Theresa was educated at the University of California, Berkeley, earning Bachelor and Masters degrees in Physical Education. She graduated from the University of Southern California, with a Masters in Physical Therapy (1985) and earned her transitional Doctorate in Private Practice Management through Evidence in Motion (2010). Since 1993, when Pinnacle Physical Therapy first opened its doors, Theresa has dedicated herself to not only providing the highest quality of care to the patients she serves, but has also been very active in supporting the local community in youth sports, and volunteer organizations. Outside the practice, Theresa enjoys staying fit, playing golf, helping her husband in the family vineyard and following her daughter's collegiate golf schedule.

Ashley graduated with a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Diego with a focus in Manual Therapy (under Dr. Stanley Paris) and Pediatrics. She also received a Bachelor's degree in Physiology and minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Ashley is active in supporting multiple youth programs, like Camp Fire USA and Make a Wish, and is excited to get involved in local community organizations.

Outside of the clinic, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs outdoors, usually snowmobiling, sailing, kayaking, or hiking. Ashley believes in empowering her patients to achieve their highest functional ability and meeting their personal goals for physical therapy.

Leah is a graduate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and received her Physical Therapy Assistant Certification from De Anza Community College. Leah began her career in 1992 as an Aquatic Specialist and soon furthered her education becoming a physical therapy assistant with the integration of aquatic therapy and teaching International Seminars. Leah grew up outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and found that after living in the Bay Area for 20 years, she wanted to return to living near a national park.

Leah currently lives with her husband in Groveland and enjoys being active and being outside; whether it is hiking, water sports, snow sports or gardening. Being a PTA, she enjoys meeting new people and learning about the history of the area and helping these patients achieve their personal physical health goals. Leah believes being active is a key to staying young and healthy.

During 2008, April trained locally in western massage and has worked in the area of Murphys since. She continued her training in 2012 adding eastern modalities including acupressure, reflexology, deep tissue and pregnancy. April has accumulated 625 hours of instruction and even more practice hours. She is licensed with the State of California and holds a certification from the California Massage Therapist Council. As a massage therapist she follows intuition and uses an array of practical skills to relieve stress and pain.

CMT #38757

Dulcie has been living in Calaveras County for the past ten years. She worked as a Certified Massage Therapist in Arnold and most recently coordinating volunteers at a large non-profit in San Andreas. She finds it rewarding to work in an environment where people can improve their quality of life through the knowledgeable guidance to fitness and good health provided by our excellent therapists.

In her free time, Dulcie enjoys taking long hikes in the forest with family and newly adopted dog, Ralphie, spending summer afternoons on New Melones Reservoir, traveling to the coast and reading a good book.

As Patient Care Coordinator, Dulcie is responsible for scheduling appointments and supporting our patients in any way she can. She is usually the first face you see as you enter the clinic and the last when you leave. You will find her to be empathetic and friendly. Her bubbly personality lifts everyone's spirits.

Jessie Anna Rucker spent three years in Santa Cruz, swimming, rowing, sailing and disc golfing while earning her Bachelor's degree in computational mathematics. She returned here, her hometown, to be close to family. Jessie enjoys helping patients to achieve their rehabilitation, and fitness goals. Her talents as a PT Aide and computer expert are only exceeded by her pleasant demeanor and bright smile. We are extremely happy to have her as part of our team.

When Jessie is not working, she can be found in the gym, pool, garden, and kitchen or relaxing with a good book. Jessie helps the patients and staff in so many different ways.

Amanda "Mandy" De Smidt joined the Pinnacle Team in the autumn of 2011. She has extensive experience in all things clerical and an administrative background, which includes marketing and customer service. She is originally from the San Francisco Peninsula but always loved the foothills and Murphys in particular. It is the town in which she someday wishes to retire. Mandy is active in the First Congregational Church of Murphys, volunteers with the Youth Mentoring Program and ushers at the Sierra Repertory Theater. When not out volunteering, you will find her walking with her dog, gardening, spending time with family or enjoying music and movies.

If you need to talk clinic business, telephone or email Mandy; she is in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.