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 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I moved across the country to take a job in Seattle, but the islands were calling! I moved to San Juan Island in 2014 to start a family and now am 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. After almost 8 years of Rooted PT, I have transitioned to a mostly administrative role, I still strive to create a safe, relaxed, and welcoming environment where we can 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 or running the business, I am passionate about spending time with my chosen family, moving my body, reading, plants, watching sunrises and sunsets, having bonfires, and soaking in the natural beauty of our extraordinary island. Thanks for being part of my journey as I also hope you’ll enjoy me being part of yours! Now, onto the next adventure…
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!
TARA PLANK, PTA
Hi, I’m Tara and I’m excited to join the team at Rooted. I graduated with honors in 2020 from Whatcom Community College as a physical therapist assistant. Until 2025, I was commuting to Orcas for work and I am grateful to again be living and working on SJI. While I was in school, I was generously supported by local non-profit organizations and I am happy to be giving back to this wonderful community. I’m certified in the LSVT BIG program for Parkinson Disease and am a LYT certified yoga instructor. LYT yoga focuses on postural awareness and joint stability, which is a perfect bridge to and from physical therapy.
San Juan has been my permanent home since 2016. When I’m not at work I enjoy hiking or, depending on the weather, snuggling with my dog. You may also find me swimming laps, paddleboarding, playing disc golf or teaching yoga.
I look forward to exploring movement with you!
Marika - coming soon
We have new staff members, and their profiles will be updated soon.
