Dirk Baird, PT
Dirk grew up in Provo, Utah where attended BYU and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. He and his family then moved to Omaha, NE where he graduated with his Doctorate Degree from Creighton University in 1998. He then moved to CDA where he began his career in PT. He has been the owner of Hayden Lake Physical Therapy & Aquatics since 2000. He has been treating community members in Kootenai County since 1998 and loves meeting new people and assisting them in their road to recovery. He loves his work family, church family, and his home family consisting of Kathy, his wife, and their 6 children and 6 grandchildren.
Diana Smith, PT
Diana Smith, MPT attended the University of Montana her freshman year before transferring to Montana State University and earning her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 1998. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy at the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota in 2000.
In 2013 she became a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist, and in 2017 became certified to perform dry needling. She is currently in the process of earning a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, which involves scanning and interpreting ultrasound images of the legs and arms to assess for joint and tissue dysfunction. She loves working with patients of all ages, with a special interest in runners, dancers, and gymnasts, and has a special interest in treating foot and ankle problems..
Diana has worked at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy for 21 years, and is currently the Lead Physical Therapist. When she’s not working, Diana likes to trail run, cook, bake, and read all types of books. Now that the kids are all grown up, she and her husband mostly go camping and paddleboarding as a duo, but the kids do turn up at the house on a pretty regular basis, which makes them very happy.
Baily Donovan, PT
Baily joined the team at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy in 2022. She has lived and worked most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. She was raised in the small town of Wilbur, WA and attended the University of Montana for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. There she received a Bachelors of Arts and Science in Human Biology (2007) and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2010).
Following school, Baily moved to the Coeur D’Alene area and has had experience working in a variety of settings. She enjoys working in the Outpatient setting and helping patients reach their functional goals. She has special interest in working with orthopedic, neurological, and sports related injuries. She is certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation and continues to pursue specialized education in working with those who have Vestibular Dysfunctions.
Baily lives with her husband and two children. During their free time they enjoy cheering on local High School sports teams, shooting hoops in the backyard, running and traveling.
Stefanie Cove, PT
Stefanie graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics while serving in the USAF. She later earned a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Indiana University in Indianapolis. With a background in manual therapy, balance and vestibular care, she has treated patients of all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Over the past 4 years she has studied further through courses with the Postural Restoration Institute, focusing on the areas of Postural Respiration, Pelvic Restoration and Myokinematic Restoration. Stefanie is dedicated to educating patients on movement patterns and their connection to pain.
Most recently, Stefanie attended an interdisciplinary symposium on Cancer Care, with a focus on exercise to assist with moderating the effects of fatigue during survivorship.
Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and spending time with family, friends and neighbors.
Brenda Jerald, PT
Brenda attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Physical Education with areas of focus in community health, sport management, and business administration in 2007. She then attended Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota where she obtained her doctor of physical therapy degree in 2011.
Brenda started working at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatics in 2011. She worked as the Lead Physical Therapist at the Coeur d’Alene location from 2012 to 2019. At that time, she returned to the Hayden location as a staff therapist, and is now the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE) for the clinics.
Working in a clinic that brings a variety of patients where she can personalize her treatments to each patient, effectively using manual therapies for hands-on treatments, and giving hope and motivation to all patients to better themselves is her joy in her work. With this focus she is currently working toward her Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification. Some of her favorite techniques include muscle energy, taping, and myofascial release as adjuncts for the exercises her patients perform.
Born and raised as a fourth generation North Idaho native, Brenda grew up enjoying hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, dancing, basketball, and swimming. When not working with her patients, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and children, relaxing at home with their dogs and cats, and volunteering through her church.
Collin Zimmerman, PT
Collin obtained his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2014 at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. He then went on to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018 also at the University of Mary. Collin began working at Hayden Lake early in 2022. Collin specializes in Postural Restoration therapy. He has taken courses through the Postural Restoration institute and gained understanding of body mechanics and common pathological patterns. Collin enjoys treating patients who are motivated. He enjoys treating athletes, people who have complex low back issues, and does well working with most all orthopedic issues.
Collin is married and has two children. He has one son and one daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family and doing outdoor activities. He especially enjoys hunting, fishing, wakeboarding, and being in nature in general.
Jim Behrens, PT
Jim grew up in Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Idaho State University in Pocatello. He enjoys helping patients of all ages, but especially likes working with young athletes and other patients who are highly motivated to work hard in therapy to reach their goals. He believes that it is important to continue to learn and grow as a therapist and is always striving to expand his repertoire of skills. He is certified in dry needling, ASTYM technique, and has attended continuing education courses on the treatment of vestibular and concussion disorders. He is currently working on becoming certified in Postural Restoration Institute based treatment.
In his free time Jim enjoys big game hunting, golfing, snowboarding, exercising, and watching sports.
Jamie Sutlick, PT
Jamie received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2022. After graduation, she worked at St. Luke's in Spokane in the neurological department getting further education in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation and with a variety of neurological diagnoses and impairments. Having taken some time to discover her real passion is working with people, before being a Physical Therapist she worked several years as a civil engineer having gotten her undergraduate at Gonzaga University in Civil Engineering in 2014.
Jamie grew up in north Spokane area where she still has family. In her free time she is an avid hiker, backpacker and world traveler with her husband Tony. She started mountain biking about 10 years ago and enjoys skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Her passion is anything to get moving outside with friends and family
Blane Petersen, PTA
Blane is in his 23rd season here at HLPT and Aquatics. He began his career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in December of 1999 and joined the staff at HLPT and Aquatics in May of 2001. Blane is a native of North Idaho and was born in Wallace, ID in September of 1967.
He graduated from Kellogg high school in 1986, University of Idaho in 1991 and North Idaho College in 1999. In 1986 Blane met his beautiful wife at the University of Idaho and was married in August of 1989. He is the father of two adult daughters and a son. His oldest daughter just recently made him and his wife grandparents for the first time with a beautiful baby girl. Along with being a physical therapist assistant at HLPT and aquatics Blane takes care of the pool at both the Post Falls and Hayden clinics.
Blane can often be seen in the role as a patient from time to time managing his own orthopedic issues. He enjoys spending time with his family, performing music professionally as a keyboardist and riding bikes.
Parker Daniels PT, DPT, CSCS
Parker grew up in East Wenatchee, WA and attended Whitworth University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences in 2021. He then obtained his doctorate of physical therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2024 as well as becoming a certified strength and conditioning specialist. His certification means he applies scientific knowledge to train athletes to reach their goals, especially post injury. He applies sport-specific strength and conditioning programs to improve athletic ability and help prevent further injury. Parker loves working with all patients though and wants to hear each person’s story so together they can create the best plan of care.
Parker lives with his wife, a teacher at STEM charter school in Rathdrum, and his daughter. In his free time, he enjoys photography, disc golf, snowboarding, fishing, and trying different foods.
Angela Rummell PT, DPT, OCS
Angela attended Southern Arkansas University for her undergraduate college education where she studied athletic training and worked in injury prevention, treatment, and management with student athletes from multiple sports including football, basketball, volleyball, and softball. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree and Athletic Training Certification, Angela continued her education at Azusa Pacific University where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December 2019 and then specialized in orthopedic care through the Kaiser Permanente’s Orthopedic Residency program in 2020.
Angela’s career began at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles and then in Lancaster/Antelope Valley, California for a total of 4 years including a one year residency where she enhanced her skills in the treatment and management of multiple patient populations including orthopedic, neurological conditions, and various aged athletes. In 2024 Angela moved to Post Falls, Idaho where she is continuing with her patient care at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatics.
Throughout Angela’s upbringing she was involved in sports (volleyball, soccer) and enjoyed learning about the human body which ignited her passion for physical therapy. Seeing the impact of helping others move optimally and regain function has only heightened that passion for the profession including a genuine care for people. Angela strives to leave a positive impact on everyone she encounters.
Angela enjoys almost anything having to do with being outside. She grew up hiking, camping, backpacking, and going to the shooting range with her dad. When Angela is not caring for her patients she is hiking, fishing, or relaxing with her husband at home.
Brayden, Menti PT, DPT
Brayden was born and raised in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He attended Lewis Clark State College after high school to earn his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2021. He then earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Idaho State University in May 2024. During his time in PT school, Brayden tailored his clinical affiliations to ensure he gained a wide variety of experiences, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, sports rehab, postoperative care, and pain rehabilitation.
He enjoys treating any condition and age range, however, his passion resides in treating sports injuries, helping athletes return to their sports, and postoperative patients. He is currently working toward his Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialty in order to better treat this population.
Outside of work, Brayden enjoys spending time quality time with his family and friends, as well as playing basketball, hiking, running, longboarding, and reading.
Natasha Lee, PT, DPT
Natasha received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University in 2005 and soon thereafter received her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology. In 2010, Natasha became General Manager of Fairtex Muay Thai Fitness, a world-renowned martial arts gym. Natasha eventually became co-owner and manager of several martial arts gyms, KOA Fitness in the San Francisco, California area. After several years in the fitness industry, Natasha decided to pivot her career into the health field by pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and graduated from Idaho State University in Pocatello. Natasha enjoys patient care and is excited to help them get back to the activities that they enjoy.
Natasha’s passions include martial arts, boxing, strength training, and enjoying her time with family and friends. Natasha loves to take walks with her husband, Chris and her little dog Chuc.
Amy Cunningham PTA
I Grew up in N. Idaho playing every sport I could. I enjoyed playing soccer, running track, and doing martial arts the most. I was a certified personal trainer for over 12 years before furthering my education at NIC, graduating with my Associates of Applied Sciences as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2024. I enjoy working with all types of people but especially enjoy training and treating athletes.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, running, backpacking and playing outdoors with my Husband and 2 sons.
Donna Sferra, PTA
Donna was born in Santa Monica, California and attended high school in Culver City where she enjoyed the competitive sports of tennis and softball. She attended college at California State University, Northridge and received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education. She worked at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for three years in the Physical Therapy Rehab department as a therapy tech and decided to return to school to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. She earned her Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1996 and has been practicing now for twenty seven years.
Donna and her husband Eric enjoy tending a summer garden and caring for a small flock of chickens, feeling blessed for the bounty it brings. They also enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking throughout beautiful North Idaho where they have called their home for 28 years. She has worked for Hayden Lake Physical therapy for 25 years and feels grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many members of this wonderful community.
Deanna Elmer, PTA
Deanna Elmer, PTA
I graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Spokane Falls Community College in 2014. I have been working at Hayden Lake PT and Aquatic for the past 10 years. I have the privilege of working with the best team of people to give the best quality of care in the Coeur d alene area. I truly love partnering with clients and patients to reach their goals and support their journey back to health and the activities they love! I particularly enjoy working with Post Concussion Syndrome, Whiplash Associated Disorder and Vestibular disorders.
When I am not working, I enjoy being outdoors kayaking, hiking,boating and snowshoeing
Monica Earp, PTA
Monica grew up in Lake Tapps, Washington and moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2015. Shortly after moving here she decided to return to school and pursue a fulfilling career where she could help people. She graduated from North Idaho College as a Physical Therapist Assistant with an Associates Degree in 2019. She began working at HLPT in 2016 as a therapy tech and front desk receptionist, while she was attending NIC. Once she graduated from NIC she was hired on as a full time PTA here. She furthered her education in 2022 by becoming an ASTYM certified provider where she helps patients regenerate soft tissues and remove unwanted scar tissue that may contribute to pain or movement dysfunctions.
Monica shares her love of travel, fishing and hunting with her husband, Greg. Her favorite time of the year is summer, when she gets to spend time in the sun camping, boating, fishing and paddle boarding. She hopes to travel to many tropical places where she gets to go scuba diving and swim with turtles.
Jessica Brusell, PTA
Jessica grew up in Hayden, ID and completed all of her schooling locally. What she appreciates most about working at HLPT is the collaborative working environment. With a large team, there’s so much experience to draw from. All staff members are committed to educating each patient on how to move and live in a safe and pain-free way. There is a great emphasis placed on continuing to learn new techniques and creative ways to achieve individualized patient goals.
Mindy Fletchinger, PTA
Mindy is from Post Falls, ID. She has an associates degree in Physical Education from North Idaho College and from there she then went on to get her PTA degree at North Idaho College in May 2021. She has experience working with patients that are post-op from an orthopedic surgery, as well as orthopedic injuries. She has been trained in Myofascial Decompression, Active Release Technique, as well as certified in Blood Flow Restriction. Mindy has been with HLPT since March 2023.
Mindy is passionate about working with a diverse patient population, while providing high-quality, evidence-based practice within the established plan of care. She strongly believes in a practical approach, and always looks for the most effective and efficient process to help each patient recover as quickly and safely as possible. Mindy is enthusiastic about helping all patients find confidence in movement and return to their valued functional activities.
Mindy’s spare time is spent with her 2 daughters. She enjoys watching her daughters play sports, as well as playing soccer and basketball. She loves to golf, go camping, fishing, and hiking with her girls and friends.
Janice Wright, PTA
Janice attended North Idaho College for her Associate of Applied Science degree and graduated from their PT Assistant program in January of 2017.
She started working at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatics in October of 2019. She enjoys working with all patients, but especially those with total knee replacements, total hip replacements, low back pain, and anyone needing aquatic therapy.
Janice has lived in the Northwest for most of her life. She iis the mother of three adult children, and grandmother of two.
She loves spending time with family and friends, swimming, biking, being creative, gardening, cooking, reading, and road trips!
Krystal Webster, PTA
Krystal attended North Idaho College for her Associate of Applied Science degree and graduated from their PT Assistant program in January of 2017. She has been working at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatics since February of 2017 where she has enjoyed helping patients heal with all types of different diagnoses. She is ASTYM and Blood Flow Restriction certified.
Krystal was born and raised in CDA, ID and loves all outdoor activities but mostly fly fishing, hiking, running, and hunting. What she loves the most is spending time with her husband and two young daughters.
