Jeff is a native of the Puget Sound, raised in the Everett and Mukilteo area most of his life until recently moving to Lake Stevens. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Masters in Physical Therapy from the University Puget Sound.  Graduating in 1990 Jeff began practice in outpatient orthopedics, developing a strong interest in manual therapy and biomechanics of overuse injuries related to running.  Early in his career, he completed a two-year advanced manual therapy residency with the Ola Grimsby Institute. Jeff continued to pursue specialization in lower quarter movement and gait analysis for more than two decades, including casting and construction of orthotics. “At some point I realized so many of the chronic tendinitis, degenerative hip and knee pathologies were highly influenced from the ground up.” –Jeff Carlson Jeff’s practice and client base have flourished over the past 26 years at Bellevue Physical Therapy, developing many lifelong physician and patient relationships that come from a very hands-on, high customer service approach.  Jeff has now decided to continue his career with a new pursuit starting REACTION Physical Therapy in Arlington, expanding the North end RET Physical group, which now includes REACTION Physical Therapy at Lake Stevens and Smokey Point.

Education:

• Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound
• Undergraduate in Exercise Science from The University of Puget Sound.

Eddie received his Bachelors of Science in exercise science and athletic training from Washington State University in 1985. He then worked in the field of physical therapy at Burien Physical Therapy & Sports Clinic as their exercise coordinator. Following this work experience, he went to Daemen College in New York to received a degree in Physical Therapy. He has 30 years in the physical therapy field and has specialized his skills as manual therapist with emphasis on muscle energy, myofacial release techniques and jones strain/counter strain posisitonal release and vestibular rehab. Eddie has managed several outpatient  clinics within the Pacific Northwest for the past 24 years.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and Athletic Training from Washington State University, 1985
• Physical Therapy Degree from Daemen College in New York

Ian Johnsen earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Regis University. Prior to that, Ian obtained his Bachelor Science in Exercise Science from Western Washington University.

In his free time, Ian enjoys owning and operating a Pop Culture Champagne Bar with his wife in Kirkland, Washington, and working on converting his 1965 Beetle into to a fully electric Tesla powered vehicle.

Skyler graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and minors in both Music and Chemistry. Additionally, he was a scholarship athlete on the Men’s Tennis Team and his senior year was named team captain and awarded ITA All-Academic Team honors. He went on to earn his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington.

Skyler previously worked as a physical therapist for nearly 5 years at Proliance Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation in Bellevue before joining RET and enjoys working with a variety of outpatient presentations, including post-op rehabilitation and/or return to sport training. He also works as a part time tennis coach in Kirkland, WA.

In his spare time, he enjoys wakeboarding, biking, rock climbing and watching football. Go Hawks!

Physical Therapist, Clinic Director

Kyle Shilling has been with RET Physical Therapy Group since June 2012. Kyle attended the University of Washington where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and then went on to Washington University in St. Louis to attain his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Kyle enjoys alleviating musculoskeletal dysfunction by integrating his manual therapy skills with the diagnosis and treatment of movement system impairment (MSI) syndromes, a theoretical approach developed by Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA at Washington University in St. Louis. His emphasis of practice has always been on treating the individual with a differential evaluation, manual therapy if indicated, and specific exercise to improve movement patterns, motor control, and correction of muscle imbalances. Kyle leads a very active life outside of the clinic. Some of the activities he enjoys are hiking, fishing, snowboarding, sports, camping, working out, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington, 2009
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, 2012

Bryan grew up in in the Seattle area, including attending Nathan Hale HS and Western Washington University, before attending PT school at Regis University in Denver, CO. He returned home after school and has enjoyed being part of the community in the North end of Seattle ever since. Growing up as an athlete and pitcher for the baseball teams at NHHS and WWU, he enjoys working with athletes and throwing athletes in particular. Being a contributing member to the community is really important to him and he regularly participates in the King County Health Fair at Key Arena annually as well as other local events. He has been at OrthoSport since 2016 and enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic issues. As a physical therapist, he believes that understanding the diagnosis is imperative to getting better and utilizes manual therapy in addition to movement education and training to treat his patients. In his free time Bryan enjoys golfing, hiking, playing softball, watching and attending the Seahawks and Mariners games, traveling and spending time with his wife, children and dog.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, the Western Washington University
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Regis University

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Private Practice Section of APTA (PPS)

Education:

• B.S. Exercise Science, Pacific Lutheran University 1986
• B.S. Physical Therapy, University of Montana 1995
• ACSM Certified Fitness Instructor 1986

Clinic Specialties:

Sports Medicine/ general orthopedic outpatient musculoskeletal disease/ injury emphasis (continued education an eclectic approach). Primary interests include shoulder injury/ pathology as it relates to the athlete (throwing or overhead dysfunction) and lower extremity injury/ pathology (hip/ knee/ foot and ankle).

Douglas Free was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has spent most of his life here. He has been the director of Mercer Island Physical Therapy since 2001. He has worked diligently to provide the highest quality and most effective care possible, and in doing so has developed a strong reputation in the community and with referring doctors. He specializes in treating neck and back pain utilizing a variety of treatment approaches to best fit the needs of the individual patient.  This includes, but is not limited to, the teachings of Robin McKenzie, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. He enjoys family activities with his wife and two children including snow skiing, swimming, and walking the dog. He is also a lacrosse coach for Newport Lacrosse Club.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Zoology from Central Washington University, 1993
• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California, 1999

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association

Richard Barnes has been treating patients in the greater Seattle area since 2008, and has been with RET Physical Therapy since 2012. Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, he was an instructor at Loma Linda University in Southern California. He brings with him an assortment of treatment approaches and manual skills. Richard has a genuine passion for his patients and strives to find functional solutions to each of their problems. He works with a wide variety of individuals, from collegiate runners to working professionals. Richard enjoys utilizing biomechanics to change stride length, resolve power deficits and solve other common sport-specific injuries. He specializes in neural tension deficits, shoulder problems, and lower quarter biomechanics. Away from the office he enjoys climbing mountains, running, reading, and walking with his wife and their two dogs.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science from Loma Linda University in Heath Science 2007
• Masters of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University 2007
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University 2008

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association

Travis was raised in Pasco, Washington. He played collegiate football as a defensive back on a full-athletic scholarship at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. Travis has a passion for physical therapy that includes orthopedic, sports rehabilitation, manual therapy, and aquatic therapy to advance his patients function. Recreational interests include strength training, running, spending time with his wife Erin Reed, DMD, and their three children, Xzander, Trinity and Tessa, and having a good laugh with friends usually during an occasional round of golf.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, 2003
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, 2008

Courtney Coubertier received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University. She then went on to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in sunny southern Florida. Courtney is an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association and Washington State Physical Therapy Association, as she works diligently to stay current with upcoming research in the field and is passionate about progressing the profession of Physical Therapy. She originally pursued a career in physical therapy with a special interest in working with pediatric populations, however quickly fell in love with the outpatient orthopedic setting along her physical therapy journey. She has experience working with people of all age groups, ranging from just a few months old to those in their late 90’s. Courtney is originally from the greater Seattle area and has always had a love for hiking with her dog, playing volleyball, horseback riding, and of course cheering on the Seahawks!

Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University

Master of Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Spokane, WA

Bachelor of Arts, Biology
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA

Certifications/Specializations

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Tawny joined Northwest Physical Therapy in August 2021.  She has been a physical therapist for 21 years and specializes in pelvic health physical therapy, as well as oncology rehabilitation.  She is a certified lymphedema therapist through Klose training and consulting as well as a certified Pilates instructor through Pilates and Beyond.  Tawny is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Washington Physical Therapy Association.

When she isn’t in the clinic, Tawny enjoys spending time with her husband and 4-legged kids.  She can be found running on the trail with her dogs, hiking, horseback riding and gardening.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Provo, Utah

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

Certifications/Specializations

APTA Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist
Certified Manual Therapist

A proud Midwesterner at heart, Nicholas started moving west for school and adventure. While practicing in Portland, OR, he specialized in the assessment and treatment of runners and dancers.  As a life-long learner, Nicholas uses a holistic, patient-centered, evidence-informed approach in empowering people to move without pain, whether that’s grueling miles on single-track or a stroll with the dog.

While using his sense of adventure to benefit others, Nicholas represented NWPT in 2018 on a trip to Haiti with STAND (Sustainable Therapy and New Development) to establish rehab services by treating and training local clinicians.

When not in the new Bellingham clinic, you can find him on ice skates or a yoga mat, climbing rocks or trails in the North Cascades with his loyal pup, Chomsky.

Maryam is the Clinic Director at the Kirkland – Washington Hand Therapy location.

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Maryam received her Bachelor’s of Occupational Therapy from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. She moved to the United States to attend graduate school and obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Tufts University with a focus on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Maryam then completed her fellowship in Hand Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. 

Maryam believes that our hands are one of the most important part of our body and she is passionate about helping her patients regain lost function and achieve their highest potential following an upper extremity injury. She has experience working with various diagnoses involving the upper extremity including: amputations, tendon repairs, neurological disorders, fractures, and repetitive stress injuries. Continuing her education, Maryam is trained in ASTYM therapy, Kinesio-taping, and custom fabricated orthotics. 

When she’s not at work, Maryam enjoys spending time with her friends, dancing, traveling, and playing music.

Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Washington
Seattle, WA

Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CA

Associate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA

Megan is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California and worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 15 years before moving to the Northwest in 2015 to be closer to family and attend graduate school. She is currently pursuing training as a pelvic health practitioner and has a special interest in helping women during and after pregnancy. Megan is very active with our Washington Physical Therapy Association (PTWA), currently serving as Chair of Communications and Public Relations, and is on the board of the Political Action Committee. She joined NWPT in July of 2019 and is very excited to serve her community in Skagit County!

Dana specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation and is most interested in treating orthopedic injuries and surgeries of the spine and extremities, vestibular issues, and post joint replacement surgeries.

In his free time, Dana enjoys wood working and Asian cooking.

Natalie graduated from Northern Arizona University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. Natalie specializes in rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers with focus on custom fabricated orthotics, low-profile splinting, ligament injuries, nerve function, fractures, and sports injuries. Natalie currently volunteers with the Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby team as the staff hand therapist. Her focus is to create optimal function for quickly returning players to their sport with client safety as her top priority.

She has additionally developed and disseminated a fine motor screen which is currently being utilized as a preventative measure for children with developmental disabilities entering the classroom in multiple clinics throughout Romania. Natalie is experienced in providing quality patient care using evidence-based practice and the
most up-to-date research available. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and adventuring around Washington with her Siberian husky, Jaidah.

Education:

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University
• Bachelors of Psychology with a minor in Human Development from Washington
  State University

Organizations:

• American Society of Hand Therapists
• American Occupational Therapy Association

Jerame has been with RET since 2012 and is a Washington native who grew up in Kennewick. He was a 3-sport athlete all through high school and went on to play baseball at Central Washington University. Jerame has experience as a personal trainer as well as acute care and outpatient physical therapy.  He likes to use manual therapy, corrective exercises, and functional activities to allow people to return to their prior level of function.  He also has experience coaching baseball at both the high school and collegiate level.  In his spare time, Jerame enjoys working in his yard, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife, Katie, and two boys, Jack and Owen.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Central Washington University
• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from Green River Community College

Certifications:

• American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Exercise Physiologist.

Organizations

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)

Colin McDannel earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine. Prior to that, Colin obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Colin specializes in chronic pain management for all types and video movement analysis for runners, weightlifters, and other sports. He is most interested in treating ACL repairs and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

In his free time, Colin enjoys reading, woodworking, and hiking.

Chaz is very passionate about functional movement and strives to provide the best possible care to each of his patients. He really enjoys working with high-level athletes and designing specific return-to-sport therapeutic exercises. While attending Central Washington University (CWU), Chaz was a third baseman for the varsity baseball team, which explains his love for treating athletes! He graduated From CWU with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Physiology. After his undergraduate degree, Chaz received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. His clinical experience includes working in inpatient rehab and multiple outpatient orthopedic clinics. In his free time he enjoys hiking, golfing, fishing, and attending sporting events whenever possible.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Clinical Physiology from Central Washington University
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound

Associations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Teresa Kuzmer has worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant since graduating from Green River Community College. She has used her prior experience to help develop work conditioning and work hardening programs that facilitate injured workers to reach their full potential. The Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy team work closely together, along with claim stakeholders, to provide an individualized program for a positive and successful return to the workforce. Her expertise, compassion and energy are qualities that elevate the injured worker to reach personal wellness and return to work goals. When she is not working, she stays busy teaching a total body conditioning class two days a week. Along with this, Teresa enjoys riding her bike, coaching soccer and enjoying her family. One of her favorite activities is spending time with her three grandsons playing sports, games, watching a movie or reading them a book.

Education:

• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from Green River Community College

Daniel earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to this, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Saginaw Valley State University.

After an 8,000-mile road trip across the western half of the United States in 2015, Daniel and his wife decided they wanted to move to the greater Seattle area. Upon moving, he completed an Orthopedic Residency and became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).

In his spare time, Daniel loves to climb, mountaineer, ski, hike, fly fish, and compete in powerlifting. He also loves to read (mostly non-fiction but, also some classics).

Mallory McGowan earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from California State University, Fresno. Prior to that, Mallory obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine from the University of the Pacific, Stockton.

Mallory is certified in Myofascial Decompression (MFDc), otherwise known as “cupping”  and is most interested in treating neck pain.

In her free time, Mallory enjoys traveling, trivia games, and spending time with family.

Brent is a native of Washington and after receiving his Masters in Physical Therapy he practiced outpatient orthopedic physical therapy in Spokane for 1 year. He has been the Director of Totem Lake Physical Therapy for 24 years. He enjoys boating, fishing and family activities with his wife and 2 children.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Western Washington University, 1992
• Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1996

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association

Lisa is the director of Bellevue Physical Therapy and has been practicing with the RET group since 2013. She was born and raised in Olympia and attended the University of Washington where she was a member of the cheer team and studied Materials Science and Engineering.  When she realized she cared more about helping people than glass production efficiency she pursued a career in the biomechanics of the human body and received her doctorate degree in physical therapy at the University of St. Augustine in San Diego.

Lisa enjoys helping people overcome physical challenges with empathy and treating patients as a whole person not just as a condition. As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, she uses an evidence-based approach to tailor treatment to address each patient’s unique needs. She openly collaborates with other healthcare providers to provide optimal outcomes for her patients.

In addition to treating common neuromusculoskeletal conditions, she is specialized in treating pelvic health issues (prenatal/postpartum care and incontinence), vestibular vertigo, temporomandibular disorders, and cervicogenic headaches.  In her free time, Lisa loves trying new restaurants, paddle boarding, rooting for the Husky and Seahawks teams, and reliving childhood through her young son.

Born and raised in Washington State, Kris attended Central Washington University where he attained his undergraduate degree in Biology and also played collegiate football. As clinic director Kris believes physical therapy should be one-on-one care customized to fit each individual’s specific goals and needs. With his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, golfing, and snowboarding.

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Pacific University in Portland

 Linzy Bond earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Baylor University. Prior to that, Linzy obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas. 

Linzy specializes in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) and is most interested in working with patients of all ages, as well as patients with chronic pain. 

In her free time, Linzy enjoys CrossFit, hiking, and spending quality time with her cats. 

Meagan attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Science. While there she was also captain and coach of Gonzaga’s Dance Team. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Puget Sound. Her clinical experience consists of a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, hospital based outpatient neurological and orthopedic care, pediatrics, and outpatient orthopedics. Meagan is passionate about manual orthopedic physical therapy and strives to provide the highest level of care to help all of her patients meet their functional goals. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association and works to assist in promoting and advancing the profession in all avenues.  In her free time Meagan enjoys dance, fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Gonzaga University
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from University of Puget Sound

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Certifications and Training:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Michael Jennings is the clinic director of the Tukwila Location. 

Connecting an individual’s return to activity goals, whether an elite athlete or weekend warrior with the correct treatments, exercise, and movement patterns is my everyday priority. The focus of my care is in identifying movement and pain dysfunctions in orthopedic patients across the age spectrum. Because of my lifelong involvement in the soccer community through coaching and sports medicine (Sounders U23, Sounder Women’s College, club), many of my patients are soccer athletes returning back to play from acute or overuse injuries. Our Starfire Clinic is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts the Seattle Sounders First Team, Sounders U23’s, Sounder Women and Academy strength and conditioning efforts. We specialize in testing and preparing detailed treatment protocol for athletes, such as ACL reconstruction, ACL prevention programs, adolescent overuse injuries, and more.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at University of Puget Sound; Tacoma, WA
• Master of Health Science in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
• Sports Certified Specialist

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Clinical Instructor
• Adjunct Clinical Faculty, University of Puget Sound