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Why Choose Activate?

Locally owned and operated in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Activate Physical Therapy is led by a highly experienced team of dedicated physical therapists who understand you have options when it comes to your healthcare and recovery. That’s why we’re committed to redefining the standard of care through personalized, one-on-one treatment designed around your unique goals. At Activate, it’s about more than therapy—it’s about helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing the things you love with confidence.

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Core Values

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Compassionate 

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Genuine

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1:1 Care

Thriving People

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Heather Studsrud

PT, DPT, CIDN, PCES

  • Native of Northwood, ND

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota

  • Specializes in pelvic health, orthopedics, and integrative dry needling

  • Active in the APTA ND and serves as ND Director of FUNfitness for the Special Olympics

  • Enjoys outdoor activities, family time, volleyball, golf, reading, and chips.

Brittany Peschel

PT, DPT, CIDN

  • Native of Halstad, MN

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota

  • Specializes in orthopedics, temporomandibular dysfunction, and integrative dry needling

  • Has presented on various physical therapy topics and completed numerous certifications

  • Passion for the human body and movement, stemming from a background as a collegiate athlete

  • Enjoys family time, staying active, and a great cup of coffee.

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smiling woman witn blond hair

Kari Torgerson

PT, DPT, CGCP

  • Native of Ada, MN

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota

  • Specializes in treating neurological conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, TBI, MS, spinal cord injury) and dry needling

  • Certified Geriatric Care Professional

  • Certified in LSVT BIG, PWR! Moves, and Rocksteady Boxing for Parkinson's treatment

  • Enjoys family time, being active, and playing volleyball.

Emma Botker

PT, DPT

  • Originally from Clinton, MN

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota

  • Specializes in orthopedics, integrative dry needling, and sports medicine

  • Passionate about collaborative patient care and helping clients achieve personal goals

  • Enjoys family time, being at the lake, reading, and staying active.

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smiling woman with wavy blonde hair

Allison Buske

PT, DPT, CBIS

  • Originally from Wahpeton, ND

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota

  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology

  • minor in Rehab and Human Services 

  • Certificate in Vestibular Therapy and Certified Brain Injury Specialist

  • Specialty training in: Dry needling, Astym, craniosacral therapy and visceral mobilization​

  • Enjoys time with her husband and 4 children, loves exploring nature, camping, biking, and a suspenseful murder mystery audiobook!

Kaitlyn Johnson

PT, DPT

  • Originally from West Fargo

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Jamestown

  • Former competitive dancer specializing in injury prevention and return-to-sport rehabilitation for dancers and active individuals

  • Special interest in orthopedics and sports medicine

  • Enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family outside the clinic

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smiling woman with long dark brown hair

Amy Bach

Clinical Manager

  • Originally from Laurel, MT

  • Moved to Fargo/Moorhead to attend Concordia College

  • Started a childcare center, later transitioned to administrative roles in physical therapy

  • Now manages her adult coworkers at Activate!

  • Enjoys family time, travel, cooking and baking, watching 80’s classics, and a quiet morning with a great cup of coffee.

Kerri Melby

Revenue Cycle Manager

  • From Halstad, MN

  • Played for the 2001 National runner-up Wildcat Volleyball team at North Dakota State College of Science, inducted into the NDSCS Hall of Fame (2011)

  • Started in Physical Therapy managing a front office, later became Regional Supervisor, overseeing 22 clinics across 4 states

  • Enjoys family time, outdoor activities (especially kayaking), and plans to travel frequently.

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Rita Lerud

Front Office Coordinator

  • From Tower City, ND

  • Attended North Dakota State University, discovered a passion for photography, and enjoyed a 30-year career

  • Transitioned to customer service roles, now serving as Office Coordinator in physical therapy

  • Enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 kids, and 2 granddaughters, relaxing at the lake, and watching sports.

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