Physical Therapy Team
OUR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
A Physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats individuals of all ages, who have health-related conditions, illnesses or injuries that may limit their ability to move and perform functional activities, as well as they, would like in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. PTs evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and use therapeutic interventions to treat patients.
Ryan Hanks, PT, DPT, joined Coastal Orthopedics in August of 2023. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science from the University of South Dakota before managing a gym and working as a personal trainer. He later returned to his alma mater and received his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Ryan has spent plenty of time working with individuals of all ages, specializing in youth and professional athletes. In his free time, Ryan enjoys powerlifting and spending entirely too much money on shoes.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, both from the University of Florida, Maria, is a licensed Physical Therapist in the states of Florida and Illinois. With more than 15 years of experience as a physical therapist, Maria’s background includes treating patients in Sports Outpatient and Orthopedic settings, as well as Inpatient Rehab and Acute Care. College football and Major League Baseball are close to Maria’s heart as she enjoys cheering on the Florida Gators and Chicago Cubs. Maria also enjoys spending her weekends on the boat and showing off her puppy, Sir Francis Drake.
Lora Yoder, PT, DPT joined Coastal Orthopedics in May 2022.She received her B.S. degree in Kinesiology at the California State University San Marcos in 2015. Lora then completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Diego, CA. After 17 years in San Diego, Lora moved back to her home state of Florida in May 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exercising.
OUR HAND THERAPISTS
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional whose goal is to help patients participate in the things they want or need to do, occupationally, through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. OTs focus on adapting a specific environment to fit to the individual patient, by use of common interventions which may include helping children with disabilities participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from an injury to regain skills, and/or providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. OT services typically include individualized evaluation and goal planning, customized intervention to improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and reach goals, followed by an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met or that appropriate changes are made to the intervention plan.
Susan Funk joined Coastal Orthopedic in 2022, just in time for Hurricane Ian. As a Florida resident for more than 40 yrs, and a graduate from the University of Florida, she knew that great people and places make a community. Coastal’s staff and patients proved that to be right! Susan developed a love of hand therapy early on in her career, and has been a certified hand therapist since 1999. She and her husband, Charles, who is a physical therapist, have many friends in the Bradenton/Sarasota area and are happy to be able to work and live here. She enjoys exercise, riding her motorcycle and seeing their son, Zack, when his busy schedule as a 2nd year emergency medicine resident in Jacksonville, FL permit.
Krista (she/her) obtained her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science in 2017 from Slippery Rock University and her Occupational Therapy Doctorate in 2022 from Gannon University. As natives of Pittsburgh, PA, she, and her partner have found new community in the sunshine state. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist (OT), she was a personal trainer and trauma-informed yoga instructor, and still teaches classes online. Through a holistic lens, Krista loves to incorporate fun activities combined with activity analysis to reach your fullest potential for various orthopedic conditions. As an advocate for her patients, Krista’s goal is to improve quality of life by providing client-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. Krista plans to become a Certified Hand Therapist in the next three to five years as she works with specialized orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity. She hopes to spread happiness and health wherever she is. In her free time, she enjoys strength training, yoga, pottery, going to the beach, cooking, and traveling.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Kim attended Emory University for both Master and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Kim had an early academic and clinical interest in upper extremity joints and has been a practicing Certified Hand Therapist for more than 20 years. She stays engaged with colleagues and developments in hand therapy through service to the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy and by serving on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Hand Therapists. In 2020, the American Association for Hand Surgery awarded her the Vargas International Hand Therapy Award. Kim, an avid gardener and hiker, enjoys reading, travel, and wellness.
OUR PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS
A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works under the direction of a physical therapist to provide care to patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses or surgery. Physical Therapy Assistants provide therapy to patients through specific exercises, educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment, observe patients before and during therapy and report patients’ responses to treatment to the physical therapist.
TJ Brown is a born and raised Manatee county native. He graduated Keiser university 2019 and has been an active PTA since 2020 all in outpatient setting. He has a background in customer service he is dedicated to helping patients reach their goals. In his spare time he enjoys going to concerts, comic conventions, and travel with his wife and son.
Sherrie has held a license as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) since 2009, contributing her expertise to diverse healthcare settings such as Sub-acute Rehab, Skilled Nursing, Pediatrics, Home Health, and Outpatient care.
Beyond her professional commitments, Sherrie actively engages with her church community, where she coaches and guides women in developing meaningful relationships and cultivating leadership skills.
Family holds a special place in Sherrie’s heart, particularly her daughter and son-in-law who recently relocated to Panama. Eager to explore the country and visit her loved ones, Sherrie embraces the opportunity for new adventures and experiences.
An enthusiast of travel, live theater, concerts, dance, and beach outings, Sherrie finds joy in embracing life’s diverse pleasures. She considers herself blessed to be a valued member of the Coastal Orthopedics Physical Therapy Team and eagerly anticipates many more fulfilling years with the organization.
Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Stephen has garnered over ten years of experience working as a Physical Therapy Assistant. He has worked in various settings specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. Stephen enjoys working with challenging cases and in particular, the cervical spine. Stephen also has a special interest in getting patients back to golf and holds is Titleist Performance Institute Certified. When he is not working, Stephen enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys.
Wayne is a distinguished graduate of Keiser University, specializing as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in 2014, following his commendable 9-year service in the United States Army. With a wealth of experience in outpatient rehab, home therapy, and inpatient settings, Wayne eagerly became part of the esteemed team at Coastal Orthopedics.
Originally hailing from Northwest Indiana, Wayne has called the Sarasota/Manatee area home since 2012, dedicating his practice exclusively to the community. Beyond his professional commitments, he finds joy in spending quality time with his three children and cherished loved ones.
Having been a patient himself, Wayne intimately understands the dedication required for a successful recovery. He values the pivotal role that Physical Therapy plays in restoring a good quality of life and empathizes with the challenges his patients face. This personal connection fuels his commitment to providing compassionate and effective care.
Nathan, a Virginia native raised in Sarasota, Florida, embarked on a journey through competitive soccer during his youth, traveling across the U.S. and Europe. However, his life took a turn when he experienced a car crash during his early adolescence. Unsuccessful in finding relief through chiropractic care, Nathan turned to physical therapy and corrective exercise. This pivotal experience not only restored his health and well-being but also ignited his passion for Physical Therapy.
Determined to make a difference, Nathan pursued and excelled in earning his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from the State College of Florida. In October 2023, he joined Coastal Orthopedics, contributing his expertise and commitment to patient care. With over four years of experience in orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics, Nathan brings a comprehensive approach to his practice.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Nathan serves as a running and soccer coach. He continues to actively engage in travel soccer and running during his leisure time. Above all, he cherishes moments with his Grandmother and Mother, making the most of every opportunity to connect with family.
Coming Soon.
Kane is native to Florida, born and raised in Manatee County. He graduated in 2023 from Keiser University in Sarasota, FL, though Kane currently has two careers! One licensed in physical therapy, and the other in professional dancing. Kane has been in the medical field for over 4 years with experience in kinesiology, acute care, and infectious diseases. While he has been dancing since the moment I was born, mainly inspired by pop culture of the 2000’s. Kane has been a dance instructor for over 6 years, and it’s a growing passion alongside physical therapy. His style of therapy focuses on safety, education, and evidence-based practice. Kane’s goal is to restore function, while providing knowledge to boost your therapeutic benefit. Outside of work, Kane enjoys being at the gym, dance competitions, or at the nearest coffee shop. Kane is excited to be a part of the physical therapy team at Coastal Orthopedics, and ready to see where life takes him.
Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise from the University of Rio Grande, where he served as a four-year starting pitcher, Brent Watterson attained his Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant studies from St. Petersburg College in 2009. Brent performed his last clinical affiliation with Coastal Physical Therapy, and joined the team full-time upon the completion of his schooling. In his spare time, Brent enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and also enjoys playing the guitar.
Coming Soon.
OUR ATHLETIC TRAINERS
An Athletic Trainer (AT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic muscle and bone conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities. ATs collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients, and work with patients of all ages and skill levels.
Paul joined Coastal Orthopedics in April 2023. He received his bachelor degrees in Exercise Science and Educational Studies from Concordia University Chicago in 2015. He then went onto obtain his Master’s in Athletic Training from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2018. He has had the opportunity to work at a variety of different settings of athletic training such as clinical, high school, and collegiate levels. In his free time, he likes to give back to the soccer community by officiating local club leagues or tournaments.
Megan was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She played a lot of different sports over her life, which ultimately led her to her career today. Megan’s high school was fortunate enough to have an athletic trainer; getting to know him and his profession, plus her love for sports inspired her to pursue a career in athletic training. Megan attended Florida Southern College where she played on the women’s soccer team and received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a minor in Exercise Science in 2018. After graduation, Megan completed her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology in 2020 at Baylor University. Megan was the head athletic trainer for a high school in Texas for 3 years until moving to Sarasota and joining Coastal’s team. In her free time she likes to play soccer or go boating with her husband and dog. Megan’s favorite part of being an athletic trainer is building relationships with her patients and athletes.
Chelsea is originally from Upstate New York, but moved to Florida 13 years ago to study Athletic Training at Barry University. After graduating, she held various positions as an ATC most recently being at Bethesda Academy through Chatham Orthopaedic Associates, in Savanah, GA for the last 6 years. Chelsea is a sports fanatic, specifically the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the US Women’s soccer team. She is a proud Aunt to her nephew, Sullivan, and her family is very important to her. When she is not working or watching sports, you can find her at the beach, traveling, or dancing.