Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Kathy Polhamus, and the reappointment of Kathy Fleischaker and Sandra Marden-Lokken to the State Board of Physical Therapy.

Polhamus, of North Saint Paul, works for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics where she is responsible for providing pediatric inpatient clinical reviews. Polhamus graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in psychology. She is appointed as a public member to fulfill a four year term that expires January 4, 2010 and replaces Jack Schaaf on the board.

Fleischaker, of Eden Prairie, is the director of rehabilitation services at Park Nicollet Health Services in St. Louis Park and is the current president of the State Board of Physical Therapy. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1966 and has over 40 years of experience in the health care industry. In addition to her work with Park Nicollet, Fleischaker serves in an advisory capacity at the College of St. Catharine doctor of physical therapy program. Fleischaker is reappointed as a physical therapist member to a four year term that expires January 3, 2011.

Marden-Lokken, of Duluth, is a licensed physical therapist and assistant professor at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapist Association since 1979 and has been a member of the State Board of Physical Therapy for the past two years. Marden-Lokken holds a master of arts degree in management and a bachelor of arts degree in physical therapy from the College of St. Scholastica. She is reappointed as a physical therapist member to a four year term that expires January 3, 2011.

The Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy is responsible for licensing and disciplining physical therapists. The board is made up of nine members appointed by the Governor.