Being physically active and healthy makes me a happier person. This is one reason I chose a profession where I can encourage others to move more freely and confidently, and to return to the activities that bring them happiness.

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I came to Seattle by way of international sports. I was born in Japan, where I took up women’s rugby in high school. I moved to Seattle in 1991 to continue playing rugby. I was fortunate to be one of the first Japanese female rugby players and to participate in two World Cups as a member of the Japanese national team. Although I don’t play anymore, I still enjoy watching the sport and supporting local teams. In my spare time, I like to cook, walk, play pickleball, practice yoga, hike and spend time with family and friends. I also love to travel, as much as my budget and time allows!

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Professional Interests:

My training in physical therapy at the University of Washington included a wide range of clinical internships in various settings, from acute hospital care to rehabilitation to outpatient clinics. I came to appreciate the challenges that patients must overcome or accommodate when dealing with conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain, acute injury and post-surgery recovery. I enjoy working with people of many backgrounds, ages and conditions. Besides a doctorate in physical therapy, I also have advanced degrees and research experience in nutrition and environmental health. I am interested in using nutrition, combined with physical therapy, to help clients prevent injury.  I utilize skills and techniques that I learned through continuing education courses including manual therapy approaches with Institution of Physical Art (IPA) and North American Institute Of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT), Kinesiotaping, and Graston Techniques.  I have been teaching Tai Ji Quan: Moving for a Better Balance community classes via zoom and in-person to people with fall risk, balance issues, knee/hip osteoarthritis, and back pain. 

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Education:

•       DPT – Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Washington

•       MS – Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, University of Washington

•       MPH – Master of Public Health in Nutrition, University of Washington

•       BS – Bachelor of Sciences in Nutrition, Bastyr University