PHYSICAL THERAPY
Brittany Gardner, DPT, OTL
Owner Brittany was born and raised in Soldotna, and after graduating from The University of St. Augustine in 2011, with her Doctorate in PT and her Master’s in OT she returned to Alaska. She joined her Mom at Alaska Aquatic, and steadily began to grow the practice to expand locations to include the Skyview Pool (2017) and then with opening the land based clinic (2020)! She has been passionate about aquatics (Aquaticist Credentialled in 2018) and bringing creative solutions to help community members achieve their goals. When not working, Brittany spends the majority of her time with her children, being outside and finding adventures. |
Laura Gerber, PT
Laura 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. |
Twila Berry, PT
Twila grew up on the banks of the Malheur River in Eastern Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University before completing her Physical Therapy degree at Eastern Washington University in 1993. Twila's treatment experiences range from pediatrics through geriatrics, inpatient and outpatient settings and owning her own clinic for 14 years in the remote Alaska. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with her family and friends, reading and writing. |
Katelyn Keith, DPT
Katelyn grew up in a small town in Northwest Kansas and attended Kansas State University to receive her Bachelors in Kinesiology before moving onto earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in 2015. After a few years of great mentorship, she entered the world of travel therapy and began moving between Southeast Alaska and Maui before *accidentally* staying put in south-central Alaska a few years ago. Katelyn has worked in several settings throughout the years including skilled nursing, home health, and inpatient rehab, but found her true passion in outpatient/orthopedic therapy. Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment credentialed, she specializes in treating the spine and enjoys utilizing both land and aquatic therapy to help progress patients to their goals. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys hiking, skiing, fishing and any adventure that Alaska has to offer! |
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Keesha Matz, DPT, CLT
Keesha grew up in Western Washington and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from University of Montana in 2024. She enjoys the opportunity to help her patients achieve their goals throughout all stages of life. She has specialized training in rehabilitation for runners and lymphedema management. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time exploring Alaska with her husband through hiking, biking, and kayaking. |
Caitlin Reilly, DPT
Caitlin was born and raised in Chicago area. She graduated from Governors State University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016. Since then, she has spent most of her time working at a community hospital as an outpatient physical therapist. She studied to become a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist in 2023 to better treat patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Last year she decided she needed an Alaskan adventure and accepted a travel contract with Alaska Aquatic. She enjoys hiking, bird/wildlife watching, camping with her sister, and spending time with husband and dog. Her goal is to visit all the National Parks in United States (so far visited 29/63!) |
Occupational Therapy
Julie Johnson, OTL
Photo and Bio coming soon! |
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, Evangeline and Agnus. |
Kathy Gardner, OTR/L
Photo coming soon! Kathy is the founder and former owner of Alaska Aquatic Therapy. Kathy began using the aquatic environment to help Kenai Peninsula Community members restore functional independence and mobility in 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! Kathy began her retirement in 2023, but you might be lucky enough to see her when she fills in or still consults with us out at the pool! |
Support Staff
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