Upper Extremity & Orthopedic Specialists

Rick Heiser, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy with emphasis in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehab Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT

Rick grew up on a wheat farm on the plains of western Kansas learning the values of hard-work, teamwork and compassion. He always enjoyed his time spent in areas that had what western Kansas didn’t: hills, trees and water. He has since developed a love of the mountains.

With over 25 years of experience, he has spent his career specializing in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. Rick is one of just a handful of fellowship-trained hand therapists in the country, completing a rigorous upper extremity fellowship through Baylor School of Medicine and Texas Women’s University in Houston, TX. Taught by surgeons and therapists, it provided instruction on clinical care from all perspectives. He also observed many surgical procedures and performed rounds with physicians to enhance his knowledge of the care provided before clients are referred to therapy. Rick earned advanced practice training and certifications in hand and upper extremity care (CHT) in 2000 and lymphedema (CLT) in 2008. He also returned to school in 2010 to earn his post professional doctorate in occupational therapy with an emphasis in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.

He has been privileged to be an invited speaker at numerous local, state and national conferences and has been a peer reviewer for the Journal of Hand Surgery. He has also published the lead article in the Journal of Hand Therapy reviewing the use of joint mobilization in the treatment of upper extremity conditions. Additionally, he has also been a chapter editor for the last two editions of the American Society of Hand Therapists CHT review book.

His career has focused on hand and upper extremity conditions as well as work injury management and rehab, lymphedema management, custom splint/orthotic fabrication and rehab management.

He has also contracted with numerous facilities around the country to provide rehab services learning best practices along the way. Rick enjoys incorporating research into the care of his clients to achieve the best outcomes and loves to team with them to help meet their goals in a compassionate and caring environment. He has participated in local, national and international mission trips and was invited to China as a consultant until Covid interrupted. He also loves spending time with his rescue dog, Claire, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, and enjoys taking her on his outdoor adventures.

Stirland Zollinger, OTD, OTR/L, Cert. DN

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and Certified in Dry Needling, Texas Tech University of Health Sciences.

Stirland attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a minor in entrepreneurship studies. During this time Stirland took a leave from school to serve a 2 year full time mission for his church in the country of Indonesia. This further developed his passion for service.

He completed the Doctoral Program for Occupational Therapy at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and graduated with honors. Stirland was also on the 2022 national champion runners-up Texas Tech cheer team. He served as an ambassador for the Texas Tech School of Health Professions, worked as a human anatomy graduate teaching assistant, assisted professors with cadaveric dissections, held leadership positions in other student organizations, and was in honors society.

Stirland is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and lifelong learning. He is certified in dry needling with an emphasis on the neck and upper extremity region. He is also Carfit certified allowing him to provide appropriate fitting recommendations and ergonomic principles for elders to drive their cars safely.

Outside of work he enjoys exploring all the beautiful lakes and mountains in the Flathead Valley with his wife, Kasey and their goldendoodle, Rocky. They also enjoy mountain biking, hiking and functional weight training. When not busy with that he enjoys training for and participating in triathlons, riding quads and watching live sports. Stirland is excited to help people live pain-free and get back to the game of life!

Anya Marie Jones, OTD, OTR/L

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and Registered Occupational Therapist, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

Anya Marie attended Whitworth University in Spokane, WA; double-majoring in Health Science and Community Health with minors in Leadership Studies and Sociology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Health Educator for her university, which further spurred her love for promoting health and wellness amongst people.

Post-pandemic, Anya Marie started Occupational Therapy school at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She was a member of the Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) honors society and enjoyed fieldwork rotations serving geriatric, pediatric, psychiatric, and neurological populations. In May 2024, she graduated with her doctorate in occupational therapy after completing IRB-approved research and a capstone project. Anya Marie is passionate about working alongside people of all ages and abilities to help them pursue independence and their healthcare needs. She values active listening, maximizing potential at all levels, and learning alongside clients as they seek well-being. Being newer in the field, Anya Marie is excited to earn additional certifications and training to allow her to better serve her clients.

Anya Marie and her husband, Caleb, are excited to return to the Flathead Valley with their cat (Louie) and puppy (Rhylee). If the pets don’t keep the couple busy enough, they enjoy camping, backpacking, spending time with friends and family, and serving at church together. Anya Marie also seeks to run a half marathon and thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail before having kids—we’ll see! She’s excited to meet you and talk all aspects of life (especially if you’re a Green Bay Packers fan)!