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
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, our physician assistants (PAs) work closely with our orthopaedic doctors to provide the highest level of surgical and nonsurgical care for patients.
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 P. Brodie Wood, MD and Thomas Helpenstell, MD at our Eastside 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
Mary Goldmann joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2017 with over 10 years of prior physician assistant experience, including in the fields of family medicine, interventional radiology, and orthopaedics. Mary works directly with Dr. Andrew Manista at our Westside location. Mary attended the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, to earn her bachelor of arts in anthropology with a minor in music. She went on to the University of Washington School of Medicine to earn her bachelor of clinical health services and complete the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program.
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
Owen Harris joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2016 and works directly with our orthopaedic surgeons. Owen received his master of science degree in physician assistant studies from Idaho State University and worked in medicine for 14 years and in the field of orthopaedics for 10 years before joining us.
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
Bradley Henderson joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2017 and works directly with Dr. R. Trent McKay at our Eastside location. Bradley earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. He later received his master’s degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, after completing his physician assistant studies.
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 joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in January of 2015 and works with Dr. Trent McKay at the Eastside location. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming followed by a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University in Arizona. He has been working as a Physician Assistant in the orthopaedic surgery field since 2007.
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
Steven Johns joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2016. He works directly with our orthopaedic surgeons. Steve is a decorated member of the U.S. Army Reserve and worked in the medical field for 20 years before joining us. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physician assistant studies at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
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 Marshall is a certified physician assistant working in our Rapid Orthopaedic Care clinic. He specializes in closed reductions, small and large joint cortisone injections, viscosupplementation injections, laceration repairs, and trigger point injections. Matthew received his associate’s degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and earned his bachelor of science and master of physician assistant studies degrees through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
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
Scott Adams joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in October 2018 and works directly with Dr. Douglas Taylor at our Westside clinic. Scott holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina. He has experience in both the emergency room setting as well as family practice. Scott and his wife Rachel have two girls, seven and four and a brand new baby boy. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and fishing.
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
Chris Spikes joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in October 2018 and work directly with Dr. Adam Graver at our Eastside clinic. Chris holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical College of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Eastern Washington University. He has extensive experience in orthopaedics including surgical, non-surgical, and trauma settings. He and his wife Michelle, have two sons and a daughter and enjoys family activities such as sports and camping.
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
Nicole joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2019 and works with Dr. P. Brodie Wood. After traveling around the country as a child, she attended Colorado Mesa University, earning her BS in Exercise Science. She then attended Heritage University to obtain her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. According to Nicole, “My approach to patient care is one of sympathy and kindness. My job, as I see it, is to help them gain as much mobility and decrease as much pain as possible, so they may lead their best, most active life.” Outside of work, Nicole enjoys running marathons, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, bouldering, obstacle course races, jewelry making, playing guitar/ukulele, cooking and baking.
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
Alex joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2019 and works primarily in our Rapid Orthopaedic Care clinic. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Louisiana Tech and then went on to LSU Health Sciences Center to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He spent 3 years owning a physical therapy clinic before earning his Bachelor of Physician Assistant Sciences in 2011. Alex and his wife, Ashley, have family connections to Oregon and Washington and over the years have spent more and more vacation time in the Pacific Northwest. They are excited to raise their daughter in the community and enjoy everything Olympia has to offer. They enjoy snow skiing, hiking, wake boarding and golf.
Education
- Undergraduate: Louisiana Tech – Bachelor of Science
- Doctorate: LSU Health – Physical Therapy
Nurse Practitioners
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, we take a team approach to evaluating and treating our patients’ injuries effectively. Our ARNPs are highly trained healthcare providers, that work closely with their orthopaedic surgeon to provide the highest level of care. They conduct exams; take medical histories; diagnose/treat muscle, bone or joint injuries and conditions, order and interpret tests, such as X-rays and MRIs; they order labs, EKGs and prescribe medications; and assist our doctors during surgery. They provide patients with education, guidance, therapeutic treatments and are trained to recognize when patients need the attention of their surgeon or additional specialist.
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.
Dr. Rebecca McClinon is a native of Madison, Wisconsin. Growing up in the Midwest she completed her undergraduate degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, before attending a master’s program at San Jose State University. Having worked for Dr. Patrick Halpin since 2012, she recently completed a doctorate of athletic training at the University of Idaho and residency at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, and now joins the Sports Medicine Team Program as the Program Coordinator. Rebecca is a board certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
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.
Rachel is originally from Tacoma, Washington. In 2007, she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Eastern Washington University. She then passed the national certification exam to become a certified athletic trainer. Rachel completed her master’s degree in exercise and sports science in 2009 from Oregon State University. She returned to Washington and started at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2013. She works with Dr. Gregory Byrd as a physician extender and scribe. Rachel currently lives in Lacey with her husband and two children.
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
Julia is from Houston, Texas and joined Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2019. She graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and is currently working on her Doctorate in Athletic Training through Indiana State University. She currently works with Dr. Peterson and Dr. Lamour as an Athletic Trainer. She enjoys hiking and camping in her free time.
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
Physical & Hand Therapy
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.
With Israel’s extensive experience in developing and implementing therapeutic programs for a diverse patient population, he will be working directly with our Physical Therapists to provide the highest level of therapeutic care for each patient.
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.
Physical & Hand Therapy
Alaina graduated from the College of Saint Scholastica with her doctorate degree in physical therapy and bachelor of arts in health sciences. With her extensive experience as a physical therapist in many multi-disciplinary settings, she is proficient in providing optimized patient treatment plans for each individual’s successful recovery.
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 graduated from Georgia College & State University with her bachelor of science degree in health education with a concentration in athletic training. She went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2009, where she later also received her manual therapy certification. Tammi is also ImPACT certified for concussion management and has additional training in Graston Technique, neurostructural integration, autonomic nervous system balance, and the Feldenkrais method.
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
At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, our occupational therapists work closely with our orthopaedic doctors to provide the highest level of therapy care for patients.
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
Kristi began with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates in 2019 after working as an occupational therapist in VA. Kristi earned her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Emory & Henry College and has experience working in both clinical and in-home settings. Prior to working as an occupational therapist, she worked as a recreation therapist and completed her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation while attending Radford University in 2005.
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.
Kate has been practicing hand therapy in the Olympia area for over 12 years. She is originally from southern California, graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy.
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
