Our Staff
Steve Korthuis, DPT

In 1993, Steve graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelors degree in Biology. Three years later he graduated with the first 47 physical therapists in the United States to earn the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. He started Lynden Family Physical Therapy in January of 1997. His clinical specialties are orthopedics, spine rehabilitation, sports therapy, orthotic fabrication, vertigo, balance disorders, and industrial rehabilitation. Steve is an active member of the Sports Physical Therapy Section and Private Practice Section of the APTA.
Steve also serves as a clinical instructor for the University of Washington, Creighton University, Pacific University, Ohio University, and Whatcom Community College. He thoroughly enjoys researching and developing evidence-based treatment approaches and is passionate about teaching the next generation of therapists.
Steve also serves as a clinical instructor for the University of Washington, Creighton University, Pacific University, Ohio University, and Whatcom Community College. He thoroughly enjoys researching and developing evidence-based treatment approaches and is passionate about teaching the next generation of therapists.
Nicole VanderWiele, DPT

Nikki graduated from Calvin College in 2004 where she ran cross country and track while pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. She then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Ohio University. While in physical therapy school, Nikki was involved in research pertaining to back pain and motor control, and completed 10 months of clinical internships with an emphasis on sports and orthopedic physical therapy. She then worked at a sports physical therapy specialty clinic in the Chicago area primarily focused on gymnasts, dancers, tri-athletes and soccer players. After a year, she and her husband Josh relocated to Lynden and joined Lynden Family Physical Therapy in June of 2008.
Nikki continues to run and train for marathons and other races with her husband and friends. She enjoys hiking and the outdoors, yoga, cooking, and exploring Lynden and the surrounding areas.
Nikki continues to run and train for marathons and other races with her husband and friends. She enjoys hiking and the outdoors, yoga, cooking, and exploring Lynden and the surrounding areas.
Jeff Demmert, DPT

Although originally from Bellingham, Jeff was raised in Spokane, WA. He attended Eastern Washington University where he graduated with his BS in biology in 2007. He continued on with his studies at EWU and completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. While in PT school, he met and married his beautiful wife Rhoda. After graduating, Jeff and Rhoda moved to Lynden and Jeff began working at Lynden Family Physical Therapy. Orthopedic, spine and sport injuries are his primary interest. Jeff enjoys fishing, hiking, hunting, and spending as much time with his family as he possibly can.
Doniel Hagee, DPT, ATC

Doniel was born and raised in Yakima, WA, where she graduated from East Valley High School in 1996. She then retired her basketball shoes in order to pursue a more serious academic career. Doniel completed her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Eastern Washington in 2002. She continued her studies at EWU, where she completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in June 2005. Doniel joined Lynden Family Physical Therapy in June, 2005, and specializes in concussion management, ACL prevention, spine stabilization, manual therapy, and sports rehabilitation. Doniel also serves as the athletic trainer for semi-professional football team, Bellingham Bulldogs. Go Dogs! She and her husband Billy have three beautiful and adventurous children, Layton, Makyla and Asher.
Lisa Nau, PTA

Lisa attended Western Washington University for two years before pursuing her associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She graduated from PTA school in 2002 and was immediately hired by Lynden Family Physical Therapy. She has completed a number of continuing education courses ranging from treatment of the spine to orthotic fabrication and shoulder biomechanics. In addition to these, she has also developed skills in rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, nerve mobilization, and sports medicine for ultra-marathon runners. Lisa’s broad spectrum of education makes her an invaluable asset to the team of therapists at Lynden Family Physical Therapy.
Lisa and her husband Dan have four children, Alison, Lacey, Thomas, and Jackson. They enjoy exploring the great outdoors together by boating, camping, hunting, and fishing. Lisa also loves to run and is always looking for new routes around town!
Lisa and her husband Dan have four children, Alison, Lacey, Thomas, and Jackson. They enjoy exploring the great outdoors together by boating, camping, hunting, and fishing. Lisa also loves to run and is always looking for new routes around town!
Heather Stremler, PTA

Heather attended Seattle University and later transferred to the physical therapist assistant program at Whatcom Community College. She graduated from the PTA program in 2001 and began working in outpatient physical therapy and sports rehabilitation. She has continued her education in Pilates, gait analysis, core strengthening, balance training, myofascial release, and massage. Her patients have ranged in age from 3 months old to over 90 years old. She joined Lynden Family Physical Therapy in 2006 and immediately added to the upbeat atmosphere of the clinic.
Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. When she is not at work you can find her with her family horseback riding, skiing, hunting, gardening or fishing.
Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. When she is not at work you can find her with her family horseback riding, skiing, hunting, gardening or fishing.
Brittany, PTA

Brittany was born in Bellingham, WA. While growing up in Lynden she attended Lynden Christian High School. She graduated from Whatcom Community College in 2009 with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Brittany began working at Lynden Family Physical Therapy in December of 2009 after completing three orthopedic internships. She particularly enjoys working with hip and knee patients.
Brittany is an outdoor enthusiast whether it’s hiking, bike riding, running, camping, or traveling. She loves spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Brittany is an outdoor enthusiast whether it’s hiking, bike riding, running, camping, or traveling. She loves spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Ruth Summers, PTA

Ruth, the youngest of four, grew up on Camano Island. She graduated from Stanwood High School where she enjoyed playing sports and working at a local coffee stand. Afterward, she moved to Bellingham and graduated from Whatcom Community College in 2010 with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree.
Ruth enjoys running, hiking, horseback riding, reading, baking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Ruth enjoys running, hiking, horseback riding, reading, baking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.