Katie Howell, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Location: Boise Office/PRN
Katie was born and raised in Idaho and graduated from Idaho State University in 2016 with a doctorate in physical therapy. She has been working as a physical therapist for 4 years, all of which has been at Children’s Therapy Place. Katie really enjoys working with kids of all ages and developmental levels and loves the variety this provides. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and doing anything outdoors.

Emma Poole, PT, DPT – Infant Toddler Physical Therapist
Location: Boise & Meridian Locations
Emma is originally from Boise, Idaho. She received her education from Idaho State University. In her free time she enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, playing soccer, and spending time with her dog.

Zach Preboski, PT – Physical Therapist
Location: Boise Office
Zach is originally from Boise, Idaho but attended school at the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. In his free time, Zach enjoys good conversations over coffee, spending time with his sons at the skatepark, woodworking, hanging out with his Goldendoodle, adventuring/traveling, and connecting to the natural world.

Cassie Sharon, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist/Team Lead
Location: Boise, Meridian, & Nampa Offices, Early Intervention
Cassie is originally from Ellensburg, Washington. She graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. Previous to that, Cassie played Division 1 softball at Creighton University for two years before transferring to Oregon State University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science- (go Beavs!). Cassie has experience working with a variety of pediatric diagnoses including: developmental delays, torticollis, toe walking, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, among other orthopedic injuries and neurological disorders. In her free time, Cassie enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and family (and her family dogs-Deacon and Yogi!), working out, riding horses, and exploring Boise!

Allison Smith, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Location: Boise Office
Allison is originally from Oneonta, New York and received her education from Nazareth College. In her free time, Allison loves being active outside and in the mountains as much as possible. Her hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, skiing (water and snow), tennis, soccer, and rock climbing.

Megan Smith, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Location: Twin Falls Office
Megan graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science and from the University of Utah with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She loves working with kids and their families to find creative ways to help individuals reach their goals. Megan loves spending time outdoors and exploring mountains and rivers. She also enjoys sharing her passion of the outdoors with others and continues to volunteer her time with non profits, teaching adaptive skiing and bringing youth on multi day river trips.

Christina Spangberg, PT – Physical Therapist
Location: Nampa Office
Christina is originally from Oslo, Norway where she went to PT school and received her original PT license. She has worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over 13 years, and loves to work with kids and their families to help kiddos reach their full potential. Christina is certified in KinesioTape and TheraTogs and has a good knowledge of Neuro-Developmental Treatment. She also has a lot of experience with orthotics and Durable Medical Equipment (DME). When Christina is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, reading and baking.

Assessment and fitting of orthotic undergarments, such as Theratog or Spio, to help children with sensorimotor dysfunction to improve postural alignment and stability, movement skills, joint stability, and prolonged muscle stretch.  Posture suits may help children with the following concerns:

-Spinal Kyphosis

-Lumbar Lordosis

-Hypotonia

-Hip joint malalignments

-Shoulder joint malalignments

-Prevention of extremity deformities

Kinesiotape is an elastic adhesive tape, used to support and facilitate functional movement of a compromised body segment.  Our therapists use kinesiotape to positively affect muscle tone, correct movement patterns, improve pain, and improve posture.  Children who benefit from kinesiotaping may see improvements with self-help, gross motor, fine motor, oral motor skills, improved body awareness/coordination, joint stability, reduction in fatigue when using muscle segments, and decreased pain and inflammation.  Common conditions kinesiotaping has benefitted include but are not limited to Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, and Down Syndrome.

Early Intervention (EI) – a program for children 0-3 years old and provided through the state of Idaho by the Idaho Infant Toddler Program. Children’s Therapy Place Physical Therapists contract with the state to provide these services in home for families. There is no cost to families regardless of income and families can self-refer or be referred by a physician. Although Children’s Therapy Place provides these services, referrals need to be made directly to the Infant Toddler Program. 

Total Motion Release (TMR) uses positional release to treat postural asymmetry caused by torticollis, neuromuscular conditions, etc. Correcting postural asymmetries will improve a child’s ability to complete a variety of gross motor tasks with appropriate and equal movement patterns.