Dr. Carol-Ann Nelson, PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS
Carol-Ann founded Destination Rehab as a 501(c)3 in 2016 because she saw the need to help adults with neurologic conditions get back into the community and enjoying nature again.
Carol-Ann received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Duke University before moving to Florida where she worked as a Physical Therapist in a Neuro specialty center (Brooks Rehabilitation). She sees patients with a variety of complex neurologic conditions including spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's, Guillian Barre, CP and MS. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist.
Carol-Ann is a licensed physical therapist in Oregon, former Vice President of APTA Oregon, Advisory Board Member for the OSU-Cascades Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Neurologic Section of APTA. She serves on the Nominating Committee for APTA-Oregon and is an Associate Professor for the OSU-Cascades DPT program. Carol-Ann grew up in Eugene, moved to Bend in the summer of 2015 and is passionate about combining her love of the outdoors with bringing people to a new level of ability in their daily function.
Dr. Rachael Ritter PT, DPT, NCS
Rachael grew up in the ski-town of Park City, UT where her love for the outdoors began. She traded the mountains for the desert to play collegiate soccer at Arizona State University and returned to Utah shortly after where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Utah. Prior to moving to Bend in the summer of 2020, Rachael worked in Portland, OR at Laurelhurst Village Rehabilitation Center and the Rehab Institute of Oregon (RIO) at Legacy Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Rachael has experience working with a wide variety of patient populations with particular emphasis on neurological diagnoses including: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vestibular Disorders, Limb Loss, Spinal Cord Injury and Critical Illness Polyneuropathy. When she isn’t working with patients, you can find Rachael out on the trails or paddling in the Deschutes with her husband and dog. She is excited to combine her love for the outdoors with her passion for physical therapy. Rachael is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Oregon and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Neurologic and Geriatric Sections.
Dr. Amy Briley, PT, DPT, CBIS, NCS
Amy earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2004 from Old Dominion University in Virginia. She is a certified brain injury specialist as well as a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association. She worked at TIRR Memorial Hermann (a Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Model System) in Houston, TX for over a decade where she specialized in brain injury and stroke, spasticity management, disorders of consciousness and mentorship to physical therapy residents. Amy recently moved to Bend with her husband, 2 sons and 2 rescue dogs to enjoy the outdoor life with less humidity. Her passions include traveling (which she developed early in life from living in Nigeria and London), paddle boarding, Pilates, trying new cheeses (she had a side gig at a cheese shop in Houston) and stopping to smell the Junipers.
Dr. Amy Evans, PT, DPT, NCS
Amy Evans is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Board Certified Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy. With a passion for helping individuals regain mobility and improve their quality of life, Amy has extensive experience in assessing and treating patients with diverse neurological and vestibular conditions. She has provided comprehensive care to diverse patient populations in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, and outpatient clinics. With expertise in vestibular disorders, balance, and neurological impairments, Amy is dedicated to improving patients' functional outcomes and enhancing their quality of life. Prior to working with Destination Rehab, she worked in Minnesota for 4 years and was a traveling physical therapist for 2 years (working in California, Oregon, and Massachusetts). When she isn’t working with patients, you can find her hiking, backpacking, or playing pickleball with her husband.
Dr. Taylor Kopecky, PT, DPT
Taylor grew up riding horses with her family near Mt. Hood National Forest in Welches Oregon. She competed on horseback regularly through high school, into college and through 2013 where she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After three years of treatment she earned her remission, renewing her passion for life and gaining an all encompassing need to help others engage with life and realize their capabilities. This journey brought her to Bend to attend OSU-Cascades in 2016 which led to her first interaction with Destination Rehab. Taylor has enjoyed volunteering during many activity days, Adventure Group outings, and SOAR and really believes in what Destination Rehab has to offer its patients. She has since earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in the DPT program at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. She is extremely excited to become a physical therapist, herself, and continue Destination Rehab's commitment to their community.
Stephanie Odell, Development Manager
Stephanie grew up in Southern California where she developed a love for the outdoors and could be found outside playing soccer or volunteering at the local farmers market. Her passion for soccer took her across the country to Maryland where she played collegiate soccer, traveled abroad, and received her bachelors in Kinesiology. After graduation she returned to California, met her Husband, and moved to Oregon. In 2019 Stephanie, her husband, and their two Aussie pups moved to Central Oregon to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful outdoors. Stephanie started as a volunteer with Destination Rehab for the SOAR Activity Day and is excited to officially join the Destination Rehab team as our Development Manager.
Barbara Sutton, Program & Clinic Coordinator
Barbara grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended an environmental school where she developed a love for the great outdoors. When she was in high school, she started going on backpacking trips with her mom, discovering her passion for outdoor adventure and travel. She moved to Bend, Oregon to finish her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at OSU-Cascades. Since moving to Bend, she has developed a love for mountain biking and has adopted a very sweet and energetic Border Collie mix. When Barbara isn’t working she loves to cook and play board and card games with friends. Barbara started as a student intern with Destination Rehab and quickly became passionate about how Destination Rehab incorporates the outdoors into a rehabilitation program and how they provide their patients with community and a support system through Adventure Group outings and PEAK Fitness classes. She is so excited to be a part of the team and continue to strengthen her connections with the Destination Rehab community!
Ana Wilson, Administrative Assistant
Ana is originally from Spokane, Washington but has lived in a variety of places across the west coast and grew up skiing, rock climbing and trail running. Smith Rock State Park and the access to climbing was ultimately the reason she decided to move to Central Oregon. Ana will graduate with a Kinesiology degree from Oregon State University before moving to Flagstaff, Arizona to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in the summer of 2024. When Ana isn't working or in school, she loves to trail run on the many surrounding trails around Grey Butte or go rock climbing with her husband, Paul. She is so grateful to be a part of such an awesome team at Destination Rehab and learn more about the neurological community!
Georgina Garcia, Administrative Assistant
Originally hailing from the charming town of Georgetown, Texas, her journey led her to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Bend, Oregon. It was here that she discovered her passion for outdoor adventure and the profound impact it can have on our well-being. As a member of Destination Rehab, she is honored to combine the love for the outdoors with her dedication to helping others. Every day, she is inspired by the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives. Outside of work, you'll often find her on family hikes, exploring the beautiful trails that Oregon has to offer. She also has a knack for whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen and enjoys nothing more than cozying up with her two beloved cats. For Georgina, each day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world around us!
Corey Boudreau, Director of Operations
Originally from Massachusetts, Corey's upbringing instilled in him a deep-rooted sense of community and a passion for giving back. It was this unwavering commitment to making a difference that led him to pursue a career in the military.
Corey brings over two decades of distinguished military service, excelling as a helicopter pilot in both the Army and Coast Guard. Throughout his career, he conducted critical medical evacuation and search and rescue missions, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication in serving communities both domestically and abroad. As a seasoned manager with a strategic vision, Corey adeptly led diverse teams of all sizes, overseeing numerous high-level enterprise initiatives that had a far-reaching impact service wide.
In 2020, Corey and his family made the decision to relocate to Bend, Oregon, where they found a new sense of home amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here, Corey cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, exploring the great outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
Driven by a continued desire to give back, Corey was drawn to Destination Rehab and their mission, recognizing the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Laura Thayer, Board President
Laura is the Sr. Director of Strategic Growth & New Business Implementations for Optum, a Division of UnitedHealthcare. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 25 years in several different capacities, and has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion, and relationship-building with people at all levels of service. She is passionate about making the healthcare system easier for everyone and keeps this in the forefront of all that she does. Laura's wealth of expertise and deep perspective into current healthcare issues makes her a valuable member of our team.
Mike Edgerton, Board Member
Mike obtained a BS in Biology from Washington State University in 1989 and then went on to graduate from Physical Therapy School at the University of Washington in 1992. He has been practicing full time as a physical therapist for the past 25+ years. He first started working with patients with neurologic conditions at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle WA in 1995 and quickly developed a passion for working with those patients. He has spent the bulk of my career working in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers. His family moved to Bend, OR in 2001 and Mike has worked full time at St. Charles Medical Center since that time. He now works in the outpatient neurological rehabilitation clinic and specializes in patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, concussion, vestibular disorders and balance disorders. He also runs a thriving wheelchair/seating clinic. Mike serves as the Lead Physical Therapist for the St. Charles Medical Centers.
Mike and his wife Jenny have two sons, Jacob and Nolan. They enjoy mountain biking, skiing, rafting, fishing, backpacking and all of the other things that Central Oregon has to offer.
Lynn Miller, Board Member
Lynn has been married almost 44 years, with 3 children. She obtained her BS from OSU (Corvallis) School of Forestry with a specialization in Outdoor Recreation Planning. Her work/career experience was 2.5 years as a forest research technician in forest biomass, and 9 seasons as a forest fire fighter in dispatch and logistics. After having children she decided to spend more time with family so she worked for her husband from 1994-2019 as a paralegal and legal secretary. Now retired, has lived in Central Oregon since 1991.
Sally MacAllister, Board Member
Sally MacAllister retired to Bend in 2019 from San Diego where she worked in the financial industry, raised her family, and raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Upon moving to Bend, she became involved with Destination Rehab as a pt patient, a PEAK fitness participant, a volunteer and fundraiser. “It is so important for me to give back to Destination Rehab because this organization has given so much to me. Because of our pts, I have the skills, equipment and confidence to be active in our great outdoors. And PEAK provides the incentive to stay fit – our supervised classes are full of camaraderie – I love being part of this enthusiasm that truly enhances so many lives.” When Sally isn’t busy with her Destination Rehab activities, she loves to paint and cook and share these gifts with family and friends.
Jim Fister, Board Member
Jim Fister has spent over three decades in business and technology strategy and management, with 26 years as a technologist and manager at Intel Corporation before retiring. He currently sits as a citizen member of the Deschutes County Budget Committee and Sunriver Special Service District board. He also has significant non-profit experience on boards such as the Red Cross Cascades Region and Connect Central Oregon. Jim owns and manages an art gallery in the area, and makes furniture in his spare time. When he's not sitting in a chair somewhere, he spends time kicking dirt clods on trails all over Oregon and the US with his lovely wife and two dogs. We don't think he sleeps much.
Amy Hull, Board Member
Amy is a native Oregonian, growing up near Corvallis, and frequently vacationing in beautiful Central Oregon with her family until moving to Bend full-time in 1998.
Amy earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Linfield University in 1995, where she also played collegiate basketball. After moving to Bend she obtained a Comprehensive Pilates Certification from Body Arts and Science International followed by a Master Pilates Trainer Certification; training which she utilized as the Owner/Operator of a local Pilates studio for more than a decade. In 2014, she began specializing in working with those living with neurologic conditions and hasn't looked back. She completed neuro specific training at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland as well as the Neuro Studio in Washington D.C.
Amy is an End of Life Doula, volunteering with a local Hospice non-profit, and also serves as a Trustee on a Family Foundation. She has been involved with Destination Rehab since its outset and now leads bi-weekly PEAK classes.