*Finley Our Super Awesome (and soft) Mascot*
*Kauai Therapy & Wellness Team*
Arlene Baker, Occupational Therapist- OTR/L LIC# OT-32
Arlene received a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of San Jose California and has been practicing as a licensed OT on Kauai in a variety of settings since the 80’s. Arlene has a solid background in working with Kauai’s population with Geriatrics & Pediatrics. Arlene has fulfilled years of experience with hand therapy both in outpatient and home health settings and holds specialized training with NDT & dysphagia & swallowing difficulties. She is an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, & Occupational Therapy Association of Hawaii. She loves spending all the time she can with her grandchildren!
Mindy Murray, Occupational Therapist- OTR/L LIC# OT-293
Mindy is a long time Kauai resident and a graduate from Kauai High School & Kauai Community College. Mindy received a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2000. Mindy has worked for over 17 years as an Occupational Therapist on Kauai in a variety of occupational therapy/rehabilitative/Pediatric settings as well as Hand Therapy Internships at The Hand Therapy Clinic in Southern California & Whittier California Outpatient. LEARN MORE>>>
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Ryan Wigley – DPT, LIC# PT-4802
Ryan’s Favorite Quote: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
What is the essence of what you do?: “Building relationships with people and being an active part of their recovery process; from an athlete wanting to return to sport to the patient receiving a joint replacement, I enjoy the opportunity to provide people with quality care. I believe physical therapy is a key component to enhancing physical health and functional abilities.”
“I have a heart to serve and I enjoy having a hand in the recovery process. I love seeing people achieve things they didn’t know were still possible and restoring a confidence in their physical self.”
When Ryan is not treating patients, he loves to hang out with his wife, camp, hike, hammock, listen to music, eat food, golf, play spikeball, and participate in anything competitive.
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Liz Cole, Occupational Therapist, OT LIC # 1326
Favorite Quotes:
“Be yourself-everyone else is taken!” ~Oscar Wilde
“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what you were for what you could become!” ~Charles DuBois
I find working with people with orthopedic diagnosis especially fulfilling. Whether it’s a simple or a complex injury, working with the patient to reduce pain, increase ROM and strength and restore function is enjoyable-but mostly I help people move from “I can’t” to “I can!”; that is the biggest reward there is!
I love the diversity in my job. Every day and every patient is different. Each person I treat has their own story and their own needs. I enjoy hearing that story and about those needs and then working with the patient to determine how together we can best return them to their independence.
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Daniel Lizama, Therapy Aide
Favorite Quote: “The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.”
Daniel Lizama was born on Kauai but spent 9 years of his childhood on a small island on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
When not working he loves traveling outside of the country, surfing and spending time with his family.
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Maria Romero, Licensed Massage Therapist HI LIC#
Bio to Come…
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Devin Darby, Clinic Director
“I started working in healthcare volunteering for a natural path.”
Working in business prior, Devin noticed more fulfillment in healthcare. From there, he wanted to study western medicine as well. After studying RN school on the mainland, he found a way to bring joy back to patients’ lives.
“It’s not about the ‘pain’ or ‘Range of Motion’, it was more about ‘what were you able to do before that you can’t do now?’…then let’s start there!” In business he has always stuck behind the term “find a need, and fill it”. Here on Kauai, it’s beautiful; there is a need to be filled and that’s getting out and enjoying Kauai and the activities everyone loves…PAIN FREE!
“I take being a Director of this clinic very seriously because the folks here on Kauai are my ohana. I will continue to fill whatever need that I can for the community.”
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Lei Laranio, Client Coordinator
“Favorite Quote: “E hana ‘ia ko ‘oukou mea a pau me ke aloha.”
Leilani was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i. She graduated from Kapa’a High School and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
She loves anything active and outdoors; whether it’s working out at the gym, hiking in the mountains or enjoying some fun in the sun at the beach with her dog Alamea.
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Northern Idaho
Mindy Murray, Occupational Therapist- OTR/L LIC# ID OT-1174
Mindy graduated from Loma Linda University in 2000. Her mother is an Occupational Therapist as well and thus Mindy knew at a very early age that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Mindy was born right here in Sandpoint. She had an amazing childhood- always outside with a dog or two in tow on Pine St. Loop! Her passion was to return to her roots with a purpose to serve the community of Northern Idaho. “Part of my heart is right here in this tiny town & with these beautiful & kind people!”
Her husband & 3 children relocated here from Kauai, Hawaii & built a home right in town & are loving having seasons for the first time ever!
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Garrett Fischer, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Cert. DN – ID LIC # PT-5348
Garrett joined Kauai Physical Therapy in 2018. Originally from Rockford Illinois, he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Carroll University in Wisconsin in 2017.
He has advanced course work in post-concussion injuries, manual therapy, and holds certifications in dry needling (Cert. DN.) and concussion health/vestibular rehab (V2FIT). His focus on manual therapy has him currently working toward his SMT certification through the Spinal Manipulation Institute.
Garrett’s coming to Idaho wasn’t just by accident. Having a passion for the outdoors, the Great Northwest piqued his interest immediately. He is an avid snow sports and fishing enthusiast. His fishing adventures are the envy of patients and co-workers alike, and his exploits and BIG fish are clearly documented in the photos he shares
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Christian Vanderford, Doctor of Physical Therapy – ID LIC # PT-
Bio to Come…
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Jessie Hunt, Licensed Massage Therapist ID LIC# MAS-3349
Jessie loves her horses, singing and aromatherapy.
Jessie’s Philosophy: “Mind, body, spirit medicine is the most effective type of healing.”
What Jessie loves about working at Kauai Therapy & Wellness: “Building personal relationships. It is the most gratifying, peaceful feeling to witness someones health improve with my help. I wanted to be a massage therapist for a long time so its surreal I’m finally here.”
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Kelcee Tomco, Licensed Massage Therapist ID LIC# MAS-3787
Bio to Come…
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Natasha Lee, Therapy Aide
Bio to Come…
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Brooke, Clinic Coordinator
“I’m a Southern Girl in an Idaho World. After years of back and forth, I’ve been in both places the same amount of time and consider myself a ‘dual citizen.’”
Brooke’s free time is spent with her amazing family. She feels absolutely blessed to be a part of the Kauai family and looks forward to serving our patients.
Keep an eye out for Brooke’s Lab/Australian Shepard mix John at the clinic. He loves greeting patients as they enter the gym and treatment rooms for their therapies.
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Carla, Billing Coordinator
Carla’s interests include reading her Bible, hanging out with her husband, bragging about her grand children, loving on her fur-babies: Kipper (rescued chi-weinie), Asha & Bob (my rescued kitties), hiking, kayaking and snowboarding.
What she believes:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17
What Carla likes most about working here:
“My awesome co-workers!
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Jon Gardunia, Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT, ID LIC# 2549
Jon is a graduate from Brigham Young University & Idaho State University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He teaches at NIC in Coeur d’Alene, but since he loves to treat patients, he may be seen from time to time filling in at our Ponderay location.
