Kathi combines her cerebral side with her practical side in problem solving with her patients. She is passionate about understanding the physiological aspects of a patient’s discomfort or dysfunction and pairing that knowledge with both traditional and non-traditional treatment plans. One of the questions she asks herself most often is “what if?”

At the start of her career with direct oversight of the burn department, Kathi participated in extensive research regarding tissue granulation and was responsible for sharp debridement of burns and wounds. Her experience as a burn therapist introduced her to the value of manual therapy in the restoration of function to injured tissue.  She is also a certified orthopedic manual therapist who has trained and practiced all over the world.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• University of Tennessee, BS, Health Sciences
• Ursa Osteopathic Medicine Foundation, Rocabaddo Institute and Olaf Evjenth’s Physiotherapeutic Manual Institute, advanced training in the treatment of craniosacral, TMJ/TMD, spinal, extremity and sports medicine disorders
• West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic, founder and co-owner
• Metropolitan Nashville General/Vanderbilt University, director, Physical Therapy Clinic and Burn Department
• Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists, manual therapy certification
• Institute of Graduate Health Science, manual therapy certification
• International Federation of Manual Therapists, member
• Perry Institute, incontinence treatment certification
• LaMaze, certified instructor
• Oregon Ballet Theatre, Jefferson Dancers, BodyVox, and NW Professional Dance Project, PT
• Women in Workmen’s Compensation, past board member
• Friends of the Arboretum, past board member
• Women of Good Samaritan – Legacy Health, Board Member
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, Trustee
• Jesuit High School, Financial Aid Committee
• Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Endowment Board
• White Orchid Award Recipient, Portland Business Journal
• American Red Cross Certified First Responder

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Favorite books of an avid reader: Mary Craig’s Tears of Blood: A Cry for Tibet, Bounsang Khamkeo’s I Little Slave, Jeffrey Sachs’ The End of Poverty, Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains, Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, Paul Kalanithi”s When Breath Becomes Air, and Adam Hochschild’s King Leopold’s Ghost. Her favorite film is Wardance the Movie. Kathi is a great lover of the arts particularly literature, dance, music, film, and theater.

Weekends and vacations take Kathi running, rafting, cycling, skiing, gardening, letting hummingbirds land in her hand, swimming, windsurfing, practicing yoga, weight training, camping, mountain climbing, and trekking around the globe with her two children. She has summited many peaks including Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Whitney, and Grand Teton. She’s volunteered with Medical Teams International (formerly NW Medical Teams), Habitat for Humanity, Humedica and various other medical NGOs over the past 28 years, working from Portland to Central America, Oaxaca, Mexico, Haiti, Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzanian, Burundian, Ugandan, Congolese, and Syrian refugee camps, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Rwanda,  as well as stints in Asia. Kathi has traveled to Cambodia to deliver care in burn units, also assisting with sex trafficking victims through a companion NGO in Phnom Penh. She and her family have also built houses in several venues including Portland, Guatemala, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and India with Habitat for Humanity. She is now participating in the creation of an integrative fistula program in sub-Saharan Africa refugee camps which has opened in SW Uganda.

There is a strong ethos of helping others that pervades WPPTC. In addition to helping our patients regain mobility or achieve peak performance, we are active in the community. One focus of our efforts is Medical Teams International, a Portland based humanitarian relief organization sending volunteer disaster relief teams and medical aid to people in crisis in 32 countries.  She, along with WPPTC, has screened thousands of Portland youth athletes to determine ACL injury risk.  This screening has been accompanied by individualized training to prevent ACL injuries.  She also helped create the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) Wellness Program.  Our therapists at WPPTC treat all OBT dancers in the studio and at our clinic.    This Wellness Program has helped reduce their injury rate dramatically in the past 3 years since the inception of the dance screening and wellness program.  WPPTC serves the other greater Portland dance studios as well.

WPPTC is committed to improving the lives of Oregonians and people around the globe affected by disaster, conflict, and poverty working with Medical Teams International.

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40 Years of Love
For four decades, Medical Teams International has been on the frontlines of disease outbreaks, natural disasters and human-made crises, providing compassionate medical care to the sick and hurting. This is an organization that I am deeply committed to and actively support in multiple ways. In MTI’s 40 Years of Love video, I make a cameo. It was filmed while I was volunteering with MTI in Ethiopia. I’m at 1:11 in the film. Check it out. I’m very proud of the work.
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Habitat for Humanity Project in Myanmar

In March 2017 Kathi joined a team from Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Myanmar.  The team was led by Stacy Allison, the first American woman to summit Mt. Everest and a Portland resident. Allison, a motivational speaker, put together a diverse and driven group, including lawyers and physical therapists, all driven to make a difference.

Habitat for Humanity in Myanmar

Habitat for Humanity Project in India

Kathy McCoy and others were in India on the way to a Habitat for Humanity build for a community of rat and snake catchers whose villages were impacted by the last typhoon. Stacy Allison is with the group. Here’s a translated article about her climb on Mount Everest.

Habitat for Humanity in India

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Missions to Syria and Ethiopia

Kathi in Syrian Refugee Camp with MTI

Kathi in Ethiopia with Habitat for Humanity

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MTI in Haiti (2010)

Kathi in Haiti

Kathi McCoy featured in OPTA-Oregon-Log-2010Q4

Read the full story in the September 3, 2010 edition of the Scribe

On Wednesday, April 21, 2010, West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic’s Kathi McCoy emceed an all-star panel of aid representatives at the MAC.
Haiti Disaster Relief at the MAC

Kathi joined a team of medical professionals traveling to Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake. The story was widely reported in the media.  Here’s their story.

MTI in Haiti 2010 – KATU 5pm News

MTI in Haiti 2010 – KATU 6pm News

MTI in Haiti 2010 – KGW 11pm News

MTI in Haiti 2010 – KATU 4pm News

Haiti Earthquake 2010 – Relief Efforts – KGW News

MTI and 2010 Haitian Earthquake – KATU AM Northwest

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MTI in Guatemala (2009)

Kathi and her children, Michael and Madison, have volunteered with Medical Teams International in Guatemala, where they partnered with indigenous peoples to address their identified nutrition and health problems. MTI works with solutions devised by the villagers to tackle water source protection and crop diversification to alleviate malnutrition. Their process of building relationships with villagers to collaboratively use their skills and knowledge makes the work more satisfying and the solutions more sustainable. Kathi feels that it is a privilege to be a part of this process.

Kathi and children in Guatemala

MAC Faces of November 2009

MTI in Guatemala 2009

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MTI in Uganda (2008)

Kathi was part of the team on the Congolese border to provide medical relief to refugees. The Oregonian covered the work done in the face of this “human rights catastrophe”.

Read The Oregonian article

Kathi in Uganda

MTI – Congolese Refugees in Uganda 2008

Kathi in the DRC

MTI – Uganda 2008 – KATU AM Northwest

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Take a further look at Medical Team International’s important work:

MTI Auction 2010  – Change a Life

MTI Auction 2009 – Change a Life

MTI Auction 2008 – The Great Adventure

MTI – New York Times

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New Heights for MTI–Kathi and a group of friends have climbed Mt. Hood, Mt. Whitney, and Grand Teton commemorating Medical Teams International. Stacy Allison, renowned climber and MTI supporter, joined the group for their successful summit of Mt. Hood. Check out the youtube videos of their climbs. MTI truly rocks!

Summiting Grand Teton (video)

Grand Teton Montage (video)

At the top of Grand Teton

Summiting Mt Whitney (video)

At the summit of Mt. Whitney

Summiting Mt Hood (video)

Mt. Hood Summit

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WPPTC‘s work with dancers is featured in the February issue of Goodness Magazine. On the cover Kathi McCoy, founder and co-owner of WPPTC, is pictured with OBT principal dancer Gavin Larsen.

Read the Goodness Magazine article

The Oregonian featured Kathi, who shared some of her thoughts on places, things, beliefs and experiences with Oregonian writer Sara Perry. The complete text of Perry’s “Favorite Things” article may be viewed by clicking the links below.

Attitude of Gratitude News Article, The Oregonian

Full Text of Article

After graduating from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1986, Christine focused on Sports Medicine in the early years of her Physical Therapy career. First in Seattle and then in the Bay Area, Christine participated in the athletic training of the Seattle Supersonics and San Francisco 49er’s, as well as treating other professional and collegiate baseball, volleyball, and soccer players. As a South Bay provider for SOAR/Spine Care, she participated in the beginnings of the stabilization movement. She is also an American Red Cross Certified First Responder.

Christine’s Portland career has revolved around West Portland Physical Therapy. Since 1990, she has worked with the Oregon Ballet Theatre and has undertaken additional coursework in spine care, joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, osteoporosis, dance, exercise, and pregnancy.

As the mother of two athletically-involved children, Christine is well versed in the challenges of keeping kids fit and healthy while avoiding repetitive and strain injuries. A runner since high school, she still rarely misses a day.

Christine is dedicated to helping her patients determine what conditions are needed to promote healing, educating them in how to better care for their bodies, and assisting their return to an active lifestyle.

A Wisconsin native, Patti graduated with her degree in Physical Therapy from the University of San Francisco in 1986. She has lived and worked in Portland since 1991.

After a long and illustrious career, Patti retired in April 2019. We wish her the best in her retirement!

Patti specializes in manual therapy and has extensive continuing education training in a variety of soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques. These include, but are not limited to, PRRT, strain-counterstrain, and myofascial release.

A member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s section on Women’s Health, Patti has taken advanced coursework in women’s and men’s healthcare topics and pelvic pain issues and is a Board Certified Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS). She is also an American Red Cross Certified First Responder.

Among her other accomplishments, Patti is a certified Pilates instructor (Stotts Institute 2002), and has provided PT services for the Oregon Ballet Theatre since 1992. She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine, and has treated dancers of all ages and skill levels. Patti is also a member of the support staff for NW Professional Dance Project.

A runner and biker for the past 30 years, Patti also enjoys gardening, camping, kayaking, and travel – all outdoor activities with her family and friends.

Patti was featured on KGW with some Warm Up Stretches for Winter Workouts.  See the link here!

Patti Koehler selected as Best Body Worker by Willamette Week.

Patti Koehler-WW Best of Portland-2010

Patti was named a “Top Doc” by Portland Monthly in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Amanda loves belonging to a team that focuses intensely on patient care and community outreach. She approaches each patient with an individualized plan of care and her main focus is on her patients’ function and their personal goals. Her main passion is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation and in 2016 she earned her Pelvic Rehabilitation Certified Practitioner certification from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She currently pursues continuing education courses focusing on pelvic rehab for men, women, and children, and is preparing for her next certification exam. Amanda believes patient education is a key component to having a successful transition from dysfunction to function and will make sure each patient understands the necessity of manual work, treatments, and home exercise to improve patient function.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (San Marcos, CA), Doctor of Physical Therapy
• California Polytechnic State University, BS in Kinesiology
• Pursuing Manual Therapy Certification
• Certified Pelvic Rehabilitative Practitioner (PRPC)
• American Heart Association Certified First Responder
• American Physical Therapy Association Member- Womens Section

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Amanda was born and raised in Encinitas, California, a small surf town in North County San Diego. Amanda met her Oregonian husband shortly after moving to Portland and has since put down roots. Amanda was a former competitive gymnast and has a passion for fitness. For activities, she enjoys snowboarding, biking, archery, golfing, and dance classes. In her downtime, Amanda can be found reading a great book, watching the newest movie playing in the cinema, mastering a new recipe, or hanging out with her cats and husband.

Laura’s introduction to physical therapy came after dance injuries took her off pointe as a teenager after 12 years of classical ballet training. Years later, when a trapeze injury took her off stage during her career in modern dance, she knew physical therapy would become her life’s work. She is passionate about helping her patients experience the body’s amazing capacity for healing.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island
• BA, International Studies, Macalester College
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Advanced practitioner certification, Thai Massage
• Stott Pilates Mat instructor
• Iyengar Yoga instructor
• Trained in Yoga Therapy for Persistent Pain
• Is trained in pelvic Floor rehabilitation for women & men’s health
• Laura has been awarded the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) by Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
• Pursuing training in Manual Therapy with North American Institute for Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT)

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Laura has lived in New York, Minneapolis, Providence, Ann Arbor, Ecuador and France before falling in love with Portland. She is fluent in Spanish and French, conversational in Japanese and can ask you about your pain in Russian, Cantonese and Vietnamese. She practices yoga, pilates and cycles carefully through Portland’s beautiful streets.

Dana is a Delaware native and earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of New England. Dana moved from coast to coast and landed in the PNW to pursue her passions for pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapy. Her clinical approach prioritizes patient education and individualized care. She believes all individuals should have access to learning the healing capabilities our bodies hold to restore movement and function. She enjoys any opportunity to empower patients with this knowledge to help them succeed.  Dana is currently enrolled in advanced pelvic health coursework  in pursuit of her Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• B.S. in Kinesiology, University of Maryland — College Park, MD
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of New England, Portland, ME
• Currently pursuing Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification from Herman & Wallace

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Dana is always looking for new ways to explore the outdoors. Her favorites activities include backpacking, running, biking, rock climbing and going to all the local beautiful parks with her dog Frankie. When she isn’t outside Dana enjoys reading, attending concerts and trying her artistic hand with pottery.

Abby has recently graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University, where she completed a 6-year accelerated undergraduate and graduate physical therapy program. Abby has had clinical experience as a student physical therapist in treating patients of a variety of diagnoses and age groups in the outpatient orthopedic setting including sports injuries, chronic pain, pelvic health, and chronic neurological dysfunction. She also had the opportunity to work with physical and play therapists at the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital on an internship abroad in London. Abby has also spent time working with LGBTQ healthcare advocates and physical therapists to educate students in professional programs on cultural sensitivity for treating patients in the LGBTQ community. She is passionate about providing appropriate and quality care to everyone.

Abby is excited to begin her career at WPPTC and continue learning. She plans to complete certifications in orthopedics, manual therapy, and pelvic floor physical therapy so as to better support her patients in achieving their goals.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Boston University
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University
• American Physical Therapy Association Member

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Abby was born in The Netherlands and grew up in here in Portland, as well as Indonesia and Singapore. She is excited to have finally returned after so many years and is eager to explore and rediscover the wonders of the Pacific Northwest!

Kim is a recent graduate of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Pacific University and completed supplemental coursework in pelvic floor therapy during her education. Her PT interests include pelvic health, balance training, and working with older adults. She recognizes the challenges of making time for quality self-care and creates productive sessions and thoughtful exercise programs to best fit into busy lives.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Pacific University

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Kim has been living in Portland with her husband and cat for the last ten years. After graduating from Linfield College she spent four years in biomedical research before turning her focus to physical therapy. Her favorite activities are cooking, reading, drawing, and admittedly watching Netflix. Kim has a diverse athletic background in gymnastics and racquetball, and dabbled in modern dance and rugby in college.

Chris was born and raised in South Carolina, earning his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina before earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2018. Chris moved to Portland shortly following graduation after falling in love with the area during a clinical rotation with the VA Portland Health Care System as a student. Chris seeks to develop an individual plan for every patient based on their unique needs to decrease pain, maximize function, and reach each patient’s individual goals while empowering them with the tools to self-manage their condition and prevent recurrence in the future.  As a clinician Chris has practiced extensively in orthopedics, sports medicine, vestibular, and concussion rehab.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• B.S. Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Boston University
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Certified
• Pursuing Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification (testing 2021)
• American Heart Association BLS certified

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Chris has a passion for LGBTQ activism and has worked with coworkers to develop a Transgender Health Program at WPPTC, through this project they have been able to connect with numerous health care providers across Portland to work towards better care and collaboration for this patient population. Chris has also been an avid rugby player since picking up the sport his freshman year of college, competing throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. In his spare time he is a Trail Blazers fanatic and enjoys exploring the great PNW outdoors.

Education, Experience, and Certifications
• Bachelor’s of Arts in Kinesiology, DePauw University
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan
• American Physical Therapy Association Member, Sports Section Member
• Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist
• American Red Cross Emergency Responder
• Certified Kinesiology Taping Practitioner

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Jamie brings more than a decade of dance training and Pilates teaching experience to her physical therapy expertise. Her journey to becoming a physical therapist first began as a patient, where she fell in love with the idea of helping others to achieve their optimal strength and mobility. Over the years, Jamie has specialized in crafting highly personalized treatment programs to help each patient reach their movement goals — spanning the range from post-surgery recovery to strength training to managing chronic pain. She finds Pilates to be an effective complement to traditional physical therapy in treating acute and chronic injuries. She enjoys partnering with clients on their wellness journey, helping them find the tools they need to achieve and maintain their long-term health. A native of Massachusetts, Jamie received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University. She practiced as a physical therapist in Los Angeles for two years before moving to the Pacific Northwest.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Columbia University
• American Physical Therapy Association Member
• Certified Pilates Instructor

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

When not trolling bookstores for the next good read, Jamie enjoys traveling, cooking, hiking with her dog Obie, and listening to good music with her partner and jazz musician Alex.

Ann-Marie was born and raised in Portland.  She started working with OBT dancers immediately upon graduating from school and since that time has worked with dancers from BodyVox and the Northwest Dance Project as well.  Ann-Marie’s specialty is manual therapy.  She is active with sports injury screening in local high schools and has taken many courses in myofascial release and soft tissue work.

Education, Experience, and Certifications
• University of Portland, BA in Communication Studies
• Mt. Hood Community College, AS in Physical Therapist Assistant

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams
Ann-Marie swam competitively from childhood throughout high school, raced Dragon Boats for thirteen years and Out Rigger Canoes and Voyager Canoes for several years. When not in the clinic she maintains her athletic inclination by continuing to boat, paddle, swim, hike and run with her family.

Sean is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and loves the variety of adventures that are available in this part of the country.  Prior to going back to school to become a PTA, Sean was a fitness trainer in the Portland area for 10 years.  He joined West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic in 2013.

Patients appreciate Sean’s hands-on, detail-oriented approach to exercise.  He has had good success in helping patients correct faulty movement patterns thereby leading to the elimination of pain and successful return to work, sports, and recreational activities.  Sean accomplishes this using a combination of progressive strengthening, stretching, and self-myofascial release (foam rollers, tennis balls, etc).

Education, Experience, and Certifications
• Mount Hood Community College

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams
When Sean is not in the clinic he enjoys exercising (Yes! He does many of the exercises that he has his patients do!), hiking, and nature photography.

Lorelei grew up in rural Illinois. She moved to Portland immediately after college in pursuit of a milder climate. She joined West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic in 2017.

Education, Experience, and Certification
• Southern Illinois University, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Associates of Physical Therapy

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams
Lorelei enjoys crafting, watching soccer (Go Thorns!) and hockey (Go Blackhawks!), and exploring Portland’s many restaurants.

Andy is Texas born and raised having lived in San Antonio for most of his life. He moved to Portland in early 2018 and joined WPPTC shortly after. With previous involvement in inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics, he is excited about the new experience of working with men’s and women’s pelvic floor PT.

Education, Experience, and Certifications
• Texas A&M University, BS in Biology
• St. Phillip’s College, AAS in Physical Therapy

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams
Andy hopes to return to school and earn his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. He enjoys hiking, running, weight training, video games, and watching the NBA (Go Spurs, go!).

Michelle is a fitness instructor, industry consultant, and master trainer delivering education and product knowledge for fitness companies and products worldwide. She brings a strong appreciation for proper exercise techniques and a special passion for movement. Michelle is known for her unique style of providing a fun, effective and inspirational learning environment.

Her certifications include NCSF PT, ACE, AFAA, TRX, BOSU, Willpower Method, Triggerpoint Therapy Foam Rolling, and SMR, Stott Mat Pilates, & Yogafit.

Scott has spent the majority of his business career managing outpatient physical therapy clinics nationally. In 2010, a serendipitous set of events connected him with Kathi McCoy and the rest, as they say, is history. Leaving a large, national physical therapy group and coming to West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic has been one of his best decisions. The joy of being able to concentrate on individual patients and making sure that WPPTC strives daily to provide the highest quality care and customer service cannot be overstated.

Education, Experience, and Certification

• University of Texas at Dallas, BS Business Administration, Accounting

Pursuits, Passions, and Dreams

Scott is excited by the beauty around us in the Pacific Northwest. A native of Texas, he got here as fast as he could and feels so lucky to have spent the past 25 years hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, and skiing in such a magnificent place. Also an urban animal, you will find him most nights enjoying Portland’s great restaurant scene and night life. He and his husband love all things Spanish, Italian, and French and dream of a Mediterranean retirement. A fan of the arts, he happily supports Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Portland Opera, and the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus where he has performed for 25 years.