Amanda Peña is the Practice Manager for Dr. LaPrade. She grew up in Vail, Colorado and joined Dr. LaPrade’s practice is 2010. After working in physical therapy for over 10 years background makes her the perfect liaison between patient and physician. Amanda is the initial contact for all patients and works with each patient to coordinate office visits, surgeries and all other patient needs. Amanda’s responsibilities also include coordinating personal and research related events for Dr. LaPrade.

Chris Armstrong, PA-C, ATC Began his medical career as a Certified Athletic Trainer.  Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from South Dakota State University and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, Chris provided medical coverage for both collegiate and professional sports during his career.  Chris joined our team following the completion of his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette University.  While at Marquette, he completed a clinical rotation in sports medicine orthopedics with Dr. LaPrade in addition to a rotation in primary care sports medicine and a secondary rotation in orthopedics.  Chris began his PA career, in Vail,  working with Dr. LaPrade in 2017 and moved to Minnesota with the time in 2019. Chris and his wife Danielle enjoy all aspects of the outdoors. As a physician assistant, Chris is responsible for evaluation and medical management of our patients including pre- and post-operative care, as well as assisting Dr. LaPrade in the operating room. 

Erin Zappa, M.Ed, LAT, ATC is a Certified Athletic Trainer and clinical assistant for Dr. LaPrade. Born and raised in New York, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Dr. LaPrade’s team, Erin provided medical coverage for Division 1 collegiate athletes at the University of Minnesota and Wofford College. Erin’s responsibilities include assisting during clinic, providing brace support, and liaise patient and postoperative care. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband Fred and daughter Lyla.  You may email Erin at: [email protected]

Jill Monson, PT, OCS is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the APTA and is an active member of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT). Jill has over 15 years of clinical experience specializing in lower extremity injuries, particularly complex knee conditions. She is an active contributor to the local academic community through frequent medical conference lecturing, CE courses, conference planning committee participation, associate faculty teaching at the U of M DPT program. Jill lectures at multiple local conferences annually, she has presented nationally and internationally, and has authored medical journal articles and book chapters within her scope of expertise.  Jill enjoys using her specialization to help patients solve persistent or challenging orthopaedic problems and return to their maximal performance in life and sport.  In her free time, Jill enjoys camping, hiking, biking and traveling with her husband and 3 children.

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