Shari Sprague MPT, CCRT, DN-Cert, FP-MT, CCKTP
Shari is the owner and founder of PUP Rehab. She is a licensed physical therapist certified in canine rehabilitation. She practiced human physical therapy for nine years, specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994 and received her Master of Science in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 1998. Her love of animals, combined with physical issues with her own elderly dog, led her to change her career focus and apply her passion towards rehabilitating canines.
Leigh Palubinskas
Leigh holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Montana. With over 20 years of experience, primarily in orthopedics, she has treated a diverse range of patients across all ages and abilities.
She has been certified in dry needling since 2010 and has been recognized as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 2012. She has co-authored several book chapters on orthopedic topics and contributed to the revised editions of Travell and Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) National and Georgia chapters, she is active in the Private Practice and Orthopedic Sections and the Animal Rehabilitation Special Interest Group. Additionally, Leigh is an APTA-Credentialed Clinical Instructor, mentoring numerous physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students in clinical settings.
A dedicated animal rescue advocate, Leigh has volunteered with LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta, working with shelter dogs suffering from injuries, chronic pain, and poor health. This experience inspired her to pursue additional training, earning her Certification as a Companion Animal Therapist (CCAT) from North Carolina State University. She is committed to enhancing the lives of both her human and canine clients through her expertise.
Outside the clinic, Leigh and her husband enjoy exploring the mountains and lakes of North Georgia. She also enjoys gardening, caring for her chickens and two cats, Pete and Minnie, reading, tackling new craft projects (often remaining unfinished), and cheering for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team each fall.
Cristen Walker PTA, AIB-VRC, CCAT
Cristen graduated from Athens Technical College in 2016, earning her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, and has since worked in a number of therapy settings. In 2023 she earned her certification in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management (AIB-VRC) through the American Institute of Balance and in 2024 she earned her certification in canine rehabilitation (CCAT) through NC state university.
“I have a passion for physical therapy but I’ve also always wanted to work with animals. When I realized I could use the degree I had to combine the two, I was all in.”
In her spare time, Cristen enjoys reading, gardening, yoga, paddle boarding and hiking with her boyfriend and their three pups, Pepper, Louie and Kelso.
Jenny Krause RVT, CHPT
Jenny is our rehabilitation technician. She had an opportunity to change career paths as a small business owner to follow her passion of working with animals, and became a registered veterinary technician in 2012. She has worked alongside pets of all ages for years, but felt particularly drawn to assist aging senior pets, pets with disabilities, and to help pets bounce back from injury. In 2022, she earned the title of CHPT (Certified Hospice and Palliative Technician) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative. Currently, she is drawing near to the completion of her CCAT (Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist) at North Carolina State University. When not working, Jenny enjoys running and spending time with her husband, two young boys and spoiled senior Husky.
Maddie Kinnett
Maddie is the Office Administrator and Client Liaison for PUP Rehabilitation and Conditioning. She believes that proper conditioning -whether for dogs or humans- is the foundation of success in any sport or activity. Maddie takes pride in helping clients navigate their rehab journey, supporting both pets and their owners with empathy and clear communication. She has been a dog lover as long as she could remember. Her passion for dogs has led her to participating in dog sports, conformation shows, and hunt tests with her own. Outside of her work with dogs, she also enjoys trail running, rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and reading.