Physical therapist Assistant

Education:

• Olympic College, Associates in Arts and Science
• Olympic College, AAS in Physical Therapy Assistant

Experience: Brittany has practiced physical therapy in several outpatient orthopedic settings. She has worked with patients specific to sports rehab and is passionate about improving patient’s functional mobility in all aspects of life. Brittany has also enjoyed working with patients in pelvic floor therapy and would like to one day be able to assist in helping women in post-partum care. She strives to provide compassionate and understanding care for all her patients to allow them to enjoy the activities they love.

Personal interests: In her free time, Brittany enjoys travelling, doing recreational activities with friends, family and her two dogs. She also enjoys yoga and hot Pilates with a past time in ballet.

Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Education: Northern Arizona University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2022); Brigham Young University-Idaho, B.S. in Exercise Physiology (2020)

Experience: Jake’s professional interests include orthopedics and sports medicine. He enjoys providing care to all types of patients, helping them achieve their highest level of function and enjoyment in life. Jake specializes in helping athletes and weekend warriors return to the activities that they love without pain or limitations.

Personal interests: In his free time, Jake enjoys fly-fishing, hunting, snowboarding, running, playing and watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Physical therapist

Education:

• Montana State University, Health and Human Development
• University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Experience: Lindsay became ASTYM and functional dry needling certified to gain tools to help patients in their recovery. She has a special interest in concussion management and helping people who suffer from disorders of the jaw, neck, and shoulder complex. Lindsay is one of only two physical therapists in Montana to earn a Craniofacial Certification. This advanced certification is specific to the treatment of the neck, face, and TMJ (jaw) to help address some of the common yet more complex issues people experience.

Personal interests: Lindsay was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley and is a graduate of Corvallis High School. She enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening, cooking, and spending time in the beautiful outdoors.

Physical therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Education: The University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2016); the University of Montana BS in Exercise Science (2013)

Experience: Seth has practiced physical therapy in a
rural hospital and outpatient setting as well as in rural cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. He most recently became certified in wound care, and lymphedema, and manual lymphatic drainage. Seth enjoys providing care to a wide variety of individuals and their families and assisting them to their highest level of function in all rehabilitation settings.

Personal Interests: In his free time, Seth enjoys hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, ski patrol, fly fishing, trivia, disc golf, and spoiling his pets.

Physical therapist

Education:

• Western University of Pamona, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2009)
• Chapman University, Masters of Physical Therapy (1997)
• California State University of Fullerton, BA in Psychology (1995)

Experience: Shanna started her therapy career as an acute care therapist at St Joseph Hospital in Orange, California. Her professional interest include chronic pain and pelvic disorders, but she also has experience in rehabilitation of women who are pregnant and post partem as well as individuals going through cancer and after cancer treatments.

Specialties: Orthopedic Certified Specialist

Personal Interests: Shanna and her husband, Tony, are proud parents and grandparents. They love spending time outdoors whether it be traveling in their RV, camping with friends and family or working in the garden and in the pastures. Shanna also enjoys baking and fiber arts such as weaving, knitting, and crocheting.

Speech-language pathologist

MS, CCC/SLP

Education:

• University of Washington, MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences
• University of Wisconsin, BS in Communicative Disorders

Experience: Amy has extensive experience with adults and pediatrics in the outpatient hospital setting treating a variety of speech, language, and social communication deficits. Additionally, she has worked in schools and in psychiatrics. She has a professional interest in pediatric articulation and language disorders, pediatric feeding, motor planning issues, and autism/social communication disorders.

Personal interests: Amy lives in Hamilton with her children and enjoys running, hiking and cooking.

Physical Therapist

Education:

• Eastern Washington University, Doctor of Physical Therapy (2010)
• Linfield College, B.S. in Exercise Science (2006)

Experience: Following graduation, Amy worked in a variety of settings throughout the United States as a traveling PT. She returned home in 2018 and enjoys serving the Bitterroot Valley. Amy believes in providing evidence-based care and tailoring physical therapy services to address the unique goals of each patient. As a former collegiate athlete, Amy understands the importance of injury prevention and successful rehabilitation. Professional areas of interest include post-surgical care, sports rehabilitation including injury prevention and treatment of overuse injuries.

Personal Interests: Amy enjoys spending time travelling with friends and family. You’ll often find her enjoying the beauty of the Bitterroot with her husband and two dogs – rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.

Occupational therapist
Certified hand therapist

Education:

• Colorado State University, Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy

Experience: Bill has been practicing occupational therapy since 1987 with a specialized focus in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. In 2005 he became a certified hand therapist and a member of the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

Specialized certifications: Certified Hand Therapist (2005), Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Certified in Functional Capacity Evaluations, Job Analysis and Post Offer Employment through Work Well Systems.

Personal Interests: Bill and his wife have three daughters. Bill enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family. He also enjoys music, being outdoors, cycling and traditional archery.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Education:

• Olympic College, AAS in Physical Therapy Assistant (2016)
• University of Montana, BS in HHP- Exercise Physiology (2012)

Experience: Cassandra has practiced in skilled nursing facility and outpatient rehabilitation. She is proficient with a variety of orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, and sports rehabilitation. She has further improved her skills by taking courses through the North America Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) and various orthopedic courses. Her top priority is to provide compassionate and effective treatment to assist patients in returning to the activities they love. She strives to provide compassionate and understanding care for all her patients.

Personal Interest: In her free time, Cassandra loves spending time with her family and in the great outdoors. She loves to go swimming, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, cross country skiing and watching basketball.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Education:

• University of Montana, MS Speech Pathology (2022)
• University of Montana, BA Communication Sciences & Disorders (2020)

Experience: Dawson has practiced as a speech pathologist in both outpatient and inpatient hospital and clinic settings. His specializations include swallowing, cognitive impairment, aphasia, and voice disorders. Dawson enjoys working with a wide range of patients and their loved ones to ensure they receive the highest quality of care and treatment for their unique conditions.

Specialized Certifications: LSVT LOUD certified (2023)

Personal interests: In his free time, Dawson enjoys baking, spending time with friends and family, and biking.

Physical therapist

Education: Grand Valley State University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2021); Grand Valley State University, BS Clinical Exercise Science (2016)

Experience: Elizabeth has practiced as a Physical Therapist in several rural critical access hospitals, as well as outpatient therapy clinics across the United States. She has taken an interest in the acute care setting and is passionate about pursuing advanced training in neurological conditions. She enjoys providing a variety of care and is passionate about connecting with each individual to assist with achieving their goals.

Specialties:

• LSVT BIG Certified
• NSCA Certified Strength
• Conditioning Specialist

Personal interests: In her free time, you can find Elizabeth enjoying Montana’s public lands with her family, friends, and pups - hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and skiing. At home, you can find her baking and working in the garden.

Physical therapist assistant

Education:

• Olympic College, AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant
• City College of San Francisco, AS in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Experience: Emma has experience in outpatient orthopedics, acute and post-acute functional rehabilitation, pediatrics, and therapeutic pilates. She strives to provide exceptional quality of care while making genuine connections with members of the community. She would love to establish a group exercise program for seniors after they have completed physical therapy to maintain and continue to improve on what they have learned in a fun and social setting.

Personal interests: She loves spending time in her garden; hiking; fishing; exploring what the area has to offer with her husband, daughters and two dogs; cooking; and taking trips to the Bay Area to visit family and eat!

Physical therapist
Pediatric certified specialist

Education:

• University of Vermont, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2013)
• Northern Arizona University, BS in Exercise Science (2010)

Experience: Hannah began her therapy career in a combined outpatient and acute care pediatric position in Tucson, AZ. She eventually transitioned into a level III neonatal intensive care unit where she focused on family bonding and nurturing the smallest patients. Hannah’s professional interests are in infant development and prevention through education and family empowerment.

Specialized certifications: Pediatric Certified Specialist (2018)

Personal interests: Hannah and her husband, Nathan, are the proud parents of Hazel who brings much joy to their lives. Hannah enjoys spending time with her family hiking, camping, playing with the dog, and baking.

Physical therapist
Orthopedic certified specialist

Education:

• University of Montana, BS in Physical Therapy (1996)

Experience: Jeff has successfully treated multiple orthopedic, neurologic and chronic conditions. He has worked in various environments including physical therapy in a health-club setting, on a pediatric team, acute care, chronic pain, advanced spine care and outpatient orthopedics.

Specialized certifications: Jeff is a highly skilled healthcare provider that is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Additionally, he is certified in Functional Capacity Evaluations, Job Analysis and Post Offer Employment testing through WorkWell Systems.

Personal interests: In his free time, Jeff enjoys being active outdoors and using his tractor. He enjoys recreational activities with his wife and three kids, music, the arts, and cooking.

Outside of his work at Bitterroot Health Rehabilitation Center, Jeff is interested in giving back to the world and his community through various volunteer opportunities.

Speech-language pathologist

MS, CCC/SLP

Education:

• Idaho State University, MS in Speech-Language Pathology
• University of Montana, BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Experience: Jennifer has extensive experience with both adults and pediatrics in the outpatient hospital setting treating a variety of speech, language and swallowing deficits. Additionally, she works with inpatients and nursing facility patients. Her professional interests include pediatric articulation and language disorders, adult aphasia, memory loss, dysarthria and swallowing difficulties.

Specialized Certifications: LSVT LOUD Certification

Personal Interests: Jennifer and her husband live in Hamilton while enjoying the outdoors and traveling with their children and friends.

Jethro McConnell, DPT

• Indiana University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2016)
• Indiana University, B.S. in Kinesiology (2013)

Occupational therapist

Education:

• University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, MS in Occupational Therapy (2015)

Experience: Julie has experience in a variety of settings, which include skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, outpatient and acute care. She has training in custom wheelchair seating and positioning as well as functional capacity evaluations and post offer employment testing.

Specialized certifications: Certified in Functional Capacity Evaluations, Job Analysis and Post Offer Employment Testing through Work Well Systems.

Personal interests: Julie enjoys traveling, camping, hiking and downhill/cross country skiing. She loves spending time with her family outdoors exploring Montana.

Occupational therapist

Education:

• Idaho State University, MS in Occupational Therapy
• Montana State University, BS in Health and Human Performance

Experience: Outpatient pediatrics, school-based therapy, home health, acute care, home-based mental health, inpatient rehabilitation, ergonomics/worksite evaluations/job analysis.

Personal interests: Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son and two dogs—taking advantage of everything Western Montana has to offer. She loves attending Bobcat games, hiking, camping and soaking up as much time with her family as possible!

Physical therapist

Education:

• University of Iowa, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2014)
• Cornell College, BA in Kinesiology (2011)

Experience: Kyle has practiced physical therapy in an outpatient orthopedic setting as well as in a skilled nursing facility. He most recently specialized in providing physical therapy in the acute care setting. Kyle enjoys providing care to a wide variety of individuals and their families, and assisting them in returning to their highest level of function.

Personal interests: In his free time, Kyle enjoys travelling, doing recreational activities with friends and family, landscape photography, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Physical therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Certified Specialist

Education:

• University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2021)
• University of Central Arkansas, MS in Physical Therapy (1995)
• Baylor University, Bachelors in Biology and Ecology (1993)

Experience: A majority of his clinical experience has been in the orthopedic population and sports medicine. His professional interests include the shoulder, knee, foot and ankle, and orthotic evaluation and fitting.

Specialized certifications: Orthopedic Certified Specialist. Level 1 dry needling.

Personal interests: Mike and his wife, Kristen, have two daughters named Ellie and Kari. When not working, Mike enjoys camping with family; snow skiing; fishing; following Baylor athletics; and hunting deer, antelope and all species of upland birds.

Physical therapist assistant

Education:

• Great Falls College MSU, AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant (2011)

Experience: Missy has worked with both pediatric and adult clients in a variety of areas, including inpatient and outpatient rehab, schools, skilled nursing, and home health. She has developed and instructed wellness programs for the community related to balance, core strength, flexibility and endurance. Her professional interests include providing high-quality physical therapy services for children with gross motor delays or disabilities related to genetic, neurological and orthopedic disorders. Also empowering adult populations through education and exercise to improve their deficits related to balance, neuromuscular disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis and orthopedic issues.

Personal interests: Missy enjoys hiking; fishing; camping; gardening; photography; cooking/eating; and being outdoors with her friends, family and dogs.

Occupational therapist

Education: Pacific University, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

Experience: Patrick has experience in outpatient pediatrics, inpatient neurological rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and subacute care. His professional interests include providing services to children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing differences. He is also passionate about providing rehabilitation services for clients experiencing neurologic injuries.

Specialized certifications: Doctoral research on utilizing the performing arts in therapy to develop and refine the social skills of clients diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Personal Interests: Patrick enjoys hiking, biking, nature photography, electronic music production, and movies.

Physical Therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Neurologic Certified Specialist

Education:

• University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2018)

Experience: Sarah has experience in both outpatient and acute care settings and enjoys the diversity of patients that she can work with in rural Montana. She has advanced training for the treatment of neurological conditions/impairments, women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction, running/sports injuries, and general orthopedic injuries.

Specialized certifications:

• Neurologic Certified Specialist - 2022
• LSVT BIG certified since 2017

Personal interests: On her days off, you can find Sarah enjoying Montana’s public lands with her husband and two dogs—hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing and swimming.

Physical Therapist

Education: University of Montana, BS in Physical Therapy (1996); Lewis & Clark College, BA in English (1987)

Experience: Sarah has practiced physical therapy for 27 years at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho with a focus on level 1 trauma, ortho, neuro, medical, cardiac, lymphedema and critical care. She also has experience working in the acute inpatient rehab setting as well as in skilled nursing facilities.

Specialized Certifications: Certified in Lymphedema, Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy

Personal interests: In her free time Sarah really enjoys hiking, cross country skiing, building “stuff” at her cabin, paddleboarding and playing the marimba/drums as well as enjoying time with her daughters and family.

Physical therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Orthopedic certified specialist

Education:

• University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2011)
• Montana State University, BS in Exercise Science (2005)

Experience: Travis started his therapy career as an acute care aide in Bozeman, MT. He professional interest include orthopedics and neurological disorders, but he also has experience in pediatrics and in the acute care setting.

Specialized certifications: Orthopedic Certified Specialist (2018)

Personal interests: Travis and his wife Katie have one daughter, Emery. When not at work, you can find Travis mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboards, XC skiing, working with his horses, or hunting and camping.

Occupational therapist

MSOT, OTR/L

Education:

• Brenau University, Ivester College of Health Sciences, MS in Occupational Therapy (2021)
• Green River College; AAS in Occupational Therapist Assistant (2010)

Experience: Anna has experience treating individuals across the lifespan. She has practiced in skilled nursing facilities, school systems, and in hospital-based acute rehabilitation. She also has experience providing community-based therapy and hippotherapy. Anna is passionate about providing clients with meaningful and individualized treatments that improve occupational performance and satisfaction, independence, and overall quality of life.

Personal Interests: In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband and two children. She loves to go running and hiking with her dog, riding horses, and hunting and fishing. Anna also enjoys gardening, tending to her flock of chickens, baking sweets, and cooking comforting meals in the kitchen.

Physical therapist assistant

Education: Whatcom Community College, AAS in Physical Therapist Assistant (2014)

Experience: Cassie has practiced physical therapy in multiple therapeutic settings which include outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, and home health. She feels these settings have helped her become more of a well-rounded therapist and have cultivated her ability to think outside of the box. Cassie enjoys providing care to a wide variety of individuals and assisting them in returning to the activities they take pleasure in.

Personal interests: In her free time, Cassie enjoys camping, rock hounding, snowshoeing, and Friday night movie nights with her family.

Physical Therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Personal interests: In her free time, Michaela enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband and 3 kids exploring the Bitterroot.

Education:

• University of Montana, Doctor of Physical Therapy (2015)
• MSU, B.S. Health and Human Performance- Exercise and Science (2012)

Experience: Michaela has practiced physical therapy in the outpatient orthopedic setting, acute care setting, and as a physical therapy traveler. She enjoys working with all individuals in various stages of life and has specialty training in female and male pelvic health.

Physical Therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Personal interests: In her free time, Taylor enjoys hiking the local peaks, floating the river with her husband, and trail running with her 2 dogs.

Education:

• University of Montana, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2023)
• University of Northern Colorado, BS Exercise Science (2019)

Experience: Taylor has experience in the outpatient orthopedic setting as well as in the inpatient setting. She is interested in treating neurological and vestibular disorders, as well as balance and post-surgical rehab. Taylor enjoys assisting people in their recovery so they can return to the activities they enjoy the most.

Physical therapist

Education:

• University of Montana, MS in Physical Therapy (2002)
• University of Montana, BA in Human Biology (2000)

Experience: Desi has practiced in a variety of physical therapy settings including outpatient, acute care and home health. She has worked at Bitterroot Health since 2006, treating adults and adolescents, and has a special interest in treatment of vestibular conditions and dizziness, concussion management, orthopedic injuries, and women’s health issues.

Specialized certifications: Level 1 Functional Dry Needling. APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor.

Personal interests: Desi and her husband have three children. She enjoys being outdoors with her family skiing, hiking and camping.

Physical therapist Assistant

Education:

• University of Indianapolis, Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting (2009)
• Indiana Wesleyan University, B.S. in General Studies 2017
  
  
  

Experience: Katherine has practiced physical therapy in outpatient orthopedic settings and also has extensive experience with aquatic therapy, inpatient acute therapy, and skilled nursing facilities. She enjoys partnering with patients of different life stages and injuries in order to help them return to their favorite activities. Katherine utilizes a holistic approach and is passionate about educating patients about their own recovery process.

Personal interests: Katherine’s spare time is mostly filled spending time with her husband and their four children. She also loves playing with her dogs, music, photography, crafting, and of course exploring beautiful Montana nature.