Wendolyn Rue, Physical Therapist, Lymphedema Therapist
“Life changing moments make us who we are and what we do. I was in my 20’s attending pre-med classes at the University of WA when my sweet grandmother was in a car accident. She was 80 years old. Her right leg had to be amputated. She had lived in the house that she was born in. A small house with one bathroom at the top of the stairs. How could she ever go home?
Would this be the end of her fierce independence?
The answer would be NO. She went home and continued to be independent, much to her entire family’s surprise.
Physical therapy and a lot of grit got her home. “I made the decision to become a physical therapist.”
Wendolyn Rue PT received her degree in Physical Therapy from New York University in 1990.
She is an avid learner and never stops updating her education by reading and attending continuing education and special training courses. She is at her best working one-on-one with her patients. It can be complicated discovering what is driving a particular person’s pain. Solving the puzzle is what inspires me and analyzing habitual harmful movement patterns has become my passion.” Wendolyn is launching her new wellness program Unwinding The Spine.
Wendolyn met her husband Thomas Primavera in 1997 and they joined in marriage and in business. They have created a beautiful clinic on Whidbey Island where patients come to heal, to laugh, to get rid of their pain and get back their independence.
Tom Primavera, Occupational Therapist
Tom was born and raised in Cherry Hill, NJ and completed a Bachelor’s of Arts in Physical Education from University of Richmond in 1977. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at University of Puget Sound in 1986. He also received a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Seattle University in 1993. He moved to Anacortes and worked at Island Hospital in their outpatient Physical Therapy Department for 17 years, where he started their Occupational/Hand Therapy Department. During this time, he was able to start the Hand Therapy Clinic in Oak Harbor. He met his wife while working in Anacortes and she joined him in Oak Harbor. The two have grown Rue and Primavera to where it is today. Tom specializes in upper extremity injuries, including fractures, nerve and tendon injuries, repetitive and over use injuries. He loves working with patients of all ages and is very lucky to be working with our local active and retired Navy personnel as well as with their dependents.
Dr. Dawna Giem, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist
Education:
- Loma Linda University
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
- Northeastern University
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy
- Board Certification
- Pelvic Rehab Practitioner Certified (PRPC)
Professional Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- APTA Section on Women’s Health
- Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)
- International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
Professional Expertise and Interests:
- Pelvic Rehab: Men, Women
- Women’s Health
- Pregnancy/ Postpartum
- Menopause
- Geriatrics
- Balance
- Pilates
- Integrative Women’s Health
Personal Interests:
- Travel
- Cooking
- Outdoor Sports
Mission:
I believe in taking every opportunity to further my knowledge of the human body and depend on research based evidence to guide my treatments. To build trusting compassionate relationships to efficiently assist the return to optimal function. To treat the whole body not just the diagnosis.
Amy Heitman, Occupational Therapist
Education:
- Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013
- Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
- James Maddison University, 2010
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Professional membership:
- AOTA
Professional experience:
- Certified in Neonatal Touch and Massage and SOS Approach to Feeding training. Previous work experience in a Children’s level 4 hospital setting including NICU, PICU, and outpatient; home health working with adults focusing on upper extremity rehabilitation, home safety analysis, and care giver training; and private practice with children in home health and outpatient settings focusing on ADLs, sensory processing, fine motor coordination, and visual motor integration.
Personal interests:
- Running
- Hiking
- Snowboarding
- Spending time with family
Mission:
To empower, restore, and improve function so all people can return or explore activities they love.
James Roberts, Occupational Therapist
Education:
- Willamette University
- BA ’15 Exercise Science
- Creighton University
- Doctorate Occupational Therapy ’20
Professional Memberships:
- AOTA
Personal Expertise and Interests:
- Outpatient pediatrics and geriatrics
- Home health
- Love hand therapy because that is how my brain works!
Personal Interests:
- Eating food!
- Hiking to walk the food off!
- Water activities for a sunny day!
- Ski in the winter, hunt in the fall, travel when we can!
Mission:
I hope to reach your goals that you may have by providing tools and tips that you can do on your own! Function and practical use of your upper extremity is my priority.
Marri Metz, Clinic Manager
Education:
- Western Washington University
- Bachelors Degree in Studio Art, concentration in ceramics
Personal Interests:
- Outdoors
- Art
- Family
Cheyanne C, Authorization & Referrals Coordinator
Education:
- Edmonds College (currently attending)
- Associates in Paralegal Studies
Personal Interests:
- Spending time with family
- Family game nights
- Baking
- Hiking
Lauren G, Patient Care Coordinator
Education:
- Skagit Valley College
Personal interests:
- Hiking
- Baking
- Spending time with friends and family
- Attending concerts
Mission:
My goal is to help patients get the best possible care in a timely manner. Being a burn survivor, I understand the importance of physical and occupational therapy, as well as the severity of certain cases. I am committed to helping patients in any way that I can. Being able to create a schedule that works for our patients brings me joy and I love observing their progress as they go through their plan of care.
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Kristina B, Reception
Education:
Personal Interests: