Our Team
Dr. Ellen Tomsic | PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Ellen is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist. She is Fellowship trained in Manual Therapy, and is an active Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Ellen has been practicing physical therapy since 1990 and in Durango since 2000.
As our technology and body of research continues to expand, Ellen believes in maintaining personal contact with each patient. Her goal is to return you to your life as fast as possible, and to achieve this she’s committed to continuously pursuing advanced education in manual therapy. Ellen offers the following credentials, training, background and experience. Read More…
Dr. Laura Wenger | PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Laura joined Tomsic PT in Durango in Fall 2014. She completed a Physical Therapy Orthopaedic Residency at the University of Utah, becoming a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in 2015. Later, she finished Evidence in Motion’s Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship in April 2019, becoming the second fellowship-trained PT in Durango. Laura is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, expected to graduate in December 2023. She teaches at the University of Utah’s Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program, focusing on clinical reasoning. Passionate about enhancing movement quality, she is dedicated to advancing her education in physical therapy.
Dr. Christine Richards | PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT
Christine is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and joined Tomsic Physical Therapy when she moved to Durango in the summer of 2020. A lifelong learner, she is committed to advancing her skills to provide the best care possible for her patients. She is currently pursuing a certification in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. Christine has a background as a massage therapist and yoga teacher, regularly incorporating those skills into her physical therapy treatments when appropriate. Christine is passionate about helping her patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. She has a special interest in pain neuroscience and chronic pain disorders.
Dr. Daven Valdez | PT, DPT
Dr. Daven Valdez received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Colorado Mesa University and then earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Colorado in 2020. Originally from Southwest Colorado, he is dedicated to providing high quality care to the communities that raised him. Daven provides an individualized, evidence-based treatment approach that meets each patient’s specific goals. He is experienced in treating orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, concussion, vestibular pathologies, and is certified to perform dry needling. Daven completed a clinical rotation with Tomsic in 2020 and is excited to return to Durango as the a member of the Tomsic team! When he is not helping people return to the activities that they love, Daven can be found enjoying the Colorado outdoors with his dog.
Kyle Wishon | CPT RT(R) SFC
Kyle has always had an interest in the realm of health and fitness. After being involved in an accident when he was young, he found his love for training and working with the human body while working with an amazing therapist to recover from his injuries. Kyle developed this passion for training throughout high school where played baseball and was also competitive in golf on a national level because he saw how much he got out of his hard work. Kyle started working in healthcare and fitness shortly after gaining his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2007 from Fort Lewis College. Kyle has also been a NASM-certified personal trainer for almost 20 years, working many years as the head personal trainer at Elevation Training at Dalton Ranch in addition to many years with Mercy Sports Medicine. During Kyle’s long history as a trainer, he has worked with many types of clients, from first-time exercisers to elite athletes, some of whom have played in the NCAA as well as skiers and cyclists who have competed around the world. Kyle also has several years of experience working with many local physical therapists which helped him develop a passion for rehabilitation as well. Originally from Ohio, Kyle has been a proud Durango resident for over 20 years and enjoys running in the high country, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, golf, and weight training. Kyle is also an a very active father to his son Garran who competes on the freeride ski team at Purgatory, is a fencer, and loves to run and play golf as well.
julie 'Jules' Huldin, LMT | Massage therapist
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, releasing deep tension, or seeking total relaxation, Jules combines the science of healing with the art of massage, blending multiple modalities for a customized experience.
Jules believes in “me eting people where they are at” in their bodies, delivering focused, personalized care to address what’s bothering you the most.
Inspired by her father, a medical doctor in Lansing, Michigan, Jules began her journey into healing early on. After training in Telluride, Colorado in 2000, she expanded her knowledge by traveling the world—earning an instructor certification in Thailand and for Yoga in Mexico. Along the way, she trained with masters in various massage modalities, adding depth to her approach.
Jules’ methods incorporate advanced Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral Therapy, dynamic cupping, and energy work. She also integrates the soothing effects of hot rocks and towels for a comprehensive, restorative treatment.
After experiencing her own physical injuries, she understands the importance of self-care and adapting to the body’s changing needs, including those related to hormonal imbalances.
When she’s not working, she loves quiet time – developing an on-line course, stretching, biking around town, cross-country skiing, and taking daily outdoor walkabouts with her two “fur babies.”
Ingrid Foutz | Certified Pilates Instructor
Ingrid was raised in Encinitas, CA and moved to Durango, Co where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Fort Lewis College. After graduation she married a local ‘country guy’.
Ingrid and her husband adopted 3 little girls in 2014 and suddenly had 4 children to raise! They realized the need for a stay-at-home mom and Ingrid put her Pilates studies, personal training, stand up paddle board instruction and women’s outdoor fitness programs on hold.
They live on a farm in Oxford with dogs, chickens, horses and kids. Ingrid and her family visit Encinitas often to surf and paddle board.
Ingrid is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with over 25 years experience teaching fitness and designing adventure programs for women.
Ingrid is a certified Stott Pilates instructor and is working to complete the Stott Pilates Comprehensive Teaching Certification Program.
Brandye Turner | Office Manager
Brandye has worked for Tomsic Physical Therapy for almost 5 years. She grew up in Durango.
Before she came to Tomsic PT she worked for Mercy for 33 years.
She loves spending time with her 4 grandchildren and 3 dogs. She enjoys playing the drums, dancing, hiking and biking.
Kinzi Stiedle | Front Office Coordinator
Originally from Austin, Texas, Kinzi moved here in 2018 after meeting her partner. In 2020 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Texas in International Business & Cultural/Social Anthropology. In her off time Kinzi enjoys going to music festivals and hiking along with her partner & 3 dogs.
Dannon Yake | Tech
Originally from Grand Junction, CO, Dannon moved to Durango in 2022 to attend Fort Lewis College. She is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Physiology. In her free time, Dannon likes to play soccer, ski, and go hiking.
Abby Rust | Tech
Originally from New Braunfels, Tx, Abby moved to Durango in 2023 to attend Fort Lewis College. Abby is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. In her free time, Abby enjoys running, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
What Do The Letters After Our Name Actually Mean?
DPT: Doctor of Physical Therapy. Physical therapists are now prepared at the doctorate level. Ellen and Laura have this designation.
OCS: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Similar to a physician, a physical therapist may obtain additional advanced training and become ‘Board Certified’ in a specialty. Ellen and Laura are ‘Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists’. This national designation accredits them with an “Advanced Level of Clinical Competence” in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
FAAOMPT: Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Similar to physicians, a physical therapist may opt to continue advanced training into a Fellowship. Ellen and Laura completed additional Fellowship training in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy to earn this credential. Ellen and Laura are the only Fellowship-Trained therapists in the Colorado Four Corners region.
MTC: Manual Therapy Certified. This designates advanced training through a series of continuing education courses in the specialty of Manual Therapy. This designates advanced competence beyond entry level practitioners. Jeff has completed this advanced training.
CSCS: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. These are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Jeff has completed this training and carries this designation.