Meet the Team

At Optimum Health & Wellness, we understand that each client is unique and we are committed to providing you with customized plans to meet your needs. Our skilled team of Physical Therapists, Dietitians and Personal Trainers are dedicated to working with you and your loved ones to reach your health and wellness goals.

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Physical Therapy Staff

Kelly Chick Comstock

PT, CST, Owner & CEO

“Equipping, encouraging and empowering Ketchikan into wellness.”

I have lived and worked as a physical therapist in Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska since 1995 and been in private practice since 2004, initially as a sole proprietor. After watching many individual healthcare practitioners come and go from Ketchikan, and take their contributions with them, I knew I wanted to establish something more lasting for this community to help build more stability for our healthcare options here...

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Carly Ann Yoder

PT, DPT

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” -Philippians 4:13

I grew up in Mifflintown, PA and loved every minute of it! Before starting at Optimum, I worked for a local PT place while I got my athletic training certificate. After getting my certificate decided to continue my education into becoming a DPT as well.

After high school, I went to undergrad at Eastern University where I received my Athletic Training degree. I then worked for a year at a local high school before advancing my education into PT in DeSales University's doctorate program. After I graduated and passed my boards this past summer, I worked at a CPRS physical therapy for five months. My husband and I decided to be a PT-PTA team and to travel to Ketchikan.

I want to solve the physical therapists’ issue of having too busy of a schedule and insufficient time to provide high quality one-on-one treatment with patients. I strive to provide my undivided attention to everyone I encounter in a kind and caring manner. During treatments, I use a hands-on approach coupled with education for continued at-home maintenance. I love the setup of Optimum and the patient driven care facility. It is unique because I can provide one-on-one hands-on care without being pulled in multiple directions. In addition, my coworkers and patients are a delight to work with. The values that drive me the most are honesty, integrity, trust, excellence, and quality.

I love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, volleyball (outdoor and indoor), kayaking, and fishing. I also love indoor activities as well, such as working out, basketball, cooking/eating food, and spending time with my family.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. The Holy Bible
2. Sports biographies
3. Faith related stories

Ovidia Chacon Fierro

PT, DPT

“The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.” -Anonymous

I grew up In Mexico where I spent the first half of my life. I then moved to Texas to obtain a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. I held a Physical Therapy Director position for 4 years prior to taking my first job as a travel physical therapist in Alaska two years ago. I fell in love with Alaska and the people and I’ve been fortunate to get to experience and live in this unique and beautiful state.

Before starting at Optimum, I worked mainly at outpatient clinics and hospitals in rural areas in Alaska. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2016 and I’ve specialized in orthopedics most of my career. I held a position of Physical Therapy director at an outpatient clinic for 4 years prior to becoming a travel physical therapist. I've enjoyed both roles but being a travel physical therapist has given me the work/ life balance that I always wanted while also growing professionally. In the Physical Therapy industry there are a lot of misconceptions that hold people back from seeking out a physical therapist.

I want to help remove some of the barriers by educating the community about the variety of physical and medical conditions that can be treated in physical therapy to help individuals achieve their maximum potential and improve their quality of life. I like to treat each one of my patients as I would like my loved ones to be treated by a healthcare provider. I listen, I empathize, and I do my best to empower my patients to take control of their health. I look at my patients as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.

I want to work at Optimum because I want to be part of a great team and work for a company that actually cares about patients and quality of care. I've worked in many different places and we have the best work environment and vibes at Optimum. We have a team of compassionate, humble, and genuine people and I feel fortunate to be part of it. The values that drive me are integrity, empathy, and determination. I love the outdoors, hiking and camping are my favorite things to do. I also love traveling and learning about other cultures firsthand. My husband and I take weeks and even months off between job assignments to travel within the US and to other countries.

1. Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life (book)
2. On Purpose with Jay Shetty (podcast)
3. Overheard at National Geographic (podcast)

Julie Vollbrecht

PT, DPT

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” -Helen Keller

I grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and have lived all over the country for school and working as a PT. These places include Los Angeles, Kansas City, Houston, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Delaware. My expertise is in pelvic floor physical therapy and dry needling. I want to remedy people feeling limited in their life experience. I want my patients to feel heard and hopeful.

I appreciate working at Optimum for its holistic environment and the opportunity to get to know the people in Ketchikan. I value freedom and fun. In my free time I enjoy being outside, walking, running, hiking, yoga, camping, lifting weights, watching Netflix, planning vacations/adventures, reading, learning, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. Verity by Colleen Hoover (book)
2. All the Hacks (podcast)
3. The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo (book)

Sam Vollbrecht

PT, DPT

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out” -John Wooden

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri (Go CHIEFS!). Most recently I was working as a PT in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Delaware. I have three years of experience working in outpatient orthopedic PT. I am also dry needling certified. I want to help provide people with knowledge and an understanding of their own body, as well as offer solutions to self-manage. Knowledge is power! I build a therapeutic alliance with each patient, making sure they feel heard and understood. I try to educate and empower each patient to reach their goals through exercise and fitness.

I work at Optimum Health and Wellness Physical Therapy for the opportunity to get the most one on one time with each patient and to be a part of a great and caring team of professionals. Compassion, hard work, and respect are my core values. Outside of work, I enjoy watching the Kansas City Chiefs, cooking, reading, playing video games, hiking, and playing basketball.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. Bill Burr’s Monday Morning (podcast)
2. Stuff you should know (podcast)
3. Lord of the Rings trilogy (books)

Matthew Koval

PT

“I am a very old man and have suffered a great many misfortunes, most of which never happened.” -Mark Twain


I grew up in Rochester, NY. Western/upstate NY and about 6 hours from NYC. Prior to starting here, I was working as a travel PT throughout the state of California.

I graduated PT school in 2017, just after that I went into an orthopedic residency and received my OCS (Orthopedic Certified Specialist). I then spent three years working at an outpatient clinic in New York. Before moving here, I was a traveling Physical Therapist for two years in California.

I want to help provide empathetic, evidence-based care in the community to help people navigate the fear and/or uncertainty that may come with injury, illness or disability. I attempt to generate a team culture between myself and my client, where both of our inputs are taken into account and valued equally with the end result being a higher quality of life, whatever that may look like. The culture at Optimum also drives my desire to work here. Optimum is in healthcare for all the right reasons. They put patient first and strive to create an environment that produces the best outcomes for everyone. I value respect, trust, and humility.

When I’m not working, I enjoy watching sports, working out, playing sports, outdoor activities, hiking, socializing with family and friends, and traveling.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior by Phil Jackson (book)
2. Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey (book)
3. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins (book)

Shane Yoder

PT Assistant

“I love it when a plan comes together” -Hannibal Smith from the A-team

I grew up in Central Pennsylvania where there are more trucks than people. I worked at a private PT company that had many locations and have been to 32 of them. I worked there for 6 years before I had the desire to travel the world and Ketchikan was the perfect place to start.

I am a Physical Therapist Assistant here at Optimum. I graduated from Central Penn College in PA 2017 and have been practicing since then at an employee-owned facility. At that company, I have been to over 32 different clinics which allowed me the unique opportunity to learn from many experienced PTs to expand my knowledge of how to treat many different diagnoses more effectively. I am honored to have been given this position here in Ketchikan and look forward to meeting you.

Many physical therapy companies are about the numbers first and then patient outcomes second. I love that Optimum is a patient driven clinic and gives one-on-one time to each patient, which allows the patient to be heard, and come to the root of the problem quicker which in turn, speeds up their recovery. I help patients get back on their feet. I love working with patients and seeing the positive outcome from the work both myself and the patient put in to achieve their goals. Also, I have an arsenal of dad jokes to keep the clinic light and fun.

Optimum Health is not a normal physical therapy establishment. They put their patients first by giving them much needed one-on-one time unlike most of the industry which acts like a patient mill. The staff here are very pleasant to fun to work with. Optimum Health is not a normal physical therapy establishment. They put their patients first by giving them much needed one-on-one time unlike most of the industry which acts like a patient mill. The staff here are very pleasant to fun to work with. The biggest values that drive me are honesty, efficiency, and quality.

When I’m not working you will find me hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, working out at the rec center, playing board and card games.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. Lord of The Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien (books)
2. Chronicles of Narnia (books)
3. Redwall Abbey Series (books)

Shelby Searle

PT Aide

"You've got to risk it for the biscuit."

I was born and raised in American Fork, Utah. I grew up playing soccer, tennis, and dance and I still love playing sports anytime I get the chance! I just finished my bachelor’s degree at Utah State University then moved up to Ketchikan for a new experience.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Kinesiology with an Emphasis in Exercise Science. I spent the last year working as a Certified Personal Trainer and a Fitness Instructor. I have always had a love for fitness and a fascination with how the body moves, grows, and heals itself.

My goal is to empower every individual, so they feel confident and capable to live their lives to the fullest. I know that injuries and illness can take a toll on mental health, and I want to help others restore their physical health naturally to enable them to live happily and healthily. I work to ensure that each person I come in contact with feels valued, heard, and capable.

I love the one-on-one approach that Optimum takes to physical therapy. Each patient is treated as a whole individual, rather than an injury or project. Because of the experienced Physical Therapists, patients feel welcomed and strong as they work together towards a pain-free life.

Compassion, genuineness, and positivity are the values that drive me. I am the happiest when I am outdoors. My three favorite things in the world are recreational sports, the mountains, and fried chicken. I love hiking, rock climbing, riding four wheelers, boating, or really anything that lets me be outside! I also love working out, cooking, riding horses, and reading.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. What We Said (podcast)
2. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (book)
3. On My Mind (Podcast)

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Administrative Staff

Christopher Comstock

Administrative Executive and Diagnostic Technician

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - Jesus Christ

I grew up in Puyallup, WA. Before joining my wife here at Optimum in January of this year, I previously worked in ship building and repair.

Working in a shipyard for the last 10 years, I have gained a wide variety of skills including; leading an electrical team of 10-15 employees, solving day to day electrical production issues, recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees and I helped to develop a marine curriculum with NCCER as a subject matter expert. My time at the shipyard gave me the confidence to endeavor into a completely new field as an Administrative Executive where I am now certified as a Technician in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Nerve Conduction Studies.

I don’t believe people truly understand the depth and breadth of what is available to them with Physical Therapy and it is a goal of mine to help our local and surrounding Communities realize the amount of support that our Clinic’s amazing Staff has to offer.

At Optimum, I see it as my job to support all of our Staff and Clients in any way possible. Whether helping as a Diagnostic Technician, filling in at the front desk, implementing new strategies or cleaning the bathroom, my job is to serve where I am needed. My hope is that everyone I interact with each day feels that they have support.

I love seeing and hearing the way that our Staff encourages and empowers our Clients. The environment here is truly warm and welcoming.

I value dependability, loyalty & commitment.

When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking and traveling with my family, game nights and Seahawks football games.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. The Uncommon Man by Tony Dungi (book)
2. Solid Joys Daily Devotional (podcast)
3. The Book of Joby by Mark J. Ferrari (book)

Jaimee Watson

Client Services Manager

“Calm is a superpower.” – Bruce Lee

I was born in Ketchikan, AK and raised in Craig on Prince of Wales Island. I moved to Washington State in 2011 where I attended Clark Community College and began my career in medical office management. During that time, I also owned and operated a cleaning business for 9 years. I moved to Ketchikan in 2020 for my son to attend Kayhi and be closer to our family. I am hoping to feel at home again and enjoy a slower pace in life.

I was the former front office and dispensary manager at the Center for Natural Medicine, a naturopathic primary care clinic in Portland Oregon. There, I learned the importance of searching for the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms as opposed to simply treating the symptoms. I continue to value this philosophy in healthcare to this day.

In a medical setting, we come across many individuals who may feel defeated to a certain degree. I believe that people are capable of so much more than we can imagine. I want to help others realize that injuries, illnesses and mental obstacles do not define them as a person. You can overcome obstacles if you allow yourself to.

I believe in treating others the way I would like to be treated. We all struggle in our own ways and should not be ashamed. If it is within my power to be helpful in any way, I will do my best to help.

Productivity and self-worth drive me. I feel that I thrive when the majority of my time is occupied, whether it be with hobbies, work, or helping others.

I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and kind staff at Optimum Health & Wellness. The patients are greeted so wonderfully by the front office and treated as if they are family. It's like a full circle of respect.

In my spare time I enjoy fishing, painting, cooking, beach combing and, if I get the chance, I love to travel.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. Russell Brand (podcast)
2. Anything by Dean Koontz (books)
3. The Shack (book)

Annie Morris

Client Services Representative

“Without risk there can be no progress.” - George M. Low (NASA)

Born and raised in Spokane, WA, I fell in love with Alaska on a fishing trip at 18y/o and moved to the state permanently in 2012. I moved from Sitka to Ketchikan in 2019 to pursue an education at UAS.

I am currently studying business administration at the University of Alaska Southeast with an emphasis in accounting. Accuracy in data entry and record keeping is a must for the highest quality treatment of our patients! That is what I strive for!

I feel blessed to be one of the first points of contact for our patients. As a Client Services Representative, it is my privilege to provide excellent customer service to all patients as they embark on their health goals here at Optimum.

I value the very personal touch every staff member brings to their work. There is an undeniable inclusiveness they offer everyone who walks in the door. I want to be a part of that.

Values that drive me:
Integrity – uphold your principles always. Do not be swayed.
Authenticity – genuineness and transparency of character.
Determination – never give up! Fight for what you believe in!

When I’m not working, I enjoy laughing with my son, Berkley, community outreach and volunteering, trying new vegan recipes, and taking long drives with my stereo up loud. I absolutely love to be around people that are enjoying themselves – whatever the activity may be. I am open to trying anything!

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (book)
2. The Essential Law of Attraction Collection by Esther and Jerry Hicks (books)
3. Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. (book)

Michelle Fisher

Administrative Executive

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”

I grew up in Montana and Idaho. I was a Licensed Massage Therapist for 6 years and a Chiropractor for 10 years. In addition, I taught Anatomy & Physiology, as well as other classes, at a local college.

I was a Chiropractor for 10 years, in which I owned and ran a busy practice. Unfortunately, due to injuries I am no longer able to practice. Luckily, I can still use my skills of excellent patient care, administration and insurance handling to ensure OHWPT patients get the best Physical Therapy care in Ketchikan!

At OHWPT we strive to educate the community on health and wellness and empower all to take their health into their own hands.

I work behind the scene, as well as directly with patients, to ensure they are getting the best care possible. I make sure everything runs smoothly; from the front desk, their physical therapy, and through the insurance process.

I love the positive and encouraging atmosphere at OHWPT! We all strive to build up one another and remain positive.

The values that drive me are: always striving to do the best in all I do and uplifting those around me in whatever ways I can.

When I’m not working, I like spending time with family and friends, hiking, dancing, and spending time in nature.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. The Power of Intention (book)
2. Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling (book)
3. Zero Limits (book)

Felix Wong

IT & Building Maintenance Manager

“Until you make your unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl G. Jung

I grew up in Singapore and worked at the shipyard before venturing on my own as an independent photographer and marine electrical contractor. I have tinkered with computers and technology my whole life, putting my experience into setting up my home server with a decommissioned laptop that now works as my personal cloud server, and many more convenient processes.

Joining the Optimum team as the IT Systems Admin and Building Maintenance Manager, I hope to apply my experience while working with people I am close friends, fostering a healthy work-culture with them.

Outside of work, I enjoy photography, designing and planning builds for hi-fi speakers and listening to music on said speakers, hanging out with my dog, tinkering with my home network, exploring internet-of-things possibilities, and ensuring stage productions and concerts sound good.

Favorite Books/Podcasts:
1. The Jordan Harbinger Show (podcast)
2. Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu (podcast)
3. Mastery by Robert Greene (book)

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Support Staff

Christi Rhodes-Mestas

Facilities Technician

[Bio coming soon.]

Faylene Benito

Facilities Technician

[Bio coming soon.]