Clinical Staff
The clinical staff at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are highly trained healthcare professionasl who work under the supervision of our orthopaedic doctors.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants are highly trained healthcare providers who work under the supervision of our orthopaedic doctors to take medical histories; conduct exams; diagnose and treat bone, joint, and muscle injuries and conditions; order and interpret tests, such as X-rays and MRI scans; prescribe medications, and assist our doctors during surgery. Our PAs are trained to recognize when patients need the attention of a supervising doctor or additional specialist.
Lori Cardwell, PA-C
Lori Cardwell joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in June of 2008 and works directly with Thomas Helpenstell, MD at our Westside location. Lori holds a Master of Science from the University of Oregon and has a 12-year background in radiology technology prior to her completion of the Physician Assistant Program at The University of Washington in 1998. Lori joined us with 10 years of prior orthopaedic specific experience.
Education
- Master of Science: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
- Physician Assistant Program: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Certification: American Academy of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Washington Academy of Physician Assistants
- Washington State Medical Association
Jared Cornelison, PA-C
Jared joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in June of 2013 and works directly with Dr. Byrd. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology followed by a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Idaho State University. He then worked in Chicago at Lutheran General Hospital as a resident in orthopaedic surgery.
Jared is a certified Physician Assistant and member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biology: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
- Certification: American Academy of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Heather Cushing, MPAS, PA-C
Heather returned to Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in September 2015, after spending 15 months working in Trauma & Orthopaedics for the National Health System in England. She works with Dr. Timothy DuMontier, specializing in foot and ankle. She has previously worked at OOA with Dr. William Peterson. Heather has experience working in the Sports Medicine subspecialty of orthopaedics, and spent 5 years practicing general orthopaedics in Centralia, WA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Whitman College and earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2005 from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California.
Heather grew up in Yakima, Washington, and made Olympia her home in 2002. She currently lives in Olympia with her husband and two children. She enjoys cycling, volleyball, traveling, and spending time with her family. Heather and her husband love to see their children grow and to explore the world with them.
Education
- Bachelor of Asian Studies: Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies: Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Mary Goldmann, PA-C
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Bachelor of Clinical Health Services, MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Washington Academy of Physician Assistants
Allison Hamza , PA-C, MMS, NTP
Education
- Fellowship in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Hirsch Center for Integrative Medicine, Olympia WA
- Master of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
- Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Certifications
- Fellowship in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Hirsch Center for Integrative Medicine
- Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Certification, Nutritional Therapy Association
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Washington Association of Physician Assistants
- Nutritional Therapy Association
- Institute for Functional Medicine
- American Association for Restorative Medicine
Angela Harrold, PA-C
Education
- Bachelor of Clinical Health Services, MEDEX Northwest-University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Professional Associations
- Washington State Academy of Physician Assistants
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Owen Harris, PA-C
Education
- Associate of Applied Science, Surgical Technology: Eastern Idaho Technical College, Idaho Falls, ID
- Bachelor of Applied Science, Surgical Technology: Boise State University, Boise, ID
- Bachelor of Science, Health Science Studies: Boise State University, Boise, ID
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
- Certification: American Academy of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Bradley Henderson, PA-C
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training: Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX
- Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery
Derek Hoopes, PA-C
Derek was born and raised in Wyoming but moved to Washington in 2015 and has loved exploring the state. He enjoys climbing mountains, playing tennis, riding his mountain bike, skiing, listening to podcasts during his commute to work, and going on adventures with his kids.
Education
- Bachelor of Science: University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
- Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
- Certification: American Academy of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Steven Johns, PA-C
Education
- Associate of Arts and Sciences: Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA
- Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health Professions, Omaha, NE
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health Professions, Omaha, NE
- Certification: American Academy of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Morgan LaRoque, PA-C
Education
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies: Northern Arizona University, Phoenix, AZ
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
Professional Associations:
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
Matthew Marshall, PA-C
Matthew is a decorated Captain of the United States Army, and he has had experience with sports medicine and traumatic injuries throughout his life and career. He takes an evidence-based approach to care in a manner that will maximize patient outcomes in the shortest period of time. Matthew enjoys making a positive impact in a person’s life and is happiest when a patient can return to their normal activities without restrictions.
Education
- Associate of Science: The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- Bachelor of Science: Interservice Physician Assistant Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies: Interservice Physician Assistant Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Society of Army Physician Assistants
- Washington Academy of Physician Assistants
- Wilderness Medical Society
Clint Miller, PA-C
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Health Science: Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK
- Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Program: The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Scott Adams, PA-C
Education
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Medical University of South Carolina
- Bachelor of Science and Public Health: Brigham Young University, Utah
Chris Spikes, PA-C
Education
- Master of Physician Assistant: Medical College of Georgia
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training: Eastern Washington University
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants: Washington State
Terri Grosshans, PA-C
Education
- Master of Clinical Health Services: University of Washington MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Kaplan University
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
- Washington State Academy of Physicians Assistant (WAPA)
Kristy Terrenzi, PA-C
Nicole Pine, PA-C
Education
- Undergraduate: Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO – BS in Exercise Science and a personal training certificate
- Masters: Heritage University, Toppenish, WA – Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA)
Professional Associations
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine
- American Association of Physician Assistants
Alex Pittman, PA-C
Education
- Undergraduate: Louisiana Tech – Bachelor of Science
- Doctorate: LSU Health – Physical Therapy
Nurse Practitioners
Michelle McGinley, ARNP, RNFA, CNOR
Education
- Associate of Applied Sciences, Nursing: Western Nevada College, Carson City, NV
- Associate of General Studies: Western Nevada College, Carson City, NV
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Western Governors University, Kent, WA
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Studies, Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
- Registered Nurse First Assistant Program: National Institute of First Assisting, Centennial, CO
- Certification as a Certified Registered Nurse – Operating Room: Competency & Credentialing Institute
- Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Professional Associations
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Athletic Trainers
Rebecca McClinon, D.A.T., L.A.T., A.T.C., C.S.C.S.
With nearly 20 years of experience as an athletic trainer, she specializes in non-operative management of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal care. Her interests include manual therapy for acute and chronic injuries, pain management, and maximizing performance and injury outcomes utilizing a wide variety of innovative treatment paradigms. Additionally, Dr. McClinon has served as an Associate Professor at South Puget Sound Community College for the past 10 years.
Dr. McClinon along with the Sports Medicine Team, partners with local providers including athletic trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, primary care physicians and orthopaedic surgeons to provide comprehensive care for the physically active population.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts: Health and Athletic Training Luther College, Decorah IA
- Master of Arts: Kinesiology, Subspecialty Athletic Training, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
- Doctorate of Athletic Training, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
- National Athletic Trainer Association Board Certified
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Professional Associations
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
Rachel Sherburne, A.T.C., A.T./L.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
- Master’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Science: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
- Certified Athletic Trainer
Julia Young, ATC
Westside Clinic Physical Therapists
Michelle Grippo, M.P.T.
Michelle received her bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of California, Riverside, after having received her associate of arts degree from the University of Maryland University College in Europe. She attended the Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, to earn her master of physical therapy degree. Michelle has also received advanced specialized training in many areas of physical therapy, including knee and shoulder rehabilitation and evaluation, treatment and prevention of spinal disorders, and dry needling.
Michelle lived in Germany for 6 years before moving to Washington, and she speaks conversational German and some Spanish. Prior to joining us here at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, she had 17 years of experience in physical therapy, having worked both in the inpatient setting and the outpatient setting. Michelle’s major focus of training and experience is in orthopaedic rehabilitation and manual therapy.
Education
- Associate of Arts: University of Maryland University College Europe, Kaiserslautern, Germany
- Bachelor of Science: University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
- Master of Physical Therapy: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA
Certification
- Certification: Kinesio Taping Practitioner
Ryan Hill, P.T., D.P.T., A.T.C.
Melinda Mason, M.P.T., O.C.S.
Melinda received her bachelor of science degree in zoology from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, before continuing on to earn her master of physical therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, with an emphasis in orthopaedic physical therapy. She is an orthopaedic clinical specialist board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.
Melinda has been employed in physical therapy since 1999 and has worked as a lead physical therapist and clinical director, as well as served as a clinical instructor for the University of Puget Sound. In her free time, she is also a certified yoga instructor.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology: Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- Master of Physical Therapy: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Certification
- Certified Orthopaedic Clinic Specialist: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Professional Associations
- American Physical Therapy Association, Member
- Physical Therapy Association of Washington, Member
Eastside Clinic Physical Therapists
Kirstyn Brinkman, P.T.A
Kirstyn is a skilled outpatient physical therapist assistant. She has experience working with pre- and post-operative patients along with sports, neuromuscular and orthopedic injuries. Other skills include manual therapy, exercise programming, gait training, Kinesio-taping, gua sha, and joint mobilization. With her experience with treatment programs of various orthopaedic injuries and her athletic background, she will be working directly with our physical therapists to provide the highest level of therapeutic care for each patient.
Education
- Associate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant Program, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA
- Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology, Western Washington University, WA
Dan Churches, P.T.
Dan attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, to earn his bachelor of science degree in physical therapy and physical education. He has been in Washington since 1993, and he has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of physical therapy. Most of Dan’s practice and training has focused on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and conditions and working with athletes of all levels. He has also volunteered his services for several local high schools, covering football, soccer, and basketball games.
Currently, Dan provides physical therapy treatment for a variety of orthopaedic patients, including those with various musculoskeletal conditions for both the competitive athlete, as well as those wanting to return to everyday activities.
Education
- Bachelor of Science: The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Israel Ellerbrock P.T.A.
Israel earned his Associate’s Degree at Olympic College in Bremerton, Wa. He is a Level 1 and Level 2 technician in Kinesio Taping. His experience consists of gait and balance testing and training in assistive devices for gait and balance.
Education
- Associate’s degree in Applied Science, Olympic College, Bremerton WA
- Certified Kinesio Taping Technician
Certifications
- CKTT Workshop Level 1 and level 2 ,
- Certified Kinesio Taping Technician
Christopher Henderson, D.P.T.
After graduating from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in human biology, Christopher completed his master of physical therapy degree there as well. He later earned his transitional doctorate of physical therapy at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He has a strong background in falls and balances rehabilitation and care plans.
Christopher served as an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Washington University in the doctor of a physical therapy program for several years. He has been in the field of physical therapy since 2002 and is a certified geriatric physical therapy specialist.
Education
- Bachelor of Science: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
- Master of Physical Therapy: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
Certifications
- Advanced Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program: American Physical Therapy Association
- Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program: American Physical Therapy Association
- Geriatric Certified Specialist: American Physical Therapy Association
Alaina Hill, D.P.T.
Alaina has been working as a physical therapist since 2012, practicing in a variety of patient care settings including outpatient, acute care hospital, long-term acute care hospital, skilled nursing facility, and home health. She has developed and executed physical therapy plans of care for diverse groups of patients of all age ranges, diagnoses, and cultural backgrounds. With her experience of supervising physical therapy assistants, she was able to provide guidance for the implementation of a patient care treatment plan.
In her spare time, she enjoys such as camping, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Education
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy: The College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN
- Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences: The College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN
Professional Affiliations
- American Physical Therapy
- Association Member, 2009 – present
Tammi Stewart, D.P.T., M.T.C.
Tammi has worked as a physical therapist in a variety of settings, including outpatient, inpatient hospital, and skilled nursing in Georgia, California, and Washington. She was a competitive swimmer and has a special interest in sports medicine.
In her spare time, Tammi enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, traveling, and volunteers performing sports-related physicals for the Olympia School District and providing after race care at the Capitol City Marathon.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Health Education, Athletic Training: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St. Augustine, FL
Certifications
- Manual Therapy Certification: the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St. Augustine, FL
Professional Affiliations:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Byron-Noel Sunga, D.P.T.
Physical Therapy Assistants
Renea Atwood, P.T.A.
As a physical therapy assistant, Renea is deeply committed to delivering quality care and achieving superior patient outcomes. She carries out patient treatment plans established by our physical therapists as a member of our multidisciplinary team. With extensive training and experience, Renea practices a broad range of programs, treatments, and modalities to restore function to patients in rehabilitation, including joint mobilizations, stretching, and massage. She believes that each patient is unique and tailors her treatments to specific patient needs and goals under the evaluating therapist’s plan of care.
Renea joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates with 6 years of experience in acute care and 15 years of outpatient physical therapy experience and currently provides physical therapy assistance for orthopaedic patients with a variety of injuries and conditions. Renea enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, riding bikes kayaking and going to either the lake or the beach.
Education
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program: Green River Community College, Auburn, WA
Kelly Westlund, P.T.A.
Kelly is a physical therapy assistant and member of our multidisciplinary physical therapy team. She has been working with physical therapy patients in Washington since 2006, when she began working as a physical therapy tech. Since then, Kelly has gained a wide variety of skills in physical therapy and rehabilitative care.
A graduate of the physical therapist assistant program at Whatcom Community College, Kelly’s training and work experience includes a number of therapeutic modalities, such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound uses as well as Kinesio® taping, aquatic and manual therapy, muscle energy techniques, manual traction, durable medical equipment fitting and adjusting, and posture and body mechanics.
Education
- Associate in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program: Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA
Clayton Woods, P.T.A.
Andrew is a member of our physical therapy department, where he works closely with our physical therapists to provide the highest level of therapy care for our patients. Andrew graduated from the Pima Medical Institute in Seattle, Washington, where he earned his associate of applied science degree after completing the physical therapist assistant program. He has experience with physical therapy exercise programs, manual therapy, applied modalities for pain, and patient education.
Andrew works with our physical therapy team providing expertise and assistance to help patients recover from a broad range of orthopaedic injuries, conditions, and procedures and return to their active lifestyles.
Education
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program: Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, WA
Occupational Therapists
Our specialty-trained therapists have the skills and experience to help patients recover from injuries, conditions, and surgeries and return to their active lifestyles.
Jen Altimari OTR/L
Jami Bracy, C.O.T.A.
Jami completed the occupational therapy assistant program at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington, to earn her associate of applied science degree. She specializes in occupational therapy and improving functional abilities for patients with upper extremity injuries and conditions. Jami is trained in the latest treatment protocols and therapeutic exercise programs.
Jami is a certified occupational therapy assistant and has worked in occupational therapy since 2006. She has experience in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Education
- Associate of Applied Science: Green River Community College, Auburn, WA
Cami Knackstedt OTR/L
Kristi McConnell, OTR/L
Education
- Bachelor of Science: Radford University, Radford Virginia
- Master of Occupational Therapy: Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia
Professional Associations
- American Society of Hand Therapists
Kate Sisco, O.T.R./L., C.H.T.
After working in hand therapy for 9 years, Kate became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2009. Once certified, it made Kate and her mother, the second “mother/daughter CHT duo” in the country. This is a unique status they are privileged to share
As a hand therapist, Kate custom fabricates dynamic and static splints for fracture bracing, post-operative protection and/or mobilization for the elbow, wrist, and hand. In addition to orthopaedic diagnoses, she also has experience with repetitive strain injuries, CRPS, arthritic conditions and has some pediatric experience.
Kate is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapy (ASHT) as well as the Washington Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA). She has contributed innovative therapeutic concepts to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC).
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy: San Jose University, San Jose, CA
- Certification in Hand Therapy: Hand Therapy Certification Commission
Professional Associations
- American Society of Hand Therapy
- Washington Occupational Therapy Association
Are You Ready To Take The Next Steps?
We encourage you to contact our care coordinators or make an appointment with one of our Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedics.
Call Us Today! (360) 570 3460
