PHYSICAL THERAPY

Occupational Therapy
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Brittany Gardner, PT, DPT,  OTL.
Brittany graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  Brittany returned to Alaska and has been actively bringing aquatic based interventions to the community since 2011 and now co-owns the practice with Kathy.
Brittany enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, reading and grooving to music with her husband, Keith, and her two rambunctious children!
​Laura Gerber, PT graduated in 1996 from the University of Puget Sound Master of physical therapy program.  Since then she has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals and clinics.  She has a special interest in using yoga therapeutically and is studying to be certified as a yoga therapist. Her favorite things to do when not at work are hiking, biking, kayaking, walking on the beach, and yoga. Whenever she can bring her teenage son along on any of these activities it’s an extra good day.
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Carrie Murray, PTA graduated from Whatcom Community College in 2008 with  an Associate of Science- Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Carrie was a  physical/occupational therapy aide  in a multi-discipline pediatric outpatient clinic and at Alaska Aquatic Therapy prior to becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant.  Her experience as a physical therapist assistant includes hospital inpatient rehabilitation, sub acute rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedics, aquatic therapy rehabilitation, and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation including sensory integration dysfunction.
​Carrie enjoys volunteering  at local church functions, hiking, bicycling, snowmachining, cross-country skiing, and spending with her family and friends playing games and/or watching movies.
Taylor Robinson PT, DPT

Taylor is an enthusiastic Physical Therapist who has worked primarily in outpatient and  sports medicine based physical therapy settings. He started his career in Spokane, Washington before moving to San Diego for 2 years. He moved to Alaska with his wife and has traveled as a Physical Therapist from the Kenai peninsula to Wasilla, Alaska. He has worked the past 4 years on the Kenai peninsula. He enjoys hiking, playing soccer and sports of all kinds.


BS in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University 2010

Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University 2013
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Kathy Gardner, OTR/L
Kathy is the owner of Alaska Aquatic Therapy.  Kathy has been using the aquatic environment to help Kenai Peninsula Community members restore functional independence and mobility ever since 1995. Kathy received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Washington, and has been practicing Occupational Therapy in Alaska since 1982. She enjoys travel, adventure, cooking and her grandchildren!

Carol Taurianen Ernst, OTR/L
Carol has been working as an Occupational Therapist in Alaska since 1998.  Carol fell in love with Occupational Therapy after witnessing therapist's help her father, who had a stroke. After retiring as a school counselor, Carol returned to school at Concordia University, Wisconsin where she obtained a Masters in Occupational Therapy.   Carol's focus is on helping people heal, using the water as a tool to promote wellness.  Carol's passion is her family, spending as much time as possible with two wonderfully perfect grand daughters, Irene and Evangeline.  
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Sharon Tikka
Traveled to Alaska in June 1980 to work in the canneries.  Fell in love with the lifestyle and beauty of Alaska, and made the Kenai Peninsula my home.  I have a wonderful husband of 34 years and two beautiful sons.  Born and raised in San Diego county, I swam through high school and college.  I love the water. I taught swimming lessons at private swim schools and coached Mission Bay High School Girls' Swim Team. Having married into commercial fishing, I love the lifestyle of being on the water. I feel blessed to be living in Alaska and all the great things it has to offer. 
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Gretchen Graeff
Gretchen, Q, is a certified rolfer, licensed massage therapist and Tai Chi instructor.  Q has been aiding therapist's at Alaska Aquatic Therapy since 1995.  Her passion's include empowering others to find wellness, gardening and nutrition. Q is a true scholar of life and an avid researcher, continually looking for ways to help others thrive. 
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River Kitchens
River has a long time passion with working in healthcare. She comes from a background of being a CNA and has a strong desire to help her clients and create unique relationships with them. River enjoys hiking, fishing and taking care of her house plants. ​