Jim Clark, PTA, ATC

A life-long love of sports and an interest in helping people return to an active life describes Jim’s journey into the field of orthopedics. In addition to his work as a Physical Therapy Assistant with OrthoArkansas, Jim is a certified athletic trainer who works with athletes at Bigelow High School.

“I’ve always been interested in physical fitness, athletics and helping people. It is especially rewarding to see young athletes rehab their injuries and return to the field of play.”

Jim’s professional interests include orthopedic and manual therapy and sports medicine. He received an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Delta College and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Central Arkansas. He is a former member of the Arkansas Army National Guard and served in Iraqi in 2004-2005.

In his spare time, Jim enjoys hunting, fishing and watching sports.

Ashley Eldridge, ORT/L, CHT

Family connections played an important role in Ashley’s decision to seek a career in healthcare.

“I was drawn to healthcare at an early age. My grandmother was a nurse and my mother a respiratory therapist. Occupational therapy is a great mixture of many aspects of healthcare and that was very appealing to me.”

Ashley has practiced as a licensed Occupational Therapist in the specialty of hand therapy since her graduation from the University of Central Arkansas. She became a Certified  Hand Therapist in 1993.

“During OT school, I became intrigued with hand therapy, due to how small and delicate everything in the hand is and how complicated recovery from an injury here can be.”

A native of Little Rock, Ashley volunteers as a mentor in outreach ministries at her church. She also enjoys listening to music and spending time with husband, Scott, and their three children.

Lauren Kelsey, MSOTR/L

Lauren first became interested in occupational therapy when she worked with special needs children in high school. Once in college, she was intrigued by the anatomy and rehabilitation of the upper extremity. "The greatest satisfaction of my job is seeing patients progress each week in therapy, until eventually feeling confident in returning to work, sports and life in general.

While pursuing her degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, she studied under a certified hand therapist. It was this experience that solidified her choice in orthopedics. Her special interests include making splints as an aid to the rehabilitation process.

In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. Lauren enjoys running, playing golf and being in the outdoors.

Barbara Ketchum, MSPT

Sports plus science equaled a career in physical therapy for Barbara.

“Growing up, I always enjoyed exercise and sports. Plus, one of my favorite subjects in school was science. Physical therapy seemed to be a good way to combine these interests.”

Barbara says orthopedic physical therapy offers her the opportunity to treat injuries that involve both muscles and joints. “I enjoy working with athletic injuries and helping people rehab after total knee replacements. People are very appreciative when they are able to return to the things they enjoy, whether it’s playing a sport or simply holding a grandchild.”

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Tennessee Technological University, and taught school before becoming a physical therapist. She received a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas.

Barbara is an active member of Benton First Baptist Church and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys bicycling, tennis, softball, reading and photography, but quickly adds, “my most enjoyable time is spent with my husband, kids and grandkids.”

Jonathan Parker, D.P.T

Jonathan found his calling to be a physical therapist while he was teaching and coaching football in Alabama. A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree was the avenue for him to have a career that was a perfect mix of athletics and clinical instruction.

He particularly enjoys working with patients who have had sports injuries and the aging population. "I enjoy seeing them progress toward returning to life as they experienced it prior to their injury or surgery. I know I've done my job when I see how proud they are that they've met their goals."

In 2004, Jonathan married his childhood sweetheart Misty. They both enjoy traveling and spending time with their dogs Daisy and Oscar.

Frankie Pratt, PT

Playing sports at an early age, courses in anatomy and physiology, and a desire to help people all combined to lead Frankie into a career in physical therapy. “I played sports throughout my youth, and I’ve always enjoyed helping people feel better and return to the things they love to do. So, the decision to become a physical therapist came easily.”

Frankie enjoys working with those who need manual therapy or are recovering from rotator cuff, total knee replacement and ACL surgery or weight training injuries. He finds great professional satisfaction in being able to work with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the Little Rock area. Frankie adds that physical therapy has provided him the opportunity to learn more about geriatrics and about outpatient, wound, and acute care specialties.

Frankie’s hobbies and leisure time interests include exercising, traveling, music and cooking.

Mike Otis, OTR/L

The opportunity to help individuals return to a life of independence brought Mike to the field of occupational therapy.

“Impacting lives in a positive way fits my personality and talents. It is a wonderful feeling to see our patients recover and regain the active, independent lifestyle they seek.”

At OrthoArkansas’ North Little Rock office, where Mike is Clinic Manager, he specializes in hand therapy, splinting and sport medicine. He is a graduate of  University of Central Arkansas and is a member of  the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Leisure time will find Mike spending time with his family and friends or engaged in one of his many outdoor interests.

Lisa Sallings, PT

A trip to a physical therapist after being injured playing softball prompted Lisa to investigate a career in the field.

“I decided therapy would be a rewarding profession to pursue, and the job is never boring. I really enjoy working with older clients, because they often teach me as much as I do them.”

A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, Lisa is Director of Therapy Services at OrthoArkansas.  She is a licensed physical therapist.

Lisa is a volunteer with CareLink, delivering meals to home bound clients. She  enjoys outdoor activities including golfing and biking.

Chris Sory, PTA

Because of his love of sports and physical fitness, Chris says it just made sense to combine those into a career in physical therapy. “I find great satisfaction in helping everyone that comes to us get back to their normal work and leisure time activities. It’s rewarding to see the progress people make from the time they first come to us and then when they leave and return to their normal lives.”

Chris works with individuals who need therapy for sports-related injuries, such as ACL reconstructions, total knee replacements and rotator cuff injuries. He earned his AAS degree from Arkansas State University in 2006.

When he’s not assisting patients, Chris spends his leisure with his wife, Holly, and daughter, Isabel. He enjoys baseball, softball, football and time at the lake.