Helping our patients is a team effort. Our staff of expert Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants take a personal interest in our patients’ well being. Our overall goal is to maintain, restore, or improve our patients’ function, mobility, and help reduce their pain.
Our staff has achieved high levels of training as licensed health care professionals and further hone their skills through continuing education and advanced certifications.
Meet Our Staff
GORDON MARX, PT
Co-owner and Physical Therapist at Kirkland Physical Therapy since 1988
Education
University of Washington, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University of Washington, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Private Practice Section
Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)
- Private Practice Special Interest Group of Washington State
Certifications
ASTYM Certification in the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, lower extremity, pelvis and back
APTA Certified Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Professional Interests
Previous to Kirkland Physical Therapy, Gordon spent four years at the Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center where he grounded his Physical Therapy career in a hospital environment. He also worked at several outpatient clinics as a Physical Therapist and Clinic Director. Gordon has special interests in manual therapy and muscle energy techniques.
LORI O. MARX, PT, MHA
Co-owner and Physical Therapist at Kirkland Physical Therapy since 1988
Education
Washington University, Bachelor of Science Physical Therapy
University of Washington, Masters in Health Services Administration
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Private Practice Section
- Health Policy and Administration Section
Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)
- Private Practice Special Interest Group of Washington State
Certifications
ASTYM Certification in the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, lower extremity, pelvis and back
NDT Certified in Adult Hemiplegia
APTA Certified Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Professional Appointments
Clinical Instructor, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington
Professional Interests
Previous to Kirkland Physical Therapy, Lori spent fifteen years at Harborview Medical Center. She has extensive experience with trauma orthopedics, neurology, burns/wound care and was the Attending Physical Therapist for the Adolescent Sports Medicine Clinic for eleven years.
KENDRA ALKIRE, DPT
Joined Kirkland Physical Therapy in 2012
Education
Western Washington University, Bachelors of Science/Exercise Science
University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Certifications
ASTYM Certification in the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, lower extremity, pelvis and back
Professional Interests
Kendra is completing her Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St Augustine. Specifically, she is focusing on postural awareness and breathing techniques, sport specific interventions and Kinesotape techniques.
In her spare time she enjoys running and hot yoga, spending time with good friends, traveling, spending time in the park with her two Shih Tzus and cooking with her soon-to-be husband!
ELIZABETH BANNISTER, DPT
Joined Novelty Hill Physical Therapy in 2012
Education
Western Washington University, Bachelors of Science/Pre-Physical Therapy
University of Washington, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)
Certifications
ASTYM Certification
Professional Interests
Elizabeth is interested treating orthopedic and neuro-muscular disorders related to muscular imbalances, faulty postures, and movement dysfunctions. She also has experience working with individuals with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and vestibular dysfunction. She recognizes the importance for and the difficulty that can take place with finding time for physical activity in a busy schedule and will help with exercise planning.
Born in Washington, Elizabeth is one to take advantage of the beauty that this state has to offer during good and not-so-good weather with outdoor activities including: hiking, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and tennis. In the past she had even spent a summer as a white water river rafting guide. Elizabeth also enjoys tending to her vegetable garden and finding new recipes that incorporate her gardens productions.
CHRISTY KUMAR, DPT
Joined Kirkland Physical Therapy in 2012
Education
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science/Movement Science
Washington University, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Certifications
Completed coursework in Mulligan Manual Therapy
Professional Interests
Christy is interested in treating neurological dysfunctions and orthopedic problems that develop from movement impairments and muscular imbalances. She has been trained in the Movement Systems Impairment Model, which focuses on precise control of movement, correcting faulty patterns, and improving the muscle balance around joints.
Christy recently moved to the Seattle area and is still taking time exploring the beautiful Northwest. She enjoys being outdoors with her family and friends; running, hiking, playing frisbee and soccer, as well as volunteering with a therapeutic riding group in Woodinville. Christy also loves baking and cooking new recipes with her husband.
PINA MEHTA, DPT
Joined Novelty Hill Physical Therapy in April 2007
Education
McGill University, Bachelor of Science/Physical Therapy
Boston University, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Certifications
Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate
Level 1 Certificate, Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
ASTYM Certification in the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, lower extremity, pelvis and back
Professional Interests
Prior to joining Kirkland Physical Therapy, Pina spent seven years working in various out-patient orthopedic clinics in Toronto and Boston. Pina has a special interest in working with patients with various musculoskeletal injuries; treating them through ergonomic and body mechanics retraining, postural muscle imbalances and advanced manual therapy techniques. She also enjoys working with pregnant women with low back pain, as well as patients with vestibular related dizziness. In her spare time Pina enjoys reading, cooking and exploring the Seattle area.
ERIC SCHNEPP, PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Joined Kirkland Physical Therapy in 2011
Education
University of California, Bachelor of Science/Mathematics and Computer Science
Lake Washington Technical College, Associate of Science/Physical Therapist Assistant
Memberships
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Geriatrics Section
- Sports Physical Therapy Section
Certifications
ASTYM Certification in the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, lower extremity, pelvis and back
Professional Interests
During his spare time, Eric enjoys running, baseball, softball, hiking, golf, and trying to keep up with his two Westies. Eric has ran 5 marathons in Victoria BC, Gresham OR, Leavenworth WA, Walt Disney World in Orlando FL, and Newport OR – where they offered raw oyster shooters at the mile 18 support stations.
TRAVIS DEPEW – PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
RYAN HOUSER – PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
