Sports Physical Therapy Helena, MT

Dr. Johnanna “J” Sullivan was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Buena Vista University in 1997 followed by earning a Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1999. She then continued her pursuit of education earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2009. Johnanna continually seeks educational opportunities to further her knowledge in management and diagnosis of sports injuries, concussions, emergency response, as well as rehabilitation principles and techniques for a wide variety of orthopedic injuries. Johnanna specializes in treating concussions, sports injuries, as well as orthopedic injury rehab. 

Johnanna is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Sports Clinical Specialist and a Certified Athletic Trainer through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATABOC). She combines these certifications to provide event coverage to various local sporting events and enjoys working with a wide variety of patients including high level athletes, weekend warriors, kids, and numerous patients who just want to feel better. She has worked with USA Judo, Taekwondo, Cycling, and Gymnastics teams as well as triathletes of all abilities, USGA Professional Golfers, and Youth Sports.

Montanaﾠ Physical Therapy License: PTP-PT-LIC-5810

Dr. Kyla Peterson is from Pullman, Washington (Go Cougs!) but is proud of her chosen home of
Montana. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in
Exercise Science then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Creighton University in
2012. She completed her Board Certification in Orthopaedics through the APTA in 2016.

Kyla has been working in the aquatic environment since her undergraduate days when she also
began her training in Pilates-based exercise and rehab through Balanced Body University.
Since then she has pursued extensive manual therapy training and is certified in Myofascial
Decompression (cupping) and Level 1 and II Dry Needling through Evidence in Motion. She believes
in learning new skills to decrease recovery times as able and empower her patients to manage
their conditions long-term. Following this up with her background in sports and fitness helps her
get people back in the game.

Kyla’s biggest passions lie in rehabilitation for pediatric orthopedic conditions and injuries. Her
Pilates background leads seamlessly into scoliosis and postural treatments. She enjoys gait
assessment and retraining for athletes of all ages and finds using neurological knowledge with
orthopedic clientele leads to better outcomes.

When not in the clinic, Kyla enjoys skiing, volleyball, softball, running on roads and trails, hiking
with her son and Australian Shepherds, time by the water, and attempting to help in her
husband’s woodshop. She is a fitness instructor at Capital City Health Club in order to share
injury prevention knowledge and encourage people to try new things.

Meet Leslie, our Office Manager! She is the bright and cheery face you see when you first come to OPT. Leslie is vital to assisting both patients and PTs, and in addition taking care of any office needs. She goes above and beyond to assure quality care from the minute patients walk through the door. Whether you have a question about scheduling, insurance, or payments, Leslie is sure to be able to help you! 

When she isn’t in the office, Leslie enjoys spending time outside on the trails running, dowhnill skiing, and camping.

Kyle Norman

Kyle has been a valuable team member since 2017. When he isn’t in the clinic he can be found doing Special Olympics and has medaled in multiple SOMT events. 

Optimal Sports PT K9 Therapists

Aspen, K9PT

Aspen is OPT’s newest K9PT joining our family in October 2020 as just a puppy. She is very quickly learning how to be a valuable (and very cute) team member. When Aspen is not at work, she thoroughly enjoys running, hiking, cross country skiing, and more. She is just getting introduced to all of the outdoor activities that Montana has to offer. Stop by sometime to visit with Aspen. 

Shelby, K9PT

Shelby was OPT’s original K9PT. Unfortunately, Shelby is no longer with us and has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was a black lab who loved love.  She worked with us on an as needed basis in the North clinic, and has been a part of the OPT team since August 2017 when OPT first opened. When she wasn’t working, Shelby enjoyed naps on the couch, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, fishing, and just about any outdoor Montana activity. As our original K9PT, Shelby was responsible for helping train our newest K9PT, Aspen. Shelby will be missed dearly and was a large part of our OPT family.