About Us
Dynamic Principles provides science-based, practical continuing education for healthcare and movement professionals that is rooted in a biopsychosocial framework. Our mission is to help the world-wide healthcare system to re-conceptualize their understanding of pain and movement through current science, while navigating the complexities of helping a whole person. Our vision is to inspire hope and promote growth for providers, their clients and their patients alike.
Owner / Lead Instructor
Leonard Van Gelder is a physical therapist, athletic trainer, therapeutic pain specialist, spinal manual therapist, and strength and conditioning specialist. He has been involved in the movement and rehabilitation field for over 15 years. During this time, he has studied, published research, and presented at regional and international conferences on the science of stretching, strength and conditioning, and therapeutic pain science interventions. He has explored a diverse spectrum of manual therapy and movement approaches, and emphasizes a biopsychosocial approach to manual therapy, movement, and education in his practice. He owns and practices clinically at Dynamic Movement and Recovery (DMR) in Grand Rapids, MI.
Instructor
Jim Stark is a Physical Therapist and clinical pain specialist with 26 years of clinical experience. His focus utilizes a biopsychosocial framework to help his clients understand their pain drivers and help them find new tools to work their way back to valued life activities. He has presented over 40 times on the science of pain to the general public, physical therapists, social workers, and physicians. His current focus is working to change the public perception of the treatment of pain as well as improving the training of other health professionals in the science of pain. He currently serves as the interim Chair of the pain special interest group for the Michigan Physical Therapy Association.
Instructor
Michelle Morrow is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist working in Escanaba, MI. As a full-time clinician treating in rural practice, she currently sees a population of very diverse musculoskeletal diagnoses, with a strong interest in the spine, persistent pain, and a growing interest in prevention and population health. A Grand Valley State University alum, she graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. She then pursued residency training in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy through Bellin Health partnered with Evidence in Motion, obtaining her Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification in 2017. Michelle went on to complete her Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification through the International Spine Pain Institute and Evidence in Motion in 2018. She is an advocate for treating the whole person with an evidence-based, biopsychosocial, person-centered approach to rehabilitation. A life-long learner, she also has a passion for working together with other avid clinicians to develop the knowledge and skill-set to better serve those in need.
Instructor
David J. Schwarz has education and experience in physical therapy, massage therapy, and administration. As a multifaceted professional he has over 9 years of healthcare experience in multiple service settings and capacities with a passion for facilitating healthy aging, caring for persons with persisting conditions, improving quality of life for people with physical and mental health issues, and utilizing manual therapy techniques for recovery and functional improvements. He has been involved in multiple areas of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association including the MPTA Oncology Rehab SIG and the MPTA Pain SIG. He lives and practices in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI area.