Team

Laura began her physical therapy career in 2001 after graduating from University of Puget Sound in her hometown of Tacoma, WA. She is dual board certified in Orthopedics & Sports, shared by very few practitioners. She started her first job in private practice with her first mentor who was an athletic trainer for the US Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams. Because of this affiliation, she was able to work with many athletes early in her career, particularly in elite soccer. Laura later joined on as a sports physical therapist at Seattle Children's Hospital to specialize in pediatric sports injuries. This opportunity afforded unique and memorable experiences which have largely shaped who she is today. Laura left the rain behind to move to Bozeman with her family in 2013.

Laura has extensive expertise in sports injuries, predominately ACL and knee injuries. Her 20-year career has provided many opportunities for unusual cases, complex cases, surgical revisions and really anything one can think of. She has worked with novice, recreational, high school, division 1, elite and professional athletes. As her caseload became referral and word-of-mouth only, she felt supported enough to open Build Physio & Performance in 2019.  

Laura has cultivated a welcoming environment at Build Physio & Performance to exceed the needs and expectations of our community. As a huge proponent of mental health, she views injuries beyond the “tissue” level. Her experience has led her to manage the person as a whole, and not the injury (lessons learned working with children!). She empowers her patients through sharing knowledge and intervenes as little as possible-- this is largely the difference between “doing physical therapy” and “being a physical therapist”. Laura believes in evidence-based medicine and avoidance of interventions with limited efficacy. Her undergraduate degrees in biology and math, also from Puget Sound, inspired her respect of scientific process and criticism of cause / effect. “Test, don’t guess” is the driving force behind the many tools she has in the clinic. She believes this best practice creates transparency in documenting progress, motivating her patients, and questioning her chosen interventions.

Laura is a wife and mother of four kids. She lives in Amsterdam and loves skiing Bridger Bowl with her kids, hiking, live music, reading and watching her kids’ many activities.

Colleen has been a physical therapist since 2015, graduating from the University of Michigan-Flint. Colleen is dual board certified in orthopedics and sports, exemplifying further learning beyond school for evidence based practice. Originally from Michigan, Colleen went to Albion College where she studied exercise science and played basketball as well as competed in track and field. The past five years, she has worked as a physical therapist in Colorado, working with a variety of active patients. Having worked mainly in sports and orthopedic clinics prior to moving to MT, she worked and volunteered with multiple sports: hockey, figure skating, basketball, wrestling, boxing, football, runners of all levels, track & field including USATF Olympic Trials, and is an Olympic Training Center medical volunteer.

Throughout her career, Colleen has had experience with many complex cases for surgical and non-operative conditions with an important focus to individualize goals and care. Working with athletes to bridge the gap between rehab and performance is a huge passion; understanding the sport and coordinating treatment to help patients resume activity and competition of various levels, quickly and safely. She believes in teaching patients correct movement patterns and expectations for understanding and better managing their condition. She feels this is key to having a successful working relationship throughout the therapy process.

Colleen and her significant other enjoy exploring through hiking, backpacking, fishing, weightlifting, reading, running, and drinking coffee.

Nathan is a recent 2022 graduate from the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, with a prior undergraduate degree from Grand Canyon University in Biology in 2019. He has played a multitude of sports throughout his life and is an avid fan of all Michigan sports teams. Recently, Nathan has competed in powerlifting and an ultramarathon, as well as coaches powerlifting. He is passionate about treating youth athletes as well as active individuals, helping them better understand their bodies and return back to the sports and activities they enjoy. Nathan is eager to join the team at Build Physio & Performance as well as explore everything Montana has to offer.

Ryan is joining Build Physio & Performance while currently working as an Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at Montana StateUniversity. Ryan has a devoted passion for the art and science of strength and conditioning.While working for the Bobcat athletic programs he has been able to direct in the creation and implementation of annual training programs for various sports, such as men’s and women’s alpine ski, volleyball, men’s and women’s track and field, as well as assistance to the 2019-2021 Bobcat football teams. He has seen much success being involved in those programs with athletes such as:

• Drake Schneider, a 2 time NCAA qualifier in the400 Meter Hurdles, as well as a competitor at the US Olympic Team Trials In2021.
• Louis Muhlen-Schulte, a 2 time 2^nd team All American Alpine Skier, as well as a competitor in the 2022 WinterOlympics in Beijing.
• Carley VonHeeder, a 4 time NCAA west qualifier, and US Olympic Team trials competitor in 2021.

Ryan has seen the Bobcat football team rise to national success with an appearance in the D1 FCS National championship game in Frisco, TX, he has been part of numerous Big Sky Volleyball conference qualifiers and the Bobcat Track and Field program as it has moved into the national spotlight with numerous team successes.

As a devoted Strength and Performance Coach, Ryan has spent over a decade in the field as a Division 1 Strength coach, coaching at very successful programs. Prior to his time in Bozeman Montana, he worked with theOhio Valley Conference Champion softball team at Eastern Kentucky University along with baseball, track and field, football, and women’s soccer. Before EKU, he spent 2 years at Northern Illinois University, and 2 years with AppalachianState University.

Ryan has a Master’s degree in exercise and sport science from Eastern Kentucky University, along with a Bachelors of Science in ExerciseScience from Appalachian State University. He is a Certified Strength andConditioning Specialist (CSCS) and has obtained a Strength and ConditioningCoaches Certification (SCCC).

Ryan lives in Three Forks Montana with his wifeSarah and two huskies, Boone and Akeela.

Originally from rural Massachusetts, Cheryl has called Montana home for over 17 years and brings with her more than 10 years of medical office experience.Her favorite part of the job is getting to know our patients. “I feel privileged to work on Laura’s rock-star team at Build, delivering the absolute best care experience to our community.”

Cheryl’s husband is a professor at MSU and together they have four grown children, two grandsons and assorted pets. When not here at Build, she’s indulging in one of her many craft obsessions, relaxing with her dogs Finn & Dodger or enjoying the food scene of downtown Bozeman.

Cailyn is a board-certified Registered Dietitian. She holds dual Bachelor degrees in both Kinesiology and Dietetics and has a Masters degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science. Cailyn completed her dietetics training through Wellness Workdays with an emphasis in sports nutrition. As an avid outdoorsman and former NCAA Division 1 athlete, she understands the demanding, hardworking nature of those that live in the west as well as what it takes to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cailyn has experience working with youth to collegiate, professional, and recreational athletes. She also has a special interest in injury/surgical nutrition and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Cailyn is a RED-S informed Provider and holds a certificate of training in Pediatric Food Allergies through FARE.

Cailyn is also the team dietitian for Montana State Club Hockey teams and also teaches in the nutrition and kinesiology departments at Montana State University.

Cailyn and her husband enjoy getting outside hiking, hunting, fishing, and staying on top of local sports.

For appointment, contact: cailyn@pursuitdietetics.com