Dr. Peggy R. Trueblood, PT, PhD
Professor and Dean
Dr. Peggy Trueblood is the Dean for the School of Physical Therapy at Pacific Northwest University. Dr. Trueblood received her PhD in Physiological Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She has taught and conducted research in the area of neuroscience for over 35 years. She has presented her work both nationally and internationally. Dr. Trueblood continues to conduct clinical research with interests in helping reduce falls for older adults and enhancing gait and balance for people with neurological impairments such as Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke.
Dr. Angie Meloy, PT, DPT, GCS
Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor
Dr. Angie Meloy, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University and the Director of Clinical Education. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of Physical Therapy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Eastern Washington University, where she laid the foundation for her passion in promoting health and wellness through movement. Driven by a commitment to advancing her understanding of the field, Dr. Meloy pursued a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the prestigious University of Montana. She has over 30 years of clinical and leadership experience across a range of settings, from small community clinics to high-volume environments.
She is certified in Lymphedema Therapy and is a Board Certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy. Outside of PNWU, Dr. Meloy enjoys playing tennis, hiking, traveling, walking the dogs and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Rachael Arabian, PT, DPT, NCS, CLWT
Assistant Professor
Dr. Rachael Arabian is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Arabian is a United States Army Combat Veteran and Jumpmaster. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina shortly after leaving active-duty service. Dr. Arabian is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program and is neurologic board-certified clinical specialist. She has presented at various international and national conferences on the management of vestibular patients in the acute care and emergency room clinical settings. Dr. Arabian is also certified in lymphedema and wound care, specializing in the management of acute vascular lymphedema disorders. Dr. Arabian enjoys various physical activities to include mountaineering, hiking, running, and yoga.
Dr. Steven Bitticker, PT, PhD
Professor
Dr. Steve Bitticker, PT, PhD, is a Professor at Pacific Northwest University and plays a vital role in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Originally from Virginia, he embarked on a journey in academia and brought a wealth of experience to PNWU. Dr. Bitticker started his educational journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at The Ohio State University. He furthered his academic pursuits by completing a PhD in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Gannon University. Dr. Bitticker brings with him an impressive 17 years of teaching experience. He has taught various courses, including Human Gross Anatomy lecture and lab, as well as Critical Inquiry and Administration and Management Courses. Additionally, he explores the impact of values, ethics, and professionalism on the behavior of physical therapists. Dr. Bitticker enjoys motorcycle touring, downhill and cross-country skiing, backpacking, vehicle restoration, and visiting family.
Dr. Michael Blizniak, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, COMT, CSCS
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michael Blizniak is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He attended Ithaca College, where he completed a direct-entry DPT program, completing his undergraduate degree in Clinical Science in 2009 and his DPT degree in 2010. Currently, Dr. Blizniak is enrolled in a Health Sciences PhD program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He began clinical practice in 2011 and has pursued several post-graduate certifications in orthopedics and manual therapy. Outside of PNWU, Dr. Blizniak enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends outside in the great Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Brad Callan PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor
Dr. Brad Callan is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He comes to PNWU after working primarily in an outpatient setting for over 20 years in both urban and rural environments with a primary focus on back and neck pain. Over the years, he has managed patient care with a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to help patients achieve their goals. Dr. Callan earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Montana State University and a Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Montana. In addition, he completed a PhD from Nova Southeastern University with a dissertation that explored the prognosis of chronic symptoms following a whiplash injury. He is also board-certified in orthopedics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, along with completing a fellowship through the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
Dr. Callan’s research interests include the evaluation and management of whiplash injuries as well as the influence of the central nervous system on prolonged symptoms.
Dr. Katie June, PT, DPT, CCS
Assistant Professor
Dr. Katie June is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Exercise Science at the University of Alabama and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Mercer University. Dr. June is currently enrolled in the PhD program through Texas Women’s University School of Physical Therapy. She is a board-certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. Her clinical practice has been focused on the acute care setting, primarily in the ICU and emergency department. Dr. June’s research interests include heart failure, rural cardiovascular care, mechanical circulatory support, and acute care clinical education. In her spare time, Dr. June enjoys hiking and backpacking with her husband, yoga, biking, and trail running.
Dr. Jennifer Fleckenstein PT, DPT, DHSci, SCS
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jennifer Fleckenstein is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and graduated with her DPT degree in 2010 from Columbia University. Dr. Fleckenstein went on to earn her Doctor of Science Degree at Pacific University with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and health advocacy. Dr. Fleckenstein has over 15 years of outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy experience. Her research interests include evaluation and management of non-arthritic, intra-articular hip pain, best practices for DEIB in DPT education, and rural health needs of the student-athlete. Outside of PNWU, Dr. Fleckenstein enjoys spending time with her husband, cooking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and camping.
Dr. Tyler Smith, PT, DPT,
Assistant Professor
Dr. Tyler Smith is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Utah State University and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah. He has been practicing primarily in outpatient orthopedics for 16 years, including management positions, but he transitioned to full-time teaching in 2022 at Utah Tech University. He has earned his board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in Orthopedics. He has a special interest in the use of blood flow restriction in the management of physical dysfunction. Outside of PNWU, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and can often be seen at a youth soccer game, basketball game, or swim meet. He enjoys running, skiing, backpacking, and adventures.
Dr. Antonio Vintimilla, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dr. Antonio Vintimilla is an Assistant Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Vintimilla is originally from Cuenca, Ecuador, and immigrated to Fort Worth, TX as a child. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Exercise Science at the University of Texas at Austin and his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC). Dr. Vintimilla’s clinical expertise primarily involves inpatient neurorehabilitation including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease,e and vestibular rehabilitation. In addition, Dr. Vintimilla completed his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with an emphasis on sensorimotor control and biomechanics at TTUHSC. Dr. Vintimilla’s research interests involve fatigue, concussion, and the cervical spine. Outside of PNWU, Dr. Vintimilla enjoys spending time with friends, family, and his puppies, hiking, snowboarding, and playing soccer.
Dr. Becky Paulsom, PT, DPT
Associated Faculty
Dr. Becky Paulson is an Associated Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise: Clinical Physiology from Central Washington University in 2014, with a clear vision of pursuing a career in physical therapy. She went on to obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in Irvine, California, where she completed her final semester through a 12-week Spanish immersion and clinical internship in Costa Rica.
Driven by a lifelong passion for empowering women physically and mentally in her journey toward health and wellness, Dr. Paulson developed a strong focus on pelvic health. She completed a six-month fellowship in the field and now brings over six years of clinical experience treating a wide range of pelvic health conditions. In addition, she has spent the past several years working in home health, further broadening her scope of care.
Dr. Paulson is deeply committed to advancing the field of pelvic health and is especially passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of physical therapists.
Dr. Christian Datoon, PT, DPT
Associated Faculty
Dr. Christian Datoon is an Associated Professor at the Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He received his transitional DPT degree at Evidence in Motion and is currently working as a Clinical Supervisor at MultiCare Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in the Philippines, where he finished his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the Universidad de Manila. He served as a full-time faculty staff and a Clinical Instructor, providing pro bono physical therapy services in the community. He has 20+ years of experience working with the geriatric population in Acute Care, Home Health, and SNF settings. He is an APTA-credentialed Clinical Instructor and a Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist in 2011. He has reached some local community groups and provided education related to the management of various geriatric-related conditions. He is passionate about promoting a healthy community to improve quality of life. During his personal time, he enjoys outdoor adventures and loves to travel to different countries to experience food, people, and culture.
Dr. Lynn Freeman, PT, DPT, PhD, CWS, CCRP
Associated Faculty
Dr. Lynn Freeman, PT, PhD, DPT, CWS, CCRP, Is an Associated Professor at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a Master of Science in Health Sciences from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. The culmination of his academic pursuits includes a PhD and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Nova Southwestern University. Dr. Freeman’s expertise is recognized through his board certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Freeman brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his academic role. In addition to his professional achievements, he enjoys an active lifestyle, finding pleasure in hiking, cycling, running, kayaking, and traveling.
Dr. Sarah Lewis, PT, MSPT, PCS
Associated Faculty
Dr. Lewis is an Associated Faculty at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She earned her undergraduate degree at Pacific Lutheran University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Lewis went on to earn her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Washington University and her transitional Doctorare of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is an APTA credentialed Clinical Instructor and is board-certified as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist. Dr. Lewis provides comprehensive, evidence-based, and family-centered care of infants and children to maximize function and participation.
Dr. Jennifer Sloop More, PT, DPT
Associated Faculty
Dr. Jenny Sloop Moore is an associate faculty member at PNWU’s Physical Therapy program. She grew up in Yakima and returned to the valley in 2022. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2014 and has worked extensively in the outpatient neurological rehab setting with both adults and pediatrics. She enjoys working with patients post-stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders, as well as with patients requiring vestibular rehabilitation. Dr. Sloop Moore is a Neurodevelopmental Treatment certified therapist, a certified Gait Coach for the EKSObionics robotic exoskeleton, and an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. She is currently working at Cascade Summit Physical Therapy and has a passion for the underserved neurological population in the Yakima Valley. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and gardening.
Dr. Rosio Vargas-Negri, PT, DPT
Associated Faculty
Dr. Rosio Vargas-Negri is an Associated Faculty at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She was born and raised in the Yakima Valley. She earned both her B.S. in Biology and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Eastern Washington University. Since graduating in 2016, Rosio has been practicing in Yakima. She has worked primarily in Outpatient settings but has also worked in inpatient rehab and acute care, which gave her added experience working with Neurological conditions and early post-op populations. Dr. Vargas-Negri is currently working at Cascade Summit Physical Therapy. She enjoys working with Neurological conditions and complex cases with multiple diagnoses. She is one of the handful of therapists in the area who treat neurological conditions. She also has experience with return-to-work programs, aquatic therapy, and chronic pain programs. Dr. Vargas-Negri is fluent in Spanish and enjoys serving the Spanish-speaking population in the area, providing them with someone they can communicate with directly. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, visiting museums, and traveling.
Dr. Noriko Yamaguchi, PT, DPT, GCS
Associated Faculty
Dr. Noriko Yamaguchi, PT, DPT, is Associated Faculty at Pacific Northwest University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Yamaguchi earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. She is a board-certified geriatric physical therapist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). She spends her clinical time at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) working with patients with complex and chronic medical conditions, including oncology, long COVID, autoimmune conditions, dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, and connective tissue disorders. Dr. Yamaguchi’s research interests currently center around community public health and environmental physical therapy, but she has presented regionally on long COVID rehabilitation and nationally on the application of Universal Design for Learning and an equity framework in physical therapy education. She brings a planetary health justice, anti-racist, and trauma-informed mindset into her teaching, patient care, and research. When she is not busy with Physical Therapy, Dr. Yamaguchi enjoys reading, visiting Hawaii and Japan, making and eating good food, and spending time outside.