Welcome to Rise AWR

Dr. Marisa Henry, PT, DPT, PhD

About Me

I grew up in Ellington, Connecticut, and some of my favorite memories come from time spent in the barn and at horse shows across New England or on the ice playing hockey with my teammates. While I've since lived in Michigan for undergraduate and graduate school, Omaha has become home. I now live just outside the city with my two dogs, Duke and Nala, my cat Boo, and my three horses, Maeve, Wink, and Lena. Much of my childhood and young adult life was spent riding and showing on the hunter/jumper circuit, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the saddle now that graduate school is behind me. When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll usually find me at the barn, walking trails with the dogs, or soaking up quiet moments at home.

Physical Therapy Background

I graduated from Creighton University in 2025 with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), after completing a PhD in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology through the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University in 2022. My clinical training in physical therapy focused primarily on outpatient care, working with people across all age groups and stages of recovery. I’ve always been especially drawn to manual therapy, gait analysis, and the study of biomechanics—particularly as it applies to the connection between horses and riders. My passion lies in understanding the full system: how movement works, how it breaks down, and how we can help rebuild it in a way that restores strength, function, and confidence.

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Animal Rehabilitation Experience

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I started riding horses at 6 years old and got my first horse when I was nine. Not long after, he sustained a hind limb suspensory ligament injury, which became my first introduction to the world of animal rehabilitation. From that point on, I knew this was the field I wanted to be in. Over the years, I’ve cared for and rehabbed many horses, each with their own unique injuries and personalities. I’ve always taken pride in finding what works for each horse and helping them return to the activities they love. My background in veterinary research, exercise physiology, and biomechanics has only deepened my appreciation for the science behind equine performance and recovery. I'm excited to be joining the team at Rise Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation and to support both animals and their people through the healing process.