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Michele Creed
Patient Care Coordinator
(Redmond)
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Rae Shaff
Patient Care Coordinator
(Lynnwood)
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Melissa Shea
Operations Manager
Photo credit: Justin Kraemer Photography
We are always interested in talking with therapists, whether you're considering HFL or another change!
Therapists:
We invite you to join us!
Yushi Wang
Occupational Therapist
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Jessica Bruno
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Room for One More!
Occupational Therapist
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Vanessa Loyd
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Samuel Macario
Occupational Therapist
Ryan Walter
Certified Hand Therapist
Lead Therapist - Redmond
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Kimberly Caruso
Certified Hand 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 Northwest Return to Work and John L. Scott.
Lynnwood
**200+ 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 has specialized in the care of people with shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries for most of her career, and still enjoys getting to know each of her patients during the course of their care. She helps people who use their hands for work, sports, play and for taking care of themselves and their families.
An avid learner and persistently curious therapist, JoAnn has continuously advanced her skills through hand therapy and academic education, as well as problem-solving with physicians, other therapists, and her patients. Over the years, she has made more than 10,000 custom hand splints (orthoses) and is continually seeking new ways to solve difficult problems.
JoAnn is respected by physicians, patients, and other therapists. She had the unique opportunity to be a member of the team that cared for the nation’s second hand transplant patient in 2002. She is a regional, state and national leader in the occupational and hand therapy fields, and enjoys giving back to her profession by teaching other therapists and serving as a volunteer for professional organizations.
When she is not working, she enjoys competing with her horse in dressage and jumping competitions, hiking and backpacking, travel, and reading. She is functionally fluent in Spanish.
JoAnn remains fascinated by how the body works, and how a body that works contributes to our lives.
Professional Experience
2011 – present Owner and Certified Hand Therapist Hands for Living LLC, Lynnwood, Washington
2011 – 2013 Hand Therapist (coverage) Seattle Hand Surgery, Seattle, Washington
2004 – 2011 Director of Therapy Northwest Hand and Orthopedics, Shoreline, Washington
2003 – 2004 Hand Therapist Alaska Hand Rehabilitation, Anchorage, Alaska
2002 – 2003 Hand Therapist The Hand Center – Louisville, Kentucky
1999 – 2002 Hand Therapist Kleinert, Kutz & Associates, Louisville, Kentucky
1996 – 1998 Occupational Therapist Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Colorado
Education & Qualifications
2017 Certified Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
2012 Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Provo, Utah
2008 Certification by Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
2001 Certified Hand Therapist – Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
1996-present 650+ hours of continuing education in rehabilitation of the hand, arm, and shoulder
1995 Certification by U.S. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
1995 Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy – Washington University St. Louis, Missouri
Leadership, Awards and Volunteer Activities
2015 AOTA Lindy Boggs Award, national recognition for advocating for occupational therapy
2013 – 2015 Legislative Chair, Washington Occupational Therapy Association
2013 & 2009 Two-time Member of the Year, Washington Occupational Therapy Association
2011 – 2013 President, Washington Occupational Therapy Association
2007 – present Founder, Washington Hand Therapy Coalition
2003 – present Board of Directors and Recertification Chair, Hand Therapy Certification Commission
2003 Outstanding Occupational Therapist, Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association
2002 Award of Recognition from Kentucky Board of Occupational Therapy
Ongoing Memberships
American Society of Hand Therapists
American Occupational Therapy Association
Washington Occupational Therapy Association
Washington Hand Therapy Coalition
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 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!
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
Kimberly Caruso
Certified Hand Therapist
Kimberly is passionate about treating hand, elbow, and shoulder injuries. As an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist (CHT), she focuses on function and the impact an injury to the hand, elbow, and shoulder can have on someone during their daily life. She enjoys collaborating with clients to problem solve creative solutions so they can manage everyday tasks. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with Labor and Industries claims and enjoys assisting injured workers return to work.
Kimberly unceasingly works to advance her hand therapy and occupational therapy skills through continuing education. She enjoys working with multidisciplinary teams that can include, physicians, other therapists, and allied health professions to maximize client outcomes. She is fascinated with anatomy and how the human body works.
Kimberly has worked closely with local hand surgeons throughout her career in hand therapy, and brings specialized knowledge to help her patients recover from (or avoid!) surgery.
When not working, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her husband and dog.
Professional Experience
2022 – present Certified Hand Therapist, Hands for Living LLC, Lynnwood, WA
2010 – 2022 Certified Hand Therapist, Proliance Surgeons, Edmonds, WA
Education & Qualifications
~2005 – Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
2004 – present Extensive continuing education in rehabilitation of the hand, arm, and shoulder
Certification by U.S. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy
Ongoing Memberships
American Society of Hand Therapists
Washington Occupational Therapy Association
Hand Therapy Link
Kari Ketner
Certified Hand Therapist
“I love working with my patients and am dedicated to providing them compassionate care that helps them return to full activity in their daily lives. “
As a Certified Hand Therapist, Kari is an occupational therapist specializing in hand and upper extremity conditions. Her professional interests include fractures, cumulative trauma injuries, post-surgical management, and fabrication of custom splints. Although she focuses on the upper extremity, her clinical practice has evolved to be more holistic. Through education, she has come to realize the importance of assessing posture and creating balance within the system. She assesses each client and creates an individualized treatment plan drawing from a variety of skills. Her skills include: manual therapy, Bowenwork, L.I.F.T., ergonomics, postural re-education, stretching/ROM exercises, Astym, and customized home exercise programs. Kari believes that patient education regarding their condition and how to manage their health is essential to recovery.
Professional Experience
2011 – 2018 Certified Hand Therapist Western Washington Medical Group, Everett, WA
2015 Occupational Therapist Seattle Center for Structural Medicine
2011 – 2014 Hand Therapist Integrated Rehabilitation Group
2011 – 2013 Occupational Therapist Bothell Pediatric and Hand Therapy
Education & Qualifications
2017 Certified Hand Therapist – Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
2016 Professional Bowen Provider
2013 Astym Certified Provider
1995-present Extensive continuing education in rehabilitation of the hand, arm, and shoulder
2011 Certification by U.S. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
2011 Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Ongoing Memberships
American Society of Hand Therapists
Washington Occupational Therapy Association
Hand Therapy Link
Hilary Noe
Certified Hand Therapist
Hilary began her career as an occupational therapist working in geriatric and inpatient rehabilitation. In 2004, she jumped at the opportunity to specialize in hand therapy. She earned her Certification in Hand Therapy in 2009.
While the upper extremity (and the wrist in particular) have been her focus since, she continues to draw on skills fostered in the early years of her career as an inpatient OT. During her time as a hand therapist, Hilary has sought continuing education and collaboration with other therapists to expand her professional abilities. Among her practice skills are manual therapy, Graston Technique, ergonomic assessment and the fabrication of custom orthoses.
Hilary favors interventions which can easily be replicated at home ensuring better follow-through by her clients.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking, skiing and travel to lesser-known places with her husband. She is a Master Scuba Diver and has completed over 250 dives. During the summer she puts her interest in gardening to work by growing vegetables for a local food pantry.
Professional Experience
2016 – 2018 Certified Hand Therapist Swedish Redmond Rehabilitation, Redmond, WA
2009 – 2016 Certified Hand Therapist Washington Hand Therapy, Kirkland, WA
2004 – 2011 Occupational Therapist Cascade Rehabilitation Associates, Everett, WA
1998 – 2003 Occupational Therapist Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, Kirkland, WA
1997 – 1999 Occupational Therapist Therapists Unlimited, Redmond, WA
1995 – 1997 Occupational Therapist Seattle Therapy Specialists, Seattle, WA
Education & Qualifications
2014 - Certified Hand Therapist – Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
1995 – present Extensive continuing education in rehabilitation of the hand, arm, and shoulder
1995 Certification by U.S. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
1995 Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Puget Sound
Ongoing Memberships
American Society of Hand Therapists
Washington Occupational Therapy Association
Hand Therapy Link
Ryan Walter
Certified Hand Therapist
As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Ryan is an expert in treating the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Ryan’s philosophy of care is centered around patient education and collaboration. He enjoys the intricacies of the wrist and hand and believes it is important for his patients to not only thoroughly understand their condition, but be actively involved in their own care.
Ryan has many professional interests – He most enjoys the detailed process of fabricating custom splints (orthoses) and has made thousands (and growing!) in his career so far. He enjoys the challenges of working with people recovering from fractures and post-operative conditions as well as managing longer-term conditions such as Hypermobility / Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or arthritis. Regardless of the type of injury you may be going through, Ryan is most passionate about connecting people with what is possible after an injury or condition.
When he is not working, Ryan seeks adventure and creativity. He enjoys traveling (specifically internationally), hiking, backpacking, baking / cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Education and Qualifications:
2022 – Certified Hand Therapist – Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
2019 – Masters of Science in Occupational therapy – University of North Dakota (UND)
2017 – President, Student Occupational Therapy Association – UND
2016 – Present - American Occupational Therapy Association –
Hand Therapy Link
Melissa Shea
Operations Manager
Melissa oversees the office portions of the patient care experience, and works closely with our patient care coordinators. She is also your number one advocate and information source regarding insurance, authorizations and billing. She’s also a wizard at making sure you get visits scheduled at the best times for your life and work.
Melissa came to us through her friendship with one of our therapists. She had lots of office experience, but no medical expertise when she started. Over time, her knowledge of how insurance and billing works has made her a knowledge source you can count on. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or issues you might have about insurance or scheduling.
When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys running, walking her dog, hiking and hanging out with her 3 “almost grown” kids and her husband.
Melissa has been with Hands for Living since 2012, and has helped to grow the office from a tiny 2-therapist office to a busy, multi-therapist hand therapy clinic. We are grateful to work with her!
Vanessa Loyd
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Vanessa understands that each person has their own individual expectations for their outcome. This is based on their hobbies, their daily life activities; what they want to be able to return to. It isn't about measurements; it's about functional goals; THEIR personal functional goals.
Vanessa understands that her patients want to enjoy hobbies in their spare time. In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy participating with the PNWR PCA; showing their cars in the concourse events, participating in the group touring events as well as social events with the car club.
Education & Qualifications
Washington State License, Occupational Therapy Assistant - 1999
Graston Technique Certification, 2008
ASTYM Certification - Lifetime, Achieved 2011
Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CCI)
Applied Sciences Degree in Occupational Therapy, Green River College
Green River College - Graduated with honors 1999
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy - 1999
Work Experience
Integrated Rehabilitation Group
Skagit Northwest Orthopedics
Cascade Rehabilitation
Washington Hand Therapy
Eastside Hand Rehabilitation
Ongoing Memberships
Hand Therapy Link
Michele Creed
Office Manager
Michele started her career with Hand Therapy Northwest in 2006. Her love and understanding of people and passion for high quality health care has made her stick around for the long haul.
Michele is always ready to help with scheduling, insurance benefits , authorizations and any questions regarding the overall therapy process you may have. She also never misses an opportunity to be present helping within the clinic and, of course, to make a few jokes along the way!
When she is not working Michele enjoys gardening, traveling to Montana , spending time with her husband , two dogs and family.
Jessica Bruno
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jessica graduated from Lake Washington Technical College as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and immediately pursued a career in hand therapy. Her areas of interest include shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand as well as orthotic management. She also has an interest in helping patients solve ergonomic challenges. Jessica appreciates building strong rapport with patients in order to maximize their rehab potential.
In her free time, Jessica loves spending time with her family, working on different crafts such as quilting, knitting, crocheting and most of all traveling.
Education and Qualifications:
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant – Lake Washington Technical College (2018)
Licensed Massage Therapist – Ashmead College of Massage (2000)
American Occupational Therapy Association (2018 – Present)
Washington Occupational Therapy Association (2018 – Present)
Samuel Macario
Occupational Therapist
Samuel graduated from AdventHealth University, where he earned his master’s in Occupational Therapy. He has gained valuable experience through clinical fieldwork at an Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic and a Skilled Nursing Facility in Orlando, FL where he provided patient-centered care and helped patients to overcome their physical limitations.
As a skilled Occupational Therapist, Samuel has experience in developing and implementing treatment plans that focus on improving patients' daily living skills and overall quality of life. He has a passion for helping individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
He is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients and is committed to ongoing professional development. His next goal is to become a Certificated Hand Therapist.
In his free time, Samuel enjoys cycling, freediving, keeping aquariums, reading, cooking, and spending time with his wife and exploring the Seattle area.
Education:
2022: AdventHealth University- Master of Occupational Therapy
2020: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology-Walla Walla University
Yushi is an occupational therapist with prior experience working with patients in acute care hospital and inpatient acute rehabilitation settings, primarily with neurological injuries to the brain and spinal cord, as well as orthopedic, cardiac, gastroenterology, and complex multiple trauma populations. She has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in occupational therapy, with a clinical doctorate degree specializing in inpatient acute rehabilitation.
When Yushi is not at work, she enjoys intermural volleyball, pickleball, hot yoga, downhill skiing, camping, hiking, and sketching. She is so excited to be a part of your hand and upper extremity rehabilitation journey!
Education:
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Los Angeles, CA
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy August 2020
• Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy May 2019
• Bachelor of Sciences, Occupational Therapy May 2018
LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, INC OTR Certification #: 430168
Washington State Occupational Therapy License OT.OT.61094901
American Heart Association CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers Basic Life Support Certified
American Occupational Therapy Association ID #: 4517729
Occupational Therapy Association of California ID #: 1838170
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle, WA
Acute Care Hospital Neurology Aug. 2021 – Present
Yushi Wang
Occupational Therapist
