Our Physical Therapists
Avilio Halme, MPT, COMS, owner
I opened Cascadia Physical Therapy in 2006 with the goal of creating a space for healing, rehabilitation, and athletic enhancement that is centered around creativity and compassion. I enjoy working with each individual to meet their goals, recognizing that we all have a unique history and lifestyle that plays a role in our physical capabilities, comfort level and growth mindset. My primary goal as a PT is to assist my clients in improving their self-awareness.
My training is primarily influenced by sports-specific and plyometric athletic enhancement programs (NCAA Division 1 collegiate athlete), Feldenkrais-style Movement Re-education (Certified Orthopedic Movement Specialist), Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and Myofascial Release.
I enjoy actively discovering the many beauties of the PNW with my lovely family; including my wife, Theresa and two sons, Gabe and Ollie.
Darryl Michelson, PT, COMS
I have been in practice as a Physical Therapist for 25 years using an approach that fuses both manual and movement therapies. My Joy is in being a part of a client’s progression into healing and assisting them into the rediscovery of their energy and vitality. I began my manual therapy training in the Netherlands and proceeded to specialize in Manual Lymph Drainage and Neural Manipulation training. I have also completed a Feldenkrais-style movement re-education training (Certified Orthopedic Movement Specialist).
My wife, Lori and I enjoy hiking in the PNW and Canadian landscapes. I am a cinephile and compete in Extreme Ironing!
Rene’ Wendt, PTA
I have been working as a PTA for 22 years. My passion is helping people meet their goals with manual therapy, creative movement and encouragement.
I have pursued extensive training in joint, soft tissue, visceral and neural mobilization. My interest in pain education, osteoporosis and strength training for older adults has inspired me to explore new ideas and ways of approaching movement.
As an avid trail runner and hiking enthusiast, I love being outdoors. Line dancing is one of my latest pursuits. I also enjoy the company of my three amazing grandchildren.
Kris Carlson, PT
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 1989. I have maintained membership in the American Physical Therapy Association since 1987. In 2009, I earned an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
My physical therapy career began in Bellingham and my path through the varied settings of St. Joseph Hospital, home health and private practice clinics, led to my passion for orthopedics and manual therapy. My approach is balanced and holistic, creating a course of treatment that meets the needs of each individual, blending manual therapy techniques with targeted therapeutic exercise to optimize movement patterns. My joy is helping a person find tools for self-management of symptoms, enabling them to play an active role in their rehab process.
My training encompasses a wide range of specialized manual therapy techniques, including osteopathic muscle energy techniques and Maitland spinal and peripheral joint mobilization. My coursework includes Sahrmann muscle imbalances and movement disorders, classes with Diane Lee and L.J. Lee on the lumbo-pelvic-hip and the thorax-shoulder complexes, geriatric orthopedics, courses specific to the spine and pelvic girdle, running mechanics and injury rehabilitation, and temporomandibular disorder. I have completed The Barral Institute’s visceral mobilization series.
Over the past decade, I have taken many courses taught by John F Barnes Myofascial Release Seminars, learning their unique approach to the manual therapy technique of myofascial release. I have integrated these myofascial release techniques into my practice and have come to see this work as pivotal for many people, facilitating them to release deep holding patters and injuries of the past, which then allows them to move forward in their lives toward true lasting healing.
Growing up in Alaska, I developed a love for outdoor activity in all seasons and now find happiness sharing outdoor pursuits with my husband and friends in this beautiful corner of the PNW, from the mountains to the saltwater. My passions include gardening, yoga, cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, and sea kayaking.