Meet Our Staff
Trisha Hopps, PT, CPI
Trisha Hopps, PT, CPI, co-founder, graduated from Cal. State University, Northridge and became a Physical Therapist (PT) in 1991. She has been working in Butte County since that time (7 of those years as a Rehabilitation Director) and has had the opportunity to work in many different clinical settings.
During those years, Trisha felt the urge to open her own practice with the vision of providing quality, hands on therapy in a non-traditional, warm, friendly and fun environment. Her visions became a reality when Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center opened its doors in December, 2002.
Trisha and her staff strive to provide the best therapy services to enable each person return to a quality, active and healthy life style. She realizes there is always more to learn and frequently attends continuing education classes in manual therapy techniques, the treatment of women's health issues and Pilates exercise. After completing an 8 month training regimen, she became a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) in January 2007, specializing in Pilates for Rehabilitation. This form of exercise has been so beneficial for each patient's rehabilitation process.
With the variety of seminars she has attended over the years, Trisha has come to realize one must treat the whole body and attempt to find the cause of the problem not simply treat the area of pain. The pain is the symptom, but the cause often lies elsewhere. Each person's response to treatment and progression through the rehabilitation process is different and that's why she loves being a therapist... It is challenging and very rewarding.
Trisha and her family moved to Paradise when she was 10 years old and she began her competitive athletic career. As a Bobcat Alumni, she was inducted into the Paradise High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. She tries to maintain a certain level of fitness and health by participating in many activities including working out, bike riding, camping, boating and travel (when she can!). She loves animals and feels very fortunate to be able to bring her dog Molly, clinic mascot, to work every day!
Pamme Serafine, PTA
Pamme Serafine, PTA and co-founder has been a licensed physical therapist assistant for more than 30 years. She is a long time resident of Paradise and enjoys working in her home town.
Over the years, Pamme has attended many continuing education courses. However, since 1999, her focus has been on training in Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques and treating Women's Health Issues, including pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Her number one goal is to create a safe and peaceful environment to assist each patient in their own healing process.
"I do not consider myself a "Healer", but a "Tool" that allows Healing. Someone said, (and I agree), "We are the Key, MFR is the door, and the Patient is the one who chooses to walk through the door".
"I love the people I work with, we are truly family... all of them are humble, creative and caring... and they never admit how wonderful they really are!"
When not in the clinic, Pamme can be found enjoying her love of cooking for friends and family, traveling, camping, playing with her grandkids and reading.
Kathleen Pappani, PTA, CMT
Ever interested in how physical health compliments all other realms of wellness, Kathleen Pappani, PTA, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Health Education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 1991. In 1995 she became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and in 1999 she earned her certification as a Massage Therapist (CMT).
Kathleen has thoroughly enjoyed working in the variety of settings physical therapy has to offer, but she was most professionally inspired when she began attending Myofascial Release (MFR) seminars in 2007, taught by John F. Barnes, PT. She joined the Ridge team in August, 2007 and is thrilled to be part of this gifted team of therapists and staff.
Kathleen and is looking forward to continuing the educational process in the pursuit of giving the best hands-on, individualized treatment each person deserves in their own personal pursuit of health and wellness.
At home Kathleen spends her time herding cats, dogs and kids and takes every opportunity to get outdoors to run on dirt trails or float down streams.
Ken McDonald, PT
Ken McDonald, PT, has been a therapist since 1987, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Loma Linda University. He worked for 5 years in various outpatient orthopedic clinics in Calistoga, St. Helena and assisted in opening a clinic in Napa, Ca. before moving to Paradise in 1992 with his wife and 2 kids. At that time he began working at Feather River Hospital in the Outpatient Department. Ken has extensive outpatient experience, specializing in orthopedics, foot biomechanics and functional training.
Prior to physical therapy, Ken played the part of a farmer in Eastern Washington for 1 ½ years, harvesting alfalfa, wheat and corn. He also worked in construction for several years. After suffering multiple injuries doing this type of work and having to go to physical therapy for treatment, he decided to pursue his goal of becoming a therapist himself. This seemed like a good fit for him as all his therapists were skilled and caring individuals.
Since joining Ridge Physical Therapy in November, 2007, he has had the opportunity to attend several John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) seminars as well as other continuing education courses to provide authentic healing and optimal therapeutic outcomes for the patients he treats.
Some of his personal interests include snow skiing, golfing and just about anything outdoors.
Karma Boyer, PT, DPT, COMT
Karma Boyer, PT, DPT, COMT joined the Ridge team in July 2009. She graduated in 1993 with a BA in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington and a BS degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington in 1997. Since moving to Chico in 1998, she has worked in the Neurological Rehabilitation and Outpatient Orthopedics settings.
In 2002 Karma began a series of courses to gain additional skills in manual therapy. After the completion of these courses in 2005, she took both written and practical exams to become a Maitland Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT). In addition to developing her orthopedic skills, she also specializes in treating balance and vestibular disorders.
In 2007 Karma completed coursework and research to graduate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Karma lives in Chico with her husband and 2 cats. In her spare time she enjoys photography, traveling, hiking, cooking, reading and running.
Lisa Flores, CPI
Lisa has been a Paradise resident since 2005. She grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California and began studying ballet in 1972 in San Jose with Gloria Vauges-Mohr of the New York City Ballet. Lisa's studies continued at the Cornish Institute of Fine Arts in Seattle, Washington and she performed and taught Ballet and Modern Dance for the next 30 years. She also helped form and co-direct a non-profit dance company in the Pacific Northwest.
Driven by the desire to prolong her movement career, Lisa started studying Pilates and Yoga to balance the sometimes grueling life of a dancer. Falling in love with both disciplines, she decided to pursue them and become certified to teach both.
In 2003, Lisa achieved her vision and became a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) through the ITT Institute of San Francisco, led by renowned teacher Madeline Black. Additionally in 2006 she became certified to teach Yoga through the White Lotus Institute of Santa Barbara.
Lisa's greatest joy is helping people find a connection to their bodies and realizing the miracle of movement, whether it be dancing, or simply bending over put on a shoe, or lifting a shovel!
For many years she accompanied her father, Tony Flores, a talented Sicilian born mandolin player. She currently plays guitar and sings with husband, Norton Buffalo. She has a son, Bo, who lives in San Diego and is also a fine musician. In her "spare time", Lisa nourishes her flower and vegetable gardens.
Tim Burns
Tim Burns has worked in the rehabilitation field since 1999 and joined the Ridge team in December, 2005. His experience includes certification with the International Sports Science Association as a Fitness Trainer/Fitness Therapist. Tim is also a certified Massage Therapist, although he does not practice as much as he used to.
Tim loves seeing the results of the integration of different forms of bodywork with therapeutic exercise. He believes that exercise is for everybody and he enjoys helping the patients and clients grow and progress through their rehabilitation program. It's rewarding to see them get motivated to outdo themselves each time they come to exercise. As we know, much of rehabilitation is lifestyle change and the exercise training we provide allows each person to continue on their path toward health and wellness.
Tim has been involved in swimming and wrestling as a youth. He enjoy hiking, backpacking and mountain biking. He also spends as much time as possible with his wife Jessica and their daughter, Hannah.
Tim Rabetoy
Tim Rabetoy is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a Certified Personal Trainer who began his fitness training career in the late '90s.
He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah in 2000. While in Salt Lake City, he worked with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and at the Veterans Hospital in both the Physical Therapy and Cardiac Rehabilitation departments. He was also the Governor of Utah's personal trainer for a year.
Over the years, Tim has enjoyed instructing individuals and groups of all ages and fitness levels from California to Vancourver, B.C.
Tim joined the team at Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center in September 2008 and works as a Rehabilitation Aide/Fitness Trainer, instructing people on the finer points and benefits of therapeutic exercise. He is currently teaching Total Body Conditioning classes in the evenings here at the clinic and Individual Personal Training sessions can be scheduled upon request.
A native of San Diego, CA, Tim was a competitive athlete and the leading scorer in California in Boys Varsity Basketball in 1995 averaging 30 points per game. He is an avid weightlifter and is dedicated to lifelong fitness. He believes that, "If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you." In addition to fitness training, Tim is also an accomplished Chef and enjoys cooking, music and fishing.
Office Staff
Sheila McDonald, Office Manager
To her pleasure, Sheila has been involved with Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center since its inception, December 9, 2002. She has an extensive background in business and has spent most of her career involved with the inner workings of business and its many faceted activities.
When Trish said, "Mom, I need your help," it was natural for Sheila to come aboard as Office Manager. Sheila certainly wasn't prepared for the diversity of jobs for which she is responsible. But, it has allowed her to put on her thinking cap and work things through and achieve the final outcomes. Sometimes things take longer than she'd like but Rome wasn't built in a day.
To Sheila, one of the greatest benefits of being at Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness Center daily is working with the talented and knowledgeable staff. They are all brilliant and collectively have many, many years of experience and expertise in the therapy field.
Sheila especially enjoys talking with the patients and their family members and hearing about their interests and activities. What's most exciting is seeing each person improve as they heal and become active in their day to day living. This is the greatest gift that can be given...and is done here on a daily basis. Sheila is grateful to be part of this growing, prosperous and successful Wellness Center.
Sheila has lived in Paradise since 1975. She has 3 daughters and is a huge NASCAR fan. Jimmy Johnson is her favorite driver. Sheila and her husband have been attending the race in Las Vegas every March for years.
Molly
Molly, a Yorkshire terrier, has been our Clinic Mascot since May, 2003. She enjoys being a part of the goings on at the clinic, greeting each person as they come through the door. She often has a calming effect on our patients and has frequently been called a "healing assistant". Molly's Favorite Person is our mailman, Floyd; she eagerly awaits his arrival each day (and the daily cookie he brings).