Meet the Team
Meet the Lighthouse PT Team that is Ready to Serve You
Physical Therapists
Ryan Zumwalt, PT, DPT
Owner
Ryan Zumwalt, PT, DPT
Owner
Dr. Zumwalt is the Owner and Operator of Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude with his pre-medical degree in Biomedical Science from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
Following his undergraduate degree, he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Midwestern University, where he graduated at the top of his class. Since graduating, he has undergone extensive training in TMJ rehab, sports-related concussions, and sports-related orthopedic injuries.
Before founding Lighthouse, Dr. Zumwalt worked as a member of the medical team for the Seattle Mariners. He has also served as an Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Pathology at Midwestern University.
Dr. Zumwalt was a Division 1 Wrestler for California State Fullerton and a multiple-time All-American in his respective sport. When not treating patients or running Lighthouse, you can find Dr. Zumwalt lifting weights, hiking, and enjoying time with his family.
Cale Nichols, PT, DPT, COMT, OCS
Dr. Nichols graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2013 with honors and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. He then pursued physical therapy at Northern Arizona and earned his doctorate in 2017, graduating at the top of his class with distinction.
Since receiving his doctorate, Dr. Nichols has treated all musculoskeletal conditions and orthopedic injuries, ranging from post-operative recovery and joint replacements to spine dysfunction, TMJ, vestibular training, and everything in between. He has pursued extensive post-doctoral education, obtaining his COMT (Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist) in 2018 and sitting for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Exam (OCS) in 2021. While treating all conditions, Dr. Nichols has a particular enjoyment of and specializes in treating ACL reconstructions, long-distance runners, and soccer players.
Dr. Nichols has also been a clinical instructor for doctoral students for several years and has served as an adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University’s physical therapy program. When not in the clinic, you can find Dr. Nichols traveling, running, and backpacking with his dog Boomer.
Benjamin Porter, DPT
With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, Dr. Porter brings a diverse skill set and background to this esteemed practice. In his work as a personal trainer, he helps everyone from high school students to professional athletes optimize their performance and health.
Dr. Porter maintains certification in several different techniques, having worked everywhere from nursing facilities to sports rehabilitation centers. He also loves spending time outside, showcasing his various musical talents, and traveling around the world.
Cain Boschee, DPT
Originally from Kalispell, MT, Dr. Boschee’s journey took him to Dickinson State University in North Dakota, where he excelled both on the football field and the track. He then pursued his passion for helping others by earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.
Dr. Boschee’s personal experiences with rehab sparked his commitment to the field, driving him to help others return to the activities they love. Whether it’s guiding patients back to their favorite hobbies, recreational activities, or sports, his dedication shines through in every session.
When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Dr. Boschee enjoying a round of golf, hiking in the great outdoors, or staying active with a workout.
Clay Reyes, DPT
Dr. Clay Reyes is a dedicated physical therapist who brings a warm, approachable presence to Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Dr. Reyes earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Washington State University before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Whitworth University as a member of the inaugural graduating class.
Dr. Reyes is known for his genuine personality, patient-centered approach, and ability to connect with people in a meaningful and encouraging way. His professionalism, paired with an easygoing sense of humor, makes him a natural fit for the Lighthouse team and a valued partner in his patients’ care.
Outside of work, Dr. Reyes enjoys gaming, working out, and spending quality time with friends and family. He and his wife, Chelsea, who is a dedicated teacher, share their home with their beloved cat, Nomi, who he affectionately refers to as his “everything.”
Dr. Reyes is committed to helping individuals reach their goals and return to the activities they love, and he looks forward to supporting each patient with compassion, clarity, and expertise.
Dr. Evan Kern, PT, DPT
Evan received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2024 following a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Washington State University. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal injuries, including sports-related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic pain management by utilizing skilled manual therapy techniques paired with corrective exercise to alleviate pain and restore movement. Beyond rehabilitation, Evan holds a performance specialist certification to train all athletes but is most experienced with soccer, golf, hockey, and running.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Evan at the beach, on the golf course, or on a soccer pitch with his fiancé and Pembroke Welsh corgi.
Favorite quote: "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." - Robin Williams as John Keating in the movie Dead Poets Society
Outside of the clinic, you can find Evan at the beach, on the golf course, or on a soccer pitch with his fiancé and Pembroke Welsh corgi.
Favorite quote: "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." - Robin Williams as John Keating in the movie Dead Poets Society
Physical Therapy Assistants
Dakotah Roach, PTA
Dakotah is a Physical Therapist Assistant who was born and raised in Spokane, WA. He studied at Spokane Falls Community College and graduated in 2022 with his Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree.
He enjoys orthopedics and helping people achieve their goals. When not in the clinic, he spends his time with his wife and kids, auto detailing, and riding dirt bikes!
Tyson Keys, PTA
Tyson Keys is a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant who received his education at Eastern Washington University before completing the PTA program at Spokane Falls Community College. Tyson enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, playing golf, and fishing/camping. His love for physical activity and the great outdoors motivates him to continue learning and growing in his field, always striving to provide the best care possible for his patients.
Ayla Nielsen, PTA
Ayla Nielsen is a passionate and patient-focused PTA committed to supporting individuals throughout their rehabilitation journey. She earned her AAS in Physical therapy Assistance from Spokane Falls in June 2025, where she developed strong clinical skills and a deep appreciation for evidence-based, collaborative care.
Ayla is dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, improve strength, and achieve meaningful physical therapy goals. She prioritizes building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment every step of the way. When not in the clinic, Ayla enjoys spending quality time with her family. A devoted animal lover, she shares her home with many pets who bring constant joy and energy to her life.
Athena Fry, PTA
Athena is a Physical Therapist Assistant who earned her Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting from Spokane Falls Community College. A lifelong Spokane resident, she brings a unique background in Emergency Medical Services to her work in rehabilitation. Athena pursued a career as a PTA because she is passionate about helping people regain mobility, reduce pain, build strength, and return to the activities that matter most to them.
Athena strongly believes that movement is powerful medicine and is dedicated to guiding patients through their rehabilitation journey with encouragement and individualized care. Her focus is on helping each patient achieve their functional goals so they can confidently return to work, recreation, and daily life. This philosophy makes her a natural fit at Lighthouse Physical Therapy, where she enjoys supporting patients as they progress toward improved health and mobility.
Outside of the clinic, Athena enjoys playing guitar, cooking, reading, spending time with her two cats, and caring for her ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Delainey Bryson, PTA
Delainey Bryson earned her associate's degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina.
Delainey enjoys helping her patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through physical therapy. She is also passionate about advocating for a healthy, active lifestyle for people of all ages.
When she is not in the clinic, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband and son.
Delainey enjoys helping her patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through physical therapy. She is also passionate about advocating for a healthy, active lifestyle for people of all ages.
When she is not in the clinic, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband and son.
Certified Athletic Trainers
Katelyn Hansen, ATC
From her high school sports medicine class to earning a B.S. in Athletic Training and Kinesiology at Whitworth University in 2017, Katelyn’s journey in athletic training is truly inspiring. Her passion for supporting young athletes and helping them grow extends beyond the field, making her an invaluable asset to Ridgeline High School. Katelyn’s commitment to athletic training never wavered.
Katelyn enjoys quality time with her family, embracing the great outdoors. Camping in the summers and skiing in the winters are just a few of the ways she connects with nature. As a proud member of the National Ski Patrol for 12 years, she continues to patrol at 49 Degrees North, sharing her passion for safety and adventure.
Matthew Poore, ATC
Matthew’s background started and strength and conditioning through track and field. Both as a collegiate athlete and coach I found that I was able to help athletes reach their goals both on and off the field. Switching to the sports medicine side through Athletic Training gave me the ability to help others through some of the toughest times that they can go through. I have been through many injuries myself and a collegiate career ending injury which spiked my passion for helping other athletes prevent and recover. Outside of the clinic I focus on being a small business owner, outdoor enthusiest, nationally competative strength athlete/coach, and investing time in my relationship.
Front Office & Administrative Staff
Austyn Marreel, Front Desk Admin
Austyn Marreel is a dedicated and passionate Supervising Patient Care Coordinator with a strong commitment to patient experience, operational excellence, and compassionate leadership. With experience overseeing both patient care coordination and staff performance, Austyn plays a vital role in ensuring daily operations run efficiently while maintaining a supportive and patient-centered environment. From scheduling and patient intake to outreach and care coordination, she is deeply committed to making sure every patient feels heard, supported, and cared for throughout their healthcare journey. Known for leading with both kindness and accountability, Austyn believes the foundation of a successful team is built through respect, communication, and consistency. Her outgoing personality, strong organizational skills, and natural ability to connect with others allow her to create positive experiences for both patients and staff alike. She is passionate about helping her team succeed while ensuring the practice continues to grow and thrive. Outside
of her professional career, Austyn enjoys spending time with her husband and coaching dance, combining her love for leadership, mentorship, and creativity in every aspect of her life.
Jordyn Ecalbarger, Front Desk Admin
Jordyn has always had a passion for helping people and creating meaningful connections with those around her. Nearly a year ago, she joined Lighthouse, where she continues to bring compassion, dedication, and a positive attitude to her work every day. Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, where she was born and raised, Jordyn made the move to Spokane almost three years ago to pursue new opportunities and continue growing both personally and professionally.
With a strong background in healthcare and more than 15 years of experience in customer service and working with the public, Jordyn has developed excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting others. Her experience has allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life while building lasting relationships through empathy and understanding.
Looking ahead, Jordyn plans to return to school to earn her degree in Marketing and Advertising and continue her education at Whitworth University. Outside of work and school goals, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with friends, and making memories with her energetic six-month-old puppy, Luna.
With a strong background in healthcare and more than 15 years of experience in customer service and working with the public, Jordyn has developed excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting others. Her experience has allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life while building lasting relationships through empathy and understanding.
Looking ahead, Jordyn plans to return to school to earn her degree in Marketing and Advertising and continue her education at Whitworth University. Outside of work and school goals, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with friends, and making memories with her energetic six-month-old puppy, Luna.
Dante Cruz, Front Desk Admin
Dante grew up in Las Vegas before moving to Spokane Valley during high school. After graduating, he continued his education locally at Eastern Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology in 2023. Wanting to remain close to family, Dante chose to build both his career and community roots in the region.
Helping others has always been one of Dante’s greatest passions. He is currently saving to return to Eastern Washington University to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, with the goal of supporting individuals through the challenges they may face. In the meantime, he is proud to serve the community through Lighthouse Physical Therapy while continuing to grow personally and professionally through his experience at the front desk.
Outside of the office, Dante enjoys listening to his favorite music and spending time with his two dogs—a Goldendoodle (Sasha) and a Shih Tzu (Gandalf).
Helping others has always been one of Dante’s greatest passions. He is currently saving to return to Eastern Washington University to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, with the goal of supporting individuals through the challenges they may face. In the meantime, he is proud to serve the community through Lighthouse Physical Therapy while continuing to grow personally and professionally through his experience at the front desk.
Outside of the office, Dante enjoys listening to his favorite music and spending time with his two dogs—a Goldendoodle (Sasha) and a Shih Tzu (Gandalf).
Devin Hausenstein, Executive Assistant
I am a Spokane native, born and raised, and a graduate of Central Valley High School. I attended California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt from 2018–2023, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kinesiology. During my time there, I was a member of the men’s soccer team and had the honor of serving as team captain during my senior year. My graduate thesis focused on the “Risk of Concussions Based on Position Played in Soccer,” combining my passion for athletics with research on performance and injury. I also spent extensive time in the Human Performance Lab conducting VO2 max testing and motion analysis focused on gait performance.
In addition to my academic background, I completed EMT training to broaden my education and develop practical healthcare skills. Outside of work and academics, I enjoy staying active through working out, hiking, biking, and golfing, as well as spending quality time with friends and family. I also plan to pursue higher-level certifications to continue gaining experience and expanding my knowledge within the strength and conditioning and performance coaching field.
In addition to my academic background, I completed EMT training to broaden my education and develop practical healthcare skills. Outside of work and academics, I enjoy staying active through working out, hiking, biking, and golfing, as well as spending quality time with friends and family. I also plan to pursue higher-level certifications to continue gaining experience and expanding my knowledge within the strength and conditioning and performance coaching field.
Ready to Work Together?
Your journey to better movement, strength, and confidence starts now. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or anyone looking to feel better in your body, we’re ready when you are.


