Yá’át’ééh! I was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation in Fort Defiance, Arizona, where I grew up playing basketball and baseball throughout my childhood and into high school. Being an athlete played a major role in shaping who I am today. My own experiences with injuries and brief encounters with physical therapy sparked my interest in the profession, but growing up in a rural community with limited healthcare resources meant I had little exposure to what physical therapy could truly offer. Those experiences became a driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy. I wanted to develop the knowledge and skills to help others overcome injuries, return to the activities they love, and have access to high-quality rehabilitation.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University before continuing my education and earning my Master’s degree in Athletic Training, also from Northern Arizona University. My passion for working with athletes and providing immediate care led me to pursue athletic training, where I had the opportunity to work at clinical sites throughout Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Stanford University. My experience working with overhead athletes in Stanford baseball further solidified my passion for orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and helping athletes return to their sport.

After completing my time in Palo Alto, California, I returned home to Arizona to assist with operations at a local hospital. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the healthcare profession and the importance of providing compassionate, patient-centered care. It ultimately led me to pursue my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University.

I believe physical therapy should be about more than simply treating an injury. It is about understanding each patient’s goals, building confidence, and giving people the tools they need to take ownership of their recovery.

Outside of the clinic, I am an avid golfer (I like to think I’m pretty good!) and enjoy spending time with my family. I also love playing just about any sport, including pickleball, basketball, and ping pong. I enjoy volunteering my time providing sideline and finish-line medical care at marathons and Ironman events. And if I’m not at the gym working out, you can probably find me watching one of my many favorite professional sports teams.

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