Hi! I’m Karissa, a board certified pediatric physical therapist, and the owner and founder of First Step Pediatric Therapy. 

I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Neurobiology (Go Dawgs!) and went to Northern Arizona University in Phoenix for my doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am a Seattlite born and raised, but the Arizona sunshine still holds a piece of my heart. 

I truly love working with kids and have worked exclusively in pediatrics through my career. I’ve seen patients in outpatient clinics, in schools, over teletherapy, and have recently done a bit of work as a research interventionist on a study for children with cerebral palsy. Working with my little patients is truly a source of joy! Helping toddlers take their first steps, training athletes to return to their favorite sport, and teaching children how to push their first wheelchair fill me with so much happiness and excitement. 

I love learning all that I can about pediatric physical therapy and often take courses to learn even more in my spare time. I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy and am a Certified Clinical Instructor through the APTA. I am also certified in the Therasuit Method.

When I’m not at the office, you can find me on an outdoor adventure with my husband, soaking up all the cuddles with my newborn baby boy, trying out a new recipe, grabbing coffee with friends, or sharing a meal with family.