Specialty Rehabilitation Providers

Kara Burbach, PT, DPT, CSCS

Physical Therapist

Physical therapist Kara Burbach is passionate about injury rehabilitation and prevention, as well as over-all health and wellness. She takes a one-on-one approach with each of her patients and is attentive to providing detailed care, education, and promoting positive lifestyle strategies. She pays special attention to body mechanics in order to prevent re-injury and ensure proper movement patterns.

Kara Burbach earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, Washington. Following, she moved to Denver, Colorado working at an outpatient orthopedic facility specializing in orthopedics and Women’s Health. In early 2021, she returned to Portland, Oregon, her home-town. Kara has an advanced certification in sports medicine and conditioning through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as additional training in Women’s Health pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Oregonian-born and bred, Kara Burbach is dedicated to community service and has provided physical therapy services to rural communities in Mexico and Peru. She loves hiking, cycling, jogging, volunteering with animal organizations, food carts, and excellent coffee.

Alyssa Carey PT, DPT, CLT

Physical Therapist

Physical therapist Alyssa Carey believes every person comes to physical therapy with a unique story, so care should be just as unique. Alyssa is passionate about building strong connections with each patient. She approaches physical therapy like a trail guide or coach, walking alongside her patients. Alyssa earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy at George Fox University. In her practice, Alyssa has a special focus on cancer survivorship. From diagnosis through treatment, her goal is to help those with cancer return to activities that make them feel whole. She has experience helping patients with painful swelling and numbness due to cancer treatment. Practicing what she preaches, Alyssa’s hobbies include lots of movement and activity: trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain biking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog.

Sarah Shine, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA

Physical Therapist

Sarah Shine believes rehabilitation should be simple and practical enough that patients can immediately apply what they learn and get back to the activities and lifestyle they most enjoy. She brings to each patient a wealth of education and experience in many settings.

Patients with orthopedic, cancer, and heart and lung conditions have been a focus of Dr. Shine’s work. She is trained in several manual therapy techniques including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM). She is a certified lymphedema therapist.

Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. Shine has been slowly migrating north. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology from San Francisco State University and continued north to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, for her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

In her spare time, Dr. Shine enjoys hiking, backpacking, learning guitar, road trips to all the corners of Oregon, and the general spontaneity that comes along with having a historian for a husband and two energetic young sons.

Sierra Townsend, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Sierra Townsend is a licensed physical therapist assistant with a bachelor's degree in sports science and a Bachelor of Science in education from Wright State University. During her undergraduate studies, she served as a teaching assistant for the anatomy lab, supporting students pursuing health care careers. She obtained her physical therapy assistant degree from Sinclair Community College in Ohio, specializing in providing functional-based interventions tailored to individual patient needs.

Sierra's approach to patient care is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing trust, rapport building and personalized treatment plans. She is dedicated to ensuring patients get the most out of their therapy sessions by creating specific yet functional tasks that align with their goals and priorities. Sierra is passionate about the role of physical therapy in improving quality of life, viewing movement as a form of medicine that can be customized to suit each person's unique requirements.

Outside of work, Sierra enjoys the outdoor offerings of the Pacific Northwest. She embraces her love for camping, hiking and enjoying scenic mountain views. Additionally, she appreciates Portland's vibrant art and coffee scene, adding to her well-rounded lifestyle outside of patient care.