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Our Team

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Marcus R. Neal
PT DPT

Marcus received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University in 2003, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2006. Marcus is dedicated to continued education with advanced clinical studies with North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. Marcus joined Desert Palms Physical Therapy in 2006 because of their focus and dedication to continuing education, mentorship and clinical expertise. Marcus has a strong interest in Evaluation, Biomechanics, and treatment of shoulder girdle dysfunction. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys the outdoors including mountain biking, hiking and hanging out with his dog, Raja. He also enjoys all things dealing with food and beverage, including cooking, eating and brewing.

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Susan Mann
PT, MPT

Susan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport's Medicine from the University of Virginia in 1988 and her Masters in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in 1992. When she joined Desert Palms Physical Therapy in 2005, she had over 20 years of experience in the health care field and draws upon a multitude of experiences in many different arenas. Her desire to practice in a supportive environment along with her commitment to continuing education makes this an excellent match. Susan enjoys music, dancing and spending time with her two dogs, Getty and Nicholas.

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Rachael Coffey
PT DPT

Rachael received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University in 2000 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2004. Rachael relocated to Tucson and joined Desert Palms Physical Therapy in 2007. She joined Desert Palms because of their dedication to continuing education, mentoring, and advancement of clinical expertise as well as their commitment to providing excellent patient care in a supportive environment. In her spare time, Rachael enjoys music, salsa dancing, cultural events, the outdoors and her cats, Paprika and Puma.

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Stacy Yungkurth
PT,  Pilates Instructor

Stacy has seventeen years of practice with a wide range of experience including wound care, trauma, acute, chronic and rehabilitation. She and her family spent three years living in Kazakhstan where she developed a pediatric Physical Therapy program working with local children with CP. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1977 and her Certification as a Pilates instructor in March 2005. Her passion for treating vestibular and balance problems along with her Certification in Pilates brought her to Desert Palms Physical Therapy and Movement Studio. She joined the clinic in 2005, for the extensive educational emphasis and the high level of excellence in patient care. She is very active in her local church and has a keen interest in things international. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons, hiking, music, movies, playing Scattegories and doing Pilates. 

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Michaela Gaither
PT,  DPT

Michaela Gaither received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northern Arizona University in 2005. Prior, she completed undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Microbiology. She has worked in outpatient orthopedics, acute and sub-acute care treating a wide array of conditions from sports injuries to chronic pain. She is passionate about empowering others to lead their most fulfilling lives by improving the way their bodies move and function. Michaela has taken continuing education through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT), International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, and is certified in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).  Michaela is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and APTA Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Sections. She joined Desert Palms in 2011 because of Bruce Franke’s reputation for clinical excellence in manual orthopedic physical therapy and advanced training opportunities through Desert Palms Institute and the NAIOMT. Michaela enjoys Desert Palms’ integrative approach to wellness and emphasis on restoring total body movement. Michaela’s hobbies include any outdoor activity, working out, travel and spending time with family and friends.

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Julienne Cananea
PTA

 Julienne graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2010 and received her State Certification in 2011. Since her employment here at DPI, she has enjoyed her venture of working within the physical therapy realm. She plans to expand her knowledge by observing and effectively working with her Physical therapists to give the most dedicated and personalized care as possible. She enjoys spending time with her playful and flamboyant daughter who gives her new joys to experience. She enjoys making new acquaintances and hopes that through work she will have the opportunity to learn new things everyday. 

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Julia Miller
CPI, Pilates Instructor

Julia received her Pilates Certification from John White, a second generation Classical Pilates Instructor.  She has continued her studies by completing workshops with Madeline Black, Karen Clippinger, Eric Franklin and Rachel Taylor Segel.  Raised in Minneapolis, Julia received her undergraduate degree in Genetics from the University of Minnesota.  Putting her degree to good use she pursued a career in dance working with Jimmy Locust in Minneapolis, Jeff Bickford Dance in Seattle and locally with FunHouse Dance Theater and Thom Lewis Dance.  She is currently working on her Masters in Human Movement through ATSU in Mesa, Arizona.  Julia views Pilates as an exercise form that helps people develop a better understanding of how their bodies work, changes dysfunctional movement patterns, and improves overall mind/body health.

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Cindy L. Reyna
Certified Gyrotonics and Gyrokinesis Instructor

Cindy received her GYROTONIC Certification in 2010 followed by her GYROKINESIS Certification in 2011.  She has completed Founder Juliu Horvath's  Breathing Workshop and the Therapeutic Applications for Scoliosis Course with Physiotherapist Uwe Herbstreit.  Cindy received her certifications from Authorized Master Trainers Sebastain Plettenberg and Erika Hassan of GYROTONIC Manhattan and Miriam Barbosa.  She has also had the opportunity to train with Master Trainers Elizabeth Dawson and Nora Heiber of San Francisco Gyrotonic and extensively with Eric Hall of Gyrotonic Minneapolis.  A Tucson native, Cindy received her B.F.A. in Fine Arts and Education; an M.A. in Journalism and her Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. She discovered GYROTONIC at Desert Palms Physical Therapy as a patient in 2008 ..... the rest is history. Her practice and teaching of
GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS bring wellness and balance to a full life.

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Laura Duncan
LMT, NCTMB, Massage Therapist

Laura completed her therapeutic massage education and became a Licensed Massage Therapist at the Providence Institute in 2007.  Laura’s interest in the healthy workings of the human body and her joy in working with people led her to this career path, and eventually her plans of becoming a physical therapist.  She was drawn to Desert Palms because of the integrative approach to full body wellness.  Laura practices Swedish massage and sports/deep tissue massage with elements Zen Shiatsu, myofascial release, biodynamic craniosacral work, and Reiki.  Laura has also studied Lymphatic Drainage Massage and is currently working on certification in this.  In her spare time, Laura is dedicated to her studies, her dog and cat, and makes time to ride her bicycle, practice yoga, and constantly try new things.

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Serena Pullen
L.Ac, LST, B.A., Acupuncture

Serena graduated from the University of Arizona majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Studio Art. In 2001, she attended the International Institute of Chinese Medicine studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Serena completed her program with an internship in Chengdu, China as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.  Ms. Pullen is also trained in Biotouch, Acutonics/Sound Therapy, La Stone massage and is an Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher.  Because of her wide range of experience, Serena is able to combine her exploration of ancient cultures, spiritual practices and the arts with her training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, sound healing and energy work to create a unique, loving and profound healing experience on all levels.

 In addition to her above studies, Serena has had 28 years of formal dance training which she has incorporated into her therapy. She has used movement and music as therapy in numerous settings.  Presently, Serena spends much of her free time volunteering at the Bio-touch Center and for Hospice and is dedicated to playing a significant role in the wellness and growth of the community.


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Rene Williams
Office Manager

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start quote graphic Each Therapist shares a commitment to restore each patient to their highest function and independence while providing specific consideration to individual goals. Our referrals know us for our excellent patient satisfaction and exceptional outcomes.  end quote graphic


OUR TEAM

Bruce Franke Jr.

Marcus R. Neal

Susan Mann

Rachael Coffey

Michaela Gaither

Julienne Cananea

Stacy Yungkurth

Julia Miller

Cindy L. Reyna

Laura Duncan

Serena Pullen

Rene Williams

520-531-0305       Ι       7400 N. LA CHOLLA BLVD       Ι      TUCSON, AZ 85741

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