Why Rooted?
We often get asked why the business is named Rooted when the word conjures a picture of lack of movement. To us it’s a description about getting back to basics; getting back to the roots of movement and well-being. If you have a strong foundation, there’s no limit to the amount of growth you can experience. Plus we really like plants :)
Who we are
Dr. Michelle Stringer, PT, DPT
Hey! Hey! I am the owner and physical therapist at Rooted. I actually started college as a pre-med student at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, but after going through my own rehabilitation journey I realized that PTs spend significantly more time with patients than doctors do. That one-on-one time is where the difference in recovery is really made. I switched programs and never looked back. After graduating Cum Laude with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I moved across the country to take a job in Seattle, but the islands were calling! My wife and I moved to San Juan Island in 2014 to start a family and now are having fun keeping up with two very energetic kiddos. I started Rooted PT in 2018 as a way to bring pelvic rehab to the island, but the demand was so great that I started treating people with all sorts of ailments. I strive to create a safe, relaxed, and welcoming environment where I teach you about your body and why things might not be going the way you want them to. Knowledge is power, and I want to empower you to be able to treat yourself. When not working with clients I am passionate about spending time with my family, playing softball, reading, watching sunrises and sunsets, having bonfires, and soaking in the natural beauty of our extraordinary island. I am also the new head coach of the Friday Harbor Highschool softball team; so come on out and support the Wolverines! Thanks for being part of my journey as I also hope you’ll enjoy me being part of yours!
DR. KAT BURNS, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Hello! My name is Kat Burns and I am excited to work with you! I graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014 from Ithaca College and went on to become a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) through Therapeutic Associates' residency program in Eugene, OR. I just couldn't stop learning more so I became a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) after completing my Fellowship through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). As part of my specialty through this program, I pursued further breathing education and became a Certified Breathing Behavioral Analyst and now help teach others through Breathe Your Truth (BYT)! I have also done certification through the International Schroth Three-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy (ISST). I really enjoy working with patients one-on-one, teaching continuing education courses, and mentoring therapists.
Outside of work I have become a certified yoga instructor and really enjoy starting my day with yoga at home (if I don't sleep in!). My husband and I enjoy exploring and hiking on this beautiful island or being home with our energetic cat, Blink. I grew up in the midwest with horses and enjoy spending time with them whenever I can!
I believe in PT for life, so please let me know how I can help you feel your best! I am so happy to now be a part of the welcoming community in Friday Harbor!
MATEO HAENTJENS, PT
Mateo is a dedicated physical therapist who graduated from IFMK St Michel in Paris, France in 2015. With a passion for helping others, he volunteered for three years at the largest orphanage in Honduras where he specialized in caring for children with disabilities. During the Covid-19 pandemic Mateo contributed to the National Health Service in Scotland as a community physical therapist where he addressed the needs of a highly diverse population. Since 2023 Mateo has been based in the Pacific Northwest, recently making the transition to San Juan Island.
Outside of work Mateo enjoys spending time with his wife, Alaina (who is a hospice nurse with Hospice Northwest), and their border collie, Mora. He also enjoys spending time underwater as an avid diver and underwater photographer. Here Mateo is pictured with a 6 gill shark in the Puget Sound!
TRAVIS ROBY JONES
Travis is a certified rolfer™, board certified structural integrator, and e-ryt yoga instructor. Travis intuitively guides people toward expressing their full and ever balancing presence through hands-on somatic bodywork and education. His methods utilize direct hands-on manual therapy, breath awareness, movement potential, and sensory understanding. In addition to his private practice, Travis has taught yoga classes in the vinyasa, hatha and yin traditions since 2013. Travis has mentored with structural integrators and rolfers® from both the guild for structural integration and the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, as well as dozens of yoga instructors of various disciplines. Learning and study has been synonymous with applying and sharing, frequenting the yoga studio as both instructor and student. Private practice and yoga instruction offer Travis an opportunity to serve others. He feels fortunate and grateful to have created a life of service and spending his days doing what he loves to do. When he’s not practicing at his studio in the pacific northwest, he’s probably spending time with his family or walking in the mountains looking for a good place to sit and listen.
Travis is not currently treating clients out of our clinic due to our expanding therapy staff. Check out his website for updates and to schedule here.
