To learn more about making PTWorks part your facility, please contact us here or call 808.475.1225
Suzie Neufeldt,Physical Therapist, Owner
Suzie graduated with a Master’s in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 1996. She has worked in various fields of Physical Therapy such as neuro rehab, outpatient orthopedics, and geriatrics. Her advanced studies include McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, industrial rehab, hand therapy, splint fabrication, spinal and shoulder mobilization and neurodevelopmental treatment. She has a Fall Prevention Specialist Certification and Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification. Suzie is deeply honored to care for our kupuna. Their life stories inspire her every day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, outrigger paddling, hiking and traveling.
Keline Akiyoshi,Physical Therapist
Keline graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 2015. Realizing the impact that our kupuna had on our community, she quickly developed a passion for working alongside them by promoting healthy and quality aging. Rehabilitation, and specifically geriatric care, remains one of Keline’s greatest joys, and she has had the privilege of working with that population for her entire career. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, promoting Okinawan culture, being involved with her Church, and hosting educational classes on chemical-free living.
Holly Atchison,Physical Therapist
Holly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from LSU and her Doctorate in Physical Thearpy from University of St. Augustine in Austin, Texas. After graduating, she continued to work in her hometown of Austin at an outpatient clinic where she was able to gain experience treating a variety of diagnoses, including orthopedic and neurological cases. She quickly realized her affinity for treating the geriatric population and most enjoyed working with patients to improve their balance and reduce fall risk. She and her husband moved to Hawaii in April of 2023 with their beloved dog, Bennie, and have enjoyed exploring the natural beauty of Oahu. They enjoy going on hikes, going to beaches, and trying new restaurants in town.
Kara Curtis,Physical Therapist
Kara graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UC San Francisco/SFSU in 2015. From a military family, Kara has lived and treated patients in California, Georgia, Maryland and Hawaii since graduation. She has enjoyed working with a variety of patient populations from pediatrics through geriatrics, with a special interest in working with geriatrics both with orthopedic and neurological disorders. She loves working together with patients and their families to set and meet goals that will help improve their mobility and quality of life! Kara enjoys going on walks with her kids and dog, exploring the outdoors, traveling the world with her husband, and a great cup of iced coffee or boba tea.
Abby Davis,Occupational Therapist
Abby attended Western Michigan University, where she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016. She decided to take a two-year contract in Honolulu after graduation, but ultimately decided to make Hawaii her home. She has had a passion for working with the geriatric population after growing up with five great-grandparents. She has worked in skilled nursing, assisted/independent living, and home health. In her free time, Abby enjoys going to the beach, scuba diving, and reading a good book.
Dana Hester,Physical Therapist
Dana graduated from University of South Alabama in 2005. She was interested in becoming a PT while receiving physical therapy in high school for a basketball injury. She learned that therapy was a very intriguing and rewarding field that she benefited from as a patient. Dana became an aquatic specialist in 2010 and is currently Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute Certified (ATRIC). Dana enjoys staying fit and exploring during her free time. She recently completed a 100 mile trail run earlier this year (and still can’t believe she did that).
Kanoelehua Hook,Physical Therapist
Kanoe graduated from Mount St. Mary’s college in 2006 with a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. She has a wide range of experience and interests, including both pre/post surgical and inpatient and outpatient services. Additional certifications include: Aquatic therapy: the Burdenko Method as well as 200 hour yoga certification. As a native Hawaiian, Kanoe recognizes the gift it is to care for our Kupuna and to help them achieve health and wellness. In her free time, Kanoe enjoys spending time with her entire ‘Ohana, being outdoors and volunteering.
Erin Ichimura,Physical Therapist
Erin graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in Arizona. Her previous experiences include inpatient neuro, outpatient pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics. She is passionate about maximizing function and independence for our kupuna. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going hiking and going to the beach.
Janis Kang,Speech Language Pathologist
Janis graduated with her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 1992 from Ohio University. She has greatly enjoyed her work in providing communication and swallowing services across the age spectrum within the inpatient, outpatient and home health settings. Janis believes it is of the utmost priority to provide safe swallowing education and instruction for the well-being of her patients to enhance the quality of their lives. She has a strong passion to equip individuals with the communication tools to effectively express themselves with confidence in meaningful social interactions. Janis enjoys dancing, reading inspirational books and watching Korean soaps.
Kyle Kennedy-Pocock,Physical Therapist
Kyle graduated in 2004 from Florida International University in Miami with his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. He has spent most of his career working in outpatient orthopedic settings but enjoys the geriatric setting as well. Kyle is a full-time firefighter and currently drives the quint at station 24 -Ewa Beach. In his free time, Kyle enjoys having fun outdoors with his ‘ohana.
Leina Lau,Occupational Therapist
Leina graduated with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2011 from Touro University Nevada and has been working with the geriatric population since graduation. She finds it very rewarding to know that she is making an impact on someone’s life and their quality of living. Leina enjoys working with the geriatric population since they have so much knowledge and stories to share, which molded her into the therapist she is today. In her free time, Leina enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children and dog as well as traveling and experiencing new restaurants.
May Rose Lazarte,Occupational Therapist
May Rose graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from The University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, California in 2021. Being born and raised in Hawaii, she has a lifelong passion for helping others in need. She has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. She finds interest in seeing geriatric patients holistically, this enables her to provide meaningful interventions focused on their health, well-being, and quality of life. May Rose enjoy spending quality time with family, taking her two dogs on walks, and watching cooking shows.
Janette Love,Patient Account Specialist
Janette graduated with a bachelor in Horticulture from Virginia Tech in 2000. She worked as a commercial landscape designer for 8 years in Virginia Beach, VA. As a military spouse she moved from Virginia to Florida where she worked as a Team Lead for Patient Access in the Emergency Room. After spending 5 years in Florida the Navy moved her family to Hawaii. She works with PTWorks as a Patient Account Specialist and enjoys the interaction she has with patients, their families and the therapists. In her spare time she enjoys cross-stitch, riding her Harley and spending time with her family.
Kathryn Shawhan,Occupational Therapist
Kathryn was raised in Hawaii and has worked as an occupational therapist for more than 30 years. She has helped families across the lifespan – from infants to elders. She has specialized experience in behavioral health and dementia care; with services in acute care, home health and community care settings. Often weaving nature and place-based connections into her clinical work, this “slow medicine” approach guides treatment to shape a rooted, resilient and healing quality of life in challenging times. As a master gardener and herbal (La’au lapa’au) practitioner, Kathryn volunteers and docents in the honored spaces of her community’s aina – from mauka to makai.
Gina Shimabukuro-Araki,Occupational Therapist
Born and raised in Pearl City, Hawaii, Gina graduated from Pacific University, School of Occupational Therapy in 1997. She spent most of her career working in the Home Health Care setting and Geriatrics. Blessed to serve and gain a deeper joy by spending time with those who have lived through many life experiences as they have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. In her free time Gina enjoys quiet time with her pets, fishing, and camping with her husband and daughter.
Kris Vail,Clinical Services Director
Kris earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2000. She has worked with a variety of patient populations including acute rehab, skilled nursing and outpatient neurological and orthopedics. Advanced trainings include neurodevelopmental treatment, myofascial release and kinesio taping methods. She is certified in LSVT BIG and as a Fall Prevention Specialist. Kris is continually inspired by the elderly population and their enthusiasm while working towards their therapy goals. In her free time she enjoys beading, sewing and spending time traveling with her family and friends.
Taylor Whilhelm,Occupational Therapist
Taylor graduated from the University of Missouri with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Taylor uses a holistic approach involving all aspects of a person when working with her patients. One of her passions is incorporating her knowledge of yoga into her treatment sessions. Taylor focuses on mental health and enjoys going on adventures and spending time with loved ones.
Teddy,Therapy Dog
Teddy is a cuddly Labradoodle. He has been working with seniors since he was ten weeks old and became a certified therapy dog in 2013. Teddy enjoys going to care homes and assisted living facilities with his owner, Suzie. One of the best aspects of being a therapy dog is the ability to bring smiles and joy to everyone he encounters. When he is not at work, Teddy enjoys going for walks, chasing after a ball and playing with his friend, a yellow tabby cat named Tiger.