Meet the Team

Katie Heylmun

Practice Coordinator

Katie holds the fort down and keeps us all in order here at Ames Spine & Sport.  She is the friendly face at the front desk for check in / check out, scheduling, insurance, and answering the phone.  She is a Texas girl who decided to brave Iowa winters. She moved to Ames to study Meteorology at Iowa State. Being the professional dabbler that she is, she went back and got another Bachelor's in Mathematics with minors in Statistics and Horticulture. Katie joined the Ames Spine & Sport team in February of 2020. Katie lives with her husband Jeff, 2 children, and their two fur babies – Louey (a black cat) and Ziggy (a mini/toy Aussie). She enjoys reading, playing soccer, movie nights, and trying different ice cream shops.

Francine White

Practice Coordinator

Brandie Sperry

Licensed Massage Therapist

Brandie Sperry was raised in the small town of Coon Rapids in western Iowa. She graduated from Body Wisdom in Urbandale in December of 2013 and started her career as an LMT in March of 2014. Throughout her massage journey, she has worked in Des Moines, as well as maintained a private practice in her hometown, assisting the community that raised her and contributed to the person she is today.

Growing up in a family plagued with severe migraines, as well as having a mother with Multiple Sclerosis, she could only dream of being able to help and ease the long-term pain of those closest to her. Being fascinated with human anatomy and physiology, along with the aforementioned motives, she ultimately decided to pursue a career in massage therapy, not only to help those closest to her, but anyone who suffers from chronic pain similar to what she sees her family going through on a daily basis. Along with this, she also enjoys demonstrating at-home techniques that clients may use to manage chronic pain, as well as repetitive movements to alleviate the aches and discomforts of the working world.

During her free time, you can usually find her snuggled up with her animals and nose glued in the next book series she is obsessed with. You can also catch her spending time with my family, shopping, and conducting an all-day cook-a-thon in her kitchen.

Certifications and Trainings

• Hot and cold stone therapy
• Trigger point therapy
• Deep tissue massage
• Swedish massage
• Cupping
• IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

Kristina Rodden

Licensed Massage Therapist

Kristina holds an Associate of Science degree in Therapeutic Massage Technology from Provo College, where she graduated in 2007. Her extensive experience includes three seasons working with men’s collegiate ice hockey, showcasing her expertise in sports massage and injury recovery.

Originally from Lamoni, IA, Kristina moved to Utah after high school. She is a proud mom to her son, Alex, and enjoys lifting weights and taking long walks with her dog, Midnight.

Her unique approach sets her apart from many massage therapists. Kristina uses myofascial release techniques to unwind the body, providing long-lasting and effective relief. She also incorporates breathing and stretching techniques into her massages, ensuring a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience.

Fun fact: Kristina was actually the first employee at Ames Spine and Sport, and we are thrilled to have her return to where it all started!

Additional Certifications and Trainings:

• Deep tissue massage
• Sports massage
• Prenatal massage
• Cupping
• IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)