Staff

Brian K. Werner, PT, MPT

Mr. Werner is the founder and president of the Werner Institute. He has been working with patients with vertigo and disorders of balance for over 12 years. He was the first physical therapist in Las Vegas to develop the concept of a "balance center" program with the implementation of a program with PEAK/Balance Centers of America called the Balance Center of Las Vegas. In 2005, he regretfully left the group to start his own business, the Werner Institute of Balance and Dizziness, Inc.

Beth Cook, PT, MSPT

Ms. Cook is the clinical manager at the Summerlin location. She has over 12 years experience as a physical therapist and over three experience in the assessment and treatment of vertigo and balance disorders.

Jennifer M. Nash, PT, DPT, NCS

Jennifer received her doctor of physical therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2008. She received her master's in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University in 1999 along side of Brian Werner. Jennifer is a board certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association and has 11 years experience as a physical therapist. She is trained in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) which is intensive rehabilitation for adults who have suffered stroke. She was a supervisor of an Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at a Level One Trauma Hospital in Scottsdale Arizona prior to relocating to Las Vegas in 2008. Jennifer successfully completed Herdman Competency Course for Vestibular Rehabilitation in April, 2010 as well as the Vestibular Function Testing Competency in July, 2010. Aside from her professional passions, she enjoys spending time with her family and training for triathlons.

Trish Brown, PT, MPT #0872

Ms Brown is the clinical manager of the Green Valley location. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of physical therapy and over five years of experience in the treatment of vertigo and balance through her previous employer and the Werner Institute. After earning her undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University she went on to get her master's degree at Chapman University. After working in Utah for HealthSouth and Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy for several years she worked as a traveling PT around the United States finally settling here in Las Vegas in 1995. She has worked in a variety of settings here in Las Vegas and Henderson including rehab, long term acute hospital, and long term care. Since finding a love for treating the dizzy and balance challenged patient Trish has now found a home at the Werner Institute. Trish's family, church and friends are very important to her. When not at work she loves to cook, read, and play with her cats and birds.

Joel Gersh, PTA

Joel received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/ Wellness Education from Florida Atlantic University in 1998. He was a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association until he decided to further his education at the College of Southern Nevada Physical Therapy Assistant program. He worked in an outpatient orthopedic clinic as a technician while in school. Since graduating in 2008 and receiving his licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant, Joel has worked at the Werner Institute for Balance and Dizziness. He is a part of the team that opened their second location in Henderson, NV. He is an amazing asset to the team with his kind heart, creative exercise regimes, and solid knowledge of vestibular rehabilitation. He also enjoys spending time with his nephew, singing karaoke with friends, as well as keeping fit by running and playing team sports.

Mark Hedrick, AuD

Originally inspired by a professor at The University of Arkansas, Dr. Hedrick applied, was accepted, and eventually finished a Master's of Arts in Audiology at The University of Texas at Austin in 2000. After completing his Clinical Fellowship, he went to work for two of the world's largest and most successful hearing instrument manufacturers. After working in the professional training and territory management capacity for a few years, he settled into private practice in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2004. He grew a successful private practice and then in 2007 took two years off to be with his newborn son and allow his wife to pursue a a career in energy management. Dr. Hedrick had always been interested in the vestibular system and balance/disequilibrium since his days at The University of Texas. When the opportunity arose to be part of The Werner Institute for Balance and Dizziness, it was a dream come true. Dr. Hedrick considers himself extremely fortunate to work in a cutting-edge clinic where he sees patient progress every day. Dr. Hedrick and his wife, Christy, have one son, Daniel.

Marla Murphy, PT DPT

Marla began her career in Physical Therapy as a PT Aide in an outpatient clinic in Ridgecrest, CA while her husband was stationed at the Naval Base located in China Lake. After returning home to Arkansas in 1996, when her husband's service ended, Marla began working in an acute rehab hospital as an aide and became even more interested in physical therapy as a career. Driving home from work one day, she heard a radio news broadcast about a local University's plan to offer a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She enrolled the very next day. Several years later, Marla graduated from that same University with a BS in Health Science, a Sociology minor, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After one year of working as the lead therapist at Arkansas Heart Hospital, and also in home health, Marla was presented with the exciting opportunity to work for The Werner Institute, and she jumped at the chance to work in this emerging section of therapy. Although she enjoys working with all age groups, geriatrics is her favorite. Marla has been married to her husband, Jason, since 1992. They have three children (Chase, Chandler and Logan) and live in Benton, AR.

Barbara Kane, Patient Care Coordinator

For 30 years, Barbara has been in the fitness industry, helping people find fun and achieve results with exercise. It was there that she discovered her interest in working with seniors and other special populations. After returning to school (UALR) to earn her BS in Health Science, Mrs. Kane became a trainer for the Arthritis Foundation. She continues to maintain her ACE (American Council on Exercise) certifications in both personal exercise and group exercise instruction. "The best part of the work I've done is the relationships I've built over the years", she says. When invited to join the Balance Retraining team at the Werner Institute for Balance and Dizziness, she was thrilled about being part of the Werner team. Away from the clinic,she is passionate about being outdoors and learning to speak Spanish. Barbara's family includes her husband, Jim, three grown children and five grandchildren. As Care Coordinator, Barbara will maintain a personal touch with patients and be the focal point for the Institute's community outreach projects.

Judith Martinez, Clinic Administrator

Judith graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. Judith is bilingual -- speaking both English and Spanish. Born in Mexico, Judith has spent the last 20 years in the United States. Outside the clinic, Judith enjoys family gatherings, music and hanging out with her fiancee, Walter. Judith handles all patient scheduling, insurance related issues, as well as coordinating patient's between the Werner Institute's different providers.