Staff

Sallie Rediske, MPT

... is a 1998 graduate of the Master of Physical Therapy program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She has extensive experience in a wide range of outpatient orthopedic problems and specializes in the treatment of pelvic health concerns, including chronic pelvic pain, urinary and bowel issues, pregnancy, post-hysterectomy and post abdominal surgery management.
  Sallie is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Section on Women's Health of the APTA, Orthopedic Section of the APTA, National Vulvodynia Association, Endometriosis Association, International Pelvic Pain Society and the Alaska Chapter of the APTA. She is also Board Vice President  of Homer Children's Services/Birth 2 Three, a program offering physical, occupational and speech therapy services to children ages 0-3, regardless of ability to pay.
  Sallie sees her primary role as a health educator who integrates information regarding the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems for her clients. Sallie developed Homer Physical Therapy to empower patients with knowledge to manage their neuromusculoskeletal conditions for an improved quality of life long after discharge from physical therapy. She works to integrate manual therapy techniques with functional application of movement re-education to maximize the learning experience while in treatment.

Teresa Conner, LMT

...is intentional, present, and deliberate in her approach to massage therapy. She obtained a B.S. degree in social work from Radford University, Virginia in 1992. The inherent power found in healing touch propelled Teresa to pursue a career in the field of massage therapy.
In 1997 she completed her massage therapy studies at Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga in Blacksburg, Virginia. The past ten years Teresa has worked in a variety of massage therapy settings including several clinical settings including physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and her own private here in Homer. She finds both private and clinical settings conducive to healing, but maintains the belief that a clinical setting provides a goal oriented, holistic, and collective approach to healing. One aspect of the clinical setting which Teresa finds most attractive is the role that therapeutic massage plays in facilitating healing for specific injuries.
Teresa brings to Homer Physical Therapy her cumulative knowledge base combined with an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities that include: Swedish, Deep tissue, Craniosacral Therapy, and Myofascial Release. In addition to her massage therapy license, she is a certified member of Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Teresa's optimistic attitude combined with a sincere respect for all living beings is the foundation from which she greets her world.
 

Haley Hughes, DPT

...joins Homer Physical Therapy with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington in 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Oregon State University. During summers between semesters at OSU, Haley also worked as an aide in PT clinics in Soldotna and Kenai. As a therapist at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA, she’s gained experience in musculoskeletal, neurological and vestibular rehabilitation in the outpatient setting. She received specialized education and training for vestibular rehab including treatment for conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and general hypofunction. Haley believes in developing individualized treatment programs, tailored to fit each patient’s unique needs, and encourages the patient to be an active participant in treatment planning, implementation, and goal setting. Her ultimate goal is for the patient to be equipped to prevent or manage their condition independently, outside the clinic.
Being a Coast Guard brat, Haley moved around growing up. She spent 16 years here in Alaska; first as a child in Kodiak, then through her teens in Soldotna where she graduated from Skyview High School. Haley is looking forward to life in Alaska again, being a lover of the outdoors and open beauty of this great state.
 

Fran Evarts

... certified in 1997 with AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of American) as a Group Fitness Instructor and has instructed various fitness classes in Homer since that time. Her teaching background also includes specialized certifications in Kickboxing, Mat Science/Pilates and training in weight training and Cycling instruction.

Fran’s teaching style is that of a true educator. She designs her classes to help clients increase mind-body awareness with detail to injury prevention. In 2003, she advanced her training and became certified as an AFAA Personal Trainer Fitness Counselor. With an emphasis on public health, Fran integrates information from the exercise sciences with fundamental theories of learning and basic counseling skills to help clients practice and develop healthy living habits.

Born and raised in southern California, Fran moved to Homer after she married and enjoys raising her four children here. She spends much of her time working with children in the community as the Primary President of her church where she is responsible for overseeing the instruction, activities, and guidance of the children ages 18 months to 11 years. She is also Board President of Homer Children's Services/Birth 2 Three, a non-profit program that offers services to children ages 0-3.

Fran believes there is a perfect balance of all aspects of life. To be open, accepting and respectful to each part is what she strives to accomplish as a mother, wife and teacher.

Jennifer Hawkins

... joins Homer Physical Therapy as a 30 year resident of Alaska. As an outdoors person she enjoys biking and walking. She also enjoys Broadway musicals and looks forward to becoming a "granny-nanny". Jennifer's greatest achievement has been raising three happy, productive, young men and values her family most. For 16 years Jennifer served in the Boy Scouts as merit badge counselor, den leader and committee chair. She taught communication skills, leadership, community service, time management, ethics and morals. For three years, Jennifer worked for Community Mental Health in a school setting helping emotionally disabled children through their day. We've found Jennifer to be a multi-tasker, motivated, good natured, perceptive, charming, with a great sense of humor. She likes simplicity; no gadgets. She likes lemon meringue pie and encourages everyone to 'keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows'. Jennifer strives to always look for the good in humanity. Jennifer's official title is administrative assistant/physical therapy aide. That means she does a little bit of everything at the clinic as support personnel for our providers to assure that every client's care runs as efficiently and as comfortably as possible. Occasionally you will see Jennifer at the front desk where she will assist you with your questions and appointments.

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Deena Benson

...is practically a lifetime resident of Homer and the vicinity. She grew up on a homestead outside of Homer and spent her early years running heavy equipment at her family’s gravel pit. She later spent years working in various capacities in WI, CO and here in Homer. Deena holds a UAA Certificate in Criminal Justice and has 13 years experience in that field. She is also a Certified Municipal Clerk and worked as a Deputy Municipal Clerk for 4 years. In between, she practiced a number of other occupations that included veterinarian assistant, college registration clerk and general manager of a large multi-service lodge.
  Deena has been praised for her professionalism, organization skills and communication skills. Deena brings compassion and a joy of working with people. She holds in high regard her belief that every being has the right to be treated with dignity.
  Deena brings to Homer Physical Therapy a varied set of skills, a wide knowledge base and a great deal of finesse. She knows just about everything there is to know about Homer and about practically everything else, as well. She is our go-to person at Homer Physical Therapy. We are very pleased to have her as our office manager.
  Deena is glad to help you with any billing and insurance issues or questions that pertain to your treatment at Homer Physical Therapy. Please feel free to give her a call today.

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