Our Practice

Hands for Living has provided outstanding specialty shoulder, arm, and hand care since 2011. Founder JoAnn Keller has been an occupational therapist since 1995, and has specialized in hand therapy since 1997. She has assembled a team of experienced and caring therapists who will help you reach maximal recovery. 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 the variety of treatment options available, and the focus on your success.

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.

We are conveniently located just off the I-5 and I-405 north interchange, near the Lynnwood Convention Center. People travel from throughout the region to receive care.

Our Mission

At the end of the day, our team is here to provide support to YOU in your health goals. Our success is dependent upon your success, and we strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can comfortably heal.

At Hands for Living, we have one mission: helping our clients reach their highest physical potential. Our treatment plans are aimed toward the achievement of your goals, taking into account your symptoms, medical history, and any health restrictions. We look forward to watching you and every one of our clients achieve their goals.

If you are in the Puget Sound region, and you are looking for relief, 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!

Locations & Directions

Lynnwood

Redmond

**200+ Five Star Reviews**

Hands for Living

Hands for Living is located in the Alderwood Business Campus, Building 6, Suite 213, upstairs from Northwest Return to Work. Our office is situated at 19221 36th Ave W in Ste 213 directly above John L. Scott.

We offer individualized treatment for shoulder, arm, and hand pain.  We have a highly experienced team of specialized hand therapists who care deeply about their patients. 

We offer services in our office in Lynnwood, as well as online.  We are flexible and work with you to learn what is important to you and focus our treatment on those areas.

Address

19221 36th Ave W, Ste 213
Lynnwood, WA 98036
P: 425-368-7943
F: 425-368-5236

Hours

Mon: 7 am – 6 pm
Tue: 7 am – 6 pm
Wed: 7 am – 6 pm
Thurs: 7 am – 6 pm
Fri: 8 am – 6 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

What Our Clients Are Saying

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.

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

Hand Therapy Opening

*SEEKING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OR CERTIFIED HAND THERAPIST
     - We could also consider an OTA or a PT to round out our team!

(Minimum requirement is a WA state license as OT, PT, or OTA)

Hands for Living is growing and I am looking for an outstanding and motivated occupational therapist or Certified Hand Therapist! This position is currently based at our office in Lynnwood, WA.

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 specialities.....

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 new 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 click anywhere on this page to email a letter of inquiry and your resume to owner JoAnn Keller.

IN THE SUBJECT LINE PLEASE TYPE IN “I CAN HELP YOU OUT!”

IN THE BODY PLEASE TELL ME WHY YOU THINK YOU ARE THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. PLEASE ATTACH YOUR RESUME.

Ideal candidates have Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential or are interested in pursuing this specialty.

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

Ryan comes to Hands for Living with a background working with neurological and orthopedic conditions within a hospital setting. He is drawn to the complexities of treating the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand from his passion for learning. He is eager to find relief for his patients and is excited to be a part of your path to recovery.

When Ryan is not working he enjoys hiking, backpacking, cooking, and traveling - ask him what he’s baking next!

Education and qualifications:
2022 - Certified Hand Therapist – Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
2019 - Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy - University of North Dakota 
American Occupational Therapy Association - 2016-present 
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!

Emily Damon
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Emily was introduced to hand therapy through one of her clinical rotations and discovered a passion for helping people return to their activities of daily living using one of the most utilized parts of the body. She is furthering her education and specialization in hand therapy to include the use of custom hand supports, scar release therapy, and active release techniques.

Emily is currently in a Master's Degree program to upgrade her professional credentials to become a Registered Occupational Therapist - we are so excited for this step toward her future and to recognize the knowledge and experience she already has in OT!  She also continues to advance her hand therapy and occupational therapy assistant skills through continuing education and working closely with Certified Hand Therapists to provide the best care to all her patients. 

​When not working, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, kids and pets at home or binging her favorite show, West Wing. 

Professional Experience

2019 – present Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant: Hands for Living LLC, Lynnwood, WA
2018 – present Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant: ICAN, Bellevue
2018 – 2019 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant: Cascade Rehabilitation, Silver Lake WA

Education & Qualifications

2017 – AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant – Lake Washington Institute of Technology 
2015 – AAS in Social Human Services – Lake Washington Institute of Technology 
2010 Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance – Central Washington University 

Ongoing Memberships

American Occupational Therapy Association
Washington Occupational Therapy Association

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


Jessica Padilla
Office Coordinator

Jessica’s focus is to travel alongside each of our patients until they reach their goals. Through scheduling, verifying benefits, treatment and insurance coordination, and keeping up to date with physician and surgeon communications on your progress, she will be ready to assist you all along your journey to healing!

Jessica brings years of medical and administrative experience to our team, including many years supporting different types of medical providers!

When she isn’t in the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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)

Coming Soon