Our Team
Douglas B. Johnson
Physical Therapist
With over 30 years in practice as a licensed physical therapist Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as the owner of SWPT. Doug received his early training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Beverly Hills.
His philosophy centers on tailoring a therapeutic program to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals, one that will support them in their everyday activities. With a background in athletics and fitness, Doug understands the importance of exercise and a healthful lifestyle to a patient’s overall well-being. He will work with you to achieve and sustain your optimum health.
Doug’s areas of expertise include:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention
- Back and neck care
- Balance and strengthening programs
- Therapy for joint, neurological, and orthopedic issues
Doug graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Dakota with degrees in both Physical Therapy and Psychology. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Doug and his wife Lisa live in Shell Beach. They are empty nesters who enjoy spending their free time with family, hiking the hills of the Central Coast, and perusing the local Farmer’s Markets. Doug also enjoys mountain biking and engaging in any form of fitness or physical activity.
Lisa Story, MA, NBC-CHC
Chief Operating Officer & Health Coach
Lisa is the co-owner of SWPT and leads the daily office operations and human resources. She strives to create an environment that is positive for both staff and patients’ overall wellness and recovery. She is dedicated to holistically supporting patients in achieving their rehabilitative goals through education and coaching.
As a Nationally Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Lisa works with patients upon request to achieve overall health goals that encourage a life of energy, vitality, and contentment.
Lisa’s areas of expertise include:
- Nutrition and therapeutic diets
- Lifestyle management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Pelvic Health
- Yoga Instruction
Lisa completed her health coach training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is recognized by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She is a graduate of the Dr. Aviva Romm Integrative & Functional Healthcare Practitioner program and has passionately worked in the women’s health, nutrition, healthcare, and wellness industries for more than 35 years. She has a B.S. in Health Science, an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology, and is a 200-RYT yoga instructor.
Lisa lives with her husband Doug Johnson in Shell Beach. As empty nesters, they enjoy hiking the hills of the Central Coast and perusing the local Farmer’s Markets. Lisa also enjoys strength training, long walks in nature, cooking, reading, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Kirstie Mathieu
Office & Billing Manager
With over 20 years in the medical field, Kirstie began her career in Italy working as a Red Cross volunteer in Obstetrics & Gynecology while her husband Jeff of more than 25 years was stationed at Aviano Air Base. After moving back to the Central Coast in 1998, she worked as a Certified Medical Assistant, Insurance Billing Specialist and Medical Office Manager before landing at SWPT in 2016.
Kirstie has lived in Orcutt for most of her life. She and her husband have 2 adult children. She enjoys traveling and photography and has begun planning her dream of buying a home in Italy.
What Kirstie loves about SWPT: “I enjoy the SWPT family atmosphere and the close relationships that are formed with our patients. I love that patients are here to better themselves and we get to be a part of their experience.”
Blayke H.
Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Blayke has worked at SWPT since 2021 and is a graduate of Cal Poly where he received his M.S. and B.S. in Nutrition. During his graduate work, Blayke worked with many athletes at Cal Poly, specializing in Sports Nutrition with the football team. Previously, he worked as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning intern. These experiences led Blayke to SWPT where he has expanded his knowledge and skills to include the rehabilitation process.
Blayke truly enjoys hearing about how physical therapy has enabled patients to run, walk, or perform their usual hobbies again and how that has made their lives much more enjoyable.
Originating from Santa Barbara, Blayke has lived on the Central Coast his entire life. He and his wife have two cats, Georgie and Noodle, which they love very much (along with any other cat they encounter). In his free time, you’ll find him exercising, coaching track and field at Righetti High School, reading, and going on adventures.
Autumn Z.
Physical Therapy Aide
Autumn is a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Cal Poly, concentrating in Exercise Science, and will graduate in June 2026. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she discovered her passion for physical health and exercise as a youth softball player.
Autumn joined the SWPT team in May 2025 as a physical therapy aide. She especially enjoys building meaningful connections with patients and guiding them through exercises that enhance their daily lives. After graduation, Autumn plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, exercising, listening to music, and reading.
Niko M.
Physical Therapy Aide
Niko is a 4th year Kinesiology student at Cal Poly and will graduate in June 2026. Niko grew up on the central coast in Solvang. Niko’s passion for movement and physical health came from years of sports experience ranging from basketball, volleyball, and football.
Niko has been a part of the SWPT team since December 2023 and thoroughly enjoys every day of working. As a PT aide, Niko loves to talk with and listen to people while being able to help improve daily living through exercise. Niko plans to attend a post-graduate DPT school.
Outside of work and school, Niko enjoys going to the beach, hiking on the beautiful trails of the San Luis area, playing intramural sports with friends, and traveling. Niko is an avid sports fan and loves watching basketball, football, and soccer.
Nathan M.
Physical Therapy Aide
Nathan joined the SWPT team in July 2023 and graduated from Cal Poly in June 2025 with a B.S. in Biology. He began his work experience as a head coach for Atascadero Freshman baseball before moving to Meathead Movers in San Luis Obispo to work as a team lead.
Fostering strong relationships with all patients is a priority to Nathan. He enjoys seeing the improvements they make during the physical therapy process. He is committed to helping patients develop a strong foundation so they can not only rehabilitate but also live their healthiest and best lives.
Nathan is currently enrolled in the Cuesta EMT program with plans to become a Physician’s Assistant in emergency medicine. In his free time, he enjoys watching all sports, hanging out with his family, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises.
Sammie L.
Physical Therapy Aide
Sammie joined the SWPT team in May 2024 after graduating from Westmont College where she received a B.S. in Kinesiology. She was raised in San Luis Obispo and became interested in healthcare as a young volleyball player. She developed an interest in physical therapy after interning with the SLO Blues Baseball athletic training team.
Sammie loves the small, friendly community at SWPT and being able to form relationships with patients while assisting in their rehabilitation journey. Getting to know and talk to the patients is her favorite part.
On the weekends, she loves playing beach volleyball with her family, thrifting, reading new books and going on runs around the SLO area. Sammie will be pursuing her graduate degree in sports performance.
Elisabeth S.
Physical Therapy Aide
Elisabeth is a 4th year Cal Poly student from Minnesota who will graduate June 2026 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Health & Society. Elisabeth has always had a passion for staying active while prioritizing health and wellness.
Elisabeth has enjoyed the connections she’s developed with patients while supporting them through recovery. During her time at SWPT, Elisabeth’s passion for working towards becoming an Occupational Therapist has grown.
When not working or in school, Elisabeth enjoys going to concerts, working out at Kennedy Fitness Club, trying new hikes in SLO, and hanging out with friends. She also likes to bake, listen to music, and play card games.
Mary Jane “MJ”
Physical Therapy Aide
MJ originates from the Bay area and is a 4th year biology major at Cal Poly. She grew up playing basketball, softball, and tennis and through her experience in sports she developed a passion for anatomy and physiology. After graduating, she will be pursuing a degree in nursing.
MJ enjoys being a part of the SWPT community and supporting patients with their rehabilitation process. Before joining SWPT, she worked in the biology department at Cal Poly as an undergraduate researcher.
When MJ is not at work or school she can be found playing on the Ultimate Frisbee Club Team at Cal Poly, in the lab doing immunology research, hiking, playing guitar, or working on her latest art project.
Employment
SWPT provides a positive and family-like atmosphere for our team members. We take pride in dedicating ourselves to our practice as we create a productive and fun atmosphere where both staff members and patients can thrive. With our values placed on friendly service and education we strive to employ a team of professionals that guide our patients through rehabilitation and lead them towards a healthy lifestyle. We regularly hire Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors from Cal Poly and Cuesta College for both employment and internships opportunities. To apply for a position, download the application below and return it with a current resume and cover letter to: swptslo@gmail.com