Puyallup – Summit Physical Therapy

John received his B.S. from Brigham Young University in Exercise Physiology. He then went on to receive a Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Utah. He moved to Washington where he worked in a private practice in outpatient orthopedics and then returned to the University of Utah a year later to complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. John has worked in outpatient orthopedics for 12 years and has recently become a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He enjoys employing manual therapy skills with exercise and movement to help his patients restore their active life styles. He has worked in management positions and begun a  work conditioning/work hardening program. John is a busy father of four and enjoys the outdoors; hiking and camping when he can but most of his time he can be found working on home improvement projects around his house. He performs Hippotherapy exclusively at Meridian.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University
• Masters and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Utah

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

Jessica earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Prior to that, she attended Pacific Lutheran University and earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. She is a Puget Sound native and grew up in the Graham area. In her younger days, she played basketball where she suffered a severe ankle sprain, which required her to go to physical therapy and eventually led her to pursue her career as a physical therapist. Jessica has special interest in manual therapy and rehabilitation of the young athlete and is dedicated to staying current on evidence based practice as it pertains to the orthopedic patient. She also enjoys treating patients with vertigo, dizziness, or balance dysfunction. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Puget Sound, 2013

Certifications and Training:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Kristine has worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2003. Her professional career started at UAW Ford Plant in St. Paul, MN where she worked in their outpatient clinic as an independent contractor for two years.  She visited Washington State and fell in love with the mountains.  In the fall of 2004, she relocated here to pursue her love of year round outdoor activities and sports. At that time, she joined the RET group.  She enjoys working at Summit Physical Therapy because it offers a light atmosphere with a knowledgeable, innovative and friendly staff.

Education:

• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from the College of Saint Catherine in Minneapolis, 2002

Olga Tabachnaya graduated from Green River Community College. She began working at Summit Physical Therapy in 2010. She has experience in outpatient orthopedic settings as well as clinical and volunteering experiences in pediatrics and skilled nursing. In her free time she enjoys international travel and performing music.

Education:

• Green River Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, 2010

Organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Kinesio Taping Association

Sarah Nichols has been a PTA since 2008. She loves what she does and people are her passion. She has experience working with all age groups mainly in the outpatient setting. Sarah loves spending time with my children and being a mom. Originally from Michigan, she lived in Arizona a total of 12 years. She has been to many states and lived in a few, but Washington by far was the prettiest state with so much to do. She plans to raise her children here in the years to come.

Education:

• Associates in Arts and Sciences with focus in Physical Therapist Assistant

Certifications & Training:

• CPR/First Aid

Halcyon graduated from Green River Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 1999. She began working in hand therapy in 2001 and promptly knew it was the place for her. She has extensive experience working with patients with repetitive stress injuries and is certified as an ergonomic assessment specialist. When not working, Halcyon enjoys hiking and spending time with her children and their many animals.

Education:

• Green River Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, 1990

Organizations:

• Washington Occupational Therapy Association