Our Team
Christian Appel
DPT, OCS, Cert MDT
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.
He is a faculty affiliate with the University of Montana and serves as president of the Montana chapter of the APTA. 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
PT, DPT
Kate Dolan is a native of Bozeman. She is an avid runner and skier. Whether it be on foot, bike, boat or skis, you can can always find her exploring the outdoors.
She graduated from Bozeman High school where she played soccer and ran track and cross country. Her main sport was cross-country ski racing and she raced for Bridger Ski Foundation all through middle and high school. 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.
Kate Dolan
PT, DPT
Kate Dolan is a native of Bozeman. She is an avid runner and skier. Whether it be on foot, bike, boat or skis, you can can always find her exploring the outdoors.
She graduated from Bozeman High school where she played soccer and ran track and cross country. Her main sport was cross-country ski racing and she raced for Bridger Ski Foundation all through middle and high school. 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 undergraduate degree in exercise science and sports medicine at Montana State University. 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 Great Northern Physical Therapy specializing in rehabilitation 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.
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.
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.
Amy enjoys working with the geriatric population and has a special interest in helping people live independently and safely in their homes.
Amy loves to travel with family, going to the movies, reading books with her book club, watching the Denver Nuggets, and hanging out with her dog, Oakley.
Tessa Dincau
Administrative Assistant
Tessa grew up in Bozeman where she attended Bozeman High School and Montana State University. In her spare time, you can most likely find her outside fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing, trying a new activity, or taking her dog, Harley, on an adventure of some kind.
If she’s not outside she’s likely to be curled up on the couch with a book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She loves traveling any chance she gets and jumps at any opportunity to experience new places.
Tessa Dincau
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Tessa grew up in Bozeman where she attended Bozeman High School and Montana State University. In her spare time you can most likely find her outside fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing, trying a new activity or taking her dog, Harley, on an adventure of some kind.
If she’s not outside she’s likely to be curled up on the couch with a book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She loves traveling any chance she gets and jumps at any opportunity to experience new places.
Holly Finch
pT, DPT
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’s time spent as a collegiate track and field athlete fostered her love for treating orthopedic injuries and conditions. 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.
She recently got married to her husband, Kyle, and they couldn’t be more excited to call Bozeman home together. 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.