Sandy received her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from UC Santa Cruz. After deciding that she did not want to work in research, she worked as a gymnastics coach for 4 years before pursuing physical therapy. During physical therapy school, she explored additional learning opportunities to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She received her DPT from UC San Francisco / San Francisco State University in 2020. She then completed an orthopedic residency program to become an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

Sandy takes a collaborative approach to treatment to combine evidence-based recommendations with patient goals. She enjoys working with people from all walks of life and learning about each person’s unique experiences. As a former gymnast and coach, she has a special interest in working with performing artists and youth athletes.

In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors hiking, camping and rock climbing. She also enjoys social dancing, crafting, learning new languages and tending to her many plants.

Alex grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota where she competed as a NCAA track athlete in college. She entered the therapy profession as a physical therapist assistant in 2020, primarily working with the geriatric population. After almost 2 years as a PTA, she decided to advance in the rehabilitation field and pursue her DPT. While in PT school, Alex traveled with other PT students to Guatemala for 10 days to provide pro bono therapy services to rural villages around Antigua and San Lucas. In 2024, she graduated with her DPT from the University of Mary in Bismark, North Dakota and was inducted into the 2024 ACAPT National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society.

Alex became a physical therapist to utilize the power of movement as medicine, aiming to help people get back to what they love and need to do in their daily lives. She has a special interest in working with orthopedic and geriatric populations to help them reach their goals.

Outside of the clinic, Alex enjoys hiking, camping, and being outdoors, as well as listening to podcasts.

Ryan was first introduced to Physical Therapy as a high school athlete with a knack for pushing his body past its limits. A hamstring tear from soccer, a concussion from snowboarding and a rotator cuff tear from weightlifting resulted in Ryan spending much of his teen years in Physical Therapy learning about the rehabilitation process firsthand.

More recently, Ryan spent most of his twenties working as a personal trainer at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center helping an older demographic improve their capacity to move and develop the strength to perform their activities of day to day life with ease. After this mini career, Ryan spent his early thirties returning to school, attending Washington University in St Louis physical therapy doctoral program.

Today, Ryan finds himself most passionate about helping patients regain function and return to performing the activities they enjoy, ranging from helping post op knee and hip patients return to walking and performing ADLs to helping youth athletes return to their sport.

Outside of work, Ryan is an avid whitewater rafter, and backpacker, most recently completing the 100-mile alpine trail around Mount Blanc in the Alps of France, Italy and Switzerland.”

I grew up on the Central Coast of CA. I traveled to Portland to attend Lewis and Clark College where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in psychology and played collegiate basketball for 4 years. Before attending PT school, I was an aide at the Pearl district location for three years. I went on to attend the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA, and graduated in the summer of 2021.
I grew up with a father who set the standard for why I wanted to become a physical therapist. My time in the Pearl district at Northlake set the standard for my treatment style and my patient care. I enjoy working and treating all patients but have a focus on orthopedic sport-related injuries. I have experience working with basketball-related injuries and return to sport as well as the elderly population. I enjoy educating people about their injuries and how we plan to get them back to doing what they love. I also enjoy the psychological aspect of injuries and the journey it takes to get back to the previous level. My goal is to get people back to their prior level of function so they can enjoy the things they love and live without fear.
I enjoy commuting to work on my bike and in my free time, I like to play basketball, as well as camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking anywhere in the forest. I love to stay active and fit and I am always looking to learn something new. I am excited to be back in the PNW and enjoy all it has to offer.

James graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a degree in Exercise Science. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University in 2010. He then went on to an orthopedic residency at Mercer University and became a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2012. He has pursued additional training in pain science, tendon injuries, exercise prescription and post-surgical rehabilitation. He has also received extensive training in manual therapy techniques related to spinal manipulation and soft tissue work. He takes a holistic approach with his patients and emphasizes the importance that strength and mobility play in everyday life. He enjoys the variety of issues that need to be addressed in the clinic. From keeping elderly patients independent and mobile as long as possible, to helping athletes return to the field as quickly as possible. He believes that exercise is a hugely undervalued aspect of living a long and fulfilling life.

Outside of the clinic James enjoys being active and spending time with his wife Joannah. Hobbies include hiking, camping, running, board games, and swinging around some kettlebells.

Sara Barbee graduated from Duke University in 1992 with a Master’s in Science in Physical Therapy. She has worked at North Lake Physical therapy for 21 years specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy. She has expertise in both female and male pelvic floor issues. Her extensive training includes both external and internal manual therapy; bladder/bowel behavioral training; therapeutic exercise focused on normalizing tone, creating muscle balance, and correcting breathing patterns.

Her personal view on this area of rehabilitation is that even small improvements can make an enormous difference in her patient’s quality of life. Providing knowledge and education about their diagnosis, maximizing muscle coordination and strength, and decreasing pain can be life-changing for individuals dealing with pelvic floor issues. She also realizes physical therapy is often only one part of the patient’s puzzle and looks for a cohesive approach with consistent communication with other health care providers.

In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time out in the beautiful Northwest.  She has spent years running in 10K’s and 1/2 marathons, but now primarily enjoys the 3-5 mile jog.  The newest passion is the SUP – usually with her husband or son.  She has a huge garden and many of their dinners center around that summer bounty.  Her wonderful family (husband, son, and daughter) all love music, movies, and theater, particularly anything live.

Areas of Focus:

• pelvic pain
• Pre and post partum care
• Bladder dysfunction
• Prolapse
• Men’s Health

Michael graduated with his degree in physical therapy from Duke University in 1992. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington State University. He has spent his entire career at North Lake Physical Therapy and is one of the principle owners. His practice specialties include sports medicine, orthopedics and post-surgical rehab with a particular focus on the shoulder, knee and hip.

Michael enjoys working with cyclists and other endurance athletes and is licensed as a level 2 USA Cycling coach. He continues to spend time working with athletes and teams at all levels. He is involved with local high school and collegiate sports teams and spent 10 years as the lead physical therapist for the Portland Timbers. He has also worked with many teams and clubs developing conditioning and injury prevention programs.

In his free time, he enjoys many aspects of cycling, including an occasional race. He has also been a sponsored adventure racer. Recreationally, he loves outdoor activities including fly fishing, backpacking and hiking. He has also been blessed with a very supportive wife and two beautiful daughters.