Puyallup – Meridian Physical Therapy & Aquatic Center

Katie grew up in Yakima, WA and attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, where she played collegiate basketball.  While at PLU, she developed a love for sports medicine while working in the athletic training room while she wasn’t on the court, she decided to pursue a career in physical therapy.  She attended grad school at AT Still University/Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, AZ graduating with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008.  Upon graduation, she began working for RET.  She has worked in every capacity in the clinic!  In addition to being the clinic director at Meridian, she also works as a regional office manager for all RET’s south-end clinics; helping office managers, training new hires, managing day-to-day office manager duties, etc.  She was honored to receive the Morris Award from the Washington State Physical Therapy Managers Association in 2018 after being nominated by her coworkers and peers within RET!  She currently serves on the WSPTMA Board as Treasurer.  When she’s not working, you can find Katie on the sidelines of local gyms, coaching high school basketball.  She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pups!

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. He then went on to receive his master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2003. His training includes neurological rehabilitation, sports and orthopedics with a specialization in lymphedema and brachioplexopathy rehabilitation. As the Managing Director of Meridian Physical Therapy and Athletic Rehabilitation since 2005, his innovation and passion for helping people achieve their rehabilitative goals. Bill is considered to be an expert in post-operative spine rehabilitation and as such has spoken at neurosurgical conferences amongst some of the world’s most esteemed neurosurgeons. He also teaches continuing education courses regarding neurodynamic mobilization of the upper/lower extremities. His forward thinking and entrepreneurial mindset helped him create a rehabilitation center approach to care incorporating massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, and lifestyle medicine in an effort to accelerate rehabilitation outcomes.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from California State University
• Masters in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion

Dayme earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Long Island University, NY. After working mainly in outpatient care, Jayme has experience treating a wide range of ages, as well as different types of injuries. She is passionate about and has been actively involved in the Crossfit Industry as an athlete and coach for the last six years. Jayme’s involvement has granted her the opportunity to treat a vast array of sports-related injuries, in addition to providing preventive care. As a San Francisco native, Jayme enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She has had the pleasure of working, living in and exploring various parts of the country, which has allowed her to appreciate interaction with many people.

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Long Island University in New York
• Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in therapeutic rehabilitation from California State University, Los Angeles in California

Margret graduated from Bastyr University with her baccalaureate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She practiced her dietetic internship at Good Shepherd Medical Hospital, The Institute for Healthy Living, and The University of Texas Health Science Center in northeast Texas. Margret has practiced in a variety of settings including acute care for adults, neonatal nutrition, diabetic education, bariatric and weight loss nutrition, and outpatient counseling. Her counseling technique utilizes motivational interviewing to help patients reach goals that are important to them and maintain results over a lifetime. Margret’s passion for health does not end with nutrition. In her leisure time she hikes in the Cascade Mountains and scrambles up local peaks. She is a former bike racer and current marathon runner.  When she is not running she enjoys fly fishing, gardening, and tasting cuisine from all parts of the world.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science and Nutrition, Bastyr University 2015

Courtney Duda 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

George is a new physical therapist graduate with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget sound. George was born and raised in Egypt, and moved to Colorado to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University before continuing to graduate school. His passion is to work towards helping each individual achieve their functional goals and get them back to what they love and living their life to their fullest potential. His clinical interest include work conditioning and sports rehabilitation.

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
• Bachelor of Biological Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Certifications & Training:

• OTAGO Exercise Program

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Additional Languages:

• Arabic
• French

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)

Bio coming soon.

Laura graduated from Saint Louis University with her master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, with an emphasis on medical nutrition therapy. Prior to 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 2018, Minored in Exercise Science and Hispanic Studies

Brenna earned her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Green River College in June of 2019. She grew an interest in anatomy and kinesiology from over 15 years of ballet, which further developed into an interest in rehabilitation through her own experience as a physical therapy patient. She experiences the greatest amount of joy from her career when she sees her patients return to what they love to do. Her plans for continuing education primarily include dancer rehab, Schroth for scoliosis, Parkinson’s disease, and the neuroscience of pain. When not in the clinic, she may be found dropping into ballet classes, spending time with family, or simply staying at home with her dog to read and play video games.

an joined the RET Physical Therapy team in 2017 and is excited to be working in the Meridian work rehabilitation department. He has over 25 years of clinical experience in patient care. Dan’s vast experience includes military medicine, inpatient and outpatient settings, and outpatient orthopedic. He is enthusiastic, with a friendly calming demeanor and has a strong interest in biomechanics and functional mobility. Daniel has specialized training as a movement specialist which translates well to the industrial rehab world, contributing to the teaching of proper mechanics with work activities.

Education:

• Associates of Applied Science Physical Therapy from Broome Community College in Bingham New York
• Clinical Internship in movement specialty

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