Same Therapists. Same Locations. Same Great Care.
We are excited to welcome Northwest Physical Therapy to the RET Physical Therapy & Healthcare Specialists family!
Through this partnership, we promise to bring you the very best care in Washington State, now with just a few more faces and places to serve you.
Visit one of our clinics by clicking the links below, or keep scrolling to learn more!
Four Locations to Better Serve You
Mount Vernon, WA Physical Therapy
Suite A
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Burlington, WA Physical Therapy
Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233
Meet the Northwest PT Team!
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program Director
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program DirectorMargret Lyons earned her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Nutrition/Dietetics from Bastyr University.
Margret specializes in dietetics and is most interested in helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle and allowing them to focus on being better, not perfect!
In her free time, Margret enjoys running, hiking/climbing, and gardening.
Blake Fletcher PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Blake Fletcher PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyBlake grew up in the southern Puget Sound area. Prior to attending grad school, he worked as a snowboard instructor at mountain resorts in Washington, Oregon, and California. Blake’s goal is to accommodate each patient’s individual needs and keep motivation high by implementing patient specific goals within their plan of care. He strives to provide patients with the lasting knowledge and tools to remain active and healthy long after finishing physical therapy.
During his free time, Blake enjoys snowboarding at resorts and in the backcountry, skateboarding, playing music, mountain-biking, hiking, kayaking, and running.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Oregon State University-Cascades
Bend, OR
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Minor in Audio Technology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Karissa Loewen LMT
Massage Therapist
Karissa Loewen LMT
Massage TherapistKarissa graduated from massage school in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2010 and recently returned to the Northwest where she was born to be closer to family. Karissa has special training in oncology massage and Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique. Karissa believes in adapting her work to each client’s particular needs and supporting the body’s own healing process.
When she is not in the clinic, Karissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering in the community, hiking, camping, and gardening.
Cesar Ramirez PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Cesar Ramirez PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyCesar earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of South Carolina and received his undergraduate degree from Towson University in Baltimore County, MD.
Cesar grew up in Rockville, MD located just outside of the nation’s capital. He found his way up to the PNW through travel physical therapy and has enjoyed what Washington state has to offer. As a physical therapist, his priority is to empower patients to become the best versions of themselves through strengthening both the mind and body. He is eager to address your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you to the tools to maximize your recovery. He is also a Spanish speaker with both parents born in Santiago, Chile.
Outside of the clinic, Cesar spends his time staying active in the gym, hiking the outdoors with his soon to be wife and tripod dog, cooking delicious dinners, and he is an avid motorcycle rider who takes on both the street and closed-circuit tracks.
Kelsey Eastman PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Kelsey Eastman PTA
Physical Therapy AssistantKelsey grew up in a small town in Wyoming and later received her Bachelor’s degree from University of Wyoming. She went on to receive her PTA degree from Pima Medical Institute in Mesa, AZ. She then worked as a PTA in Colorado for several years in an outpatient clinic where she gained her knowledge of using manual interventions to treat a wide variety of diagnoses, especially those involved in motor vehicle accidents. Kelsey then moved up to Bellingham, WA to experience the beauty of the PNW. She enjoys working one on one with patients and providing individualized care to improve their functional mobility, which allows them to return to their desired activities and sports.
Outside of the clinic Kelsey enjoys staying active. She loves snowboarding and hiking with her dog. Exploring local places and coffee shops has become a favorite pastime.
Education:
Bachelors of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion with a minor in Psychology – University of Wyoming
Occupational Associates in Physical Therapist Assistant Studies – Pima Medical Institute
Ryan McIntyre PT, DPT
Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Ryan McIntyre PT, DPT
Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical TherapyRyan completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Regis University in Denver, Colorado and his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Western Washington University.
Ryan treats with a holistic approach and understands that the mind and body are connected when it comes to rehabilitation. He encourages an open dialogue, which allows every patient to have a treatment plan that is individually tailored to their needs. He is helping to pioneer the dry needling movement in Washington state and enjoys incorporating this skill into his practice.
In his spare time, Ryan can be found in the gym lifting weights, enjoying nature with his wife and their dog, or watching the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
Kevin Lewellen PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Kevin Lewellen PTA
Physical Therapist AssistantAssociate of Science, Physical Therapist Assistant
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WA
Associate of Liberal Arts
Skagit Valley College
Mt. Vernon, WA
Kevin grew up in Sedro-Woolley and has been with Northwest Physical Therapy since 2001. He started his career in the Mt. Vernon office, and in 2012 he happily joined the Sedro-Woolley crew in his home town. He became interested in physical therapy after tearing his ACL while playing football at Sedro-Woolley High School, and he learned empathy for patients after having to recover from his own sports injuries.
When Kevin is not in the clinic, he can be found spending time with his family, his three boys, working on his home, or hiking with his wife.
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program Director
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program DirectorMargret Lyons earned her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Nutrition/Dietetics from Bastyr University.
Margret specializes in dietetics and is most interested in helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle and allowing them to focus on being better, not perfect!
In her free time, Margret enjoys running, hiking/climbing, and gardening.
Megan Thomas PT, DPT
Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Megan Thomas PT, DPT
Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical TherapyDoctor of Physical Therapy
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CA
Associate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
Megan is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 15 years before moving to the northwest in 2015 to be closer to family and attend graduate school. She has been training as a pelvic health practitioner for the past 5 years with a special interest in helping women during and after pregnancy. Megan is very active with our Washington Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA WA), serving in several positions in order to advocate for patients and providers. She loves our small-town community feel and helping the people of Skagit County recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions.
Ashley Shaner PT, DPT, OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Ashley Shaner PT, DPT, OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical SpecialistBachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Linfield College – McMinnville, Oregon
Doctor of Physical Therapy
A.T. Still University – Arizona Campus
Certifications/Specializations
APTA Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist
Ashley is a native Pacific Northwesterner and grew up on San Juan Island. She left her island home to go to school in McMinnville, Oregon, and then on to Mesa, Arizona, where she completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After graduation, she lived in Seattle where she completed a two-year residency program in orthopaedics which culminated in a board-certified Orthopaedic Specialty. Fortunately for NWPT, she left the traffic and busy city to join us at our Sedro-Woolley office following this residency.
When Ashley is not in the clinic, she might be found spending time with her husband and son, or visiting family.
Nate Kipling PTA, BS
Physical Therapist Assistant
Nate Kipling PTA, BS
Physical Therapist AssistantAssociate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WA
Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
Nate Kipling has worked with NWPT for 11 years. He came to us after completing his bachelor degree and worked several years as a physical therapy aide and helping with company administrative work. He recently finished the physical therapy assistant program and now works with us as a therapist. Nate is a hard worker and always has been, whether he was working summers commercial fishing in Alaska, playing hard on the football field, or working in the clinic, he will now direct those efforts towards helping his patients achieve their goals. When Nate is not in the clinic, he may be competing in some recreational sport, camping, or playing his guitar.
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program Director
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program DirectorMargret Lyons earned her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Nutrition/Dietetics from Bastyr University.
Margret specializes in dietetics and is most interested in helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle and allowing them to focus on being better, not perfect!
In her free time, Margret enjoys running, hiking/climbing, and gardening.
Sarah Hulbert PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sarah Hulbert PTA
Physical Therapist AssistantSarah was born and raised in Bellingham, WA then went to Pacific Lutheran University for 4 years to graduate with a Bachelors in Kinesiology. She completed her schooling at Whatcom Community College with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2022. Sarah has a strong interest in athletic rehabilitation since she played soccer at the collegiate level, basketball through high school and grew up skiing at Mt. Baker. Sarah still loves playing soccer every week and spending time with her dogs!
Natalie McDaniel PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Natalie McDaniel PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyNatalie was born and raised in Moscow, ID and fell in love with the PNW when she attended Western Washington University for her undergraduate degree. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Following graduation, she returned to the Bellingham area to join RET. Natalie enjoys treating a variety of injuries and conditions, including post-operative rehabilitation and sports injuries, and is looking to gain experience with vestibular treatment. Outside the clinic, Natalie enjoys running, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her fiancé and their dog.
Ryan Ashbridge
Massage Therapist
Ryan Ashbridge
Massage TherapistRyan graduated from massage school in 2015. He offers a massage that adapts to every person’s needs. Having many injuries growing up as well as 15 years in industrial fabrication, Ryan has a unique understanding of the body, offering a personalized massage that incorporates how the body operates and its mechanical abilities and limitations. He is excited to be in an environment where he can help people recover from injuries and collaborate with the physical therapists who are leading their rehabilitation.
Ryan is able to treat patients following motor vehicle accidents and work injuries.
Tawny Bridge-Pope PT, DPT, CLT
Regional Director, Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Tawny Bridge-Pope PT, DPT, CLT
Regional Director, Clinic Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Lymphedema TherapistEducation:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Evidence In Motion Institutes of Health Professions
Master of Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Spokane, WA
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, minor Chemistry
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Certifications/Specializations:
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Tawny joined Northwest Physical Therapy in August 2021 and has been working at RET Physical Therapy and Healthcare Specialists since 2012. She has been a physical therapist since 2000 and specializes in pelvic health physical therapy, as well as oncology rehabilitation. She is a certified lymphedema therapist through Klose training and consulting and a certified Pilates instructor through Pilates and Beyond. She graduated from Evidence In Motion’s (EIM) Executive Program in Private Practice Management. Tawny completed her post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Evidence In Motion Institutes of Health Professions in 2022. Tawny is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Washington Physical Therapy Association.
When she isn’t in the clinic, Tawny enjoys spending time with her husband and four-legged kids. She can be found running on the trail with her dogs, hiking, horseback riding, and gardening.
Kelly Sharkey PTA
Kelly Sharkey PTA
Kelly Sharkey earned her Associate of Science from Mount Hood Community College.
Kelly specializes in lymphedema care – pelvic stabilization and is most interested in treating lymphedema.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys camping and hiking with her two dogs and family, paper crafting, and church activities.
Sean Dodson PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Sean Dodson PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
Bachelor of Professional Studies
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Spanish
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Sean relocated to Western Washington in 2017 and joined the NWPT team. He is fluent in Spanish and effectively communicates with our Hispanic Population in the Skagit Valley. He was able to utilize these skills on a recent service trip to Nicaragua where he collaborated with physicians at the Center for Physical Health and provided services to local schools, nursing homes, and local clinics. We are happy to have his expertise to help serve the Skagit Valley at our Mt. Vernon office. When he is not treating patients, he may be out on the trails hiking, biking, or practicing yoga.
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program Director
Margret Lyons RDN, CD
Nutritional Services Program DirectorMargret Lyons earned her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Nutrition/Dietetics from Bastyr University.
Margret specializes in dietetics and is most interested in helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle and allowing them to focus on being better, not perfect!
In her free time, Margret enjoys running, hiking/climbing, and gardening.
Esmeralda Garcia PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Esmeralda Garcia PTA
Physical Therapy AssistantEsmeralda Garcia earned her Associates Degree from Whatcom Community College.
Esmeralda is fluent in Spanish and enjoys connecting with the Skagit Valley Hispanic community as well as treating orthopedic conditions.
In her free time, Esmeralda enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her family.
Katie Wolfram PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Katie Wolfram PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyKatie Wolfram earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to that, Katie obtained her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Greenville University.
Katie specializes in orthopedic conditions vestibular rehabilitation. She enjoys treating people of all ages and helping them regain function so they can get back to the activities they love.
In her free time, Katie enjoys playing basketball, pickleball, and being outdoors.
Skyler Bridgman LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Skyler Bridgman LMT
Licensed Massage TherapistLicensed Massage Therapist, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA.
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, minor Anthropology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.
Utilizing a variety of techniques, he aims to help provide relief in everyone’s unique recovery journey. From breaking down scar tissue to relieving tense muscles and relaxing the nerves, he wants to help bring a sense of calm and balance to the body.
When he’s not in the clinic, you can find him coaching lacrosse for Western, playing tennis, or lounging with his dogs.
Cesar Ramirez PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Cesar Ramirez PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical TherapyCesar earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of South Carolina and received his undergraduate degree from Towson University in Baltimore County, MD.
Cesar grew up in Rockville, MD located just outside of the nation’s capital. He found his way up to the PNW through travel physical therapy and has enjoyed what Washington state has to offer. As a physical therapist, his priority is to empower patients to become the best versions of themselves through strengthening both the mind and body. He is eager to address your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you to the tools to maximize your recovery. He is also a Spanish speaker with both parents born in Santiago, Chile.
Outside of the clinic, Cesar spends his time staying active in the gym, hiking the outdoors with his soon to be wife and tripod dog, cooking delicious dinners, and he is an avid motorcycle rider who takes on both the street and closed-circuit tracks.