Juliana Ament PT, DPT, MOMT, OCS
Julie Ament is the owner of the clinic, and has been practicing physical therapy in North Pole since 1995. She earned her Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University in Philadelphia in 1990. She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy with Regis University in 2012. Additionally she earned an Advanced Masters in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy from the Ola Grimsby Institute in 1999 and completed Residency and Fellowship training in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Julie is Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and is certified in Dry Needling.
In her spare time Julie likes to garden, fish, camp, bike, ski and enjoy the Alaskan outdoors. She is a supporter of Nanook Sports, and is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, the North Pole Patriots, and the Eielson Ravens.
Sam Whitsel PT, DPT
Sam Whitsel graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Sam has been working in St. Louis, MO since that time and joined North Pole Physical Therapy in April 2014. Sam has a strong interest in continuing education and continues to study Manual Therapy including an interest in the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM). Sam also has an interest in working with former and active Military personnel and enjoys the opportunities to do so at NPPT. Sam’s interests are hiking, biking, sightseeing, and spending time with his wife when he isn’t at work. Sam loves the opportunity to explore the great land of Alaska.
Taylor Gilbert, PT, DPT
Taylor Gilbert graduated from Regis University, in Denver, CO, in 2015 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. She followed her love of adventures and the outdoors to Interior, AK to practice Physical Therapy. Taylor has been working at North Pole PT since graduation and enjoys the opportunity to work in orthopedics. She has a specialized interest in injury prevention as well as sports specific rehabilitation. Taylor is looking forward to continuing education opportunities focused on manual therapy.
In her free time she is excited to explore the outdoors and the culture of Alaska! She enjoys activities including, mountain and road biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, and dancing.
Jim Pasek
Jim Pasek is a 1998 graduate of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. He has worked in Fairbanks as an out-patient orthopedic and chronic pain physical therapist since 1999. Jim has received his manual therapy certifications with IAOM- US. Jim specializes in disorders of the cervical and lumbar spine. He is also interested in injury prevention in sport and recreational athletes.
Jim’s interests outside the clinic include biathlon, downhill skiing, snow machining, biking, hunting, camping, photography, and working on his old car.
Natalie Box
Natalie Box graduated from Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, OH in 2015 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. She has been practicing in Cincinnati since graduation, and joined North Pole Physical Therapy in March of 2017. Natalie wanted an opportunity to further her physical therapy career and have plenty of outdoor adventures, which is what lead her to the Fairbanks and North Pole areas. She has a passion for continuing education in manual therapy, fall prevention, and working with the geriatric population. Natalie’s interests include hiking, skiing, spending time with family and friends, and animal rescue.
Laura Lane
Laura Lane joined our office in April 2017. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University, her background is in medical office management with a focus on clinical quality improvement. She also holds a certification in Human Resource Management, Health Care Quality and Lean Six Sigma. Laura originally moved to Alaska in 2011. She loves all things Alaska and all things outdoors. When she isn’t working she enjoys time with her kids and grandkids, hunting, fishing and exploring the great state of Alaska with her dog.
Angela Skellie
Angela Skellie joined our office in 2014. She is originally from Upstate New York, but has allowed the Army to determine her place of residence for the better part of twenty years. Angela and her family first moved to Alaska in 1998. She was smitten upon arrival and spent from 2001-2010 trying to convince Uncle Sam to allow her family to return. Now that they’re here, they plan to never leave. One of the things Angela enjoys the most about working in our office is meeting the patients. The community of North Pole is small, so it’s nice to see familiar faces around town. When Angela isn’t sitting at the receptionist’s desk, she enjoys spending time with her husband and five kids, raising a few farm animals, and exploring the Last Frontier.
Betty Vinson
Betty Vinson, one of our Southern Belles, is a receptionist in our office. She has more than 25 years of administrative and professional office experience. Originally from Tennessee, she has fallen in love with Alaska. Her faith and life experiences have made her optimistic, giving her a sense of humor and eagerness to laugh. A few of her favorite past times are family, the outdoors, and enjoying God’s handiwork.
Pamela Leist
Born in California but raised for most of my life in Fairbanks, AK. Attended college in Springfield, MO and the Univ of AK Fairbanks. Started with NPPT in March, 2016, after moving to NP the previous December. Most of my career has been with the Univ of AK Fairbanks in Student Services, both locally and with the campuses in Kotzebue, Bristol Bay, Nome, Bethel and Interior Alaska. Hobbies include, catering, piano (keyboard), sewing, but most of all spending time with my daughters and their families!
North Pole Physical Therapy