The Team at Freeborn Wellness

“As owners, we utilize a detailed hiring process to ensure our staff members are a good match to our company values. We invite family members into the hiring process to get a feel for our environment, vision, and meet the rest of the Freeborn Wellness team. When clients leave, we are often complimented by the “environment” of the workplace and how well we work together to provide quality patient care. Our team continues to grow as we embrace our values of “Integrity, Team, Service, and Excellence”. One of our biggest successes is retention of our staff and this is done through empowerment and gratitude. We personally thank each employee for their dedication to client-centered care and the hard work we witness everyday.”

Andie & Cory Freeborn

Andrea "Andie" Freeborn

Andrea "Andie" Freeborn

Co-Founder & Occupational Therapist

Andie’s passion to become an Occupational Therapist came to her as a child while helping care for a brother with Muscular Dystrophy.  Her career started in industrial rehab in 2007 as a COTA.  In 2014, she graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Freeborn Wellness started as a small wellness center focused on Lifestyle Redesign.  Andie combined her passion for wellness and experience treating injured workers and created Freeborn Wellness Complete Industrial OT&PT. Her specialty allowed us to create the first of its type Work Conditioning and Work Hardening program in Centralia, WA.

Cory Freeborn

Cory Freeborn

Co-Founder

Cory has had “entrepreneur” in his heart since he was 16 after opening DJ’ing company.  Cory is active in business development as he thoroughly enjoys meeting individuals around the community and volunteering.  Cory once served Lewis County as a paid firefighter and is happy to serve again in a different capacity.  As a previous injured worker, Cory went through a year of Physical Therapy and several rounds of Work Conditioning and Work Hardening.  Today, Cory is proud to be a firefighter in King County and is forever grateful for going through these programs.  Cory often says, “Each client has their own story; we need to listen to them individually providing the best care possible”.

Andy Cummins

Andy Cummins

Operations Manager & PTA

Andy is a Physical Therapist Assistant with  extensive experience in orthopedics.  He received his Associates of Science degree from Pima Medical Institute in August of 2014. Since graduation he has taken numerous continuing education classes from Manual Therapy, Balance and Vestibular, and Strain/Counterstrain courses.

Prior to returning to school Andy was a union electrician with over 17 years of experience in the electrical fields.  He has also been a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. He has an extensive understanding of real world working conditions and looks forward to helping our patients return to their full functional capacity and work.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage sons.  He loves being outdoors, hiking, and working on his hydroponic garden.

Adam Lutz

Adam Lutz

PT, DPT

Adam has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has joined us from the University of North Dakota. Adam has always been fascinated by the human body, including, how it moves, what it can handle, and how it has so many ways to heal itself. It is his passion to teach everyone how their body works to heal itself through physical movements, but also the importance of lifestyle changes that can prevent future injuries and improve quality of life. He finds joy helping people realize that they are so much stronger and more capable than they thought they could be. Outside of work Adam spends most of his time outdoors.  His current favorite pastimes include climbing, hiking, anything music related, and soccer.
Justin Thompson

Justin Thompson

PT, DPT

Justin found his passion for Physical Therapy as a child, watching his grandfather, a survivor of polio, heal from a knee replacement. Seeing his grandfather gain strength from Physical Therapy inspired him to want to make a difference in people’s lives. Says Justin, “Physical Therapy allows me to get to know a person and assist them in getting back to being their fullest self. I love being a part of the change that occurs both physically and psychologically as individuals find themselves, their bodies, and their function after an injury or illness.”

Prior to joining our team, Justin and his family lived outside Salt Lake City where he worked in multiple areas of PT and earned his credentials as a certified clinical instructor. Outside of the clinic, you will find Justin and his wife chasing their four awesome kids (it is rarely quiet). They enjoy movies, bikes, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Susan Mack

Susan Mack

PT, MPT

Growing up in a small Eastern Oregon town with two older brothers, Susan has always been active and outdoorsy, with a passion for fitness. Susan has been a therapist for 30 years. Her interest in PT and Rehabilitation started in her early teens when her mom was injured in an auto accident. She was inspired by how they took care of her mom and wanted to do the same for others.

Susan received her undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University and her Masters in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Puget Sound.

She enjoys running, especially on trails with her younger sister. She is an avid knitter and quilter. Susan lives in Lacey with her husband and grumpy cat, in the home they built together when their two children were small.

 

Samantha Perdue

Samantha Perdue

PT, DPT

Samantha has always had a passion for helping others and became interested in a career in physical therapy specifically while going through the rehabilitation process herself after several knee injuries. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and then spent the first part of her career working as a traveling PT. During this time, she was able to work in different areas of PT with a variety of populations. During this time, she discovered the beauty of the PNW. Most recently, she worked with wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, focusing on their return to duty or assisting in a successful transition from the Army.

Relocating here from Kansas, Samantha and her family are excited to be in the PNW and near the ocean again. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters discovering all the fun adventures awaiting them in Washington.

Steven Tang

Steven Tang

DPT

Steven earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky, inspired by his high school basketball experience and mentorship from an Athletic Trainer, which ignited his passion for injury recovery and rehabilitation. With a diverse clinical background in outpatient, acute, and long-term care settings, Steven is especially drawn to outpatient therapy. He values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while helping them on their recovery journey.

Steven’s doctoral research focused on the feasibility and challenges of using Virtual Reality in healthcare, highlighting his dedication to innovation and enhancing patient care. Outside of work, he enjoys road trips, quality time with his family, and caring for his beloved pets.

Elizabeth Lauten

Elizabeth Lauten

PT

Beth discovered her passion for physical therapy as a teenager recovering from cross-country injuries. Later, while working in the fitness industry, She encountered many individuals needing rehabilitation instead of personal training, inspiring her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others recover and thrive.

With over five years of experience in outpatient physical therapy in Oregon, Beth has treated a wide range of conditions, including orthopedics, sports injuries, geriatrics, and neurological disorders. At Freeborn Wellness, her focus is on providing Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Outside of work, Beth enjoys fitness training, running, hiking with their husband, and keeping up with their three energetic dogs. She has a passion for photography and love experimenting with sourdough baking.

Kaylee Cook

Kaylee Cook

OT, MSOT

Kaylee learned about Occupational Therapy in high school, while volunteering in a developmental preschool. She watched the OT’s working with children and making a real difference in their lives. She knew this would be the job for her.

After over 6 years as a Certified Occupational Assistant, Kaylee went to Belmont University in Tennessee, and completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. Kaylee’s love for helping people comes out in everything she does.

Jennifer Altimari

Jennifer Altimari

MS, OT/L

Jennifer has always wanted to work in a health care profession where she could spend quality time and help clients, so they can live as independently as possible.

Her career began as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2013, where she went on to receive her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2017 from New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich, RI.

She has been working in the field for almost a decade in a variety of different settings, including outpatient therapy and skilled nursing facilities. Jennifer has treated and worked with post-surgical upper extremity orthopedic injuries for nearly 5 years. Her passion lies within the hand therapy world.

Outside of work, Jen loves to spend time making new memories with her family and friends and indulging in aromatherapy.

Jodi O'Neil

Jodi O'Neil

COTA

Jodi enjoys working with people who have sustained an injury to regain strength, motor function, and increase their independence to return to their normal daily activities. She has experience with upper and lower extremity fractures, ROM deficits in arms/legs due to a stroke, and arm/leg amputations.

She finds it rewarding to assist people on their journey to recovery and success.

Jodi says, “I am proud of putting myself through school while working to become an occupational therapy assistant. I had 2 high school boys at the time, as a single mom.”

Jodi continues to expand her COTA knowledge and experience through education and seminars.

She enjoys hiking, long walks with her dog, and spending time with family. Jodi enjoys watching hockey, whether it is her 2 adult sons playing or the Thunderbirds and Krakens. She loves to laugh, attending comedy shows is the key to her stress release.

Jami House

Jami House

COTA

Jami is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with over ten years of experience working in Hand Therapy.  Jami is not only very knowledgeable with hand therapy but she works extremely hard to go the extra mile for clients.  She is so excited to work with injured workers and help them heal! Jami loves spending time with her husband, two kids, four dogs, and one cat.  She loves boating, fishing, and relaxing, especially catching her favorite lingcod and rockfish in Neah Bay!

Kirsten McCarty

Kirsten McCarty

PTA

Kirsten’s inspiration to become a Physical Therapist Assistant was driven by her desire to help individuals not only improve their movement to overcome injury but also to progress their functional ability and enhance their lives. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in 2002 and then obtained an Associate in Physical Therapy from Whatcom Community College in 2009. Kirsten has since worked in a variety of rehabilitation settings. Her passion lies in the outpatient setting, where she can utilize her skills in manual therapy, movement pattern correction and re-education, functional strengthening, and body mechanics training. When not working, she engages in outdoor activities and artistic crafting projects, and she loves stand-up comedy.
Kendra Bennett

Kendra Bennett

PTA

Kendra is a Physical Therapist Assistant, having completed her Associates of Science degree at Whatcom Community College earlier this year. In 2017, she earned her degree in Community Health Science: Kinesiology, with a minor in Military Science, from the University of Nevada, Reno. Kendra has a genuine passion for helping others and bringing smiles, particularly on rainy days.

Prior to joining our team, she served as an Ordinance Officer in the United States Army at Joint Base Lewis McChord. Kendra and her husband cherish moments spent with family and friends, enjoy working on their home, and find joy in the company of their three cats. These feline companions boast unique personalities, contributing numerous entertaining stories to share!

Kara Markstrom

Kara Markstrom

PTA

Kara found her passion for Physical Therapy while participating in sports as a child. She grew up in Centralia and loves being involved in our community. Graduating from Green River Community College, 2010, as a Physical Therapy Assistant, she has spent her career working in orthopedics, pediatrics, and industrial rehabilitation. Kara finds people fascinating and enjoys the challenges that makes a person’s healing journey unique. Kara enjoys family time and spends her spare time camping, traveling, and watching youth sports.
Bonnie Vaniea

Bonnie Vaniea

PTA

Bonnie spent 13 years as a massage therapist before becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant to expand her ability to help others. With experience in inpatient and outpatient care, she specializes in hands-on treatments, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and holds an Oregon massage license while pursuing additional certifications in craniosacral and visceral manipulation.

In her free time, Bonnie enjoys gardening, home improvement, and exploring Pacific Northwest fairs and festivals. A DIY enthusiast, she uses her creativity to craft innovative patient treatments.

Crystal Barton

Crystal Barton

Massage Therapist

Crystal attended Everest Technical College and has massaged for about 7 years. “I love what I do. Its hard to find a career that you fall in love with but I found mine! I specialize in deep-tissue, range of motion, treatment massage, and prenatal massage, but I can always do a nice relaxing massage as well. The best feeling for me is when your get off the table feeling better than before.” Crystal enjoys the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, snowshoeing, snow camping, and just being out in the fresh air. “I hope to meet you all and help you feel better!”
Jamie Hennessey

Jamie Hennessey

Administrative Assistant, Lacey

Jamie enjoys working with people and making them feel welcomed at Freeborn Wellness. Greeting patients as they check in and helping to make their visit more enjoyable.

Her professional experience began working with pets, as a Veterinary Assistant/Vet Receptionist years ago. She then moved to the human side of medicine and became a Medical Administrative Assistant. As a former business owner, she understands integrity and service are important for continued growth.

Jamie can personally relate to our patients in achieving the goal of healing and regaining physical strength. Due to an injury, she was a physical therapy patient. Her hard work paid off and she has returned to working full time. This has inspired her to help others accomplish similar goals.

Jamie enjoys being with her family, spending time with friends, and loving her dogs. In her free time, she can be found at dog shows showing her French Bulldog Haribo in AKC competitions. During the summer, she likes going to the beach and to the movies.

Cherie Noble

Cherie Noble

Administrative Assistant, Centralia

Cherie grew up in Eastern Washington (Lake Chelan) and moved to the Lewis County area with her family 20 years ago. Working as a hospital medical biller, she was then offered the opportunity to join a Physical Therapy office where she spent 15 years, after which Cherie transitioned to Freeborn Wellness. She seeks opportunities to help others, and demonstrates compassion upon working with the clients we serve.

Cherie and her husband have 9 grandchildren and when they are off, they enjoy being outdoors, camping and boating. She also enjoys working in her flower beds, quilting, crafting, and traveling with family. Her summers are spent on the lakes of eastern Washington, enjoying the summer sunshine.

Michelle Hamil

Michelle Hamil

Quality Assurance Coordinator

Michelle initially joined our company as an injured worker seeking a supportive environment for rehabilitation. Impressed by the positive atmosphere and the company’s values, she decided to become an integral part of our team.

Starting her journey as a Billing Assistant, Michelle showcased not only her commitment to overcoming obstacles but also her knack for precision and efficiency. Her role as a Billing Assistant, and eventually the Quality Assurance Coordinator, allowed her to delve into the intricacies of financial processes, where she quickly became known for her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

When Michelle is not at work, she is an avid couponer and crafter. With a keen eye for savings, she has mastered the art of finding the best deal. She also loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and 3 dogs creating memories.

Sur. Gym

Sur. Gym

Licensed Medical Dummy

Gym is an example Freeborn Wellness’ approach to work simulation. We believe work simulation helps individuals improve their confidence when it’s time to return to work. This weighted dummy provides caregivers, nurses, and first responders the opportunity to practice dragging dead weight from the floor, practicing transfers to/from gurneys, or bed mobility in the hospital or home healthcare setting.