Physical Therapy - Therapists

	Lynne Beauclair, Speech Language Pathologist: Lynne received her B.A. and M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology in 1978 from the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked in numerous medical centers as well as private practice in Pennsylvania, Florida and Montana before beginning to work with Northwest Healthcare in 1997. Her areas of specialization include: Videofluoroscopic Swallowing studies for dysphagia and dysphagia management, traumatic brain injury, cognitive disorders, laryngectomy rehabilitation, voice, neurogenic speech and language disorders. Lynne is currently expanding her expertise in the area of pediatric swallowing and feeding disorders.
	Joe Bilau, MPT: Joe is a 1997 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Joe has worked primarily in outpatient therapy clinics but also has experience in home health, inpatient, and rehab settings. He started at the Summit in September of 2001. His interests include spinal problems, orthopedic and sports related injuries, and wound care. See personal bio
	Alisa D. Cox, DPT: Alisa completed graduate study at the University of Southern California in 1998, obtaining a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. Her areas of extended study include orthopedic issues with pain of spinal origin and neurological rehabilitation. The treatment of shoulder impairments (pain, instability, excess scapular motion) is also a topic further studied in additional continuing education courses. Highly advocated throughout courses of treatment are the benefits of proper posture and suggestions to modify daily life to enhance joint protection. Patient education to promote a healthy lifestyle is regarded as essential to reduce the risk of symptom recurrence. Additional areas of interest include: gait impairments, dynamic and static balance retraining and cardiopulmonary issues. See personal bio
	Beth Gunlikson: Beth received her Master of Physical Therapy from Hahnemann University, in Philadelphia, PA, in 1993. She worked at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver fo 6 years before coming to the Flathead Valley in 1999. Her experience has included neurologic rehab, cardiopulmonary rehab, general medical/surgical rehab, geriatric care, and amputee rehab. Beth received specialized training for treating individuals with amputations 7 years ago, and has worked with patients through all phases of the rehab process; from pre-operative education through prosthetic gait training. She joined the staff at Brendan House/KRMC in 1999 and now works primarily at the Summit with her main focus on treating people with amputations.
	Kim Hawkins, PT: Kim is a 1988 graduate of the physical therapy program of the University of Montana. She has primarily worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting, focusing on spinal rehabilitation. In 1998 she completed a post-graduate mentorship at the Kaiser Permanente Physical Therapy Residency Program in Advanced Orthopedic Manual Therapy, earning a certificate in advanced manual therapy. Her areas of interest the differential assessment and manual treatment of orthopedic diagnoses, including the back, neck, shoulders and knees. See personal bio
	Pat Heil, MA, PT: Pat has over 15 years of clinical experience. Pat graduated with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN in 1992. Focus is on the treatment of Orthopedics, Sport and older adult injuries. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and certified in Manual Therapy and Clinical Reasoning. Orthopedics refers to conditions related to bones, joints, ligaments, cartilage, muscles and tendons. Emphases include the prevention and treatment of neck, thoracic, low back pain, arthritis, knee, shoulder, headaches, chronic pain, and referred arm or leg pain. Additional emphasis on training to reduce work and sport injuries, sports performance enhancement. Pat facilitates a local PT research group that incorporates the latest orthopedic research into treatment. See personal bio
	Tracey Hornby, PT: Tracey is a 1996 graduate of the University of Montana Physical Therapy program. She joined the staff at NWHC after graduation. Her primary experience the past six years has been in neurologic in-patient and outpatient-rehabilitation and outpatient pediatrics. Her expertise includes those patients with diagnoses of TBI, SCI, CVA, and other neurologic impairments as well as children with a variety of neurologic and orthopedic disorders.
	Chare’ Largent, Speech Language Pathologist: Chare’ received her M.A. in speech pathology in 1970 from Cal State Fullerton and since then has worked in numerous settings: free standing and hospital based outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab, acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. She has clinical experience in cognitive, stroke, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, treating swallowing and neurogenic disorders. In conjunction with Montech in Missoula she has been able to assist in evaluating and recommending appropriate augmentative communication devices for patients with such needs. She has also had training to work with Alzheimer's clients and their families as they adjust to the changes taking place not only with the person with the disease but with the family structure as well.
	Caroline Lawhead, OT:
	Knut Skybak, PT: Born in Norway, Knut came to the U.S. in 1974. He schooled at the University of Idaho and also received his BS in physical therapy at the University of Washington in 1978. Knut has practiced as a physical therapist in Spokane, Norway, and since 1985 in Kalispell. He has worked in all physical therapy settings, but most outpatient therapy in the last years. Knut has expertise in spinal problems, both cervical and lumbar spine. He is also experienced working with knee, ankle, hip and shoulder injuries. Knut makes custom rigid orthotics to assist with overpronation of the foot. He is a great advocate of patient’s active participation in the rehab process, putting much emphasis on setting up home programs and changing to an improved healthier life style to prevent further problems in the future. Knut also treats neurological patients with CVAs, MS, head injuries, etc and likes to work wit the families to give the patient the optimum outcome. See personal bio
	Karrie Sherman, PT:
	Christina Trieweiler, SLP:
	Denise Zander, OT/L: Denise is a 1995 graduate from the University of Washington Occupational Therapy Program. Denise completed clinical internships in the areas of physical disabilities, mental health and pediatrics. Since graduation, Denise has practiced primarily in the area of neurological rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Denise has focused her areas of specialization continuing education on treatment of hemiplegia, visual impairment and cognitive dysfunction. Denise also has experience in orthopedic impairments and spinal cord injury.