Therapists join local practice

Step & Spine Physical Therapy founder and lead physical therapist, Barrett Ford, has announced the hiring of two new physical therapists to his full-time staff.

Colleen Sullivan, PT, and Seth Wilkie, DPT, recently joined the growing Step & Spine team - a team made up of nine physical therapists who treat clients in both their Sisters and Redmond clinics.

Sullivan brings more than 20 years of physical therapy experience to the team, having grown up in Washington and practiced in the Seattle area throughout most of her professional career. She has vast experience offering outpatient manual therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability as well as working with competitive athletes who seek performance enhancement as well.

Sullivan is a USA Triathlon Level 2 Coach and a USA Cycling Level 2 Coach.

"Step & Spine Physical Therapy is made up of a good community of people with whom I share the same ideals, ethics and mission as a physical therapist," Sullivan said. "As for moving to Central Oregon, I love outside play on the trails, from hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing to exploring and camping."

Also a competitive athlete with training experience, Wilkie earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2011 from the University of New Mexico. A former master personal trainer who's completed multiple Ironman triathlons, Wilkie has earned multiple certifications through continuing education opportunities with the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and McKenzie Institute U.S.A.

"I liked the opportunity [working with injured athletes as a personal trainer] presented to spend time with patients," Wilkie said. "I was eager to join Step & Spine's team because I wanted to be able to treat my patients the way I want to - spending real time with them. Additionally, I love treating the spine as it's relation to everything."

Both Sullivan and Wilkie, Ford says, offer a different level of professional experience to the Step & Spine Physical Therapy team while remaining true to the clinic's core treatment philosophy, which involves connecting with each client on an individual level.

"In today's world, there's not only a physical need for helping people get along functionally, but there's an emotional connection that I really want my therapists to make with each and every patient," Ford said. "We excel at that, and I believe both Colleen and Seth meet this bill."

Step & Spine Physical Therapy will open a third clinic in Bend once construction is complete on its new NorthWest Crossing facility. Ford says he plans to add one more physical therapist to his physical therapy team prior to the Bend clinic's completion in August.