Clinic & Staff

Heather Purdin, MS, PT, CMPT, Business Owner (She/Her)

  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Duke University 1997.
  • Bachelor of Science with Honors in Psychology, Duke University 1995
  • Chair for the Oregon Area Ehlers Danlos Support Group.
  • Manual therapist with an emphasis in alignment work, muscle balancing, chronic pain, muscle and joint injuries, sports rehab, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, balance/vestibular rehab, pre/post pregnancy rehab.
  • Custom foot orthotic fabrication
  • Trained by Keith Kleven, Physical Therapist to highest level professional golf, baseball, boxing, wrestling athletes.
  • Student Athletic Trainer at Duke University with an emphasis in football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, track, cross country running, and fencing.
  • Personal Trainer for 14 years

View Heather’s Curriculum Vitae

Valerie Brown, PT, DPT (She/They)

  • My integrative approach blends Western and Eastern Medicine, providing a comprehensive and holistic treatment that will catalyze your innate healing powers. Together, we will work in a step-by-step manner to ensure changes are sustainable and bring more joy to your life. 
  • My years of clinical experience and personal healing journey have led me to focus on nervous system regulation by way of movement, mindset and digestion, in order to create an ideal environment for healing. From here, we incorporate your individual goals and current lifestyle so that your plan is customized to where you’re starting, and where you want to be. 
  • I earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and went on to graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of California, San Francisco. My graduate research focused on harnessing tools to ignite the power of the mind to impact outcomes.
  • I hold certifications in: Craniosacral Therapy II; Functional Nutritional Therapy; Medical Therapeutic Yoga; Lifestyle Medicine; Hatha Yoga 200 Hrs.; Kundalini Yoga 500 Hrs.; Ayurveda; Yoga Nidra; Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE); HeartMath for Stress, Anxiety and Self-Regulation; Reiki in the Usui lineage and Holy Fire; Visceral Manipulation; Postural Restoration; Vibroacoustic Sound Healing
  • I am forever grateful to my many teachers across the globe, formal and informal, for providing me with a depth of wisdom and knowledge regarding healing in both scientific and spiritual realms.

Adrienne Carlson, MS, PT, DPT (She/Her)

  • Adrienne Carlson holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Eastern Washington University (2010) and a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Psychology from the University of Montana (2004)
  • Her diverse background spans multiple treatment areas including chronic pain, post-surgical, and sports rehabilitation. She specializes in pelvic floor and pelvic health, encompassing a broad spectrum of conditions including urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary urgency/frequency, constipation, pelvic pain, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pre and postpartum care, and surgery recovery including gender affirmation procedures.
  • Adrienne currently also serves as an adjunct professor at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and Pacific University. She is dedicated to educating future generations of healthcare professionals.
  • As an Outcare affirming provider, Adrienne is committed to providing inclusive and affirming care to all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. With a compassionate and skilled approach, she tailors treatment plans to each individual’s needs, integrating a variety of techniques including manual therapy, strength training with emphasis on proper body mechanics and posture, and regulation of the autonomic nervous system. By combining these approaches, she strives to optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.
  • In her free time, Adrienne enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and running with her husband and daughter. These pursuits not only foster her love for nature but also underscore her commitment to leading an active and balanced lifestyle.

Mark Melecki PT, DPT, OCS (He/Him)

  • Graduated from the University of Dayton, in Dayton, OH with a Bachelor of Science, received a certificate in physical therapy from The Ohio State University
  • Received his Doctorate from the Evidence in Motion Institute with a specialization in Orthopedics as well as his certification as a therapeutic pain specialist
  • Has been board certified in Orthopedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.  
  • Currently in his 35th year of practice, Mark tries to begin each therapy session with an unspoken question: how may I serve you today?
  • Mark has pursued an eclectic professional course including both mainstream and complementary approaches to healing. 
  • He has also undergone extensive training in soft tissue manual therapies including positional release, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. 
  • He was a licensed massage therapist for twenty years (now retired from this) and was a massage instructor. He and has written and taught continuing education courses for both physical and massage therapists alike touring nationally.
  • He has experience in personal training both professionally and personally in his training for triathlons. 
  • Mark is also the proud father of two adult children and now the overjoyed grandfather of a beautiful granddaughter. He loves the northwest for its natural beauty and cultural opportunities. On free weekends you can often find him attending plays or off somewhere with his camera pursuing nature photography.

Katie Gertz, DPT, PT (She/Her)

  • Shenandoah University:  Physical Therapy Doctorate 2009
  • University of Missouri-Columbia: Masters of Physical Therapy  2004
  • Katie has worked in a variety of settings including home health, hospitals, outpatient orthopedics, and long term inpatient care and she brings a deep knowledge of the continuum of care. 
  • Katie is a manual therapist who has trained in NAIOMT and Manual Therapy Visceral Manipulation under the Barral Institute. She has a strong emphasis on biomechanics, mobilization/manipulation and the interaction of the extremity with the spine. She works comfortably with those with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, pre/post pregnancy rehab.
  • Katie has trained in Visceral Manipulation which is a very gentle manual treatment approach that helps your body restore motion to areas of pain and compensation. Restrictions in the soft tissues and abdominal organs that cause pain and dysfunctional movement patterns throughout the body. 
  • Katie has experience working with injuries pre/post surgical including meniscal and ACL injuries, shoulder surgeries such as replacements and rotator cuff tendon repairs, ankle and foot injuries as well as many others. She works comfortably with those with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, pre/post pregnancy rehab
  • Katie enjoys working and taking the time to figure out the reason why someone has developed pain or a movement dysfunction whether it be a new injury or an old one that has many compounding factors. 
  • Katie enjoys hiking and camping as well as running around with her 2 energetic young boys and one girl, her loving husband, and sweet old dog. 

Jason Bouwkamp, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS, SFB (He/Him)

  • Orthopedic-residency trained through UFHealth at the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute 2013-2014
  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy through the College of Public Health and Health Professionals at the University of Florida 2013
  • Masters of Science in Human Performance with a concentration in Biomechanics and a minor in Human Nutrition through the College of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida 2009
  • Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science with a minor in Chemistry through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida 2006
  • An evidence-based, exercise-focused therapist with broad training in manual therapy, but concentration in the use of education and the habit of exercise on orthopedic issues, neuromusculoskeletal issues, sports rehab, over-use injuries, injuries of aging and geriatrics, and chronic pain
  • Jason enjoys the utilization of the physiological concept of progressive overload in conjunction with barbells, kettlebells, bodyweight movement, and activity-specific movements to assist in the education of movement and the discussion of movement habits in order to improve function, quality of life, and patient independence.
  • Jason has completed a number movement discipline courses ranging from Olympic weightlifting to power lifting to MovNat to developmental patterning to FMS and he pulls from this varied experience to help the patient improve their movement quality and understanding
  • Jason enjoys parkour, bouldering, weight-training, kettlebell training, hiking, and deep dives into epistemology

Emily DeCarlo, MPT, RYT-200 (She/Her)

  • Graduated from the University of Delaware with a masters in physical therapy.
  • A versatile physical therapist, Emily has been working in this career that she loves for more than 20 years.
  • Emily is now an Expert John Barnes Myofascial Release Bodyworker.
  • Emily has been treating chronic pelvic pain since 2014 with great success.
  • She worked for OHSU and the Legacy system for years.  Working largely with trauma patients, Emily learned early that everything in the body is connected.  What happens to one part affects the others holistically.  Postural alignment, core stability, and free breath support lead to less pain and improved function.
  • After a few more years working mostly with a chronic pain population, she started using John Barnes Myofascial Release bodywork, in combination with her other skills, with great success.  Emily happily endorses this hands-on, gentle technique with lasting results for the treatment of pain from trauma (emotional and physical), inflammatory responses, and/ or for surgical restrictions. Visit the John Barnes Myofascial Release website for more information this type of bodywork. http://www.myofascialrelease.com
  • Emily also specializes in balance and vestibular dysfunctions.  After years spent with neurologically involved clients, she has an excellent “eye” for movement and coordination problems, as well as good facilitation skills to promote much improved motor control.   This clinical skill allows Emily to provide exceptional care for the client with a stroke, rotator cuff problems as well as those with back pain or sprained ankles.
  • Shirley Sahrmann’s (PhD, PT, FAPTA) works on Movement Impairment Syndromes also make up a large part of Emily’s clinical treatment philosophy and techniques.
  • Yoga has also been instrumental in her treatment method, promoting an unhurried, relaxed style and patient techniques with a focus on feeling and breathing to help treat all diagnoses.
  • With two kids, her husband, and a herding dog, Emily spends her free time outdoors as much as she can appreciating the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Tina Esquivel, PT (She/Her)

  • Graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2005.
  • Tina brings a diverse background with an emphasis on Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT).  Please see our blog page for a post on what makes IMT such an effective treatment method.
  • Her background is primarily outpatient care, but also includes home health, aquatic therapy, sports rehabilitation and nursing home care.  Tina provides patient care ranging from infants to geriatrics.
  • Tina has a personal passion for exploring how incorporating good dietary choices can yield improved physical outcomes.  Specifically, Tina excels at helping her clients find unknown food sensitivities that may be producing problems in the body.
  • In addition to IMT, Tina excels in manual therapy techniques such as Craniosacral therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Functional Indirect Techniques, Visceral Mobilization, Myofascial Release,Strain/Counter Strain and Neural Tension Techniques

Liz Finley, MSPT (She/ Her)

  • I first developed my interest in Physical Therapy  as an injured All American Swimmer in college and initially focused on sports medicine.  Soon, I developed an interest in treating patients with chronic pain and spinal injuries.  I find great enjoyment in helping my patients regain their pre-injury abilities and activities.  My treatments focus on using  combination of gentle manual therapies that work with a patient’s own healing mechanisms and incorporating this with progressive exercises designed to re-integrate the recovered movement capability into each patient’s established movement patterns.
  • I have trained in multiple treatment techniques including: Neural Manipulation,   Dynamic Manual interface, visceral mobilization, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Strain-Counter Strain, Lymph Drainage and Muscle Energy.  All of these approaches have in common a belief that using the lease amount of force to affect a change is desirable as it allows the patient’s body to remain in charge.  This allows the patient’s body to better accept the change and to incorporate it, providing for long lasting, not temporary changes.  These techniques have a very deep effect with very light pressure ensuring that the body’s protective mechanisms are not challenged.
  • I am certified in Dynamic Manual Interface (DMI), a treatment approach developed by Frank Lowen, that is very effective and treats the whole body.  DMI techniques utilize the body’s self corrective mechanisms and treat myofascial synergistic patterns used for movement  and coordination. These techniques are gentle and often allow quick and long lasting gains with mobility providing for earlier return to function and strengthening. They are effective for both acute trauma as well as for chronic conditions.
  • The past 8 years I have been  specializing in Hypermobilty Spectrum disorders (HSD) including EDS and various complex medical conditions and chronic pain. This population often has co-morbidities of POTS, MCAS or other aspects of dysautonomia all of which is incorporated into the physical therapy treatment plan. 
  • Recently I have been certified as a provider with Complete Concussion Management and am encouraged to have evidence based treatment protocols that have shown  persistent concussion symptoms reduced from 30-40% of patients to 5% of patients. I look forward to combining these latest protocols with my extensive treatment skills for patients living with persistent concussion symptoms as well as providing recovery care for patients who have had recent concussions. 

Beth Jennings, PT, MPT (She/Her)

  • Beth joins us with a diverse skillset and clinical experience in her over 25 years as a physical therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Chatham University, and a health and well-being coaching certificate.
  • Having practiced in a diversity of healthcare settings throughout her career Beth brings a caring spirit and a deep foundation for working with a wide array of conditions.
  • She has completed advanced training in working with balance and vestibular conditions through Emory University and other advanced coursework. Manual therapy trained as well, Beth utilizes a variety of techniques including Strain Counterstrain, Myofascial Release, and Muscle Energy Techniques, just to name a few. Beth loves educating her patients and empowering them to be informed users of their bodies. Dating back to her personal trainer roots, she wants to get you moving as well, whether through formal exercise or some other form of movement.
  • Beth also runs a health and wellness coaching business, Beth Jennings Wellness, where she partners with her clients to help them unlock their potential for higher levels of health and well-being.
  • She is an avid traveler and can entertain you with stories of her 4 seasons working as the only physical therapist at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Jennifer Oechsner, PTA, RYT, PFT (She/Her)

  • Certified Personal Fitness trainer with an emphasis in functional mobility and strengthening for hypermobility, 11 years. (PFT)
  • Certified Functional Training Specialist, 5 years.
  • Yoga instructor, 11 years. (RYT)
  • Wholistic Nutritionist, 7 years.
  • As a movement professional Jennifer emphasizes a wholistic approach to wellness. She emphasizes the importance of good nutrition, nourishing movement and mental well -being to live a vibrant and healthy life.
  • Jennifer is passionate about the human body and with understanding the nuances that make each body unique in its function and in its path to healing.  She is also passionate about how the food we eat affects our health and performance as well as the importance of using food as medicine.
  • Jennifer has worked with a wide range of clients over the years including individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder.
  • Jennifer loves being out in nature and enjoys trail running, backpacking, skiing, cycling, and swimming in this area’s amazing rivers and lakes. She finds great joy in challenging her body to new levels and in recent years has competed in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons.

Lilly Lee, MPT, CMPT, OCS (She/Her)

  • Graduate of Mayo Clinic Allied Health Sciences – Masters in Physical Therapy
  • 20 years at a small community hospital – Home Health, Hospice, Skilled Nursing Facility, Acute Care and Outpatient rehabilitation.
  • Certified manual physical therapist through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT), 2008
  • Completed MedBridge Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder training 
  • Extensive training through NAIOMT on protecting joint instabilities while working on patients.
  • Certified Orthopedic Specialist 2020
  • Present focus – Telehealth physical therapy, teach clients how to recognize joint misalignment and the methods to correct and maintain position.
  • To do list – learn more about Functional Nutrition for whole body well-being and optimal treatment for autoimmune inflammation…learning is fun!
  • Loves the motto “make a small miracle happen every day”
  • Enjoys walking with her goldendoodle, traveling and learning about different cultures, especially new cuisines.

Kathleen Forrest, Administrative Assistant (She/They)

  • Kathleen has a BA in History, and a lot of time spent in customer service through past jobs and volunteering opportunities. 
  • She is hoping to pursue a Masters in either Public Health or Emergency Management
  • She has lived in the PNW her whole life (and happily so) except for a stint living in Ireland.
  • She enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, and cooking.
  • Yes, she does want to see your cat or dog pic.

Tessa D, Office Manager (She/Her)

  • I have spent my last 10 years in customer service. I genuinely love to work with people and look forward to getting to know all of our patients.
  • I love spending time with my fiance and my son. We enjoy the outdoors and spending time at the Beach.
  • I am also a proud fur momma to Luna my Australian Shepherd, my cat MiMi, and a rabbit Brownie.

Lou Freiberger, Administrative Assistant (They/Them)

  • Lou holds two Bachelors of Arts degrees from SUNY Purchase (New York), one in Modern History and one in Dramaturgy. In college they participated in almost 40 theatrical productions in and outside of their school. 
  • They were a theater photographer in NYC and most recently a photographer at the Oregon Zoo.
  • They hope to pursue a master’s degree in propaganda studies and genocide education.
  • Before moving to the PNW four years ago. They grew up in the Bay Area in California.
  • In their free time, they like to engage of art of all kinds such as: photography, digital and traditional art, whittling, Lino cut carving, sculpting, and jewelry making. 
  • They absolutely love goats and would love to see your pictures if you own a goat!

Phoenix DeSheles, Administrative Assistant (He/They) 

  • Phoenix has lived in the PNW for the past 3 years. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.
  • He has an  associates degree in accounting and spent the past seven years working in customer service with previous employers and in volunteering opportunities. 
  • He hopes to pursue a bachelors of science in conservation work.
  • Phoenix enjoys knitting, playing dungeons and dragons (tabaxi rouge), and listening to music.
  • He  has 2 dogs (Sirius and Gabe) and 2 cats (Fawn and Zeus). He would love your cat or dog photos.

Santana Gordon, Administrative Assistant (He/They)

  • Santana has 6 years of customer service experience largely working directly with hot grumpy customers and quite a few pleasant ones at the Oregon Zoo,
  • He has lived in the Portland area for their entire life and studied Art and Sociology at Portland State University 
  • He aspires to pursue a career in Art and Cosmetology, and in his spare time loves to bake, sculpt, paint, go to music shows and play with his cats — Tizzy and Wybie.

Ava Michael, Paid Intern (She/ Her)

  • I will be graduating from Ida B Wells high school in 2024.
  • I am planning to attain a degree as a Physical Therapy Assisting
  • In addition to working at Good Health PT, I’ve worked as a hostess at Banning’s Pie House since 2022.
  • I enjoy white water kayaking, backpacking, drawing and surfing

Zeborah Dazzle, PT, WWF (She/Her)

  • Zeborah graduated with honors from the physiotherapy program at the University of Johannesburg South Africa in 1999.
  • She has worked in multiple locations in South Africa developing skills in orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation and pediatrics before emigrating to the United States in 2019.
  • In 2002 she was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and has made this an area of specialization in her physical therapy (physiotherapy) career since then. She is excited to join the team at Good Health Physical Therapy and looks forward to seeing patients and bringing her special skills in myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, whole body manual therapy, rehabilitative yoga and equine therapy (where applicable).
  • She is an excellent teacher and communicator and looks forward to empowering through education and helping people who need the services of Good Health Physical Therapy to find us.
  • When not working, she enjoys picnicking in local parks (which she calls “grazing”) and exercising with her friends in a running group they affectionately call “The Herd”.
  • (Editors Note: While Zeborah is a stuffed animal, and by many people’s belief not real, she symbolizes our very real care for and commitment to education about hypermobility spectrum disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Our love for her and belief in her ability to inform and encourage our patients are also real. Please do not call for an appointment. She is not actively scheduling appointments. She will though be very happy to greet you and take a selfie with you when you visit us. Cheers. )