Our Team
Christian Appel
Christian is a native of Montana and owner of Great Northern Physical Therapy. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1991, where he met his wife, Amy. They were married in 1992 and have three adult children; Nathan, Cordell and Courtney. He obtained his clinical doctorate from EIM Institute of Health profession in 2012. Christian is a board certified orthopedic specialist and certified in Functional Dry Needling and McKenzie.
When not in the clinic, Christian can be found recreating on Montana’s rivers or enjoying the many outdoor pursuits that Montana has to offer. He also enjoys searching for and photographing large predators.
Christian is passionate about enhancing human performance and alleviating pain and disability in order to inspire people to explore life to their fullest.
Kate Dolan Tucker
PT, DPT
Kate Dolan Tucker is a native of Bozeman. She is an avid runner and skier. Whether it be on foot, bike, boat or skis, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her husband Kal and her son Silas.
Kate grew up in Bozeman and her main sport was cross-country ski racing for the Bridger Ski Foundation. She was a Division One cross country ski racer at The University of Denver where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Science and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Montana in 2015 and has been working at GNPT since. She has a passion for treating athletes and women’s health. But mostly she just wants to help people stay active so they can enjoy all of the things Montana has to offer.
Jim Sykes
PT, DPT, OCS
Jim grew up on a farm in western Montana where he attended Charlo High School and participated in football, basketball, and track. After high school Jim completed his degree in exercise science and sports medicine at MSU. During his time at MSU he played outside linebacker for the Bobcats and was a student athletic trainer. Jim then continued his education at the University of Montana where he earned his doctorate degree in physical therapy.
Since graduation Jim has practiced at GNPT specializing in rehab of athletic, recreational, and occupational injuries. He also specializes in vestibular and post-concussion management. He is a board-certified orthopedic specialist (OCS) and currently trained in trigger point dry needling. Jim’s passion for helping people get back to the work and play they love comes from his understanding and love for the rigors of work and play in Montana. Jim is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys woodworking, photography, backcountry skiing, backpacking, and floating the rivers with his wife and kids.
When Jim is not at work or in the wilderness you will find him spending time with his wife and 4 kids, digging in his garden, engaged in a construction project, or volunteering at his local church.
Kara Neil
MSPT
Kara was born and raised in Bigfork, Montana. With a Bachelors of Science degree from Montana State University and a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver, she has worked in outpatient orthopedics since 2001.
She is certified in Functional Dry Needling, has advanced training in pelvic floor physical therapy, and is a Teacher’s Assistant with the Herman & Wallace Institute.
Tori St Don
DPT
Tori began her non-traditional path to physical therapy graduating from UCSD with a degree in Ecology. She moved to Big Sky in 2003 to be a ski bum while studying bats, coyotes, fox, and fire fuel mapping in the summers. Ultimately deciding to pursue a lifetime interest in health care, physical therapy felt like the right fit to give people the tools they need to live better.
Since graduating from the University of Montana in 2013 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Tori has pursued further training in dry needling, blood flow restriction, and received her Certification in Applied Functional Science focusing on orthopedic and sports injuries. She wants every patient to know it’s possible and expected to have improvement each session.
When not in the clinic, you’ll find Tori getting outside with her husband and dog, leaving Kat at home, to hike, run, bike, ski, get on the water and enjoy motorsports.
Rita Pascoe
DPT, Board Certified Neurological Specialist
Rita was born and raised on a farm and ranch near Red Lodge, Montana, where she also graduated from high school. She completed her undergraduate degree and Rocky Mountain College in Billings, and went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana in 2008.
Since becoming a physical therapist, Rita has primarily worked in neurologic rehabilitation and became a board certified neurologic clinical specialist in 2016.
Rita has always loved being active and out in nature, and you can often find her on a wide variety of Montana adventures. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially her husband and their two amazing kids, or reading a good book.
Holly Finch
Holly is a Montana native, who was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Dillon. After completing her Bachelors of Science degree at Montana State University, she attended University of Montana where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. But not to worry, she is still a Bobcat through and through!
Holly specializes in treating orthopedic injuries and vestibular rehabilitation. She is also certified in functional dry needling. She enjoys working with individuals across the age spectrum, helping them improve their health, achieve their goals, and return quickly to the activities they enjoy.
When she’s not at the clinic, you will find her mountain biking, running on the trails, tending to her plants and garden, or helping back home on the ranch.
Myles Ekstrom
DPT
Myles Ekstrom is a Bozeman native and sixth-generation Montanan. He earned his undergraduate degree from Montana State University before completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Montana.
Myles enjoys working with individuals of all ages and activity levels to help them overcome pain, recover from injury, and return to the activities they enjoy. His clinical interests include orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, and post-operative recovery.
Outside of the clinic, Myles enjoys taking advantage of Montana’s outdoor lifestyle. He can often be found golfing, downhill skiing, surfing, hunting, or cheering on the Bobcats. He is passionate about helping others stay active and enjoy all that Montana has to offer.
Jennelle Wallace
Care Coordinator
Hi!
My name is Jennelle and I grew up in Bozeman, Montana. I am a student at Montana State University to major in Kinesiology with a possible minor in Nutrition. My goal is to go to physical therapy school to become a physical therapist.
I am currently working full time at Great Northern Physical Therapy as a Care Coordinator. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish so I act as the clinic translator with our Spanish speaking patients.
When I am not at the clinic, my favorite things to do are rock climbing, hiking, skiing, painting & drawing, hanging out with friends and just being outdoors.
Landen Cialek
Care Coordinator
My name is Landen Cialek, I am from Kenai, Alaska! I am a junior at Montana State University, where I am getting my bachelors in kinesiology and minoring in psychology. After I graduate from Montana State, I plan on going to Physical Therapy school.
Outside of work and school, I love to play hockey, ski, fish, and hike with my dog. Being outside, rain or shine, will make me happy! I also love playing my guitar and writing music.
Amy Appel
PT
Amy Appel grew up in Missoula and Whitefish, went to college at Flathead Valley Community College and University of Montana, and graduated in 1991 with a BS in Physical Therapy.
While Amy is phasing out of patient care, she maintains an active role in running the clinic.
Amy loves to travel with family, going to the movies, reading books with her book club, watching the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Vikings, and hanging out with her dog, Oakley.
