I graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, located in St. Augustine, Florida in the Fall of 2008. I am originally from Colorado but took my first job in Idaho Falls, ID then and moved to Alaska in 2010 for a pediatric OT position. I have worked solely in pediatrics since graduation with some adult and neuro experience. I started Backcountry Therapeutics, LLC in Feb 2012 going home to home and seeing kids out of a small shared clinic, and have since grown to offer OT and PT in our currently facility. I met my husband, Bill when in Alaska and we were married in 2016 with two kids to follow, Emma and Jace. I love the outdoors and all it has to offer.  My true passion is working with kids and their families and being able to be a part of such an awesome experience. 

Sonja Lewis Brown is a native of Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL. She recently relocated to Alaska to join the Backcountry Therapeutics family and provide numerous services to the area. Sonja has forty-three years of experience in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in all OT settings. Her passion has been primarily pediatrics and hands. She has thirty years of experience with the neonatal/pediatric population. This includes the Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Units & NICU Follow-Up Clinics at DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Hospital-DCH in Tuscaloosa and Northport, AL under neonatologists, Drs. Hanseek Choi and Guierrmo Godoy. She was Director of Occupational Therapy at Baptist Health (South and East Campus) and the primary OT for the NICU and Pediatric Units under five neonatologists (Drs. Lynn Whittington, Lawrence Wallin, John Woodall, Cynthia Bonner.  She spent seventeen years in hand therapy (neuro and orthopedics). She has excellent splinting skills (static and dynamic) for all ages (neonate to geriatrics); and serial casting for brachial plexus injuries. Sonja contracted with the Alabama Dept of Rehab Svc (ADRS) and Children’s Rehab Svc (CRS) to head  four (4) Feeding Clinics (2-Montgomery, Opelika, and Selma, Alabama); served as the OT Rep/Team Member for the Augmentative Communications Clinic (ACC) for ten years before opening a private practice. Sonja was owner and director of Adult & Child Therapy Services (ACTS) from 2002- 2017. She is trained to administer The Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT). Sonja continued to serve as OT with Southern Orthopedic Surgeons (SOS) for the past seven years. Her experience with SOS allowed her to develop interventions for severe nerve  injuries of the elbow/wrist/hand, amputations and to fabricate dynamic splints to promote maximum sensory motor function and independent use of the hand. Sonja also had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. Jean Ronel Corbier, Pediatric and Adult Neurologist. Dr. Corbier is a known author depicting how the brain functions in Autism. During Sonja’s private practice, Dr. Corbier referred many children with autism (or on the Spectrum) for sensory integration therapy. He and his twin brother currently share a clinic in North Carolina, Brain Restoration Clinic.

Hey ya’ll! My name is Sandy Lewis and I’m originally from a small town in Oklahoma. I have a wonderful husband with a family of one chihuahua, two Alaskan malamutes, two ferrets, two chinchillas, and horses on the way!  I moved to Alaska in 2019, and since day one I have fallen in love with the beauty it has to offer. In my free time I like to ride ATVs, kayak, go on road trips, and have recently picked up kayak-fishing and ice-fishing! I attended the University of Oklahoma (OU-BOOMER SOONER!), where I obtained my Bachelor’s in Health and Exercise Science. I then received my Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Austin Texas. I have been a licensed Occupational Therapist since 2019, primarily working in the outpatient pediatric setting, which I absolutely love! Backcountry Therapeutics captivated my vision of utilizing equines as a modality to expand beyond the clinical setting, which has resulted in such a positive impact on my clients. Within the last year, I have completed the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive training (ASDCS) to provide additional therapeutic services necessary when treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, I am currently expanding my knowledge in primitive reflexes and ADHD, as well as becoming a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

I was born in Illinois, but lived in Georgia for many years before moving to Alaska with my two cats. I completed my undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University and received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University, in their inaugural cohort for the entry level OTD program. I have always had a passion for helping others and working with kids, and being an OT allows me to do what I love. Previously, I worked in the fitness industry, was an infant teacher, a nanny, and worked in an inpatient rehab hospital. In my free time I enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors and around animals, traveling, reading, crafts, and spending time with my family and friends.

Julia Neves is a licensed and registered occupational therapist, originally from Massachusetts. She studied at MCPHS University, receiving her Master’s degree in 2021. Before committing to Backcountry Therapeutics, she was a travel therapist which led her to discover and fall in love with Alaska. She relishes warm weather vacations and lounging on the beach. When she’s not at the beach, she enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to live music, hiking, traveling to new places and reading. Julia has spent most of her career in pediatrics. She loves to give her client’s the opportunities to grow and gain independence.

My name is Rebecca Kohalmi. I grew up in a small town north of Philadelphia and have always had a love for traveling and exploring new places. After spending 22 years living in PA, I decided to take a chance moving to Indiana to go back to school for Occupational Therapy. I had an amazing opportunity to complete my clinical rotations in Alaska and Utah for OT. Graduating with my DOT in 2020 had its own challenges and it was not the right time to move away from home. Since graduating I have worked in multiple schools including virtually, early intervention, and in an outpatient pediatric clinic absolutely loving my time helping children. My husband and I fell in love with Alaska in 2019 and have talked about returning since then. We decided to take the leap when a position at Backcountry Therapeutics became available. I cannot wait to start my new adventure with Backcountry Therapeutics. In my free time, I love to be outside exploring, hanging out with our dogs, reading, photography, and spending time with friends and family.

Caitlin is a native of Bismarck, ND where she grew up helping her family with farming and ranching. She attended the University of Jamestown where she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree with a minor in business administration. From there she attended the University of Mary, completing her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree. Caitlin completed her first fieldwork at BCT, and fell in love with Alaska and the many wonders it has to offer. She is especially interested in the opportunities provided at the clinic, such as equine-assisted therapy and aquatic therapy. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, walking her dogs, crocheting, fishing, and horseback riding.

Dillon Trumbo is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L. He grew up in Silver City, NM. He enjoys camping, backpacking, and exploring the Southwest. He enjoys drawing, painting, hiking, reading, studying history and learning about architecture and cultures. 

Howdy Ya’ll!  My name is Felicia and I just moved to Alaska from San Antonio, Texas.  I have been a COTA for over 20 years and love my job! Working with children and their families is the Best! (or is it “Bestest!”) Being able to be a part of a child’s life and trying to help in some way means everything to me. Thank you parents for allowing me this opportunity!  Although I miss my friends and family in Texas, I am excited to be working with this awesome team at Backcountry Therapeutics!  I am looking forward to making new friends and exploring this Great State. (I hope to get to know you too!)  Let the Adventure Begin!

Nicole Trumbo is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L, at  Backcountry Therapeutics. She grew up in Tucson, AZ until she got married and moved to Silver City, NM in 2011. She studied and obtained her degree at Western New Mexico University with ambitions to work with children. She studied martial arts starting at 8 years old and obtained her 2nd degree black belt in Danzan Ryu  Jujitsu as an adult. She enjoys movies, music, anime, video games, and taking care of her animal companions.

My name is Emmy Wolber and I am originally from Kansas City  Missouri. After working as a preschool teacher for 6 years, I decided to go to school for occupation therapy and graduate in 2013. Before coming to Backcountry, I was a travel therapist for 5 years and worked in both schools and clinics in Missouri, Alaska, Oregon, and California. In my free time I enjoy reading, puzzles, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

I graduated from the University of Iowa with an MPT degree in 1993. Iowa is my home state and I moved to my new home of Alaska in 1993 before I graduated. I moved here with my son and daughter who were in junior high and high school. My first full time employment was in the Infant Learning Program in Anchorage where I gained valuable experience working with kids and families. I’ve worked in a variety of settings but always return to pediatrics as the connection with kids and families makes the most sense to me. I enjoy a challenge so soon after moving to Alaska I started helping a friend run her sled dogs and this led me to a new passion. I wanted to do more with dogs and ultimately decided to enter the 2003 Iditarod after 10 years of recreational mushing. I finished the first Iditarod trail Race that started in Fairbanks and ended in Nome. I helped other teams train for the race for the next several years. I also spent 7 years learning how to raise and train service dogs that enhance the lives of people in need. One other goal I had for myself was to have an off grid property, so I bought 20 acres in Willow in 2007 and have developed the property and built a house I am finishing. In 2018 I briefly tried retirement from physical therapy but when I was referred to Backcountry Therapeutics LLC for a part time position I found it too good to be true. So I do work part time so I have time to go on adventures.

Robin was raised in the golden heart city of Fairbanks, AK. It was here that she met her husband whom stole her away for an Air Force adventure for 10 years. She has lived in 4 different states and visited many more. She spent several years raising her two children and working in the food industry while supporting her husbands career. When he separated from the military and the kids went to school she decided she was ready to embark on a journey toward a rewarding career helping others in a more meaningful way. She graduated in 2021 as a PTA from UAA and promptly began here at Backcountry Therapeutics. Robin is excited to share her new knowledge and skills with the world and continue learning through both traditional means and her interactions with others. In her free time Robin enjoys spending time outside with her family, hiking, snowboarding, playing sports, traveling, reading and occasionally crafting when time permits.

I graduated from Keiser University in Jacksonville FL in 2014 following a  period in the military where I served as a police officer. After my service, I continued to want to help people and decided that therapy would be a good way to do that. I have two kids Abigail and Owen and have found that working with children is a rewarding experience and a wonderful way to continue to help those in need. I am new to Alaska and moved up from Florida in the spring of 2019. I enjoy being outdoors  (when it's not below 0) as well as spending time with my family and our two dogs Kona and Opi.

- NO BIO

Hello! My name is John Shank. I am a lifelong Alaskan. I was born and raised down in Homer, then went off to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for my undergraduate degree, followed by a stint in Spokane at Eastern Washington University for my Master’s degree. When I came back to Alaska my wife and I decided to settle down in Palmer, and now we can’t imagine living anywhere else. I worked for the Mat-Su Borough School District for a little while as a school based Speech Therapist, and I’m excited to use the skills I developed here at backcountry. I love working with my hands. I take great satisfaction in having an idea and learning skills I need to make it a reality. Most of my projects are related to woodworking, blacksmithing, bookbinding,  3-D printing, or drawing. I also like video games, reading (mostly science fiction and fantasy), and board games.

Hi, I’m Maggie! I am a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) here at Backcountry Therapeutics. I grew up in central Minnesota and I received my Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Minnesota State University Moorhead. My husband and I moved to Alaska in Spring of 2020. During my professional career, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of speech and language disorders, specifically within the pediatric population. I am a licensed SLP in the State of Alaska and hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In my free time, I enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer including hunting, fishing, and hiking. I value spending time with my family & friends and adventuring with our red lab, Koda!

I was born and raised in Alaska. I am a wife and mom to 4 kids. I love to do photography, hike, camp, kayak, and enjoy the Alaskan outdoors. I also love to travel. I love the BCT team and look forward to working with all the wonderful families.

My name is Anna Czapla and I grew up in Colorado.  We moved to Alaska when I was a Junior in Highschool. Before working for Backcountry Therapeutics, I worked at Wells Fargo for 7 years where I was a Business Banking Specialist. I met my husband Phil and we were married in 2015. We live in Wasilla and have two young daughters, Kalliope and Evelyn. We love camping in our RV named Stella, fishing, kayaking, sledding, and lots and lots of s’mores. 

My name is Tina, and I have been a medical/office support staff for the last 2 years. I was born and raised in Alaska. I am married and have 7 kids and love the outdoors, reading, and spending time with my family.