Who we are

About Us

“Pain is not the problem. Pain is a warning signal. It can point us to recovery but you need to know how to read the signs. Pain disappears once the root cause is addressed.”

– Keith Poorbaugh, Northern Edge Physical Therapy.

Northern Edge Physical Therapy is the #1 rated physical therapy clinic in the valley. It was founded in 2010 by Keith Poorbaugh, a nationally recognized expert on movement therapy.

Meet The Team

Dr. Etta Robertson

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT

Dr. Garrick Herr

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT, CMTPT

Dr. Keith Poorbaugh

Owner / Physical Therapist
PT, ScD, OCS, CSCS, CMTPT, FAAOMPT

Dr. Ashley Granath

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT

Allison Porto

Clinic Coordinator & Athletic Trainer

Amber Sweet

Physical Therapy Tech

Ted Fussell

Physical Therapy Tech

Colin Taylor

Physical Therapy Tech

Dr. Etta Robertson

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT

My path to becoming a physical therapist began with my family and the realization of the effect pain has on our lives. I grew up going to Chiropractic care regularly and have discovered through various experiences that there was no “quick fix” for pain. I pursued a career in Physical Therapy, graduating in 2017 with my Doctorate and began work as a travel therapist.

I enjoy educating others regarding the musculoskeletal system, and strive to personalize your care with our athletic trainers to help achieve your movement goals. Since joining Northern Edge, I am continually reminded how millimeters matter, and the influence that one restriction in the musculoskeletal system can have on our function.

My husband and I moved to Alaska for the wonderful community and access to the outdoors. We regularly go out backpacking, skiing, packrafting and exploring many places throughout the state. I feel privileged to be able to be a part of the Mat-Su Valley and assist its members with their wellness.

Dr. Garrick Herr

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT, CMTPT

I have always been known as someone who genuinely cares for everyone I meet, and will go the extra mile to help people achieve their goals.

I have been a physical therapist in the MatSu valley since 2006 and have helped thousands of MatSu residents overcome their injury and get back to life. Whether it is recovering from surgery, suffering from migraines, low back pain, stroke, vertigo, ATV or sports injuries, I have worked with them all to help Alaskans to get back out there and enjoy what they love to do best.

I went to Graduate school at Loma Linda University whose motto is “To make man whole.” I believe that this is the key to healing, not just addressing one body part at a time, but rather restoring the whole YOU. Helping your body to heal from physical injury, gaining confidence that you can overcome this hurdle limiting your potential, and seeing you return to the things that define who you are is what I find the most rewarding. When we work together we can accomplish great things.

Dr. Keith Poorbaugh

Owner / Physical Therapist
PT, ScD, OCS, CSCS, CMTPT, FAAOMPT

I have never been known to choose the easy path.  During my 20+years of military service, I was fortunate enough to be deployed in two combat operations, each while serving in two of our armed forces.  As a NCO in the USAF I participated in Operation Desert Shield / Storm.  Later, as a commissioned officer in the US Army I participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Throughout my military service I learned any obstacle can be overcome.   

I set my sights on attending one of the top physical therapy schools in the nation even though my undergraduate degree was a blend of college credits from community colleges and universities at military bases in Europe  During my clinical internships at Mayo Clinic, I had the opportunity to treat clients with from all over the world who were seeking something more from their medical care.  Sometimes it was due to the complex nature of their case but more often it was due to the poor care or mistreatment they had received elsewhere.  These opportunities helped shape my appreciation for the power of the human spirit when combined with compassionate care could lead to unrealized healing potential.  Basically, I discovered from my patients and limited experience that the right diagnosis and the right care had the potential to achieve amazing results.  I have never ceased to be amazed at what clients can achieve and overcome if only I help them find the right path.   

This privilege of helping others and the blessing of being a skilled provider has inspired me to never settle for less, always striving for more knowledge and clinical skills to help clients achieve results that matter.  I love being the one to help you become more confident with movement after a serious injury or surgery.  I feel privileged to be your provider, you can share your entire story of how pain has become such a burden in your life.  I use my 30 years of clinical experience and extensive education to help you gain a new insight about pain and healing.  I firmly believe that pain is a wake up sign, it’s a  ‘check engine’ light rather than a real alarm of tissue damage.   I love to give clients struggling with pain a reason to try to heal again.  

Dr. Ashley Granath

Physical Therapist
PT, DPT

I began my Physical Therapy career by joining Northern Edge Physical Therapy as an Exercise Tech in 2013. I loved being a part of our client’s healing journey and helping to improve their health by emphasizing movement and connecting all the moving pieces. Wanting to learn more and help our clients on another level, I went back to school and graduated in 2020 with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and began to work towards specializing in Pelvic Health.  

Having worked in multiple healthcare environments, I began to see that there was a huge piece of healing that was missing. The pelvis and pelvic dysfunction (including gut health and digestion!) were being ignored, or seen as a “normal” part of aging, surgery, childbirth, etc. I always tell people I’m a big picture kind of gal and love helping put all these puzzle pieces together to help them understand how their body is reacting and responding to everything around us. I love helping our clients regain a happy, healthy life after addressing things like pelvic pain, incontinence, prenatal / postnatal states, and many other life limiting ailments. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three kids Dylan, Hudson, and Amelia, our two dogs Batman and Marley, and the largest of my toddlers, my husband Derrick. When not chauffeuring the kids around or yelling loudly and excitedly from the bleachers at the kids’ events, we enjoy any and everything outdoors – hiking, kayaking, fishing, and exploring. 

Allison Porto

Clinic Coordinator & Athletic Trainer

Since beginning my working career at Northern Edge in the summer of 2019, I’ve learned (and continue to be reminded) that the small details are what can truly change lives. I have come to find a passion for giving you the tools that are able to make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. Sometimes it’s the simplest movements, slightest adjustments, or just the education and awareness that can allow you to not only get back to doing what you love…but doing it pain free.

As an Athletic Trainer, I guide you through targeted movements and exercises to achieve goals of strength, stability and mobility — as determined by your physical therapist’s evaluation — while personalizing your experience to meet your needs, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Amber Sweet

Exercise Tech

I was born and raised in Palmer Alaska and have been working in the fitness industry since 2020. I have spent time gaining experience as both a personal trainer and teaching group fitness classes. I have always had a passion for fitness and wanting to help others.

I joined the Northern Edge team in 2022 as a Physical Therapy Tech and it has motivated me further to continue my education with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.

What makes Northern Edge Physical Therapy the Best Physical Therapy in Wasilla

Technology

Northern Edge Physical Therapy has the most advanced analysis and recovery equipment in the state of Alaska.

One-on-one treatment

While you will have the support of a team at Northern Edge Physical Therapy, you will have a primary physical therapist who is with you every step of the way managing your care and monitoring your progress.

Comprehensive care

Our treatment approach is different because it’s centered on you, the client.

Tailored treatment

Your treatment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy is specific to your needs and goals. We provide each client a custom roadmap to wellness with appointments, activities, and timeline.

What Our Clients Say