About
The Parkinson’s Fitness Project’s mission is developing physical and online training centers to promote ongoing neurologic health in those with Parkinson’s Disease.
“The Parkinson’s Fitness Project started with you in mind. After working with neurologic disorders in physical therapy for over ten years, I realize the barriers that exist in our current treatment model for people with Parkinson’s Disease. I have heard patient’s frustrations with the “stop and go” pattern of therapy for people dealing with a diagnosis that is ongoing.
I also understand the abundance of research showing that physical and cognitive exercise is medicine for Parkinson’s and needs to be “taken” continuously. I’ve seen the unbelievable transformation patients can make with the right exercise under expert guidance and have witnessed the devastating effects that can come from a sedentary lifestyle.
I truly feel a model allowing you to stay connected and receive skilled guidance by a trained professional is essential to avoiding progression of symptoms. That’s why we are providing formal Physical Therapy, Group and Private Neurofitness Classes, as well as online exercise training to address your symptoms – whatever your level of function and wherever you are.
The Parkinson’s Fitness Project has been formed for you. To keep you connected….. To keep you moving….. To keep you Fighting!”
Let’s Get Going! – Nate, DPT, NCS – Owner
Staff
Nate Coomer, PT, DPT, NCS, Owner
Founder of The Parkinson’s Fitness Project
Nate is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has been working with neurologic diagnoses as a physical therapist for over ten years. He received his certification as a Neurologic Specialist in 2010 by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities and has centered most of his work in the past four years to treating Parkinson’s, gaining certifications in LSVT BIG, and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!). He regularly participates in community events and educational opportunities for the PD community with APDA Northwest and the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. Outside of his career, you can usually find him running frantically after his two small children throughout the streets of Seattle.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Northwestern School of Medicine
2006
ABPTS Neurologic Clinical Specialist
2010
LSVT BIG Certified
2015
PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Instructor
2016
France Marien, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor
France is a Certified Fitness Instructor (ACE – American Council on Exercise) who started her career in movement over 30 years ago, first as a performer touring K-12 schools, then as a fitness instructor in the Seattle area. She has worked with a wide range of clientele from grade school students to senior citizens, as well as students with special needs (hip or knee replacement, hypermobility, injured athletes, autistic children, clients with dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease). She currently leads AMP and ChairFit classes on Daily Dose PD.
Over the years, France has developed a highly efficient workout system that she uses in her daily group classes. She teaches her clients how to integrate fitness into their busy life encouraging them to become lifelong exercisers, always adapting routines for their current fitness level.
France is the mother of two adult sons. Her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. She currently teaches in Seattle providing cardio, strength, balance, and flexibility training through variety, intensity, and consistency.
PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Instructor
January 2018
Brian Grant Bootcamp Certified Instructor
2016
Kelsey Colpitts, PT, DPT
Kelsey received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire before returning to her hometown, Seattle. She has a BA in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. She first became interested in physical therapy through her participation in running and Ultimate Frisbee in high school, college and beyond, but her interest in helping people with neurological diagnosis grew when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Her focus on physical therapy and neurological disorders grew while working as a research assistant at Oregon Health and Sciences University after college. Kelsey enjoys working with patients on helping them move, become active and achieve the best outcome possible. Kelsey’s other work experience has been in a skilled nursing setting where she treated people with an assortment of orthopedic, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Kelsey is certified in LSVT BIG and PWR! Moves certified instructor.
In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, running, jumping in mountain lakes and ponds, and hiking with her two dogs.
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Franklin Pierce University
2017
LSVT BIG Certified
2016
PWR!MOVES (R) Certified Instructor
2018
Steph Babiarz, PT, DPT
Stephanie received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program from Duke University in 2015. She has worked with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological diagnoses since beginning her career with Swedish Medical Center. She gained her PWR! certification in 2019 and has been leading group exercise classes for PD since that time. She finds motivation from treating her clients every day. She states, “My patients motivate me by the perseverance and strength they show each and every session.” Steph is currently seeing patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays in our Leschi clinic.
In her spare time, Steph is just getting settled in as a new homeowner in the Capital Hill neighborhood and enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and enjoying all that Seattle offers!
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Duke University
2017
PWR!MOVES (R) Certified Instructor
2019
Neha Vakil, PT, DPT, CLT
Neha graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Davis and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree from Trine University Rinker-School of Health Sciences in Indiana. After graduating, she returned to her roots in Northern California to start her Physical Therapy career in an outpatient orthopedics and neurological based clinic. It was here where she learned more about Parkinson’s Disease and also got the opportunity to participate in Rock Steady Boxing.
Neha recently moved to Seattle after getting married this past Summer. She has a passion for maximizing function, relieving pain and optimizing physical performance for her patients. Neha is also a certified PWR! Moves therapist and lymphedema therapist.
Neha is a classically trained dancer and in her spare time enjoys hiking, playing tennis and traveling any chance she gets.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Trine University Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences
2018
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
2021
Certified PWR!MOVES® Therapist
2021
Jennie Broder Allex, PT, DPT, NCS
Jennie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has been working with individuals with neurologic conditions for 15+ years. Originally from Wisconsin, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2006. She has worked in a variety of physical therapy settings across the country including: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. She settled in Seattle with her husband and three children in 2022. Jennie has a passion for empowering individuals with Parkinson’s disease to improve the quality of their lives through education and exercise. She enjoys being an active member of the Parkinson’s community and staying up-to-date on the latest research. When she is not in the clinic, Jennie can be found with a cup of coffee in hand exploring Seattle with her family.
Master of Physical Therapy
University of Wisconsin, Madison
2006
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
College of St. Scholastica
2017
ABTS Neurologic Clinical Specialist
2015
PWR!Moves® Certified Therapist (Parkinson Wellness Recovery)
2015
Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Emory University
2018
MAYA CHAVEZ, PT, DPT
Maya received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Kinesiology from Washington State University. She originally became interested in physical therapy following a soccer injury in her youth, but her passion for neurologic physical therapy grew when her grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Now, her goal is to inspire the individuals she sees through exercise, education, and support in order to improve their wellbeing. Maya is a PWR!Moves certified therapist and also works in a skilled nursing setting with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders.
Originally from Boise, Idaho, Maya enjoys going to the gym, skiing, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of Washington
2023
Certified PWR!MOVES® Therapist
2022
Jeanette Grant
Jeanette Grant (J.G.) is an office coordinator and insurance billing manager. She is also the life of the party with a constant smile on her face. She’s a huge mariners fan and a wine enthusiast. She is a familiar face to everyone that comes into our clinics. She can connect with our patients because she is also fighting PD and participates in 4 workouts each week at the clinics. She is our team mom and we wouldn’t be TPFP without JG!!
Trish Stafford
Trish Stafford is our Bellevue Office Coordinator. She’s waiting to greet you with a warm smile in the clinic and a patient and caring voice over the phone. Aside from answering phones and welcoming new patients, she is in charge of insurance credentialing for our staff and helps Jeanette with coding and billing. Outside of the clinic, Trish loves spending time in her North Bend home and enjoying nature with her dog. She is also a loving grandmother who spends her Wednesdays caring for her grandbabies. We are very proud to have such a caring and professional woman on our team!
