It’s a pleasure to introduce you to our team! We look forward to working with you.
Dr. Erel Ben-Ari is an Israeli-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in shoulder, knee, and sports medicine. He is a dual fellowship–trained physician, having completed a Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship at the prestigious NYU Langone Health in New York, where he trained alongside internationally recognized leaders in the field. He then completed an advanced Sports Medicine Fellowship at Taos Orthopedic Institute in New Mexico, gaining elite-level experience in the care of high-performance athletes, including work with the U.S. Ski Team.
Dr. Ben-Ari will continue his advanced subspecialty training with a third fellowship in Hip Preservation at the University of Colorado in Boulder. This program will further expand his expertise in the treatment of complex hip pathology in young and active patients.
He is passionate about delivering comprehensive orthopedic care that integrates injury prevention, performance optimization, and long-term wellness—particularly for elite athletes and highly active individuals. Fully bilingual in English and Hebrew, Dr. Ben-Ari brings a global perspective to his clinical practice.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ben-Ari is actively involved in academic research. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented his work at international conferences, earning recognition and several awards for his contributions to orthopedic surgery.
Kelli was born and raised in Colorado and grew up enjoying the outdoors and playing multiple different sports including basketball, volleyball and soccer. She received her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Masters of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Colorado Mesa University. During her time at CMU, she competed on the women’s basketball team, winning two RMAC Championships. Kelli is excited to be working with Dr. Mei-Dan, Dr. Lee and the hip preservation team to help patients return to their active lives. Kelli also enjoys an active lifestyle, which includes hiking with her dog Mia, playing golf and pickleball.
Hannah was born and raised in Bradenton, FL where she enjoyed spending time outdoors as much as possible, especially playing soccer and running. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree and then James Madison University where she earned a degree in Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She has worked in orthopedics for nearly a decade and in neurosurgery for two years. Hannah was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in 2020 and as someone who is very physically active, having hip preservation surgery has given her a new appreciation for health, life and the medical field.
Kristen was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up playing competitive soccer and softball year-round. She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Springfield College and her Master of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining the hip preservation team Kristen spent her professional career working as an athletic trainer in the division I collegiate sport setting. Outside of work Kristen enjoys CrossFit, hiking and snowboarding.
With over two decades of business experience and a strong focus on service and operations, Michelle found her true passion after transitioning into the healthcare space. As Clinic Coordinator at CUSMPC, she supported daily clinic operations to help deliver exceptional patient care and now feels fortunate to be part of the Hip Preservation Team. A Colorado resident for over 18 years, she draws energy and inspiration from the mountains, whether hiking, summiting a 14er, white water rafting, snowboarding or snowshoeing. A passionate traveler, she loves to immerse herself in new cultures, foods, and traditions. Her time living abroad in Norway helped to shape her appreciation for nature and activity being an essential way of life, and she is proud to be part of a team that helps others stay mobile, strong, and healthy.
Kaleigh spent most of her childhood in the southeast, playing soccer and lacrosse year-round. In college, she co-captained Harvard’s Division 1 women’s rugby team (go Harvard-Rad!). She moved to Boulder in 2020 as a Hip Preservation patient and now enjoys trail running, HIIT, skiing, hiking and bouldering. She joined the team in 2022 while attending CU Boulder’s accelerated pre-medical post-baccalaureate program after spending the prior six years working for Google and Delta Air Lines.
Natalie graduated from Creighton University with her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017 and has her Bachelors in Athletic Training as well. She enjoys running, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and playing with her dog. She has been in the Boulder area since she was in elementary school and loves to be outside in the Colorado sunshine.
Chelsea graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 2013 and has been working in outpatient orthopedics ever since. She has specific interest in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex which has led her to advanced training in both pelvic floor rehabilitation (female) and pilates to be able to further assist her patients in returning to the activities that they love. She’s been an avid distance runner since high school and is always creating new goals for herself while working with her patients to achieve the physical goals that they set for themselves. In addition to running, she also enjoys hiking, biking, snowboarding, and eating her way through the Denver/Boulder restaurant scene.
Kate Martin completed a sports physical therapy residency and is a board certified sports specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Prior to arriving at CU, she spent eight years at The Ohio State University where she served as the Lead of the Hip Team gaining extensive experience managing patients after hip surgeries. Kate is proud to be a part of the CU Hip Team because of its true interdisciplinary nature and focus on providing elite level patient care. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, and live music.
Erica Meyer graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Exercise Science and then attended Washington University in St. Louis where she received her M.S. in physical therapy. She also received her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification in 2014. On her off time, she enjoys hiking, camping and biking with her family.
My initial background was in pediatrics and pediatric sports and then I moved into sports over the ages. Having been a competitive gymnast for many years, I gained a special understanding of the treatment of the performing artists such as gymnasts, dancers and skaters. The relationship between the hip and spine and how their function influences the body from the feet to the top of the head makes them particularly fascinating to work with. Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, furry friends. My favorite outdoor hobbies are horseback riding, mountain biking and skiing.
Sue has spent her professional life in Colorado after growing up in Michigan. Her over 20 year professional road led to Colorado after completing her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis and her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from Purdue University. Boiler Up!
Sue started working with Dr. Mei Dan and his team soon after he moved his practice into Boulder. She spearheaded many of his protocols and videos for his surgical recoveries. She worked at CUSMPC leading and overseeing the Hip Preservation Rehab team until 2020 when she left to start her own company, On Your Way Physical Therapy. Although Sue is no longer working at the CU Center, she remains a member of the hip team as her rehab services are delivered within patient’s homes locally. She provides both non-operative and Pre and post-operative care. With post-op patients, she initiates care for those near the Boulder area, including services to out of town patients staying near Boulder for a portion of recovery. Then, she assists patients transition to outpatient physical therapy to continue their recovery. She also provides telehealth visits for those patients in the State of Colorado for non-operative and post-operative care alike.
The Rocky Mountains brought her to Colorado and she and her husband enjoy hiking, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, river activities, traveling and pickleball.
Please visit www.onyourwaypt.com for further details.
Lindsay grew up in Wisconsin and began her sports medicine career as a Badger at UW-Madison. There she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has extensive experience with both on-the-field injury management as well as rehab for athletes of all ages. As an athletic trainer she has provided medical coverage for numerous events including Ironman triathlons, marathons, Olympic Development Programs, and collegiate level events at the University of Wisconsin and CU Boulder.
As a Physical Therapist Lindsay has developed a specialty in treating the hip and pelvis. She enjoys working as an interdisciplinary team for a more holistic approach to patient care. Other specialties include Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN), manual therapies, aquatic rehab, and return to run exercise progression. Additionally, Lindsay led the CU Hip PT team for two years.
In her spare time Lindsay enjoys running, hiking, skiing, and chasing after her family in the Colorado sunshine.