Neurological Rehab Therapy Team

Kay Ballen, OTR/L

Kay Ballen is an occupational therapist with more than 20 years experience working with neurologic diseases that affect the use of upper extremities, vision, cognition which include everyday activities such as eating, dressing, home chores, working and driving.

Susan Diekema, OTR/L

Susan Diekema is a licensed occupational therapist with more than 30 years of experience in therapy working with a wide range of conditions including CVA, tBI, Parkinson’s disease, M.S., stroke and dementia. She has been certified in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s disease and has specialized training in the field of ergonomics in home and work settings. She enjoys helping people identify and obtain their functional goals. Susan earned her BS and Masters of Science of Occupational Therapy degree at University of Washington.

Evelyn Donascimento, PTA

Evelyn Donascimento is a physical therapy assistant with twelve years experience working with persons diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injury, dementia and other neurological disorders.

Rebecca Falk, SLP

Rebecca Falk is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience providing treatment to individuals with various neurogenic swallowing, communication and cognitive impairments resulting from stroke, brain surgery, traumatic brain Injury, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. She is also a Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) Certified Clinician. Rebecca received her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University.

Melissa Gilbert, DPT, NCS

Melissa Gilbert is a licensed physical therapist with a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation, specifically seeing patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as other neurological disorders such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. She is board certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy with the APTA. She is also a certified MS specialist with the Consortium of MS Centers, as well as certified with the LSVT BIG eprogram for Parkinson’s disease. She has given numerous talks on MS and exercise as well as on fall prevention for the neurological population. Melissa earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Washington.

Alicia Nowak, DPT, NCS

Alicia Nowak is a licensed physical therapist specializing in treatment of neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and vestibular disorders, with additional training in vestibular therapy. She is a certified Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She is also a certified LSVT BIG clinician. Alicia is an advocate for fall prevention programs and is a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adult (CEEAA) through the Academy of Geriatric Physical therapy. Alicia earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington.

Chelsea Peterson, OTR/L

Chelsea Peterson is a licensed occupational therapist with a passion for treating patients with neurological disorders, including stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injuries. Her treatment approach focuses on practical strategies to help people achieve their highest level of function. Chelsea enjoys working with patients and their families to maximize upper extremity function, promote safety, and increase independence in daily activities. Chelsea received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Washington University.