Drake Ibsen, Owner, CEO of Rehab Partners, has spent his career building more than just a successful physical therapy practice. He has built a philosophy of care rooted in relationships, trust, and a deep commitment to his community.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Drake's journey into physical therapy wasn't a straight line. While attending Jacksonville State University, he was part of back-to-back National Championship baseball teams, an experience that shaped his understanding of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He initially earned a degree in Criminal Justice, but it was his time working as an aide at Gadsden Regional Hospital, combined with his own experiences as an injured athlete, that ultimately led him to pursue a career in physical therapy.
In 1998, Drake graduated from the University of South Alabama's Physical Therapy Program and began what would become a decades-long investment serving rural communities. Over the past 25-plus years, he has helped grow Rehab Partners into a thriving practice with multiple locations and a team of dedicated providers all aligned around a shared standard of care.
Drake is known not only for his clinical expertise but for the culture he has created. He believes the best outcomes come from truly knowing patients, meeting them where they are, and walking alongside them through recovery. His leadership style reflects that same philosophy; he is as committed to mentoring young clinicians as he is to continuing to learn from them.
Outside of the clinic, Drake's greatest pride is his family. He and his wife, Michelle, have built a life together grounded in the shared values of hard work, faith, and service. They are proud parents of two adult children (Cole and Lennon) and remain closely connected to their lives and pursuits. Drake especially enjoys staying connected to athletics and mentoring the next generation, both within his family and throughout the community.
Deeply rooted in DeKalb County, Drake takes great pride in serving the very community his practice calls home. Whether it's investing in local schools, supporting student athletes, or ensuring access to high-quality care, his work is driven by a genuine desire to make a lasting impact.
For Drake, Rehab Partners has never been just about physical therapy; it is about people, purpose, and building something that will continue to serve DeKalb County for generations to come.
A native of Fort Payne, John Massey practices physical therapy at Rehab Partners. He optimizes patient function in the orthopedic outpatient setting using a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, SoftWave technology, and exercise prescription. Massey serves on the FPHS medical team and holds several certifications with advanced training in both on- and off-the-field care.
Massey graduated from FPHS in 2012 and then attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating with honors while playing football (2016). He later attended the University of South Alabama, where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and graduated in the top 10% of his class (2019).
Massey is married to his wife, Meg, and they have two sons, John Wilson and Will. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, working out, and spending time at the lake. John and his entire family are active members of First Methodist Church in Fort Payne.
In addition to his clinical expertise, John serves as an outstanding Director of Rehab Partners. He deeply understands and upholds the philosophy of care that Drake laid as the foundation of the practice many years ago, a commitment to excellence, integrity, and treating every patient like family. John leads with both vision and humility, ensuring that this standard of care continues to grow and evolve while staying rooted in it's original mission.
Having John in a leadership role has been a tremendous win for Rehab Partners. He brings exceptional clinical knowledge, strategic insight, and a forward-thinking mindset to the team. His ability to combine hands-on patient care with big picture leadership makes him a true asset to the clinic.
Together, John and Drake share values, complementary strengths, and a passion for serving the Fort Payne community. This, along with the partnership with Kim Bryan (Rainsville Director) and Dillon Strange (Practice Lead Therapist), positions Rehab Partners for continued growth and impact for years to come.
Kimberly A. Bryan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical
Director at Rehab Partners of Rainsville. A DeKalb County native and
Fort Payne High School graduate, she completed her undergraduate
studies at Northeast Alabama Community College before earning her
Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee at
Chattanooga.
With four years of experience in the acute care and outpatient physical
therapy setting prior to transitioning to outpatient care with Rehab
Partners, Kim brings a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to
treatment. She began practicing in 2013, and she remains very driven
and dedicated to her career. She has a passion for wellness and helping
patients reach their goals while achieving their optimal level of function,
as well as recovering from surgeries and accidents.
Deeply committed to her community, she serves on the Board of
Directors for the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb
County Children’s Advocacy Center and is an active member of Mount
Carmel Baptist Church. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, hiking,
and making memories with her family and friends. Kim embraces her
life and career with enthusiasm and confidence.
“I chose physical therapy and Rehab Partners because I have a passion
for treating the whole body, focusing on wellness, and helping patients
reach their goals and achieve optimal function. I value building strong
relationships with my patients and enjoy partnering with them to see
what they can accomplish throughout their treatment and recovery.”
Dillon Strange is a proud graduate of Fyffe High School, class of 2011. He earned his Associate's Degree in Science from Northeast Community College before completing his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and Wellness with a minor in Biology from Jacksonville State University. Dillon went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of South Alabama, further solidifying his commitment to excellence in patient care.
Throughout his academic journey, his wife of 11 years, Lauren Strange, stood by his side as his biggest supporter and confidant. Together they welcomed their son, Brooks, two years ago, a true blessing and answer to prayer. They are excitedly expecting their second son this spring and are looking forward to growing their beautiful family.
Dillon is passionate about serving others through physical therapy and feels deeply honored to be part of the Rehab Partners team. He is dedicated to helping patients return to the activities they love with integrity, compassion, and excellence. We are incredibly thankful to have Dillon as part of our team and for the positive impact he makes in the lives of our patients and community each day.
Outside of the clinic, Dillon enjoys watching sports, spending quality time with his family, and cooking on his Rec Teq grill, a hobby he takes seriously and thoroughly enjoys.
Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT-LANA is a licensed physical therapist with advanced specialization in Pelvic Floor rehabilitation and Lymphedema management. She provides compassionate, highly individualized care for individuals experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, pregnancy, and postpartum concerns, chronic lymphedema, and cancer-related conditions. Karel is deeply passionate about restoring function, relieving pain, and empowering her patients through education and personalized treatment plans. She believes that healing begins with understanding, and she is committed to walking alongside each patient with skill, empathy, and encouragement.
A graduate of Georgia State University's Physical Therapy Program, Karel's journey has taken her across the United States from Alabama to Alaska, as well as to Bangladesh. These diverse experiences have enriched her clinical perspective and strengthened her commitment to serving patients from all walks of life.
Throughout her career, Karel frequently returned to Northeastern Alabama to be near her family and enjoy the beauty of the region. She has now made Lookout Mountain her permanent home, bringing her extensive expertise and heart for service to the community she loves.
Karel is married and the proud mother of two grown children. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors, riding horses, embracing new adventures, cherishing her grandchildren, and exploring all that Alabama has to offer.