Our Staff
Bellingham Physical Therapy employs skilled clinicians whose primary interest is giving each client the best possible physical therapy experience. We love our work and are interesting individuals too.
Physical therapists are licensed through the state of Washington. They must have a degree in physical therapy from an accredited school, the majority of which are entry level doctorate programs, and pass a national board exam to meet licensure requirements. They must complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years to retain licensure, a requirement that our therapists usually far exceed. All of our physical therapists are members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA). Physical therapists are responsible for performing evaluations and working with patients identify treatment goals, develop and manage their plan of care.
Physical therapist assistants (PTA) graduate with an associate’s degree from an accredited 1 ½ to 2 year program. Physical therapists are licensed in Washington State, and must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. They assist in carrying out the plan of care that is established by the physical therapist. Our physical therapist assistants provide unique and valuable skills and insights, working closely with your therapist to help you meet your goals.
Personal Trainers are certified through a certifying agency that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). They must complete a self-paced course and pass a certifying exam in order to become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Every 2 years they must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education to ensure they are staying current with best practice guidelines, and to expand their skills and knowledge. Personal Trainers create and deliver individualized exercise programs that are safe and effective for their clients. At Bellingham Physical Therapy we offer the unique opportunity for our personal trainers to work in conjunction with our physical therapy clinicians in order to deliver fitness programming that is personalized to the needs of each individual.
We also employ physical therapy aides that are trained on the job to assist with application of modalities, and keep our treatment rooms and clinic clean. They work under the direction of the physical therapist.
MEET OUR STAFF
Heather Kreizenbeck, PT, MPT
Clinic Owner
Master of Physical Therapy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID.
Bachelor of Science, University of Denver, Denver, CO.
Heather took over as the owner of Bellingham Physical Therapy in 2022 with the goal of growing our tradition of providing excellent physical therapy care in order to build a legacy private practice that will serve the community into the future. She joined the team at Bellingham Physical Therapy in 2001, and has enjoyed over 20 years pursuing continuous learning in clinical practice. Between 2008 – 2018, Heather maintained clinical specialist certification in Orthopedics from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She has taken a variety of continuing education courses including joint, soft tissue, neural system and visceral mobilization techniques, analysis and restoration of movement systems, running rehabilitation, and has completed a year-long training in Diane Lee’s Integrated Systems Model. She has helped patients with all types of orthopedic complaints improve their health and function through individualized treatment.
In addition to her clinical practice, Heather has instructed in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Whatcom Community College, is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and its Private Practice Section, and a certified clinical instructor for physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students. Heather is now focusing primarily on running and building Bellingham Physical Therapy.
Heather’s first love is being outdoors. She is happiest skiing down snowy slopes, riding her bike, or playing with her dog Charlie. She enjoys hiking, sailing, camping, swimming, reading, and spending time with her husband, friends and family.
Bart Hawkinson, PT, DPT
Clinical Director
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA.
Bachelor of Science, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.
Certifications: Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS).
Bart Hawkinson treats orthopedic conditions and has special interests in spine as well as foot and ankle problems. He has further special interest in pain problems following motor vehicle accidents. Bart is board certified in orthopedics and has completed fellowship training in advanced manual therapy techniques as well as advanced training in treating persistent (chronic) pain problems. He has previously served on the board of directors of the American Physical Therapy Association of Washington State.
When not in the clinic, Bart is typically in the great outdoors, hiking, biking or skiing.
Clare M Jones, PT, BSPT
Lead Physical Therapist
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) with the American Physical Therapy Association, Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), Certified Functional Manual Therapist.
Clare graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from LaTrobe University, Melbourne Australia in 1991. She joined the team at Bellingham Physical Therapy in September 2003.
Clare has pursued advanced training in manual therapy skills, achieving certifications from Maitland Australian Physiotherapy seminars -Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), and a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) with the Institute of Physical Art. She has completed a year-long course with LJ Lee in Canada and has become a graduate of the Connect Therapy Approach, furthering her goal to look at the patient’s system as a whole and find the best/most appropriate area to treat.
Clare’s approach to treatment is to use movement and palpation to analyze imbalances that people may have developed in their systems. She attempts to find the root cause of the presenting problem as well as relieve the symptoms currently causing a person to seek help from a therapist. Hers is a patient-centered approach, with the patient taking an active role in his or her care. She uses a blend of manual, hands-on techniques to restore balanced symmetrical motions. Exercise and neuromuscular education is incorporated to restore the control of mobility, and in doing so, potentially prevent future issues. Her goal is to reduce the strains and stresses in the human system as a whole and improve overall efficiency of motion. Clare has a particular interest in pain science and the close relationship of the body and mind. No issue happens in isolation.
Clare is an educator, and senior faculty member with Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars since 1998. She mentors fellows in training- therapists seeking to become Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. She has presented at physical therapy conferences around the USA. She attends manual therapy conferences and courses regularly to stay current and involved.
On weekends you will find Clare and her husband Steve exploring the trails of the beautiful Pacific Northwest whether it be day hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing or mountaineering.
Life is an adventure, not a guided tour.
Kris Carlson, PT
Kris graduated from the University of Montana in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Prior to this, she attended Montana State University from 1983 to 1987, where she was majoring in physical education with a sports medicine option.
Kris began her physical therapy career in Bellingham at St. Joseph Hospital, rotating through all rehab settings, working with both neurologic and orthopedic patients. After working for a home health agency and an orthopedic clinic, Kris joined the team at Bellingham Physical Therapy in 1998. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1987. She earned a clinical specialization certification in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2009.
Variety is the spice of work for Kris, and she enjoys treating a wide range of patients with orthopedic issues. She uses an integrated, holistic approach to create a course of treatment that addresses the needs of each individual. She combines manual therapy techniques with therapeutic exercise and works with optimizing movement patterns. She loves helping a person find the tools for self-management of symptoms, enabling them to play an active role in their rehab process.
Kris’ continuing education includes a variety of specialized manual therapy techniques; osteopathic muscle energy technique, Jones Strain Counterstrain, Maitland spinal and peripheral joint mobilization, and Manual Ligament Therapy. Her coursework encompasses Sahrmann muscle imbalances and movement disorders, classes with Diane Lee and L.J. Lee on the lumbo-pelvic-hip and the thorax-shoulder complexes, geriatric orthopedics, courses specific to the spine and pelvic girdle, running mechanics and injury rehabilitation, and KinesioTaping. Most recently, she completed The Barral Institute’s Visceral Mobilization series. Kris is a student of Iyengar Yoga, and delights in integrating the “gems of yoga wisdom” into her physical therapy practice.
Growing up in Alaska, Kris developed a love for outdoor activity in all seasons. She now finds happiness sharing outdoor pursuits with her husband Dean and son Devon in this beautiful corner of the PNW, from the mountains to the saltwater. Her passions include gardening, running, cross-country skiing, sea kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. Motherhood is a bright spark in her life.
Darryl Michelson, PT
D
arryl received a BS in physical therapy from Hogeschool van Amsterdam, NL in 2000. Afterwards, he spent 4 years in a home health practice and then switched to outpatient.
He has completed certification of Orthopedic Movement Specialist with Gordon Brown’s Therapeutic Movement Seminars in 2014. He is attending the Neural Manipulation series from the Barrallnstitute and Chikly Health Institute curricula of lymphatic drainage therapy.
Darryl began working at Bellingham Physical Therapy in 2010. Darryl has used SCENAR therapy protocols for pain and movement for 7 years after training with RITM SCENAR Institute, SCENAR Health USA, and SCENAR USA. He incorporates Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement with static and dynamic movements.
Prior to a career in PT, Darryl worked for over 25 years in film production and commercial photography. He enjoys cross-country skiing and hiking with his wife Lori. He is finding challenge in riding the Slackline.
Eric Eschelbach, PT, DPT, QMHA
Eric graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University in 2016. He worked in the Psychology field as a Residential Treatment Specialist, serving to assist in the rehabilitation of adults living with severe mental illness transitioning from the state hospital to semi-independent living. In 2021, Eric received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Pacific University in Oregon. After graduation, Eric worked as a travel physical therapist in Oregon, Arizona, and California at outpatient orthopedic clinics.
He now joins Bellingham Physical Therapy to combine his passion for rehabilitation in both mind and body to treat each patient holistically while addressing their musculoskeletal concerns. Eric was trained in the Maitland Approach of Orthopedic Manual Therapy which utilizes joint mobilization and manipulation of the extremities and spine, neurodynamic techniques, stretching, stabilizing exercises, and functional exercises specific to each individual. In addition to all orthopedic conditions, Eric works with chronic pain, vestibular rehabilitation, and some neurologic conditions including but not limited to concussion, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Eric was born and raised in Bend, Oregon and grew up in a family of outdoor enthusiasts, spending time skiing, hiking, and biking throughout the Central Cascades. His love for the outdoors continues and you may find him on the trails or in the water with his wife and dog exploring all that Bellingham has to offer.
Kyle Sisler, PT, DPT
Clinical Education Coordinator
Certifications: Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)
Kyle earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2013 from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. Shortly after graduating, she moved to the pacific northwest and has been here ever since. Kyle has worked in a variety of treatment settings in her career, including outpatient, home health, skilled nursing, and acute care. She earned a clinical specialization certification in geriatric physical therapy from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2019.
Kyle has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions affecting the geriatric population as well as those undergoing or following cancer treatment. She combines her understanding of the intricate relationships between various body systems with her collaborative treatment approach to help patients reach their goals at whatever phase of life they are in. Along with various manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises, Kyle emphasizes education within all of her treatment plans to empower patients to be an active participant in their care, better preparing them to self-manage their condition at the end of their physical therapy treatment course.
In her spare time, you can find Kyle exploring the Pacific Northwest with her partner and dogs, renovating their new home, or thinking up a new quilting project. Ask her about her cat!
Shauna Keeley, PT, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Shauna grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she completed her undergrad studies in International Relations and French Language and Literature at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Following undergrad, Shauna lived and worked abroad for seven years as an English Teacher first in Seoul, South Korea and later in Hamburg, Germany. Upon returning to the USA Shauna also returned to University, this time to study Physical Therapy. Shauna completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2011.
Following graduation Shauna moved to Washington state where, with the exception of a year spent working in Alaska, she has been ever since. Over the course of her professional career Shauna has strived to continue learning and has completed the IAOM’s (International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine) entire series of coursework on Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management in addition to many other continuing education courses. Most recently Shauna has passed the Advanced Board of Physical Therapy Specialists Exam in Orthopedics to earn title of OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.)
Shauna loves living in the Pacific Northwest and all it has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, scrambling, rock climbing, sailing, Nordic skiing, and practicing the martial art of Aikido.
Jen Ward-Morgan, PTA
Aide Coordinator
Jen rejoins the Bellingham Physical Therapy team in 2021 as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She graduated with an Exercise Science degree, emphasis on Exercise Physiology, from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR in 2007. She graduated from Whatcom Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2011 and started working in the Skagit Valley developing her Craniosacral and Myofascial Release manual skills. Jen completed her Orthopedic Movement Specialist certification through Gordon Browne’s Therapeutic Movement Seminars in 2016.
Jen as a passion for combining her manual skills with her ability to help others rediscover movement patterns or postures they may have thought weren’t possible again. She quickly fell in love with teaching and supporting patients in learning about how their bodies moved, to better manage their own dysfunctions. Nothing in the body works in isolation so treatment needs to have a holistic approach and a patient must be involved in caring for their own being. She loves to listen to a person’s body guide a treatment session to unlock the next stage of healing and restoration of movement. Jen believes that no movement is impossible at any age, it just hasn’t been unlocked yet. Whatever activities you enjoy she wants to help you get back those and not be focused on pain or limitations that made you seek care in the first place.
In her free time you can find Jen exploring new activities and enjoying time with her husband, son, and dog. She loves to travel and experience new foods.
Andrea DePoppe, PTA, BSPTA
