Who Are We?

WELCOME to Professional Therapy Associates!

Professional Therapy Associates has been helping the residents of Flathead Valley since 1988. Our staff is dedicated to caring for our patients and getting them the RESULTS they need and expect; it’s what we do BEST!

At Professional Therapy Associates we use hands on manual therapy and skillfully designed exercise programs to produce Real and Long-lasting Resultsthat better the lives of our patients. We provide a wide range of services, click here to see what we provide. We accept most insurance companies and do billing as a courtesy to our patients.

Our practice has continued to grow and serve the community by offering patients a warm and friendly environment as well as providing the best care possible. Professional Therapy Associates can help you be more fit, stronger and healthier without that nagging pain.

It is in our nature to want to be fit, strong, healthy and agile, but sometimes simple injuries and accidents that seem minor can lead to chronic pain and suffering. If you have pain, don’t let pain and discomfort ruin your life or even slow you down. Professional Therapy Associates is not just for people who are experiencing discomfort from injuries, are ill or are suffering from pain.

Whether you have an injury, or you just want to feel better, a physical therapist can create a program that is designed to help you maintain your health and prevent injuries and illness in the future. For this reason, it is not necessary for you to wait until you are referred by your doctor.

Visit our Patient Real Results Page

Meet the staff of Professional Therapy Associates!

Erin Bauman, PT, MS

Erin graduated with a Master’s in Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University in 2001 after earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in 1999. She worked as a traveling physical therapist throughout California and moved to the Flathead Valley in 2003 where she practiced both home health and outpatient orthopedic physical therapy. She joined the PTA team in April 2007. Although she enjoys working with all musculoskeletal related injuries and diagnoses, her treatment specialties are spine and pelvic rehabilitation. During her time away from the clinic, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband Greg and golden retrievers Shady and Zeker, cooking and playing in the outdoors.

Kaci Calaway, DPT, CSCS

Kaci graduated from the University of Montana with a doctorate in physical therapy. She also has a certification as a sports and conditioning specialist. Her love for working with any and all sports and joint related injuries stems from not only her educational experience, but her experience as a collegiate track and cross country runner.

Kaci was born and raised in Bigfork, Montana and is excited to be back in the valley! In her free time she enjoys running, being outside, riding her horses, and playing with her dog Cinch. Kaci is excited to be a part of the Professional Therapy Associates team and looks forward to helping you.

Trevor Eccles, PT, DPT

Trevor graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2005. He received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Oregon State University in 2002. Trevor jointed PTA in March of 2010. He is interested in all area of orthopedic rehabilitation. When Trevor isn't working he and his wife Lacy enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, running and hunting.

Kim Givler,PT

Kim graduated from Idaho State University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009, following a clinical internship in Spinal Cord Injury and Neurologic Trauma Physical Therapy in Cape Town, South Africa. A native of Montana, she returned to her home state and settled in the Flathead Valley in 2009, joining Professional Therapy Associates in 2010. Kim’s professional interests include spine rehabilitation, maternity and post-partum care, balance and vestibular rehab, and aquatic therapy. An avid recreationalist herself, she enjoys helping the people of Whitefish and the surrounding regions get back to and stay on their feet, in the mountains, and out on the trails. In her free time, you’ll find Kim in the mountains running, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing.

Jey Ponti, PT, MS

Jey received his Master’s of Science degree in physical therapy from the University of Montana in 2000. Jey is a practicing P.T. as well as an owner of PTA. His treatment is focused on outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy.  His special interests include dysfunctions of the shoulder and back. Outside of the office, Jey enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and their daughters, Olivia and Allison. He also enjoys kayaking, mountain biking, skiing and fishing during his free time.

Ryan Robinson, PT, DPT, CMP

Ryan received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2006 from Pacific University and Masters of Physical Therapy in 2001 from the University of Washington.  He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).

At PTA, Ryan enjoys treating complex spinal dysfunctions and orthopedic conditions. His continuing education certifications are in advanced rehabilitation techniques to address challenges within the spine. Other specialized training includes custom foot orthotics, post-surgical rehab, sports rehabilitation and exercise physiology. Ryan finds it rewarding to provide athletes and non-athletes with tools to decrease pain, return to full function and reach their goals.

Outside of the clinic, you will find Ryan with his family, cycling, skiing or fly fishing.

Joel Shehan, PT, MS, CSCS

Joel graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in physical therapy from the University of Montana in 2003. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, also from the University of Montana and obtained his CSCS credentials in 2003 from NSCA. As a practicing physical therapist, Joel has worked in multiple settings, including outpatient orthopedic, skilled nursing, home health, and acute hospital care, until joining PTA in May of 2006. He has interest in all areas of orthopedic and sports related rehabilitation and training. Outside of work his interests include skiing, cycling and hiking with his wife Quincy, son Porter, and two dogs, Trapper and Lily.

Pam Skonord, PT

Pam has been actively practicing Physical Therapy since she graduated from the University of Montana in 1990. She joined Professional Therapy Associates in June of 2004 where she focuses her practice on orthopedic and geriatric populations with an emphasis in manual therapy. She also specializes in women’s health, specifically back and pelvis pain for patients during pregnancy and post-partum. In addition, she has special interest in the foot, ankle and knee, including orthotics. She also enjoys the time spent in her position as Director of Qualifications for Professional Therapy Associates. Pam and her husband, Daren, have three children, Danielle, Jenna and Nate, and enjoy lots of family time on their mini-farm east of Kalispell.

Blaine Stimac, PT

Blaine received his Masters of Physical Therapy from University of Montana in 2000. Prior to his physical therapy schooling he attended Carroll College where he received a BS and played football for the Saints.

Blaine has been practicing in the Flathead Valley since 2000 and specializes in treating spinal dysfunction and other orthopedic conditions. He started Kalispell Rehabilitation Associates with his wife, Britne in 2000. In 2007 he merged this company with Professional Therapy Associates and has served as the chief executive officer since that time. He is passionate in making PTA a practice that is very well known for achieving excellent results and a benchmark as a private practice physical therapy clinic. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is active in advocating for the physical therapy profession.

On a personal level, Blaine loves to spend time with his family and watch his 3 boys learn, grow and live life! He can also be found playing in the mountains as an avid kayaker, skier and hiker.

What does ATC stand for?

ATC stands for Athletic Training Certification.

What does CMP stand for?

CMP stands for Certified Mulligan Practitioner.

What does CSCS stand for?

CSCS stands for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

What does DPT stand for?

DPT stands for Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

What does MS stand for?

MS stands for Master of Science.