Meet Our Staff
John Carlson PT (Clinic Director/Partner)
Degrees:
Bachelor of Physical Therapy
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY
Bachelor of Physical Therapy
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY
Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Cardiac Conditioning
Hand Therapy
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Balance and Fall Prevention
Cardiac Conditioning
Hand Therapy
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation
@ KPT since 2009
John Carlson PT (Clinic Director/Partner)
Degrees:Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Cardiac Conditioning
Hand Therapy
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Professional Associations:American Physical Therapy Association
Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce
Port Orchard Rotary Professional Interests:
Injury Prevention
Sports Injury Treatment
Orthopedics (Particularly foot/ankle problems)
Pediatrics
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Balance Rehabilitation Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
John joined Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics in 1996. He has a unique perspective as both a patient and a provider of physical therapy, having been introduced to the profession through a personal injury. This led to a lifelong passion to provide a customized hands-on treatment program that suits the specific needs of each patient, helping to ease pain and enhance recovery time. John’s primary area of expertise centers around specific biomechanical treatment interventions combined with innovative functional exercise programs. He has attended many post graduate training courses and continues to pursue continuing education every year to further advance his treatment skills. John also specializes in hand therapy, vestibular disorders, and custom orthotic fitting. John grew up in Newcastle, WA. He currently lives with his wife Ruth in Port Orchard, WA. John is an active member of his community and volunteers at a number of events. He also participates in international missionary trips each year to Central America and Cuba. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, snow sports, cooking and trying new adventures, best in the company of family and friends.
@ KPT since 2009
Candy Nelson PT, OCS, Cert MDT (Partner)
Degrees:
Bachelor of Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA Bachelor of Physical Education
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA Board Certifications:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Bachelor of Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA Bachelor of Physical Education
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA Board Certifications:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Other Certifications:
McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (Cert MDT) Specialty Programs:
McKenzie Spine Treatment
Physical Capacity Evaluations
Work Conditioning
McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (Cert MDT) Specialty Programs:
McKenzie Spine Treatment
Physical Capacity Evaluations
Work Conditioning
@ KPT since 2002
Candy Nelson PT, OCS, Cert MDT (Partner)
Degrees:Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA
Board Certifications:Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Other Certifications:
McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (Cert MDT) Specialty Programs:
McKenzie Spine Treatment
Physical Capacity Evaluations
Work Conditioning Professional Associations:
McKenzie Institute Professional Interests:
Evaluation and treatment of spinal disorders
Assisting injured workers to return to work through Work Conditioning, FCEs Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
Candy grew up in Washington and lives in Gig Harbor with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, watching her son play sports, and volunteers on the Gig Harbor Little League Board.
@ KPT since 2002
Megan Morris PT, DPT, PHC, TPS (Partner)
Degrees:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Washington
Seattle, WA Bachelor of Kinesiology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Washington
Seattle, WA Bachelor of Kinesiology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Other Certifications:
Pelvic Health Certified (PHC)
Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Pelvic Health (Women, Men, Pediatrics)
Pelvic Health Certified (PHC)
Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Pelvic Health (Women, Men, Pediatrics)
@ KPT since 2015
Megan Morris PT, DPT, PHC, TPS (Partner)
Degrees:Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of WashingtonSeattle, WA Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA Other Certifications:
Pelvic Health Certified (PHC)
Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Pelvic Health (Women, Men, Pediatrics) Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association Professional Interests:
Running Injuries
Chronic Pain
Post Surgical Rehab
Orthopedics
Women's Health / Pelvic Floor Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
In her off time, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, training for her next road or ultra trail race, snowboarding, and split-boarding. A native to Kitsap, she is still in love with the forest and her happy place is curled up on a mossy tree branch with a good book.
@ KPT since 2015
Ashley Fruner PT, DPT, OCS, TPS
Degrees:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA Bachelor of Exercise Science
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA Board Certifications:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA Bachelor of Exercise Science
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA Board Certifications:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Other Certifications:
ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) Concussion Rehabilitation
Meeks Method for Osteoporosis Level 1 Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation @ KPT since 2015
AshleyFruner@KitsapPT.com
ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) Concussion Rehabilitation
Meeks Method for Osteoporosis Level 1 Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation @ KPT since 2015
AshleyFruner@KitsapPT.com
Ashley Fruner PT, DPT, OCS, TPS
Degrees:Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA Board Certifications:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Other Certifications:
ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) Concussion Rehabilitation
Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Specialty Programs:
Balance and Fall Prevention
Chronic Pain Treatment
Parkinson's Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation Professional Interests:
General Orthopedic
Manual Therapy
Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Concussion Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
Ashley is a Puget Sound native and currently lives in Gig Harbor with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys exploring the great outdoors and spending time with her family. @ KPT since 2015
AshleyFruner@KitsapPT.com
Mandy Morgan PT, DPT, Cert Schroth (C1)
Degrees:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
George Fox University
Newberg, WA Bachelor of Pre-Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
George Fox University
Newberg, WA Bachelor of Pre-Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
Other Certifications:
Schroth Scoliosis C1 (Cert Schroth) Specialty Programs:
Scoliosis Evaluation and Treatment @KPT since 2017
MirandaMorgan@KitsapPT.com
Schroth Scoliosis C1 (Cert Schroth) Specialty Programs:
Scoliosis Evaluation and Treatment @KPT since 2017
MirandaMorgan@KitsapPT.com
Mandy Morgan PT, DPT, Cert Schroth (C1)
Degrees:Doctor of Physical Therapy
George Fox University
Newberg, WA Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA Other Certifications:
Schroth Scoliosis C1 (Cert Schroth) Specialty Programs:
Scoliosis Evaluation and Treatment Professional Interests:
Orthopedics
Pediatrics Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
I am a Washington native and I live with my fiancé in Silverdale, WA. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, and the outdoors. I also enjoy watching sporting events with family and friends. @KPT since 2017
MirandaMorgan@KitsapPT.com
Eric Duquette PT, DPT
Degrees:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA Bachelor of Biology
Boston University
Boston, MA Bachelor of Psychology
Boston University
Boston, MA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA Bachelor of Biology
Boston University
Boston, MA Bachelor of Psychology
Boston University
Boston, MA
Eric Duquette PT, DPT
Degrees:Doctor of Physical Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA Bachelor of Science in Biology
Boston University
Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Boston University
Boston, MA Specialty Programs:
Gymnastics Professional Interests:
Return to Running
Return to Sport
Injury Prevention Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
Fitness, hiking, gymnastics
Former competitive gymnast and gymnastics coach @ KPT since 2018
EricDuquette@KitsapPT.com
Tatiana V. Hughes PT, DPT
Degrees:
Doctor of Physical Therapy
South College
Knoxville, TN Bachelor of Kinesiology
Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
South College
Knoxville, TN Bachelor of Kinesiology
Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA
@ KPT since 2018
TatianaHughes@KitsapPT.com
Tatiana V. Hughes, PT, DPT
Degrees:Doctor of Physical Therapy
South College
Knoxville, TN Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA Professional Interests:
Lymphedema
Neuroscience Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
I am a Russian native and live in Port Orchard, WA. Since I enjoy rain, heat, and humidity, as well as frizzy hair, Washington is a perfect fit for me (though it would be more perfect if it were in Hawaii). I do not know much about American football (and why is it FOOTball? Nobody has been able to answer that one for me), though support any sport. Motion is lotion! I believe it is important to try new activities: I went snowboarding at the ripe age of 30 for the first time, and plan to learn paragliding, as well as car racing.
@ KPT since 2018
Suzette Kruger PTA
Degrees:
Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA
Other Certifications:
Advanced Proficiency PTA Certification @ KPT since 2009
SuzetteKruger@KitsapPT.com
Advanced Proficiency PTA Certification @ KPT since 2009
SuzetteKruger@KitsapPT.com
Suzette Kruger PTA
Degrees:Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA Other Certifications:
Advanced Proficiency PTA Certification Professional Interests:
Orthopedics Extracurricular Interests/Hobbies:
She enjoys morning workouts, walking, gardening, Pilates and family time with her husband and two daughters. @ KPT since 2009
SuzetteKruger@KitsapPT.com
Nate Cobb PTA
Degrees:
Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA
@KPT since 2012
NateCobb@KitsapPT.com
NateCobb@KitsapPT.com
Nate Cobb PTA
Degrees:Physical Therapist Assistant
Olympic Community College
Bremerton, WA Professional Interests:
Orthopedics @KPT since 2012
NateCobb@KitsapPT.com
Specialty Services
Balance and Fall Prevention
Physical therapy can improve balance and decrease falls though assessing fall risk via functional and standardized tests.
- Improving lower extremity and trunk strength
- Addressing poor sensation in the feet
- Improving walking speed
- Education and instruction on ways to prevent falls
Cardiac Conditioning
Treatment starts with individual supervision and progresses to either small group or intermittent individual monitoring. Includes managing secondary orthopedic problems that may interfere with progress.
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Chronic Pain Treatment
Occasional pain is normal. Living in pain is not. Kitsap Physical Therapy’s Pain Program is designed to help you spend less time dealing with your pain and more time doing the things you love.
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Gymnastics
Kitsap Physical Therapy offers rehabilitation therapy for gymnasts at our Port Orchard clinic. Eric Duquette PT, DPT, a former gymnast, coach, and now a physical therapist, specializes in physical therapy and injury prevention for gymnasts.
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Hand Therapy
Specialists can manage complex problems along with splinting. A qualified hand therapist can identify problems unique to the upper extremities and can effectively treat and rehabilitate patients with conditions that may be the result of an accident or trauma such as fractures, wounds, burns, lacerated or injured tendons and nerves, or amputation of fingers or hands. A hand therapist also works with patients who are disabled from repetitive motion disorders such as cubical tunnel, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and conditions such as arthritis and neurological problems.
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Industrial Rehabilitation
Performance-based PCEs, ergonomic jobsite analysis, and work conditioning with a focus on return-to-work. Specialists can go “on-site” to local businesses to help deliver injury prevention programs and to see first hand what the rehab needs are for injured workers.
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Men's Pelvic Health
Common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. 1 in 5 men experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Abdominal, bowel/bladder, and sexual function can vary across the lifespan. The issues noted above, although common, can be difficult to talk about and largely become accepted as normal. Physical therapy is an effective first line treatment option to help you recover your strength, confidence, and intimacy.
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Mckenzie Spine Treatment
A safe and effective evidence-based protocol of treatment that has become a standard of care for musculoskeletal conditions of spine and extremities. An MDT certified therapist will:
- Determine a treatment strategy based on response to movement
- Provide education on self care to help ensure full recovery
- Restore tolerance to all prior activity and participation
- Help patients learn to self manage pain in the event of a future episode
Parkinson's Rehabilitation
People with Parkinson's may have tremors, postural instability, bradykinesia, rigidity, and cognitive changes that make it difficult to move and complete daily tasks. Physical therapy can be effective in improving balance, gait speed and reaching abilities. Occupational therapists can identify and treat cognitive deficits and instruct in the use of adaptive equipment to improve functional independence with activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, dressing, etc.
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Pediatric Pelvic Health
Did you know that 15-22% of children struggle with wetting problems past the age of 5? Kitsap Physical Therapy has therapists certified in pelvic health who are trained to help with many common problems, including:
- Wetting
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Urinary urgency/frequency
- Bowel incontinence and/or inability to empty bowels
- Vesicoureteral reflux
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Fractures, pins/ plates, tendon repairs, meniscus repairs, ligament repair/reconstruction, realignments, etc. We do it all!
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Scoliosis Evaluation and Treatment
The Schroth method is a specific type of treatment that focuses on addressing spinal curvature (scoliosis). The primary goals of this method are to stop or reduce curve progression at puberty, prevent or treat respiratory dysfunction, prevent or treat spinal pain, and improve aesthetics (appearance) via postural correction. The utilization of scoliosis-specific exercises can be complementary to the application of bracing as well as there is a growing body of research evidence as to its effectiveness.
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Strength After Cancer
Cancer treatments can often feel like a marathon. If you or your patients are finishing treatments, you might be thinking “What now?” Strength After Cancer is a referral based cancer fitness evaluation followed by a supervised treatment plan or transition to an instructor led group class designed to guide survivors from sickness to wellness to fitness.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Are you experiencing dizziness? Is it vertigo, BPPV, or you just don't know? Specialists are trained in screening and assessing the causes of dizziness. A vestibular rehabilitation program will focus on treatments for different causes of dizziness to help you feel steady again.
Women's Pelvic Health
Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) can be a socially embarrassing condition, causing withdrawl from community situations and reduced quality of life. Physical therapy approach to addressing:
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Pain
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Constipation
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Pre/Post-Partum Care
