Rise Above
About Us
Get to Know Us a Bit Better
Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. was founded 2018 by Amanda J. Cherok, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT; Jay C. Cherok, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Cert. MSKUS; Christina A. De La Torre, PT, DPT; Kristin N. James, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist; and Joanna E. Owen, PT, DPT. Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. employs only the highest qualified clinicians with 30 years of combined experience and a variety of skills to meet the needs of our patients. The five Doctors of Physical Therapy practicing through Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. provide the most recent and effective evidence-based treatments available. This professional team shares an extensive background in manual therapy, orthopedics, ergonomic assessment, McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and therapy, functional dry needling, neurological rehab, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, strength and conditioning, sports performance, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, custom orthotic fabrication, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and gait training.
Vision
Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. will be recognized as the premier provider for autonomous and comprehensive physical therapy services on the Kenai Peninsula. We will demonstrate compassion to our patients while giving them a unique rehabilitative experience tailored to their individual goals. Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. will also become a leader in the community through our associations with complimentary healthcare professionals, exceptional quality of care, focus on patient education, and utilization of evidence-based interventions for all age groups.
Mission
The mission of Summit Physical Therapy, Inc. is to provide superior preventative and rehabilitative care through skilled education and evidence-based treatment with genuine compassion and respect for each patient’s individual goals.
Founders of Summit Physical Therapy
Christina De La Torre, Joanna Owen
Amanda Cherok, Kristin James, Jay Cherok
Our Team of Qualified Health Care Providers
Jay Cherok, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified in Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Physical Therapist
Jay graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Francis University in 2011 with a minor in Neuroscience and undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Health Science. He has expanded his orthopedic experience working as a contract physical therapist and most recently has been serving the community of Homer since 2013 in an outpatient clinic. Jay completed his full certification in Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in 2016 and recently has achieved his Board Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He has also completed training with the Upledger Institute for Craniosacral Therapy, The McKenzie Institute, the Postural Restoration Institute, Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, and several courses pertaining to the differential diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and treating the running athlete. Jay loves to educate and help his patients recover, but when he is not in the office, you can find this adventurous Eagle Scout throughout Alaska enjoying everything this great state has to offer. He is an active volunteer in the community and loves being able to give back to Homer. Jay's wife, Amanda, and children are who drive him to be the best husband, father, and person he can be.
Christina De La Torre, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Christina attended Florida State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2009. She continued to the University of Central Florida to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2012. She worked at a long-term care facility in California right after graduation until she moved to Homer, Alaska in 2015 and transitioned to an outpatient setting. Christina has completed continuing education courses in surgery and rehabilitation of the hand with emphasis on weekday and weekend warriors, level I and II of lymphatic drainage therapy, functional biomechanics of the lower quarter, and dementia rehabilitation. With her husband being in the military, she has moved from state to state. Homer has been the one place she and her family want to put down roots. Christina enjoys going on traveling adventures with her family, hiking across the bay, and finding different ways to stay active. She loves her work and being able to see the positive impact that physical therapy can have on people.
Kristin James (Oelschlegal), PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Physical Therapist
Kristin graduated magna cum laude in 2010 with her B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal State San Marcos. She went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy through the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA in 2013, graduating with high honors and awarded the Outstanding Physical Therapist award. Since graduating, Kristin has worked in fast-paced outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy clinics in the San Diego area, where she has specialized in rehabilitating post-operative conditions, sports related injuries, as well as various neurological and vestibular conditions. She completed the Rancho Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency program in 2014, originally passing her boards in 2015, and her re-certification in 2025 as a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Kristin has furthered her clinical specialties with training through the McKenzie Institute, the Postural Restoration Institute, and is certified in level I and II Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) through Hawk Grips. Outside of work, Kristin loves to be outdoors exploring Alaska, riding her horses, and playing in her garden.
Joanna Owen, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Joanna Owen attended the University of Vermont, graduating in 2011 with her BS in exercise and movement science and from the 3+3 program in 2013 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After completing her degree Joanna went on as a traveling PT working in 5 different states and several different settings including a senior living center, multiple outpatient clinics and acute care hospitals. Joanna spent the last three years working in Homer at a private practice outpatient clinic as well as the local hospital. Joanna has completed her level I and II certifications in Functional Dry Needling. She also focuses on techniques utilized by the Postural Restoration Institute and plans to complete the PRI certification. Joanna’s passion is to work with young adults and teenagers in an orthopedic outpatient setting to assist them in achieving their full athletic potential. Her passion is also to help individuals restore their optimal functional posture to achieve movement freedom and reduce pain. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey with the Diva’s, coaching youth hockey, skiing/ snowboarding, hiking with her friends and participating in Nose Work with her dog, Boston.
Amanda Cherok, PT, DPT. Cert. MDT
Physical Therapist
Amanda graduated with Honors from Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA in 2009 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Minors in both Neuroscience and Psychology. She then earned her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Saint Francis University in 2011, graduating magna cum laude. Amanda has worked in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas prior to moving to Alaska where she gained experience working in outpatient orthopedics, home health, and skilled nursing rehab. Amanda enjoys running, spending time with her kids, and hiking across the bay and throughout Alaska. Amanda focuses on helping her patients to understand their diagnosis in order to achieve the best possible results. Amanda is Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute, continued studies in Craniosacral Therapy through Upledger, and Functional Dry Needling through Kinetacore.
Physical Therapist
Aidan Philpot graduated Summa Cum Laude with his BS in Psychology from Clarke University in 2020. He continued at Clarke University to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2022. Aidan has also completed continuing education courses to become certified in orthotic fabrication through Sole Supports and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) through Hawk Grips. In addition to his studies, Aidan earned a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Aidan enjoys working with patients to track down the specific deficits and impairments preventing them from returning to the activities and sports that they love. After spending 6 years in the Midwest, Aidan is ecstatic to be back home in Kachemak Bay and enjoy all that Alaska has to offer. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, hiking, and adventuring in the outdoors with his wife Olivia and dog Otolith.
Nick Peterson, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Nick Peterson graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa in 2020. Since completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Clarke University 2022, he has since been practicing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Nick, his girlfriend, and golden retriever are very excited for their move to Alaska! Nick is level 1 certified in Functional Dry Needling and enjoys treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Nick approaches patient care by developing individualized plans to manage pain through education, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and other techniques. Outside of Physical Therapy, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, running, weightlifting, walking our dog, and camping.
Melissa Laye, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist (Seasonally in Homer - Call for Details)
I’m a sweet Georgia peach, with a heart full of adventure. A 4,700 mile road trip to Alaska? Exactly the kind of thrill my spirit craves. This is my one wild and wonderful life, and I intend to live it fully.
I have a deep love for outdoor adventures and can’t wait to explore the beauty of this area. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 15 years of experience, I take a fitness-forward approach in both my personal life and my practice. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others build strength, resilience, and confidence. My goal is to guide my patients toward becoming the strongest, most capable version of themselves—so they can live the life they truly desire.
I chose to work at Summit Physical Therapy because of its commitment to active, performance-based rehabilitation. Their approach aligns perfectly with my belief that movement is medicine, and I am excited to be a part of a team that encourages patients to push beyond limitations and get back to doing what they love.
Ashlynne Goodloe, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist (Seasonally in Homer - Call for Details)
We are thrilled to welcome back Ashlynne, our very first traveler at Summit Physical Therapy, as she returns to Homer for the summer! Having Ashlynne and her family back in town feels like coming full circle — and this time, she's brought something incredible with her.
Ashlynne has launched Pink Badger Cancer Rehab a company dedicated to empowering and restoring quality of life for those navigating breast cancer treatment and recovery.
Learn more: https://pbcrehab.com
Her work is grounded in the PORi Oncology Rehabilitation Curriculum, which provides the physiological and anatomical knowledge necessary to treat oncology patients safely and effectively throughout any stage of treatment. This additional training focuses on understanding the related effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other adjuvant therapies on the musculoskeletal, lymphatic, myofascial, vascular and neural systems, particularly in breast cancer patients. The PORi breast cancer rehab therapist is able to provide optimal management of treatment related side effects along the full spectrum of breast cancer treatment and recovery, including lymphedema risk reduction and management.
We couldn’t be more proud of Ashlynne and the incredible work she’s doing. Be sure to check out her mission and share with anyone who could benefit from her services!
Alex Maszak, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Physical Therapist (Seasonally in Homer - Call for Details)
Originally from Washington state, Alex earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University and went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wheeling Jesuit University. Over the past 5 years, he’s worked across the country as a travel PT, with experience in outpatient orthopedics and as a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist since 2023.
His PT journey has taken him from Pennsylvania to Hawaii—with stops in Georgia, Texas, the Carolinas, Nevada, and more—and now he’s bringing his expertise to Alaska!
Alex is passionate about helping every patient who walks through the door and is looking forward to exploring everything our beautiful state has to offer.
Connor Welch, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist (Seasonally in Homer - Call for Details)
Connor Welch is a traveling physical therapist with Summit Physical Therapy, serving the Homer community through late December. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Iowa in 2013 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University in 2021.
Since then, Connor has worked as a travel PT in California and Alaska, drawn to the variety and challenge of new clinical settings. He enjoys working with patients of all ages and is passionate about helping people return to the activities they love through personalized care and connection.
Originally from Iowa, Connor and his wife now call Kodiak home and have spent the last two years living and working across Alaska. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding, and playing softball. He’s excited to be part of the Homer community and support patients in getting back to what they love.
Chris Kaplan, DPT
Physical Therapist (Seasonally in Homer - Call for Details)
Chris Kaplan attended undergraduate school at Montana State University earning a Bachelor of Science and then Colorado State University for his Master’s degree, focusing on an early career studying Alaska wildlife. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Saint Augustine in San Marcos California in 2016. Following graduation he worked in the San Diego area, most recently serving Fallbrook in Southern California as Director of Rehabilitation for nearly 6 years. He uses training in BFR (blood flow restriction ) and IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) and other manual techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Chris is adept at listening to help patients to understand their diagnosis/prognosis and to appropriately apply manual and exercise treatments. He believes in self-care and preventative measures to improve the risk of injury and prehabilitation before planned surgeries.
Chris was raised in Alaska, spending most of his youth and adult life in Southcentral Alaska. He continues to be passionate about wildlife and the outdoors, spending his free time trail running, biking, hiking, birding and fishing.