acute care rehabilitation

Physical Therapy

Johanna Volz, PT

Lead Physical Therapist

Johanna Volz is a dedicated physical therapist with a strong background in acute care. Her passion for working in intensive care units and her extensive experience with critical life support devices demonstrate her expertise in managing complex cases. Johanna's focus on progressive mobility highlights her commitment to improving patient outcomes and enhancing their quality of life during the first phase of recovery.

Johanna's approach to patient care is centered on individuality and collaboration. She sees each patient as a unique individual and enjoys developing personalized goals with them. Her creative approach to helping patients to meet these goals reflects her innovative thinking and dedication to patient success.

Outside of her professional life, Johanna finds joy in spending time with her family and dog. Their shared love for soccer and travel has created lasting memories. Johanna's diverse background, coupled with her passion for her work and personal interests, make her a valuable asset to the health care community.

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Kate Ahn

Physical Therapist

Kate Ahn, a devoted physical therapist at Adventist Health Portland, brings experience and a patient-centered focus to her role. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Loma Linda, starting her rehabilitation journey. Kate's tenure at Adventist Health dates back to 2017 when she gained inpatient experience at one of our Adventist Health trauma 2 hospitals.

Passionate about acute inpatient care, Kate now leads the Patient Mobility program at Adventist Health Portland. She prides herself on crafting personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's goals. Kate aims to improve quality of life through mobility enhancement and confidence building.

Outside work, Kate enjoys indoor spinning and weight training for overall well-being. She also indulges in baking, creating delicious treats. Her move to the Northwest signifies a desire for growth and a challenge beyond her California roots.

Nicole Brun-Cottan, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Nicole Brun-Cottan received her DPT in 2017 from the University of Puget Sound, where she discovered a passion for neurological rehabilitation and the treatment of persistent pain. She brings years of experience in Acute and Critical Care, focusing on the treatment of medically complex patients.

Listening to her patients is central to Nicole's approach to healing. She believes that rehabilitation is both an art and a science - and that its success is dependent on building a relationship of trust and understanding with her patients. She works with her patients to learn what their goals are, and to craft individual treatment programs that empower them to achieve those goals.

"I will meet you where you are, and without judgment. Together we'll explore different options and find a path toward healing that works for you."

When not practicing PT, Nicole likes to spend time in her garden, and in the kitchen with friends. She has a regular movement practice including yoga, running, and strength training (also known as picking up heavy things and then putting them down.) She serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Family Farmers where she advocates for food security and climate resilient practices for our region. She also loves to sail, and to hike in the backcountry.

Alyssa Carey PT, DPT, CLT

Physical Therapist

Physical therapist Alyssa Carey believes every person comes to physical therapy with a unique story, so care should be just as unique. Alyssa is passionate about building strong connections with each patient. She approaches physical therapy like a trail guide or coach, walking alongside her patients. Alyssa earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy at George Fox University. In her practice, Alyssa has a special focus on cancer survivorship. From diagnosis through treatment, her goal is to help those with cancer return to activities that make them feel whole. She has experience helping patients with painful swelling and numbness due to cancer treatment. Practicing what she preaches, Alyssa’s hobbies include lots of movement and activity: trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain biking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog.

Kim Do, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Kim combines her expertise in psychology and physical therapy, rooted in holistic care principles, drawing from her education at the University of California, Irvine and Samuel Merritt University. Advocating for personalized, patient-centered treatment, she pioneered a pelvic floor elective at Samuel Merritt University, reflecting her commitment to addressing overlooked health aspects like post-partum incontinence. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, she approaches each patient with empathy, tailoring treatments to individual needs and goals. Emphasizing collaboration and patience, she guides patients on their wellness journey with confidence. Beyond her practice, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest's beauty, unwinding with books, and savoring diverse cuisines. Committed to health equity, she advocates for underserved communities, inspired by her upbringing, aiming to break socioeconomic barriers and enhance medical field representation.

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Bryan George, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

For physical therapy assistant Bryan George, seeing patients find their personal motivation to stay strong and keep moving is very rewarding. He reminds his patients that there is no passing or failing in physical therapy. It is all about progress.

Bryan graduated from Mount Hood Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program in Gresham, Oregon. He loves providing patients with support, encouragement and guidance as they work through recovery.

Originally from the Midwest, Bryan enjoys seeking out the best breakfast spots in the Portland area. He lives with his wife and their dog. Bryan dabbles in creating simple animations and is learning archery.

Steven Jew, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Steven Jew is a highly qualified and passionate physical therapist with a diverse background in healthcare. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sports Science and went on to achieve his doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Steven has continually expanded his expertise by obtaining certifications such as CCIP (Certified Clinical Industrial Physicalist) and COMPT (Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist). His professional journey has led him to specialize in industrial physical therapy, urgent care, orthopedics, and sports physical therapy. Recently, he has extended his scope to inpatient physical therapy, demonstrating his commitment to evolving with the dynamic landscape of healthcare.

With a hands-on approach that emphasizes manual therapy, Steven is dedicated to individualized patient care. He firmly believes in tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach. For him, physical therapy is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the patient, requiring active participation and commitment to a carefully designed program. Steven’s genuine passion for his patients is evident in his desire to bring the best possible care to the table, fostering an environment of trust and cooperation.

Outside the realm of healthcare, Steven enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including volleyball, hiking, and rock climbing. He finds joy in staying active with his two dogs and wife, whether it's going for a walk, a run, or exploring nature together. Despite his love for physical activities, Steven also values quality time with his family, watching movies and TV shows a cherished and happy place for relaxation and bonding.

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Matt Johnson, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Matt attended Pacific Lutheran University with degrees in Spanish and Technical Theatre. He then went to attend George Fox University and received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017. He joined the Adventist team in 2020 and specializes in neurological conditions and geriatrics. It is incredibly important to Matt that patients feel heard and understood as he guides them to meet their individual goals. He believes in treating every patient he encounters as he would want his family to be treated.

Matt loves hiking, rock climbing, biking, kayaking and exploring the Pacific Northwest. He and his wife enjoy travelling both in the U.S. and internationally and have a passion for doing mission work in the medical field.

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Lori Jorgensen, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Lori Austin is passionate about making connections with her patients as their physical therapist assistant. She sees her patients as more than an injury or a diagnosis. She provides the care for each patient that she would want for herself or her loved ones in the same situation.

Lori received her physical therapist assistant degree from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. Most of her experience is in acute care.

A fan of exploring, Lori enjoys backpacking, snowshoeing, biking, running and paddle boarding. She is a mom of three boys.

Amy Penner, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Amy Penner is passionate about the power of human resilience through injury and setbacks. She hopes to empower her patients to see they are strong and adaptable.

Amy graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a major in biological sciences and a minor in dance. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University. Her approach to physical therapy is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring each patient receives the highest quality care. Amy enjoys connecting with her patients and wants to learn what they are passionate about so she can tailor her treatment approach to best meet their needs. Whether a patient is recovering form surgery, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to enhance their athletic performance, she ensures personalized care and support to help her patients reach health and wellness goals.

Amy, a native Californian, recently moved to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with Portland during one of her clinical rotations. She enjoys the fresh air and can be found spending time skiing, hiking, camping and rock climbing. She also has a lifelong passion for dance with her favorite style being tap.

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Kimberly Ryan, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

A believer in the power of positivity, physical therapist Kimberly Ryan brings energy, creativity and knowledge to her patient relationships.

Ryan got her doctorate in physical therapy at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. She has additional training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. She is passionate about working with people who have disorders that affect the brain and nerves.

If she weren’t a physical therapist, Ryan thinks she’d like to be a professional jigsaw puzzle solver. A triathlete, she enjoys hiking, cycling, swimming, free diving and sailing.

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Larry Soule, PT

Physical Therapist
Administrative Director, Rehab Services

It’s all about helping the people who come for rehabilitation services feel and do better for Larry Soule, a physical therapist and the administrative director of Rehab Services. He believes in personalized care and communication, which increases understanding, reduces anxiety and improves quality of life.

Soule earned his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at Loma Linda University in California. He has more than 30 years of experience working in physical therapy. In his role as the administrative director, Soule believes his job is to inspire and support rehab therapists and other medical professionals to deliver the best possible care for all patients.

Soule is active in a variety of organizations in and outside the hospital that involve physical rehabilitation. For example, he is an advisory board member for the Mount Hood Community College Physical Therapy Assistant Program in Gresham, Oregon. At Adventist Health Portland, he sits on several operations and advisory council, including the Orthopedic Advisory Council and Total Joint Replacement Program and the Stroke Operations Council.

For fun, Soule scuba dives and pilots airplanes, in addition to enjoying hiking and camping. He also likes working with his hands, doing activities such as home building, gardening and woodworking. He adores his family and dogs.

Brionna Sims

Physical Therapist Assistant

Brionna Sims, a distinguished physical therapist assistant, graduated with honors from Mt Hood Community College's PTA program, earning Summa Cum Laude and Phi Theta Kappa distinctions. Passionate about empowering patients, she customizes treatment plans to suit individual needs, infusing the process with fun. Brionna excels in motivational interviewing, encouraging care, and clinical reasoning, prioritizing patient-centered approaches.

Beyond work, Brionna is dedicated to her community, enjoying the diverse opportunities of the Northwest. She explores mountains, beaches, and cities based on weather. Engaged in both local and international mission work, she maintains a balanced lifestyle with mystery novels, recipe experiments, Pilates, gym workouts, and church volunteering. Brionna's holistic patient care reflects her understanding, communication, and team support.

Lucy Suen, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Lucy Suen is a seasoned physical therapist dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she completed both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees there, developing a strong foundation for her career. Lucy is deeply committed to building connections with her patients, recognizing the integral role that mental and emotional well-being play in the healing process. She takes the time to understand their individual goals, working collaboratively to help them achieve optimal health and wellness.

Outside of work, Lucy's passion for travel takes center stage. Her goal of exploring at least one new country each year reflects her adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world. She finds solace in nature and enjoys activities such as hiking and being near water, making the Pacific Northwest an ideal location for her interests. Additionally, Lucy stays active with kickboxing and indulges her love for dance — particularly Bachata — showcasing her vibrant and dynamic personality.

Lucy Suen's multifaceted approach to life, blending her professional expertise with her personal passions, sets her apart as a compassionate and well-rounded individual. Her dedication to her patients' well-being, coupled with her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, makes her a truly inspiring figure in both her professional and personal endeavors.

Samantha Taylor, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Samantha Taylor, a dedicated physical therapist, graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from George Fox University in 2022. Samantha brings a passion for providing holistic and patient-centered care to her practice. Her education has equipped her with the tools to take an evidence-based approach, ensuring that she delivers the highest quality care to her patients.

Samantha is committed to understanding her patients on a personal level, valuing their unique histories and stories. As an advocate for her patients, she prioritizes their goals and aspirations, aiming to walk alongside them in their healthcare journey. Samantha believes in considering the physical, psychological, and social aspects that influence each patient's experience in the hospital, always seeking the safest and most effective options.

Beyond her career, Samantha embraces the joys of motherhood to her daughter, who has become the light of her life. An avid lover of the outdoors, Samantha finds solace and joy in activities like hiking, fishing, crabbing, and beach trips with her family. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, she cherishes the spontaneity of embarking on adventures, whether to the beach or to experience the beauty of snow. Samantha's true happiness lies in seeing her family thrive and creating memorable experiences with them, often accompanied by meaningful conversations over a good cup of coffee.

Jessica von Walther, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Jessica von Walther is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with a solid foundation in Applied Science of Physical Therapy/PTA, earned at Mount Hood Community College. Since 2008, Jessica has been applying her knowledge and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients. Her commitment to excellence in adult acute care physical therapy has been recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), highlighting her advanced proficiency in the field.

Driven by a profound passion for balance training and acute care rehabilitation, Jessica thrives on helping individuals regain their mobility and confidence. She believes in meeting her patients where they are, fostering an environment of trust and empowerment. Jessica's approach involves patient-centric care, emphasizing deep listening and patience to ensure her patients feel heard and actively involved in their journey to recovery. Her goal is to instill confidence in her patients, allowing them to reclaim their freedom of movement.

Outside of her professional life, Jessica finds joy in exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest through hiking and camping near rivers, oceans, and mountains. On rainy days, she takes solace in snuggling up with her two little greyhounds, finding warmth and companionship. Jessica is also an avid gardener, channeling her passion for nurturing growth both in and out of the clinic.

Chu Wu, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist 

Physical therapist Chu Wu believes treatment is a team effort. He includes his patients in decisions about their care. He is passionate about getting people back to doing whatever gives them joy.

Chu received his doctorate in physical therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He focuses on manual and movement-based therapy.

Rock climbing, backpacking and tennis are Chu’s favorite hobbies. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest and loves anything that involves the outdoors.

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