David Cullinane, PT, OCS
David has deep roots in Tacoma as a graduate of Bellarmine High School and also from the University of Puget Sound in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. David became the clinical director at St. Joseph's Hospital until 1992 when he left to open Westgate Orthopaedic Physical Therapy & Exercise in North Tacoma. David has been a certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist since 1992. David is an avid golfer and has a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certification. He also has on-field experience with the AAA Tacoma Rainiers organization and the PIL Tacoma Timber baseball organization. David enjoys rehabilitating and training athletes from ages 9 to 90.
John Sinykin, PT, DPT, OCS
John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 2000. He has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics since 2008. As a therapist, John incorporates various manual and therapeutic exercise interventions to maximize individual outcomes. He has a special interest in sports rehabilitation with extensive expertise when working with overhead athletes. John is an avid coach/athlete who continues to participate in soccer (nationally licensed coach), skiing (PSIA cert. instructor), running, kayaking, hiking, and golf (TPI Cert.).
Susan Kaeka, MPT
Susan received her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 1991. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the University of Washington. Susan has experience in many different aspects of physical therapy, including orthopedic, neurological, inpatient, hand, vestibular, and aquatic therapy. She especially enjoys working with patients who have had joint replacements and the geriatric population.
Kara Schimke, PT, DPT
Kara graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2017 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She moved to Tacoma, WA, from northern California to pursue her degree and has come to love the PNW. As a PT, she enjoys working with a variety of patient populations and using a combination of manual and therapeutic exercise interventions to best meet each individual's needs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, indoor rock climbing, game nights, hanging out with friends, and traveling.
Tyler Mernaugh, PT Assistant
Tyler received his Associate in Applied Science; Physical Therapy Assistant from Whatcom Community College. He grew up in Lakewood, WA, and graduated from Bellarmine Prep in 2008 as a two-time all-area, two-time all-state, and state champion soccer player. Tyler then attended Central Washington University for his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science Clinical Physiology before working on his Physical Therapy Assistant Certification. Tyler enjoys working with a variety of patients from all different backgrounds. In his free time, Tyler enjoys being with family and friends, watching or playing sports, and traveling.