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Michele Creed
Patient Care Coordinator
(Redmond)
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Anabel Boyanova
Patient Care Coordinator
(Lynnwood)
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Melissa Shea
Operations Manager
Photo credit: Feasible Photography
We are always interested in talking with therapists, whether you're considering HFL or another change!
Therapists:
We invite you to join us!
Mukti Godbole
Certified Hand Therapist
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Jessica Bruno
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Jacob Nestor
Lead Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
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Vanessa Loyd
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Paige Norgan
Occupational Therapist
Ryan Walter
Certified Hand Therapist
Clinical Director
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Meilani Kim
Occupational Therapist
Kari Ketner
Certified Hand Therapist
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Hilary Noe
Certified Hand Therapist
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JoAnn Keller
Certified Hand Therapist
Practice Owner
Lynnwood
Our Team
Our Practice
Hands for Living has provided outstanding specialty shoulder, arm, and hand care since 2011. We have assembled an experienced team of caring therapists who will help you get your life back! They offer comprehensive assessment of any pain, injury, or problem you may be having. Our clients have found high levels of success in our services due to our individualized approach and the variety of treatment options available.
What is unique about Hands for Living? You receive one-on-one care with your therapist. You are not double booked with another patient, and you do not see an aide or tech for your treatment. We make the best custom hand braces in the region, and are happy to evaluate or modify yours, no matter where it was made.
Our Redmond location, formerly known as Hand Therapy Northwest, has been in the area since 1999.
People travel from throughout the Puget Sound region to get help.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is simple: To connect people with what is possible. We want YOU to achieve your health goals!
Our team's success is dependent upon your success. Our highly skilled therapists strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can get back to doing what you love, with the people you love!
If you are in the Puget Sound region, and you want your strength and life back, look no further.
Hands for Living is here to help!
Call our office at 425-368-7943 to schedule a consultation with one of our hand therapists today!
Hands for Living - Redmond is located in Village Square in downtown Redmond, just north of the Fire Station.
Redmond
Hands for Living - Lynnwood is located in the Alderwood Business Campus, Building 6, Suite 213, upstairs from John L. Scott.
Lynnwood
**400+ Five Star Reviews**
Locations & Directions
My therapist was able to help me reach my goals by having empathy and understanding of the emotional part of a life changing injury, while keeping me working toward achieving the most improvement.
Michele W.
I would describe my therapist as AMAZING!! The whole staff is incredible. Such helpful therapists.
Patrick B.
I am so thankful for the help I received at Hands for Living. From the moment I first walked into the office I felt supported and listened to.
Shellie H.
Thank you to each and every one of you for helping me through this trying time of my life.
I can do things at home and have a much better outlook on life.
What Our Clients Are Saying
I so appreciate this professional office. Thank you to JoAnn and Melissa!
JoAnn Keller
Certified Hand Therapist
JoAnn Keller is a Certified Hand Therapist and a competitive dressage rider who tackles everything from splints to saddles with precision and a dash of curiosity. With over 10,000 custom hand splints under her belt (or should we say, saddle?), she’s not just a problem solver but a relentless learner who’s always up for a challenge. JoAnn’s résumé includes working with a hand transplant team, leading professional organizations, and still finding time to teach others. When she’s not leading the clinic or advancing hand therapy, you’ll find her training her horse Elsa (and our part-time office dog, Sadie!) or off on an adventure in the great outdoors. Fluent in Spanish and fluent in making things happen, JoAnn is your go-to for hands-on expertise and a healthy dose of positivity!
Hands for Living exists for one purpose: To connect people with what is possible. That includes US, those who work here every day! It IS possible to have a job you love, working with people you respect, admire, and enjoy, and have the support you need to begin or continue your career as a hand therapist!
We are ALWAYS interested in talking with people (OT/PT/CHT/OTA) who are committed to hand therapy, and KNOW that connecting with people in this way serves YOUR purpose!
We have a 4-month guided "Hand Therapy School" mentorship program available for a therapist who is new to, or is seeking certification in hand therapy. You will work with experienced therapists, share patients, and grow your skills and confidence.
Possible leadership opportunity for a therapist with 2+ years of hand therapy experience.
Work with a fun and inspiring group of people who love hand therapy, the outdoors, dogs, and travel!
Are you interested in:
- Spending one-on-one time with your patients?
- Making custom orthoses (splints) for patients as often as needed? It's one of our specialties...
- Making real connections with the people we serve - and your great co-workers?
- Seeing your clinic grow and help more people each day
- Working in a beautiful newly refinished clinic with great windows?
- Coordinating with super solid office management support to help negotiate insurance requirements?
- Professional independence and growing your skills in both hand therapy and leadership?
- Good communication with a variety of hand surgeons and other physicians in the area?
- Treating your patients as a whole? (Hands are attached to shoulders and bodies after all!)
- Earning a competitive pay and benefits package (401k, health insurance, PTO/ holidays, continuing ed allowance)?
- Bonus points if you speak Spanish!
If you think you’d be a great fit with our team, THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!
Please send an email to [email protected], with your resume attached, in order to inquire about open positions at Hands for Living. We have a wait list if no positions are currently open.
Ideal candidates have Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential or are interested in pursuing this specialty. Minimum requirement is a WA state license as an OT or OTA.
Core Values at Hands for Living
We genuinely care - We listen to and serve people beyond what’s typically expected in a healthcare or employment relationship. We strive to help people be better off than when we met them - and things better than we found them.
We believe in people and their dreams - We believe that people can grow and change over time. We love to help our patients and employees accomplish amazing things and become the best possible version of themselves!
We do the right thing - We are grounded in integrity and strong ethics. We do the right thing every time, even if it is less convenient or causes more work.
We face challenges with optimism - We keep our cool and don’t fold under pressure; we recognize there are always options to solve problems. We move forward with hope and confidence, as we know the right path will become clear.
We own it - We have an ownership mindset. We take responsibility, do what it takes to get the job done, and uphold the commitments we make.
We seek to learn new things - We know no one has all the answers. We foster a culture of curiosity through continuous learning and sharing our knowledge with others.
We check our egos at the door - We know we aren’t perfect and we all make mistakes. We are still willing to try new things and to share our opinions.
We build trust - We assume positive intent and listen carefully with the desire to understand. We build strong connections through open, authentic communication.
Click here to email JoAnn if you are considering a job change - whether it's at HFL or another clinic!
Therapists! Click here to email JoAnn if you are considering a job change - whether it's at HFL or another clinic!
Careers at Hands for Living
Student/Volunteer Application
Meilani Kim
Occupational Therapist
My name is Meilani. I’m an occupational therapist!
Occupational therapy is an incredibly gratifying profession. I love engaging in conversations with my patients, getting to know them, and aiding them in their journey to wellness brings me much joy! I enjoy every moment of it and looking forward to every treatment session.
During my personal time I enjoy watching dramas, reading novels and anime, and cherishing moments spent with my family.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Washington - Seattle Campus; 2016
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Puget Sound; 2021
Kari Ketner
Certified Hand Therapist
Kari Ketner is a Certified Hand Therapist and multitasking extraordinaire—whether it’s juggling her two daughters or her ultra-specialized therapy skills! Kari’s expertise goes far beyond hands; she’s all about balance and posture, taking a holistic approach to help her patients regain full activity. From custom splints to Bowenwork and postural re-education, Kari’s toolkit is as diverse as her patients’ needs. She’s passionate about patient education, believing it’s key to recovery. Outside of work, Kari’s world revolves around her family, but in the clinic, she’s laser-focused on creating personalized treatment plans that get her patients back in action!
Hilary Noe
Certified Hand Therapist
Hilary Noe is a Certified Hand Therapist whose sharp sense of humor and passion for nurturing are as vibrant as her flourishing garden. Specializing in upper extremity care (she’s got a real thing for wrists!), she combines her early experience in geriatric rehab with cutting-edge hand therapy techniques. Hilary loves providing practical, easy-to-follow solutions for her patients to continue at home. Outside the clinic, she’s a Master Scuba Diver with over 250 dives, but her true pride is in her summer garden, where she grows vegetables for a local food pantry. Whether tending to patients or plants, Hilary’s dedication and wit make her a joy to be around, keeping everyone laughing while she gets the job done!
Ryan Walter
Certified Hand Therapist
Ryan Walter, Clinic Director and Certified Hand Therapist, is a master of both hand therapy and big ideas. Whether he’s crafting custom splints with precision or troubleshooting our office’s computer documentation system, Ryan’s expertise keeps the clinic running smoothly. He’s passionate about helping patients not just recover, but thrive—especially those dealing with complex conditions like EDS or tendon injuries. Outside of work, Ryan’s creativity shines through in his love for baking (his kitchen is a hub of delicious experiments) and his wanderlust for international travel. With a knack for both problem-solving and baking, Ryan brings a blend of innovation and heart to everything he does!
Melissa Shea
Operations Manager
Melissa Shea, our Operations Manager and the ultimate “go-to” for getting things done, is the magic behind the scenes at Hands for Living. From navigating the complexities of insurance to scheduling appointments that fit perfectly into your life, Melissa is the one who makes it all happen. While she started without a medical background, her expertise in insurance and billing has grown so much that she’s now the clinic’s resident guru. With her kids now grown, Melissa is embracing more time for travel, in between walking her dog Fergus, exploring PNW neighborhoods, and spending time with her family. Since 2012, she’s been a key part of our journey from a small, two-therapist office to a bustling clinic—and we’re so lucky to have her!
Vanessa Loyd
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Vanessa Loyd, our expert Occupational Therapy Assistant, is not only a master of helping patients achieve their personal functional goals but also our go-to specialist for creating custom braces for even the most challenging cases. Therapy with Vanessa isn’t about numbers—it’s about getting you back to what you love, whether it’s your daily routine or favorite hobby. When she’s not crafting custom splints or solving ergonomic challenges, she’s cheering on the Seattle Seahawks or hitting the road with her husband in their truck camper for adventures with the Porsche car club. With certifications in Graston Technique and ASTYM, Vanessa’s creativity and expertise ensure her patients get top-notch care—and a good dose of Seahawks spirit!
Anabel Boyanova
Patient Care Coordinator
Anabel Boyanova serves as the dedicated Patient Care Coordinator at our Lynnwood clinic, expertly guiding patients through the complexities of insurance, paperwork, and scheduling. With a rich background in the film and television industry, she brings exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills to our team. Anabel is married to Jacob Nestor, one of our outstanding therapists, and together they share a passion for patient care. They have welcomed a new addition to their family—a giant dog named Ace—adding joy and mischief to their home! Outside of her professional commitments, Anabel enjoys cozy days with her husband and Ace, watching hockey, painting, playing video games, and reading.
Michele Creed
Office Manager
Michele Creed has been at the helm of our Redmond office since 2005, bringing her love of organization, trivia (fresh questions every week!), and a passion for high-quality health care to everything she does. Since starting her career with Hand Therapy Northwest, Michele’s deep understanding of people and her dedication to exceptional care have made her an integral part of the team for the long haul. Whether it’s helping with scheduling, insurance, or authorizations, Michele is always ready to assist—and she never misses a chance to make a few jokes along the way. Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, traveling to Montana, and spending time with her husband, two dogs, and family. Michele’s warmth, wit, and commitment make her an invaluable part of our team!
Jessica Bruno
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jessica Bruno brings both flexibility and creativity to her role as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, thanks to her early career as a massage therapist. A graduate of Lake Washington Technical College, Jessica quickly dove into hand therapy, with a special interest in treating shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands, as well as solving ergonomic challenges. She’s all about building strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve the best rehab outcomes. Outside the clinic, Jessica is always working on a new craft—whether it’s quilting, knitting, or crocheting—or spending time with her family and traveling. With her unique blend of skills and creativity, and kindness, Jessica is a dynamic force in helping her patients reach their potential. Best of all, she brings a healthy dose of humor with her to work every day!
Jacob Nestor
Lead Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Jacob Nestor is an occupational therapist with a passion for upper extremity care and a patient-centered approach that helps people get back to what truly matters in their lives. His interest in hand therapy was sparked during his time at Washington University in St. Louis, where he worked in a student-led hand therapy clinic. Jacob believes every patient is unique and crafts personalized treatment plans that incorporate orthosis fabrication, manual therapy, taping, and exercise. When he's not in the clinic, Jacob can be found weightlifting, playing video games, enjoying hockey, or spending quality time with his wife, Anabel, and their giant dog, Ace. With a blend of expertise and a fun-loving personality, Jacob makes sure his patients feel both cared for and understood.
