TEL: 406-443-1122
Lisa Richards, Physical Therapist
“I am a Helena native, born and raised. At a young age, I hurt my knee and physical therapy is what helped me heal. While I always found medicine interesting, I remember being intrigued with the fact that foot orthotics were actually what helped my knee pain. I find it interesting that each part of the body can affect each other and by fixing one part of the body, I can heal another. This profession allows me to help decrease the pain that people feel so that they can keep doing what they love, just like my first physical therapist did for me. I graduated from University of Montana with a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training and then moved on to my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from U of M as well. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and earned my Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) in 2014. Additionally, as of 2021, I am credentialed in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). With these different types of training, I can find the best treatment option individualized for each patient rather than just treating the diagnosis.
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One of the reasons my husband, our two kids and I stayed in Montana is because it has so many different things to offer us. We can hike, camp or fish at a moments notice. I enjoy gardening and watching my hard work pay off to help my plants grow. Helena really is one of the best places to live since we have the small town feel but the bigger city things to do. I love being able to raise my family in this Montana environment.”
Sherri Gomes, Physical Therapist
"I grew up in Oahu, Hawaii and got to experience my first physical therapy clinic when I was in high school as a patient. I had always been interested in the medical profession but really enjoyed the environment of a physical therapy clinic and how they based everything off of pain relief through movement. I graduated from the University of Colorado Health Science Center in 2005 with my Physical Therapy degree. I practiced in Oahu, Hawaii for 7 years gaining experience in pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics. In 2012, my family and I moved to my husband’s hometown of Helena, MT where I began practicing here at Montana Spine & Joint Rehab, previously known as Nash Rehab. I gained my Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) in 2016 through extensive training to gain my credentialling. I enjoy not only treating various conditions but also getting to know and understand each patient so that I am not just treating their injury but rather treating the patient as a whole.
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I am married with 3 kids and we live our life outdoors as much as possible. We enjoy anything that keeps us moving such as skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, canoeing, or running. I love everything that Montana has to offer with ways to get outside and live our lives to the fullest while building a bond with our family.”
Jaden Maharg, Physical Therapist
"I grew up right here in Helena, Montana. I completed my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Montana State University. I then went on to complete my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Montana. I have completed postdoctoral training in Functional Dry Needling (FDN) and am currently working on credentialing in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). I enjoy working with all types of patients including those with orthopedic and sports injuries, vestibular disorders, and post-operative rehabilitation. My goal is to help people return to all of their daily and recreational activities so they may enjoy all that life has to offer. I ensure that I focus on the whole person, not just the injury, and try to provide each patient with the tools to help prevent a similar injury in the future.
My wife and I couldn’t wait to get back to Helena after college to be near family and enjoy all the wonderful things Helena has to offer. In our free time we enjoy hanging out with our two dogs, playing hockey, hiking, hunting, fishing, and kayaking.
I look forward to helping you meet your goals and getting you back to your active and healthy lifestyle so you can live life to the fullest!"
Emily Taylor, Physical Therapist
“I am a dedicated physical therapist with a passion for helping people achieve their goals and return to the activities that they love. I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2017 and have gained extensive experience working with a diverse range of patients as a traveling physical therapist.
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Driven by a belief in treating the whole person, I am committed to building a strong therapeutic alliance with each patient. I listen intently to patient stories and work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan that goes beyond simply addressing symptoms. My additional certifications in Dry Needling (American Academy of Manipulative Therapy) and the Barbell Rehab Method allow me to integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques to help my patients move better and feel stronger.
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Having personally experienced physical therapy for back related injuries from gymnastics and various running-related issues, I feel that I bring a unique sense of empathy to my practice.
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Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I have called Helena home for the past few years and I love everything that Montana has to offer. When I am not at the clinic, I can be found mountain biking, hiking or spending time with my family”
Peyton Nansel, Physical Therapist
"I am a proud 4th-generation Montanan who is dedicated to helping individuals restore function, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love. I completed my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Kinesiology at Montana State-Billings, then my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Montana. I first gained experience as a PT from combined outpatient and hospital-based settings; then as an owner-operator at a PT gym.
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My passion for movement quality and functional restoration came from being raised on my family ranch in Southeastern MT, as well as dealing with multiple injuries in my youth. My treatment style focuses on identifying the root cause of dysfunction rather than solely treating the symptom. I enjoy working collaboratively with patients to build strength, improve mobility, and optimize performance at all activity levels—from everyday tasks to athletic pursuits and occupational demands.
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Outside of the clinic, I am an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoys hunting and fishing across Montana’s terrain. I value spending time with friends and family, combining my love of nature with quality time together.
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I am excited to serve the Helena community and explore this beautiful piece of the state!"
Chelsey, Front Office Manager
"I joined Montana Spine & Joint Rehab in July 2020 as the Front Office Manager. For the past 11 years I have worked in a veterinary medical setting with a strong orthopedic background and gained almost 6 years of experience in management. Although my past experience is with animals, I have always known that I enjoy getting to know and working with people the most. I enjoy learning how best to communicate with the people surrounding me and to find the best ways to help clientele get the information or education they need to accomplish their goals.
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I was raised here in Helena, MT and just like any true Montanan, I enjoy anything involving being outside. Whether that is floating down the Missouri River, camping with my husband and dogs in our rooftop tent, or simply reading a good book under the Montana sunshine. I could not imagine living anywhere else and know how lucky I am to call Montana home"