surface electromyography and contributed to equipment design and prototype development for several medical equipment companies, TENS companies and exercise equipment manufacturers including; BioPrompt, EFI / Total gym, EMPI and OPTP.

After undergoing Canine Rehabilitation Training and certification at the University of Tennessee in 2007, Tod began working with dogs. Within a few months, He began to think differently. Why not use proven human PT techniques like weight training and resistance exercises to stimulate muscle growth? Why not use human manual therapy techniques and dry needling for muscle and joint dysfunction. Why not give the dogs the most positive experience possible to accelerate healing through happiness? And thus, the ARFIT program was born.

Jessica

Jessica has been passionate about caring for animals ever since she was a little girl. Her love for animals led her to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In 2022, to further her education, Jessica graduated as valedictorian from Vet Tech Institute at Fox College and obtained her license as a CVT. Currently, Jessica is enrolled in the Arfit Mentoring Program for advanced clinical skills and she is earning her certification as a certified rehabilitation therapist (CCRT) from North Carolina State University with the goal of becoming a CCRT at ARFIT. One of her favorite things about working at ARFIT is the bond she and her team form with their patients as well as seeing her patients progress every week. In her free time, Jessica enjoys traveling and caring for her two fur babies (Lucy, a 12-year-old Beagle mix, and Touka, a 1- year-old black cat).

Nicole

Nicole has been working at ARFIT for 2.5 years. Before coming to ARFIT, Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She worked as a retail manager for 2 years before realizing she enjoyed working more with “fur” babies than angry “humans.” In 2021, Nicole began working at ARFIT and soon developed a passion for animal rehabilitation, client education, and communication which led her to pursue a license as a certified veterinary technician (CVT).

Nicole currently attends the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College and also entering the Arfit Mentoring Program for advanced clinical skills once she graduates in May, she plans to pursue a career as a certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT) and become a therapist at ARFIT. The one thing Nicole loves most about ARFIT is her team’s passion to rehabilitate their patients while building strong relationships with both their human and furry clientele.

During Nicole’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and four fur babies (Mila, a Boston Terrier; Bruno, a German Shephard mix; and Simba and Pretzel, gray tabby cats.)

Esme

Esmeralda, (Esme) graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign with a bachelors degree in Animal Science. From volunteering at shelters to interning at animal hospitals, She’s worked with animals for the past 7 years and has been working at Arfit for almost 3.5 years. “It is very rewarding to be able to help all the fur-babies get better. Creating bonds with not only the patients but their owners will forever be fulfilling. I have a great love for animals and feel blessed to be here at Arfit! “.

Esme has also been trained in the advanced clinical exercise, the movement observation and the advanced laser / modality application programs taught at Arfit. She has a 4 year old German Shepherd/Pit-bull mix named Copper. Esme loves to travel, eat hot chicken sandwiches, and check out dog friendly patios/breweries with Copper!

Alexis

Alexis is the newest addition to the Arfit Family! She has extensive experience as a Fear Free Certified Professional Dog trainer (CPDT-KA). She is in progress to becoming a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT). She has a passion for working with senior dogs and canine fitness. She has a 7 year old pit mix named Geranimo. During her downtime, Alexis likes to also practice capoeira, hoola hoop, penny board and go to karaoke nights with friends!

The Arfit philosophy was conceived by our founder, Tod Miner, PT CCRP.  Graduating with a Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1990, Tod has devoted his entire career to orthopedic and neurological physical rehabilitation.  He has extensive continuing education training in manual therapy, trigger point release, spinal mobilization, spinal manipulation, dry needling as well as multiple hours of training in myofascial, craniosacral and manual therapy, muscle activation and instrument assisted manual therapy.  He has multiple patent applications.  Tod has lectured extensively on surface electromyography and contributed to equipment design and prototype development for several medical equipment companies, TENS companies and exercise equipment manufacturers including;  BioPrompt, EFI / Total gym, EMPI and OPTP. 

After undergoing Canine Rehabilitation Training and certification at the University of Tennessee in 2007, Tod began working with dogs.  Within a few months, He began to think differently.  Why not use proven human PT techniques like weight training and resistance exercises to stimulate muscle growth?  Why not use human manual therapy techniques and dry needling for muscle and joint dysfunction.  Why not give the dogs the most positive experience possible to accelerate healing through happiness? And thus, the ARFIT program was born.