Director & Lead Faculty:  

  Leslie J. Waltke, PT

Instructor Biography

Leslie J. Waltke, PT (1988 graduate of the University of Wisconsin) is Director and Chief Physical Therapist of Cancer Rehabilitation Specialists (division of SPORT Clinic of Greater Milwaukee), Wisconsin’s only physical therapy private practice solely dedicated to oncology. Additionally she is founder, Director and Lead Faculty of R3 Programs. Her post-graduate study includes orthopedic joint and soft tissue dysfunctions with emphasis on the physical and musculoskeletal effects of cancer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, reconstruction and lymphedema.

Ms. Waltke is a nationally recognized clinical specialist in oncology physical therapy and lectures and teaches on the subjects of cancer rehabilitation, exercise after cancer, and the treatment of cancer related lymphedema. She is a continuing education specialist for the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association. Ms. Waltke has been nominated for Wisconsin Physical Therapist of the Year four times and received the 1999 Wisconsin Physical therapist Of the Year Honorable Mention Award. Additional honors include a Certificate of Honor from the Wisconsin State Assembly and a Personal Commendation from then Governor Tommy Thompson for her efforts and commitment to cancer advocacy. She serves on the Medical Advisory Boards of ABCD, inc. – After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, the Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation, the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition and the Wisconsin chapter of Team Survivor. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research and advocacy programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and across the United States. Leslie is a member in good standing of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.