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.
Nicole Drake, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Nicole Drake, OTR/L has practiced Occupational Therapy for over 19 years in a variety of pediatric practice settings. Originally from Orange County, California, she and her husband relocated to the central coast several years ago and love the slower pace of life here. Nicole graduated from the University of Southern California in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Her background includes working with the California public school system and California Children’s Services (CCS) treating children with neuromuscular disorders. She has also worked in a variety of outpatient pediatric clinic settings and has experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. Nicole is highly skilled with collaborating with professionals and parents to help children of all ages and skill levels to achieve their maximum potential. Nicole has a passion for working with children with special needs.
Nicole’s areas of expertise include:
- Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation
- Improving Fine Motor, Visual Motor and Self-Care Skills
- Handwriting Remediation
- Therapeutic Listening
- Oral Motor and Feeding Difficulties
- Managing Difficult Behaviors
Nicole thrives on adventure outdoors and traveling. She loves camping, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, practicing yoga and spending time with her two Chocolate Labs, Lemmy and Koa.
Lisa Story, MA, CHC
Practice Administrator & Functional Health Coach
Lisa is the co-owner of SWPT and is responsible for daily operations and human resources. Lisa strives to create an environment that is positive for staff and holistically supportive of a patient’s overall wellness and recovery.
Additionally, as a Functional Health Coach, she works with patients upon request to achieve overall health goals through nutrition and lifestyle habits that encourage a life of energy, vitality and contentment.
Lisa’s areas of expertise include:
- Nutrition and therapeutic diets
- Lifestyle management
- Coaching and mentoring of a whole-istic life
- Pelvic Health
- Yoga Instruction
Lisa is a Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach who completed her 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 Room Integrative & Functional Healthcare Practitioner program and has been personally and professionally passionate about health and wellness for more than 30 years. She has a B.S. in Health Science, an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology, and is a 200-RYT yoga instructor.
Lisa lives in Shell Beach with her husband Doug Johnson and their children. In her free time Lisa enjoys cooking, reading, yoga, and hiking with friends and family.
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.”
Jason B.
Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Jason grew up on the central coast. After graduating from SLO High School, Jason moved to San Diego to receive his B.S. in Human Biology from UC San Diego. After graduation, Jason worked as a bartender and in a physical therapy office in San Diego until the pandemic brought him back home.
After returning to SLO, Jason joined the SWPT team to continue gaining experience and working towards his goal of pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Jason loves the friendly and supportive community that has been built at SWPT and the opportunity to participate and help in the healing process of so many. Outside of work you will find Jason spending time with his family, and training and competing in Triathlons or Spartan races along with watching the NBA with his two English labs.
Sabrie F.
Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Sabrie graduated from Cal Poly, SLO in 2022 with a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and plans to apply to a DPT program in the near future. She is originally from Salinas and developed a passion for exercise and rehabilitation through her experiences playing sports throughout high school, working with athletic trainers, and interning at a physical therapy clinic in Salinas.
After moving to SLO, Sabrie took time to focus on her studies before working as a caregiver and assistant to a quadriplegic man and as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Since joining the SWPT team, she has developed a love for physical therapy. While working, she loves getting to be social, learning new things, educating others about exercise, and building relationships with people.
Outside of work, Sabrie loves spending time at the beach, attending concerts, going on adventures with her friends, and exploring new places.
Emily B.
Physical Therapy Aide
Emily is a 4th year Cal Poly student from Portland, Oregon and will be graduating in June 2024. Emily’s passion for health and exercise began as a youth soccer player and developed while pursuing a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science.
Emily joined the SWPT team in January 2023 and her favorite part about her job is getting to know the patients. Working at SWPT has helped Emily decide to pursue a career in the healthcare field that allows her to help others achieve health and wellness.
Outside of work and school, you will find Emily relaxing at the beach, working out at Orangetheory, or hanging out with her family and friends. She enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, listening to music, and cooking.
Niko M.
Physical Therapy Aide
Niko is a 2nd 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.
Blayke H.
Physical Therapy Aide
Blayke is a recent graduate of Cal Poly where he received his B.S. in Nutrition Science. He is continuing his academic pursuits as a graduate student at Cal Poly and will earn a M.S. in Molecular Nutrition. Blayke has two years’ experience as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning intern. These experiences led him to SWPT where he has expanded his knowledge and skills to include the rehabilitation process.
As a PT Aide, 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.
Blayke originates from Santa Barbara and has lived on the Central Coast his entire life. He and his girlfriend have two cats, Georgie and Noodle, which they treat like their own children. In his free time, you’ll find Blayke exercising, coaching track and field at Righetti High School, reading, and going on adventures.
Katie Y.
Physical Therapy Aide
Katie is a third-year Kinesiology Cal Poly student from the Central Valley and graduates in June 2024. She will be attending the Fresno State Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the fall of 2024.
Katie formed a passion for physical therapy at an early age after she saw the positive impact it had on her older brother diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Katie joined the SWPT team in December 2023. Her favorite part of working at SWPT is connecting with patients and being able to help with their recovery process. Before joining SWPT, Katie worked as a research assistant at Cal Poly in the Kinesiology department.
Outside of her studies, Katie enjoys exploring new campsites with her friends and is always looking for recommendations! She also enjoys staying active whether it be hiking, swimming, or playing badminton.
Nathan M.
Physical Therapy Aide
Nathan is a 6th year Biology student at Cal Poly and will be graduating in June 2024. Nathan 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 and recently joined the SWPT team in July 2023.
Nathan, in his brief stint of time so far at SWPT, has loved interacting with and getting to know the patients that he has been privileged to work with. More than anything, he hopes to develop a strong foundation for helping people to live their healthiest and best lives while creating strong relationships with all whom he interacts with. Nathan knows that working at SWPT will only strengthen his dedication to patient care and his career goal in healthcare.
While not working or in school, Nathan enjoys playing sports, staying fit in the gym, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Nathan is an avid baseball fan and player, as he has continued to play on the Cal Poly Club Baseball Team for the past two years.
Ellie B.
Physical Therapy Aide
Ellie is a 4th year Cal Poly student from San Jose, CA. She will be graduating in June 2024 with her B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. Ellie has interned at Stanford Health Care, researched with the Healthy Kids Lab, and worked as a Student Athletic Trainer for the Cal Poly Football Team.
Ellie’s favorite part about working as a Physical Therapy Aide at SWPT is developing relationships with patients. She is planning on applying to get her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies after graduation.
In her free time, Ellie enjoys going to the beaches and hiking around San Luis Obispo. She is always planning her next adventure to a new place and loves spending time with friends and family.
Sammie L.
Physical Therapy Aide
Sammie is a recent graduate of 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. This past summer she interned with
SLO Blues Baseball athletic training team where she became interested in
working towards a Physical Therapy degree.
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.
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