Puyallup – Meridian (Formerly Meridian Physical Therapy, Formerly Meridian Rehabilitation Center)

Bill Pfister, DPT, MPT, CLT is Chief Executive Officer of RET Physical Therapy and Healthcare Specialists. RET is a rapidly growing physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, and dietetic private practice in Washington State. Dr. Pfister is an actively engaged member of Washington States Private Practice Special Interest Group and sits on APTA’s Private Practice Section board of directors.
Bill Pfister Jr. received his B.S. in kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy from California State University Hayward. There he played collegiate basketball, was the team captain, and earned an Academic All-American award. Dr. Pfister received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Rutgers University and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2003. He completed his post-professional DPT at EIM’s Institute of Health Professionals in 2018. He is a graduate of Evidence in Motion’s Executive Program in Private Practice Management in 2018. He completed his post-professional DPT at Evidence in Motion’s Institute of Health Professionals in 2019.

Clinically Dr. Pfister possesses advanced competencies in post-surgical spine rehabilitation and as such has been a guest speaker at neurosurgical conferences amongst some of the world’s most esteemed neurosurgeons. Additionally, Dr. Pfister has a specialization in lymphedema and has worked as an expert in pre-and post-surgical breast cancer treatment, and has worked closely with some of the top oncologists and cancer teams in Western WA. His forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset helped him create a rehabilitation center approach to care incorporating massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, and lifestyle medicine to accelerate rehabilitation outcomes.

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

Laura graduated from Saint Louis University with her master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, with an emphasis on medical nutrition therapy. Before that, she achieved her baccalaureate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the College of Saint Benedict, minoring in Exercise Science and Hispanic Studies. She completed her dietetic internship at Saint Louis University at various organizations throughout the St. Louis area. Laura has practiced in a variety of outpatient settings, including diabetes education, prenatal nutrition/gestational diabetes nutrition education, food allergies, bariatric and weight loss nutrition, GI diseases, nutrition throughout cancer treatment and recovery, and adult acute care.

Her counseling technique utilizes motivational interviewing to help patients reach goals that are important to them and maintain results over a lifetime.

In Laura’s spare time, she enjoys playing recreational volleyball and soccer, spending time outdoors hiking and exploring new trails, rafting and skiing, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Education:

– Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Saint Louis University 2019

– Bachelor of Art in Nutrition, College of Saint Benedict, Minored in Exercise Science and Hispanic Studies

Ann is a Meridian occupational therapist as well as a speech therapist with extensive experience in combining occupational therapy and speech pathology. Ann received her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University. She then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University, and in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Northern Colorado. In addition, she had Neurodevelopmental Therapy Training in Pediatrics from the Bobath Centre in London. Ann’s work experience as a pediatric therapist and her love of horses led to her passion for hippotherapy.

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University
• Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Northern Colorado
• Bachelor’s Degree, Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University

Certifications:

• Neurodevelopmental Therapy Training in Pediatrics, Bobath Centre, London
• Completed an Equine Science Certificate

Emily received her Masters in Occupational Therapy in December of 2016. She has clinical internship experience in pediatrics and industrial rehabilitation. She has a passion for working with her patients to help them return to doing the activities that they love. She is also very involved in the Washington Occupational Therapy Association and serves on the conference committee. She enjoys advocating for OT, and creating relationships with OTs from around the state. In her spare time Emily loves watching the Seahawks, creating digital invitations, and trying new foods with her husband.

Education:

• Bachelors of Arts with a Minor in Special Education, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
• Master in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Washington University, Spokane, WA

Organizations:

• Washington Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA)

Yelena Golub earned her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Whatcom Community College. Prior to that, Yelena obtained her Associate of Science from Whatcom Community College.

Yelena is an Orthopaedic, Lymphedema Specialist and is most interested in treating cancer-related Lymphedema.

In her free time, Yelena enjoys hiking, traveling, and gardening.

Joe has been a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2016. In his time with RET he has also been certified in Lymphedema therapy. His achievements have allowed him to following his passion of empowering individuals to be their best, physically and mentally. When not practicing Physical therapy he continues to provide in home massage therapy.

Joe enjoys volunteering at church, traveling to the ocean, vacationing, golfing, and having movie nights with his family. He continues to further his education and abilities to better serve his community.

Education:

• Certificate of Massage Therapy from Ashmead College, 1999
• Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from Green River
  College, 2016
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist through KLOSE training, 2018

Toni Ruth received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Green River Community College in 2011, and since, has found her calling to be focused in an outpatient orthopedic setting. She has maintained a diverse background working with a variety of settings including: outpatient orthopedics, skilled nursing/geriatric, industrial rehabilitation, pain management, and aquatics. In her free time she enjoys being active in athletics, arts and crafts, going to sporting events (GO HAWKS!), and spending time with family and friends.

Education:

• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from Green River Community College, 2011