About

Staff

Richard Gardner

Richard Gardner,
Owner/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Richard Gardner is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. He is also the owner of Specialized Physical Therapy. Richard has been practicing physical therapy since 2013. He grew up in Rogers, AR and has always dreamed of opening a clinic in his home town. Richard speaks Spanish and the clinic staff is bilingual.

Richard regularly attends post-graduate continuing-education programs on the treatment of individuals with sports injuries, chronic pain, motor vehicle accidents, post-surgical care, back pain, neck pain, and more. In addition, he is certified in the application of trigger point dry needling. He is passionate about providing the best care to every patient.

“I believe the best outcomes are achieved in physical therapy when the use of manual therapy (hands-on treatments) are used in conjunction with specific exercises. This combination relieves pain and corrects the underlying muscular dysfunction”, explains Richard.

When not in clinic Richard enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle and their five kids. In addition, he enjoys roasting his own coffee and perfecting his home barista skills.

Evan Loomis

Evan Loomis,
Clinic Director / Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Evan Loomis is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He graduated in 2019 from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In 2022 earned a board certification as an orthopedic clinical specialist through the APTA. He is also a barbell strength coach certified in the Barbell Rehab Method for clinicians, and a certified practitioner of dry needling. Evan is passionate about helping patients understand their recovery process and empowering people to do what they love. Outside of work, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son, being active with his church community, strength training, fishing, woodworking, and other outdoor activities.

Rachel Sanders

Rachel Sanders,
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Rachel Sanders is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She graduated in 2022 from the University of Central Arkansas and has since moved to Rogers to begin serving the people of Northwest Arkansas. She is certified as a Running Rehab Specialist through RunDNA, and is also a certified practioner of dry needling. Rachel is passionate about helping others reach their goals, while encouraging and equipping them to recognize their value, potential, and worth. Outside of work, Rachel loves to be outside and involved her in church. She is an avid runner and exercise enthusiast and is excited to immerse herself in the culture of Northwest Arkansas.

Tillie Heim

Tillie Heim,
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Tillie Heim is a Doctor of Physical therapy. Originally from a small town in Iowa, She earned her physical therapy degree from South College in Knoxville, TN. In addition to her professional journey, she brings a unique perspective as a former collegiate soccer player, understanding the intricacies of physical performance and the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Tillie is passionate about enhancing the lives of her patients through movement, education, and manual therapy.

Having made Northwest Arkansas her home for the past few years, Tillie has cultivated a love for the outdoors. She enjoys various activities like running, hiking, pickleball, and golf. These pursuits not only align with her active lifestyle but also reinforce her belief in the power of movement for overall well-being. Beyond her professional pursuits, her faith is a cornerstone, influencing her compassionate approach to patient care.

Julia Andriotis

Julia Andriotis,
Physical Therapist Assistant

Julia Andriotis is a Physical Therapist Assistant, with several years of experience in the field. She received her Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Exercise Science from Arkansas State University before she completed her PTA degree in 2015. Julia is a certified practioner of dry needling.

Julia loves living in NWA & enjoys spending time outdoors while hiking, camping, and running. She also enjoys baking & trying new vegetarian recipes in the kitchen. She loves helping others become more active as well to achieve a better quality of life through physical therapy. 

Gigi Rojas

Gigi Rojas,
Office Manager

Gigi, is the office manager at Specialized Physical Therapy, who is passionate about supporting patients throughout their physical therapy journey. Originally from Costa Rica, Gigi has been an integral part of the NWA community since 2011. With over 20 years of experience in customer service and human resources. She brings a wealth of expertise to her current position. Gigi holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the National University of Costa Rica, enhancing her understanding of human behavior and well-being.

 

During her free time, Gigi indulges in various activities that fuel her love for the outdoors. Whether it's conducting genealogy research, hitting the local trails for a refreshing run, or finding tranquility through yoga, she finds joy in connecting with nature. 

 

With her warm demeanor and extensive background, Gigi is well-equipped to provide exceptional support and guidance to patients at Specialized Physical Therapy. She is committed to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone she interacts with.

Matt Nelson

Matt Nelson,
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Matt is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, certified personal trainer, powerlifting coach, and owner of Rayzr Sharp Fitness. He is pursuing a Master's degree in Kinesiology at AT Still University, with anticipated completion in December 2023. He is a Master level powerlifter and a strength and conditioning coach for a nationally ranked powerlifting team with state, national, and world records. He specializes in helping individuals reach the next level in their strength, muscle gain, weight loss, and health goals. Reach out for a consultation to accelerate your progress and change for the better.

Whitney Dykes

Whitney Dykes,
Licensed Massage Therapist

Whitney Dykes is a Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Bella Jade Massage. 

Whitney graduated from Professional Massage Training Center, an accredited institution in Springfield, Missouri in 2003. She is also in the process of completing her personal training and nutrition coaching certification. Whitney believes it is of great importance to me to provide encouragement and support to people from all walks of life in reaching their wellness goals. She specializes in relaxation, deep tissue, and Thai massage. She also offers cupping, facials using clinical grade/FDA approved Obagi skincare products (available for retail online!), hot stone massage, body wraps, back “facials”, and facial lymphatic drainage massage. Whitney is excited to serve you inside Specialized Physical Therapy.

Lauren Webb

Lauren Webb,
Insurance Verification Officer/ Physical Therapy Tech

Lauren is from Northwest Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2023 with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology. She plans to go to medical school and become a physician, fueling her passion for helping others reach a healthier version of themself, while creating personal relationships with them. Lauren is interested in Integrative Medicine and wants to implement this into her career as a doctor. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, photography, music, and anything outside! Lauren loves to encourage patients throughout their physical therapy journey and watch them meet their goals as they improve.

Bailey Best

Bailey Best,
Physical Therapy Tech

Bailey is originally from California, but grew up mostly in Rogers. He is an avid sports fan, especially LSU football. He enjoys going to football games, baseball games, going to the golf course with friends or even TopGolf and exploring new beaches. He feels that being part of Specialized Physical Therapy is an apt workplace for him since he was first a patient after having three intensive spinal surgeries. He feels as if he can personally relate to the patients at Specialized Physical Therapy while working toward his personal, educational goals. Bailey is currently pursuing a duel bachelors and masters degree in business and criminal justice; however, Richard, is rooting for him to consider physical therapy, sports medicine or become a physical trainer. Bailey's best friend is his Golden Retriever, Turbo, who is three years old; & has lots of energy and love.

Raygan Davis

Raygan Davis,
Physical Therapy Tech

Raygan was born and raised in Benton, Arkansas. She is currently attending the University of Arkansas and pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis on Pre-Physical Therapy. She plans to get a Doctorate in Physical Therapy after graduating from the University of Arkansas. Through her position at Specialized Physical Therapy, she hopes to gain knowledge in the Physical Therapy field and build relationships with patients. She is a former competitive cheerleader at Twist and Shout All-Stars, where she won 4 national championships and 2 bronze world medals. In her free time, she loves to coach, workout, hang out with friends and family, travel, and play with her Bernedoodle, Jersey.

Joshua Walker

Joshua Walker,
Physical Therapy Tech

Bio Coming Soon!