Who We Are

Meet the team of In-Motion Physical Therapy Services.

Michele Firra Ward, P.T.

I'm Michele Firra Ward, PT, owner of In-Motion Physical Therapy Services. I received my BS in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University in 1981, and completed my BS in Physical Therapy at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 1988. I also completed postgraduate coursework in biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. For continuing education, I've trained in industrial consulting, advanced education in gait analysis and orthotic prescription, and specialized in athletic and performing arts repetitive strain injuries, general orthopedics, as well as spinal and manual therapy topics.

My areas of expertise include shoulders and lower extremities, and I'm particularly skilled in manual therapy techniques. I'm also deeply interested in all aspects of motion analysis, ergonomic considerations in the workplace, and work site modification/injury protection. I practice Pilates myself and integrate it into my patients' exercise programs when appropriate.

Outside of physical therapy, I'm an avid organic gardener and a canine enthusiast. I have a keen interest in nutrition and wellness which are a natural extension of my first love of chemistry. When I'm not in the garden, I enjoy cooking, photography, and attending live performances and art shows.

Melanie Butz, E-RYT500

Leaving behind a career of 32 years in corporate America, I have dedicated over 800 hours to yoga training, delving deep into the powerful synergy of yoga and breathwork. After achieving a 500-hour yoga teacher certification with Advanced Yoga Studies, I invested another 200 hours specifically in psychotherapeutic yoga with Lifeologie International School for Psychotherapeutic Yoga. My passion as a yoga educator also includes collaborating with peers outside of the yoga community, in the fields of physical therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and exercise physiology. These partnerships have enabled me to offer the most up-to-date techniques in a spectrum of yoga modalities, such as restorative, trauma-informed, chair, deep stretch, and hatha. My most recent education has been with Dr. Loren Fishman, MD to learn a medical yoga program designed for the management and prevention of osteoporosis. I aim to assist my students in gaining insight into the mechanisms and reasons behind the effectiveness of yoga. In my leisure time, I love playing tennis, travelling with my family, and spending time with my beloved doodle.

Debbie Adams

I first met Michele while strolling my first-born daughter through our neighborhood years ago! We became fast friends, and Michele asked me to be her first-born daughter's babysitter! Through the years, we have kept in touch, and now I am so happy to be here at In-Motion Physical Therapy greeting her wonderful patients and doing all the things to keep the clinic "in-motion". I have worked in the dental field and in the wonderful world of retail service... hahaha!! I enjoy gardening, crafting, and cooking. My greatest joy, however, was raising my 3 daughters. I spent many years on those hot/cold soccer fields cheering them on! Now, I am a proud "GaGa" of 4 precious grand-daughters and continue with joy watching them grow... and the cheer continues!! Such fun!!

Joan Firra, P.T., Ph.D.

Dr. Joan received her BS in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in conjunction with Albany Medical School in 1953. She received her masters degree in counseling from Texas Woman's University in 1969 and in 2008 earned her PhD in women's health in physical therapy from Texas Woman's University. She has over 50 years of clinical practice and has treated tens of thousands of patients throughout her career. Joan has taken countless continuing education courses and has taught many courses at Texas Woman's University as well as other universities throughout Texas. She was instrumental in the licensure for physical therapists in the state of Texas and still makes time to meet with local and state leaders to discuss important issues that affect the future of the physical therapy community. As a pioneer in her field, she has implemented many physical therapy programs in hospital settings before going into private practice. She continues her lifelong commitment to treating patients.

Joan is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. She attributes her exuberance for life to spirituality, nutrition, and exercise. She enjoys the symphony, swimming, gardening, traveling, snow skiing, and spending time with family and friends.