Physical Therapy Team
Shawndi - PT, MPT
- Physical Therapist
- Masters in Physical Therapy
- Director of Physical Rehabilitation
Shawndi has always been intrigued by the human body and has known from the time she was a little girl in New Mexico that she wanted to pursue healthcare when she grew up. She was drawn to Physical Therapy because of the amazing power the body has to heal itself with the proper guidance and encouragement.
Shawndi pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biology and graduated in 1996 from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. She then went on to attain her Masters of Physical Therapy in 2001. After settling in Bend, she was hired by St. Charles hospital in the inpatient rehabilitation department. She became so drawn with the challenge of neurological rehabilitation that she sat for the American Physical Therapy Board of Specialists neurological exam in 2008 and became a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy.
It was fate that brought Shawndi to Falling Waters. After winning a free massage and discovering this unique clinic, she was instantly impressed with the amazing customer service, quality healthcare and holistic / balanced approach taken with each patient. She quickly realized they shared the same passion for helping others and for empowering them to make positive, long-lasting changes in their lives. Shawndi is thrilled to work alongside the Falling Waters team with the goal of giving the gift of health to those they serve.
Shawndi can be found outside whenever possible with her family (son and daughter) and friends. She loves rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, skiing, hiking, running, dancing, cooking and just generally frolicking in the delightful Oregon outdoors. Shawndi strives to brighten other's lives with her smile, her laughter, and her positive outlook on life. She is inspired by the words of Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
Bradley - PT, DPT
- Physical Therapist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Brad received his Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Oregon State University in 2016. He spent the next two years in Washington working as a rehabilitation aide, before moving again to pursue his doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami. Throughout graduate school he was able to volunteer with several organizations, and he was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Special Olympics at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, as a health screener.
Brad is extremely dedicated and passionate about providing evidence-based research to every patient using a multidisciplinary team approach. He is devoted to helping people of all ages and fitness levels with injury through exercise, manual therapy, and education so they can achieve their goals in a safe and efficient manner. He finds incredible fulfillment in encountering patients in the community who are regaining the ability to function in their home, work, or on the field of play. Brad is inspired by the words of Kara Goucher - "Don't try to rush progress. Remember a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep believing."
A native Oregonian, Brad enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife exploring the wonderful landscape that Central Oregon has to offer. He loves living an active, healthy lifestyle consisting of playing golf, lifting weights, hiking, traveling and really any indoor/outdoor recreational activity.
Elizabeth (Liz) - PT, DPT
- Physical Therapist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Liz graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology in 2012 from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She spent time working in outpatient Physical Therapy clinics and traveling, before pursuing her graduate schooling. Liz earned her doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Eastern Washington University in 2020. She completed her final internship at St. Charles Medical Center, and as a mountain lover and outdoor enthusiast, she quickly fell in love with all that Bend has to offer.
Liz has spent several years working with adaptive sports organizations, where she cultivated a passion for making outdoor recreation accessible to individuals of all ability levels. She draws from a diverse movement background of running, Brazilian jiu jitsu, figure skating, climbing, and more, which has helped her develop a unique understanding of activity-specific injury prevention and rehabilitation. Liz incorporates this knowledge into her practice to empower patients to heal through proper movement and strengthening, to get them back to doing the things they love.
When Liz isn't in the clinic, she enjoys spending time outside or eating delicious food with friends and family. Her favorite hobbies include hiking, paddle boarding, trail running, and mountain biking. Liz and her fiancé love to travel and are excited to start their next chapter in beautiful Bend, Oregon!
Hannah - PT, MPT
- Physical Therapist
- Masters in Physical Therapy
Hannah comes to Falling Waters through her contact working with Shawndi Stahl, PT where they initially worked together at St. Charles Medical Center in the In-patient rehabilitation department. She and her family moved to Vermont 5 years ago to be closer to family, but both she and her husband found themselves missing the Central Oregon landscape and lifestyle. Hannah re-connected with Shawndi last year and was delighted to find an opportunity to return to Bend, and is very excited to be a part of the Falling Waters team.
Hannah earned her Master's in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut in 2000. Over the last 10 years, Hannah has worked in a variety of clinical settings and has experience in both hospital and outpatient orthopedic practice settings.
Hannah is very passionate about providing compassionate, caring, research based approaches to injury recovery. She is excited to be a part of the Falling Waters team and enjoys the comprehensive approach taken with each patient. She works hard every day to educate, motivate, and assist patients on their road to recovery. Hannah is inspired by the words of Aristotle both in her life and work, and believes that "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and dog, exploring the glorious scenery that Central Oregon has to offer. She loves road & mountain biking, yoga, running, camping, and hiking.
Jennifer - PT, DPT
- Physical Therapist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Jen received a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science at Creighton University in 1997, going on to pursue her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2002. She has since worked in a variety of different clinical settings, with the last 10 years spent specializing in outpatient orthopedics.
She is excited to be working with Shawndi and Hannah again, as they were co-workers at St. Charles years ago. Jen and her family have recently returned to Bend after spending the last decade in Alaska. She is passionate about helping others recover from injury, getting them back to their lives, be it regular daily activities or their chosen sport. She is excited to be a member of the Falling Waters team and play her part in their comprehensive approach to patient care.
In her free time, Jen enjoys getting outdoors and spending time with her husband and their two children. She is excited to explore the Pacific Northwest with family and friends in the years to come. She loves hiking, running, biking, skiing and enjoys almost any sport. Jen's favorite thing to remind her patients is that "what you do today, can improve all of your tomorrows."
Kellie - PT, DPT
- Physical Therapist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Kellie holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Portland, where she laid the
foundation for a career that blends her knowledge of healing with the latest advances in
research. During her time at the University of Portland, she not only committed herself to her
studies in human biology but also excelled as a Division 1 athlete in both indoor and beach
volleyball. This dual experience instilled in her a holistic understanding of the human body and
its capabilities, fueling her pursuit of a career that merges academic insights with a deep
appreciation for physical performance.
She furthered her education at the University of the Pacific in California, earning her Doctorate
in Physical Therapy. This experience equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to
enhance the well-being of individuals through hands-on modalities and active movement.
Rooted in her own athletic endeavors, she is driven by the belief that movement is a potent
medicine that can foster healing and improve the quality of life of her patients.
With a unique blend of firsthand experience in athletics and a genuine passion for facilitating
healing through movement, she is committed to guiding her patients on their path to well-
being. Now having returned to the Pacific Northwest, she is excited to bring this expertise to
the Bend community. Kellie is inspired by the words of Jacob Riis as she empowers her patients
to take small steps along their healing journey: I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away
at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the
hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that
had gone before.
In her free time, Kellie enjoys playing volleyball, pickleball, weight lifting, laughing, and walks
along the Deschutes River in the Central Oregon sunshine with family and friends.
Cory - PTA
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Cory first moved to Bend in 1994 and quickly became immersed in the many outdoor opportunities Bend offers. He worked in retail and also as a journeyman electrician until he realized that helping others attain their physical goals was what piqued his interest. He became a Certified Personal Trainer, training clients at local gyms, including the Athletic Club of Bend. With a strong desire to continue his education, he and his family moved to Southern California for 4 years so he could attend Loma Linda University's rigorous Physical Therapy Assistant's program.
Cory earned his degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in September 2015, and shortly after receiving his degree, he and his family moved back to Bend to reconnect with close friends and their active outdoor lifestyle.
Cory is passionate about strength and functional training and believes that exercise has a significant positive effect on mental, physical, and spiritual health. He knows it's important to have fun while embracing life's challenges. In the warmer months, you can find Cory spending time with his family camping, hiking, or riding his road or mountain bike among the many beautiful routes in Bend. He loves athletic challenges and teamwork, and joined Bend Oregon Outrigger, leading to several years of competitive outrigger canoe racing up and down the west coast, Canada, and Hawaii. When the snow flies, a weekend skate-ski with friends is how he unwinds as well as listening to music and playing guitar.
Daniel - PTA
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Daniel has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for nearly 15 years. He received his training in Colorado, after attending undergraduate schooling at Linfield University, in McMinnville, Oregon. Over this time, he has worked in outpatient, skilled nursing facilities/rehab centers and assisted living settings, and has always found it rewarding to help patients get better. Daniel is committed to supporting the health and wellness of all those he works with and trying to keep Father Time away.
After living in California, Ohio, New York and Colorado, Daniel and his wife moved back to Oregon to be closer to family and to start one of their own. With limited time, golf has been his main hobby. He tries to play as many courses as he can, while seeing as many places as possible. He still saves time for dog hikes, kayaking, and exploring all that Oregon has to offer.
Jocelyn - PTA
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Jocelyn was an elementary teacher and fitness instructor for many years, before deciding to make a career change and go back to school to become a PTA. After sustaining an injury herself and being a patient in Physical Therapy, she realized how impactful it is and how powerful movement of the body can be in the rehabilitative process. She also loves the connections she builds while working with patients, and loves being part of an amazing team of people at Falling Waters.
It had been a 5 year plan for her family to make the move to Bend, and they finally made it happen in 2019. Most of her spare time is taken up by having two teenage daughters in sports, but she tries to make time for exercise in the outdoors whether it be hiking with her dog Ruby, cycling, skiing, or paddle boarding.
Marit - PTA
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Marit received her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2011. She then went on to get her Physical Therapist Assistant/Associate of Applied Science at Saint Catherine's University in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2015. During this time she also became a Registered Vinyasa Yoga Instructor.
Marit has worked in both acute care and outpatient settings in Minnesota since graduating in 2015. She moved to Bend with her fiance in May of 2017 to explore a new chapter out West!
She is a firm believer that the body should be treated as a whole integrative unit. Her passion for alternative and preventive medicine, physical movement and yoga lead her to become a PTA. Marit is compassionate about helping others recover quickly and effectively so that they can get back to enjoying the activities they love.
Outside the clinic, Marit enjoys doing yoga, hiking, music, camping, culture, cooking, travel, crafting, interior design, dogs, friends and family. Marit feels "at home" when she is out in nature.
Steve - PTA
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Steve completed his Physical Therapist Assistant training through South College in Asheville, North Carolina, graduating in May of 2021. Prior to that, he spent 10+ years working in restaurant and grocery store management. Steve's philosophy follows the Charles Dickens quote: "A day wasted on others is not wasted on one's self." He is passionate about helping others heal and improve their quality of life through Physical Therapy.
Steve and his wife moved from Asheville, NC to the West coast to be closer to family in December 2021. They initially moved to Portland, but fell in love with Bend for its beauty and good-natured people, and moved soon after their son was born in 2023. When not in the clinic, Steve enjoys camping, hiking, paddleboarding, cooking, and spending time with his wife and son.
Kelsey - Rehab Aide
Kelsey takes great pleasure in assisting people through both their physical and mental challenges. A graduate of Ohio University, she received a minor in Outdoor Recreation and Education, and most recently worked as lead instructor for North Carolina Outward Bound School. She has come to find that providing support for individuals through their healing journey has had great influence on her career path. Kelsey brings this passion and empathy with her to provide the best healing experience possible to the individuals she works with.
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys all things outdoors. Specifically, you may see her climbing, skiing, paddling, mountain biking, and trail running. When not recreating, she enjoys painting and knitting.
Laura - Rehab Aide
Laura is passionate about helping others in both her professional and her personal life. She has worked in various fields of service, with 8yrs in the U.S. Army and many more in government service. Her passion lies in motivating others to embrace an experience that makes them happy, confident, and strong, and she's driven by a positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
In addition to earning her B.S. in Public Management and A.S. in Pre-Dietetics degrees, Laura is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. She's always seeking continued education in her journey, and through this process she has completed numerous certifications including: Water Safety Instructor, NASM Flexibility Training, NASM Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) Training, NASM Guide to Bodybuilding, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Kids, and TRX Suspension Training.
Outside of the clinic, you can almost always find her outdoors either fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, or camping with her family and dog. Other hobbies include getting creative in the kitchen, volunteering with animal rescue, or reading.
Lauren - Rehab Aide
Lauren worked in hospitality for over 10 years before deciding to make the career change to
health and fitness. Her passion for working with people and providing a great experience led her
to Falling Waters.
Lauren is a certified Breathwork Facilitator. She first experienced breathwork via Kundalini
yoga, and since then breathwork and meditation have become a very important part of her life.
Lauren believes that breathing is an excellent mirror to the state of your nervous system and
reflects how you orient yourself to the world. She seeks to create space for the parts of ourselves
we may have neglected, believing that transformation happens when we can experience, feel and realize from within.
Lauren is passionate and grateful for the opportunity to help people feel better and reconnect
with their bodies.
Megan - Rehab Aide
Megan came to Bend in 2023 to finish her Bachelor?s degree at OSU Cascades in Kinesiology. She has been a movement instructor for over ten years, coaching gymnastics, swimming, tai chi and yoga, becoming 400 hr certified in vinyasa yoga, yin yoga and aerial yoga in 2018-2019. She was also a 1,000 hr LMT from 2005-2020 in California, specializing in trigger point therapy, sports, deep tissue, and alternative modalities like cupping and reiki.
Her passion for alternative and preventive medicine, physical movement, and yoga training lead her to go back to school pursuing her Doctorate in Physical therapy. She believes in making time for consistent training, self-care and a balanced lifestyle is essential. Megan is compassionate, and loves helping others find balance quickly and effectively so that they can get back to enjoying their everyday activities.
When she is not in the clinic, Megan enjoys studying, hiking with her twin chiweenies, kayaking, snowboarding and exploring Oregon's waterfalls.