Meet Our Team

Dr. Emily Walthers von Alten, DPT, owner and founder of Em & M Therapy, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Allied Health, followed by her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Emily is passionate about making exceptional, specialized therapy services accessible to children and adults in underserved communities throughout Northern Nevada. She is a strength, mobility, and durable medical equipment (DME) specialist who serves individuals of all ages with developmental diagnoses and/or complex medical histories. She has extensive experience in home-based pediatrics, acute pediatric care, early intervention, wound care, pediatric and adult skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and adult acute care.

A fierce advocate for children and adults with complex medical needs, Emily is committed to improving access to quality care within her community. Her leadership fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, orthotists, DME providers, and community nonprofit organizations, to deliver patient-centered care. Her love for children and deep understanding of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems allow her to make exercise and mobility engaging and fun for children of all developmental levels.

Emily loves her little family including her young daughter, husband Matt, cat Buddy and lovable yellow lab Marshmello. Emily is a former All American NCAA Collegiate athlete and UNLV track and field team captain. She’s an outdoor enthusiast from the mountains of Colorado and enjoys snowboarding, skiing, weight lifting, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and open water swimming. She also loves to adventure with her best friend and dance at lots of concerts!

Dr. Matthew Walthers von Alten, DPT, co-owner of Em & M Therapy, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Movement Sciences, followed by his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Matt has extensive experience across a variety of healthcare settings, including acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and adult home health. He specializes in treating adults with neurological diagnoses and complex medical needs. After nearly a decade working in acute rehabilitation, he developed and launched a specialized Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program at the largest acute rehabilitation hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. His gentle demeanor, clinical expertise, and thoughtful approach to care have made him a favorite among patients and their families.

Matt is a very involved husband and father for Emily and his young daughter. He finds solace in spending time with his cat Buddy, weight lifting, hiking, and listening to music. 

Brenda Barranco, CAO, COTA/L, earned her degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Wayne State College and later completed her Associate of Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Clarkson College.

She has experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation facilities and school districts, with a primary focus on pediatrics. Her background in both behavioral science and healthcare allows her to provide compassionate, well-rounded care tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family.

After her child was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Brenda became passionate about educating and supporting other parents facing similar experiences. She currently serves on the board of ImproveCareNow, a national collaborative where clinicians, researchers, patients, and families work together to continuously improve care and outcomes for children and youth living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Brenda also co-produced a published Caregivers Coping Resource designed to provide encouragement, education, and practical support for families navigating chronic illness.

In her free time, Brenda enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Husker. She also enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, as well as traveling, especially to the beach and Disneyland.  

Eloisa Maiorano, Billing Manager, joined the team in 2025 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the medical billing industry. She is also a certified professional medical coder.

Originally from San Francisco, Eloisa relocated to Las Vegas, where she now lives with her husband, Michael, and their beloved cat, Gucci. She is a proud mother to Luis, Leyla, and Leon.

Outside of work, Eloisa enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring cuisines from around the world—always eager to try something new.

John Paul G McGuire M.A, M.S, CCC-SLP - It was while watching Eric, my Father in law, eye gaze spell out a sizable chunk of the preamble of the Constitution, that I had an epiphany and decided I was going to become a Speech Therapist. 

Eric’s ALS had destroyed his speech, but his SLP taught him to use an AAC (Augmented Alternative Communication) device to communicate and the preamble was his opening statement!

That profound experience revealed to me that the world is full of overlooked people who need help to communicate better and more meaningfully.

And that is what I do.

Outside of work I’ve got a small family. All girls. They’ve got me wrapped around their little fingers and have mad after school and weekend schedules to keep us busy. I also love chess, golf, rugby, reading and writing, and I’m currently finishing up writing a book of children’s poetry. 

Dr. Elle Gunderson, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree and an academic background in English and sociology. She earned her education through Nevada institutions, including the College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State University, and Touro University Nevada. As a longtime Nevadan, Elle is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, person-centered healthcare across Nevada, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Elle brings a holistic, strengths-based approach to therapy, with advanced clinical training in mental health, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, pain management, low vision and vision therapy, women’s health, veterans’ health, and NICU practice. Her work is guided by a lifelong developmental lens, honoring each stage of life as an opportunity to support dignity, joy, resilience, and meaningful participation. She is especially passionate about helping individuals and families build greater independence, confidence, and participation in the daily activities that give life meaning.

In addition to clinical practice, Elle has experience in occupational therapy education, serving as an adjunct instructor and teaching assistant for doctoral occupational therapy students in Southern Nevada. Her teaching experience includes coursework in systematic review, pediatrics, emerging practice areas, and Level IIB fieldwork through institutions including Touro University Nevada, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Las Vegas program.

Outside of work, Elle enjoys writing, creative projects, design, nature, lifelong learning, spending time with her family, and exploring the connections between human development, healing, and meaningful occupation.

Ellie Anderson, PT, DPT

 

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ellie moved to Denver, Colorado to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of Denver where she studied Biology and was a Division I volleyball player. Ellie completed a one-year graduate degree in Strength & Conditioning Coaching prior to moving to Phoenix, Arizona where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University. Ellie spent her final four months of clinical work at Phoenix Children's Hospital where she fell in love with pediatric care. Ellie moved to the Tahoe area to begin her career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist in the Fall of 2025 as her fiancé plays professional hockey for the Tahoe Knight Monsters in South Lake Tahoe. Ellie is a proud aunt to TEN nieces and nephews, enjoys traveling, and attending workout classes in her free time.