Nava Bienstock was born and raised in Southern California. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science from California State University Northridge and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Long Island University-Brooklyn. As a therapist, Nava enjoys working with all populations and has an interest in the spine and lower extremities. In her free time, she enjoys playing roller derby, camping, and exploring.
Emily joined the Bridger Orthopedics rehabilitation team in the fall of 2020 and now serves as the Clinic Director of the West location. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 2008. With 12 years of extensive experience in sports medicine and orthopedics in the Boston area, Emily returned to her hometown of Bozeman to bring her expertise to the local community. She is dedicated to helping individuals recover from injuries and regain their passion for Montana's outdoor activities. In her spare time, Emily enjoys hiking and downhill skiing, fully embracing the adventurous opportunities that Montana offers.
Josh was born and raised in Leominster, MA before attending the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH where he earned a B.S. in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2016. While at UNH Josh worked as a certified personal trainer, becoming passionate about helping others achieve their fitness, health, and wellness goals. He then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Simmons University in Boston, MA in 2020. Josh worked at a private practice outpatient clinic south of Boston for a year where he honed his skills in treating a myriad of orthopedic conditions including chronic pain, extremity injuries, and post-operative patients before moving to Bozeman to join the Bridger Orthopedic team. Josh enjoys working with a variety of patient populations ranging from athletes to geriatrics and everything in between. Josh is an avid Boston sports fan and loves watching the New England Patriots on Sundays in the fall. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, ice hockey, camping, and exploring everything Montana has to offer.
Anne Fox was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Growing up with a love of sports, exercise, and the outdoors, it was an easy decision for her to move to Montana for college. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science at Montana State University and went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of New Mexico. Anne has experience in private practice orthopedics, school-based physical therapy, home health physical therapy, and is certified in Dry Needling. She has a passion for optimizing human movement and loves to help people of all ages achieve their goals. When Anne isn't in the clinic, you can most likely find her hiking, fly fishing, or skiing the slopes at Bridger Bowl!
Brittnie was born and raised in Choteau, MT. She received her Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech in Butte in 2006 and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2009. She also received her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification in 2009. Brittnie worked in her hometown of Choteau until moving to Bozeman with her Gallatin-valley native husband and two young daughters. Coming from rural outpatient setting, Brittnie enjoys working with a variety of populations, but especially enjoys working with shoulders, spine, an lower extremity injuries, athletes throughout the lifespan, and vestibular disorders. Brittnie enjoys running, camping, and spending time with her family enjoying the great outdoors of Montana.
Hannah is a 6th generation Montanan born and raised in Missoula. She earned her degrees in Exercise Science and Physical Therapy Assistant from MSU. Hannah enjoys working with all demographics of Bozeman’s population and helping patients work towards their goals. She has certifications with Barbell Rehab and USA Weightlifting as well as ICE’s Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete certification. Hannah is also a Pure Barre instructor in town. She has experience as a spin instructor as well as a ski instructor and has spent many years as a ski patroller at her home mountain, Snowbowl Montana, alongside her dad and brother. When not working, you will most likely find Hannah recreating outside, planning her next travel venture, and having a good time with friends and family.
Heather King, DPT, was born and raised in West Newbury, MA and received her undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In 2023, she completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Franklin Pierce University in Manchester, NH. During her last clinical rotation, she spent an extended period of time working under spine specialists, which has led her to develop an increased interest in this area. She now enjoys using these principles she learned to help her patients’ physical and recreational abilities. In her free time, you will find her hiking and spending time with her family and friends. Heather has never met a dog she doesn’t love and hopes to one day adopt one of her own.
Sydney Knieriem grew up in Redlands, CA before moving to Great Falls, MT, to attend the University of Providence on a soccer scholarship, and to obtain a Bachelor of Arts and Sciencein Biology. She then enrolled in the Great Falls College-MSU Physical Therapist Assistant Program. She moved to Bozeman to work as an inpatient Physical Therapy Assistant at a hospital campus, where she treated a wide variety of patients. During her time as a therapist, she has enjoyed working with patients to meet their goals and return to their everyday living. When not at work, she likes to spend time snowboarding, hiking, camping and dirt bike riding.
Rachel was born and raised in Fond du Lac, WI and received her undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin. In 2012 she completed a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. In 2017 she completed her Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy through The Manual Therapy Institute.
Following receiving her doctorate, Rachel relocated to Denver, CO where she practiced in small outpatient clinics as well as in an occupational health setting. After 5 years in Denver she decided to travel as a contract physical therapist and has lived in Texas, Arizona and Washington before deciding to settle in Bozeman. Rachel is interested in utilizing her manual therapy background to treat spine and lower extremity conditions. In her free time, Rachel enjoys hiking and skiing.
Emily Pfeifer is a PTA at Bridger Orthopedic Rehabilitation. A Butte native, Emily went to the University of Great Falls where she earned a BS in Psychology with a minor in Health and Human Performance. Emily was also a dual athlete competing in golf and on a competitive cheerleading team. Following her bachelors she went to MSU Great Falls and completed the Physical Therapy Assistant program. Emily has been practicing at Missoula Bone and Joint for the past 5 years focusing on rehab and injury prevention of high school and college athletes as well as the weekend warriors of Montana. Continuing education courses include certified ASTYM provider and strength and conditioning courses that have allowed her greater ability to treat for injury prevention and return to play athletes. Emily is at Bridger Orthopedics west campus at 3406 Laramie Drive.
Jenny has a BS in Exercise Science from MSU, Bozeman (2017) and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2022. Jenny is passionate about working with people of all ages to restore and maximize function. She enjoys getting to know her patients and tailoring therapy so it is specific and meaningful to each individual. When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find her cooking, baking, outside adventuring (especially camping & backpacking), or spending time with her friends and husband, and their pet turtle, Tim.
Erica grew up in the small town of Story, Wyoming and first came to Bozeman to attend Montana State University where she received a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Montana and returned to Bozeman after working as a travel therapist on the Olympic Peninsula. Erica spends her free time downhill and backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and exploring various mountain ranges. She enjoys treating the lower extremities, shoulder, and the many injuries that originate from Bridger Bowl.
Travis grew up in West Yellowstone, Montana, where he learned to love all forms of outdoor recreation. He graduated from MSU with a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in 2016 and graduated from Idaho State University in 2024 with his doctorate in Physical Therapy. He moved back to Bozeman to take advantage of the outdoor access and be closer to family. Travis enjoys working with patients of any age, to get back to the recreation or activities they love. When he is not in the clinic, Travis can be found in the outdoors with his wife and dogs.
Jeff was born and raised in McHenry, Il before moving to Gunnison, CO to for his BA in Exercise and Sport Science at Western State Colorado University. He participated the cross country and track team as well as the mountain bike team during his time at Western. Jeff earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine in San Marcos, CA. Jeff specializes in Occupational Health and treatment of the injured worker. He is a certified Functional Capacity Evaluator and provides work conditioning and post-offer physical abilities testing for many companies. He is also certified to perform Dry Needling. He enjoys working with lower extremity injuries and anything involving athletics. Jeff and his wife Paige love the outdoors and are passionate about trail running, mountain biking, triathlons, and skiing.
Jason was born and raised in Stillwater, MN. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served eight years, after which he attended the University of Kansas and earned a B.S. in Exercise Science. He then earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, in 2024. Jason enjoys working with patients of all ages, from those recovering from sports injuries to seniors regaining mobility. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has worked as a strength coach and personal trainer for a wide range of athletes of all ages. He has a particular interest in strength sports, including powerlifting and strongman. Jason is an avid outdoorsman who spends most of his free time pursuing all types of wild game in the fall.
Jen Smith is a native to the Gallatin Valley graduating from Belgrade High School in 2002. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2008 from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. She enjoys seeing a variety of patients of all ages and abilities, with a special fulfillment in the orthopedic setting. Over the course of her career, Jen has had the ability to expand her practice in many positive ways. Jen utilizes Functional Dry Needling (FDN), which is a beneficial technique that uses monofilament needles to release trigger points in muscles; which has shown great success in many patients over the course of her career. For more information about FDN click http://www.kinetacore.com. Jen is also fluent in Kinesiotape and selective functional movement assessment (SFMA). Jen has 3 girls and a wonderful husband. She also enjoys hunting, fishing, crafts and cooking!
Dyesebel “Jess” Solis joined Bridger Orthopedic as a Physical Therapist in 2024. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City, Philippines. With a deep history of patient care globally that includes working as a clinical supervisor at Olongapo Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, tenure with both a private hospital and tenure with a military hospital both located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia for almost two decades, she moved to the US in January 2017.
Jess worked in PT for over 5 years in New Mexico and in Oregon before enrolling in the University of Montana Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Missoula, Montana. She is multi-lingual and is fluent in three languages; Tagalog, Arabic, and English. Her hobbies include landscape and portrait photography, gardening, and cooking and baking.
Brianne pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Pacific University in 2004. Upon graduating in 2007, Brianne started working as a PT where she has honed her outpatient orthopedic skills including manual therapy and specialized therapeutic exercises to treat the spine, extremity injuries, and post-operative patients. She is currently pursuing her Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine. Brianne is thoroughly adept to and enjoys working with a variety of client populations including pediatric, geriatric, athletes, and the weekend warriors. As a native of Montana, Brianne has always loved the outdoors and enjoys playing outside and exploring the surroundings in all seasons.
Kayley Swinton grew up in in the rural town of Haines, AK. Growing up playing basketball, she was introduced to physical therapy with injuries of her own in 8th grade. From that point on, her passion for physical therapy and helping others return to the activities they love grew. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology-Health Science at Oregon Institute of Technology, and then a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pacific University in 2023. With her rural upbringing, she enjoys working with a wide variety of populations and in general orthopedics. In her free time, Kayley enjoys spending time with friends and family, hunting, hiking, fishing, and staying active.
Levi was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He has a BA degree in Exercise Physiology from Colorado Mesa University, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy for the University of Mary. He moved to Bozeman in 2014 to take advantage of the beautiful Montana scenery. Levi enjoys working with spine and lower extremity injuries, as well as anything to do with athletics. He is an avid indoor and outdoor volleyball player and enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, and camping. Levi has also been an assistant volleyball coach at three universities, as well as multiple junior Olympic teams.
MacKenzie received her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Bethel University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. As a PT, she enjoys working with all types of patients and the various conditions in which they present. One of the most enjoyable aspects of her job is motivating and supporting patients as they return to their favorite activities and sports. A native of Wisconsin, she will forever be a fan of the Packers and all things dairy! She loves anything related to sports, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Mesa was born in Bozeman, MT and raised in White Sulphur Springs, MT on a cattle ranch. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Health and Science from Montana Tech in Butte, MT in 2021 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2024. She also received her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification in 2023. It was an easy decision to move over to Bozeman because of the beautiful scenery and close proximity to home. Mesa enjoys working with a variety of populations. Her favorite part about being a physical therapist is helping people reach their goals and get back to the activities that bring them joy. When she is not in the clinic, she enjoys helping out on the family ranch, hanging out with friends and family, and planning her next adventure within and outside of Montana.
Judy graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University and during the course of her career has specialized in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation in a variety of settings. In 2006, she received the specialty Hand Certification and has enjoyed the opportunity to further developing skills in this area. She moved to the Bozeman area nearly 30 years ago with her husband Tim and daughter Kaitlin. They have spent countless hours in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park and on Montana rivers.
Kari Kasey-Bozarth, a 10 year resident of Bozeman, is an Indiana transplant. Born and raised in southern Indiana, Kari attended undergrad at Purdue University before graduating from Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Kari’s professional experience has been lengthy and includes stints as a school system therapist in Indiana and Bozeman, as well as a clinical specialist at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis. It was in this setting that she developed a passion for hand therapy as she worked with esteemed surgeons in developing the hospital’s tendon transfer program for quadriplegics. A dream job at Indiana University Hospital working with challenging upper extremity patients and complex surgeries cemented her desire to pursue hand therapy as a specialty area. This led to her certification in hand therapy (CHT) in one of the first years this prestigious and challenging certification was offered. Kari has served as an adjunct professor and lecturer in several occupational therapy programs in Indiana and continues to supervise and mentor fieldwork students in Montana.
Since moving to Bozeman, Kari has continued her pursuit of professional excellence while balancing a more healthful and recreational lifestyle. Her personal philosophy towards therapy is respect for best practices and a science based approach to treatment. To that end she strives to research and participate in a variety of continuing education programs. In addition to certifications in ergonomics, Kari is certified in ASTYM. Kari enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits and values time spent with her amazing children and husband above all else.
Susan is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Bozeman 2019. She graduated from Auburn University with her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, and went on to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at Tuskegee University. Her practice in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine began in 2002, with an upper extremity focus. Susan has been fortunate enough to be able to work with talented therapists and surgeons in her career from Birmingham, AL (ASMOC/Champion Sports Medicine), Vail, CO (Howard Head Sports Medicine), and Greenville, SC (Steadman Hawkins/ ATI), prior to joining Bridger Orthopedic. She became a certified hand therapist in 2012. As a therapist, Susan enjoys working with all types of patients and diagnoses of the upper extremity, being able to return them to the activities they love. Susan is our therapy director, overseeing operations in our outpatient therapy clinics in Bozeman and Belgrade.
Outside of work, Susan values time spent with her husband, as well as adventuring outdoors. She enjoys mountain biking, camping, skiing, fly fishing, and football.
Shelly is originally from Wheat Ridge, Co. She attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT where she received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. After college Shelly spent time working in adaptive recreation for the National Ability Center and the National Sports Center for the Disabled. Working in adaptive recreation first sparked Shelly’s interest in pursuing occupational therapy. Shelly attended the University of New England in Portland, Maine where she received a Master of Occupational Therapy.
Shelly first began her occupational therapy career in outpatient pediatrics but has now found a passion for working in hand therapy. When Shelly is not at work she loves skiing, running, being outside and spending time with friends and family.
Hannah grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in Human Development and Family Studies. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary in Billings, Montana. Hannah is passionate about helping those she serves get back to the activities they enjoy. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, kayaking, and reading.
Haley has lived all over the country, but considers Colorado Springs to be her home base. She earned her undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. She then moved to Omaha, NE to pursue her doctorate in occupational therapy at Creighton University. Haley began her career in pediatrics before discovering her love for hand therapy. Haley moved to Bozeman to pursue this passion and nurture her love for outdoor recreation. In her free time, Haley loves to ski, hike, camp, and practice yoga. Haley has been a yoga instructor since 2018 and enjoys incorporating this into her upper extremity rehabilitation!
Rindy is a native of western North Carolina. She earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2003 and continued her education there with a master's in Occupational Therapy in 2005. While at UNC, her participation in the sports medicine program led to an interest in orthopedic therapy. After starting her career at OrthoCarolina, she moved to Bozeman in 2007 in search of snow, trails, and new adventures. In 2013, she earned special certification in hand therapy (CHT). Rindy and her husband enjoy outdoor recreation, travel, and football.
Nate is a fourth generation Montanan and a partner at Bridger Orthopedic. He is a previous Chairman of the Board of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in the great State of Montana and is a licensed professional fly fishing and hunting guide throughout North America. Nate’s clinical focus is on pre- and post-operative upper extremity disorders. Nate and his family are avid outdoor aficionados and can be spotted chasing their herd of bird dogs or knee deep in a trout stream whenever time allows.
Amy grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming and headed North after graduation. She graduated from Carroll College in Helena, MT with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2000 and went on to pursue her Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy through the University of North Dakota-Casper College, graduating in 2002.
Her love of Montana prompted her return to Belgrade, and she began her career with Freestone Rehabilitation (who merged with Bridger Orthopedic) in August of 2002. She has accumulated extensive experience working in an outpatient upper extremity orthopedic setting. She is currently the clinic director in our Belgrade office, and previously worked in our offices in Livingston and Dillon.
Amy enjoys treating all upper extremity patients/diagnosis and enjoys watching them return to the sports, work and recreational activities they enjoy. Amy is trained in ASTYM therapy.
Amy and her husband Joe are true Belgrade Panther fans and can often be found in a gym or at a field supporting their two children, Ella and Caleb, in their many sporting events. She has been deeply involved in the Belgrade Girls Softball Association and enjoys watching and supporting her community's athletics. When not at work or watching a sporting event, she can be found in her flower garden, perfecting her true passion.