About Us

Here at Columbia Physical Therapy we are driven by our mission statement to provide physical therapy in a professional, caring, and pleasant environment. Our entire staff works hard to provide a patient-first atmosphere in which your comfort and care are our primary concern. Your satisfaction is how we define our success!

Our Physical Therapists are highly trained and use only safe and effective evidence-based physical therapy. Education is important to our staff, and through seminars and classes, we ensure our therapists know the latest and most effective techniques in their field. All of this means a faster, better and more comfortable recovery for you!

Dale Blatter

Dale Blatter

Physical Therapist

Dale was born and raised on a farm in Southeast Idaho, where he learned both the value of hard work and the value of having a body that is physically able to work. These things drove him to work hard in school and increased his desire to help others. He decided that the best way he could do that was to pursue a career in physical therapy. He graduated from Idaho State University a Master of Physical Therapy in 1994. Immediately after Graduating, Dale worked for Kadlec Medical Center for two years, before joining the Columbia Physical Therapy family in 1996.

Dale now provides physical therapy in the Richland, WA office and loves to help those who come in to recover from injuries and get them back to enjoying their lives.

Dale and his wife Lara have 4 daughters, Erin, Emily, Allison, and Kate. When he is not working, Dale’s greatest joy in life is his family, and his favorite activities to do with them include boating, water skiing, wake boarding, and home repairs.

Clark Heath

Clark Heath

Physical Therapist

Clark was raised in Eastern Oregon and grew up working in the onion and sugar beet fields. The hard and often hot working conditions motivated him to pursue a college education. He received his Master’s Degree in 1990 from the distinguished U.S Army-Baylor Master’s Program in Physical Therapy. Clark proudly served on active duty in the Army for 6 years providing therapy to the fighting men and women of the Armed Forces and is a veteran of Desert Storm.

Clark joined the Columbia Physical Therapy family in 1994 working first in the Moses Lake clinic. A year later he was given an opportunity to open a clinic in Othello, utilizing his second language, Spanish, to communicate with many of the regions injured clients. In the 20 years of employment with Columbia Physical Therapy he has worked in the majority of the 14 clinics presently owned by the company.

Currently, Clark is providing aquatic physical therapy for patients in the Tri-Cities region in our Richland clinic. Having spent 15 years “on land” in therapy clinics, he decided 9 years ago to build and grow aquatic physical therapy services for patients of the Columbia Basin.

Clark married his sweetheart, Becky, in college and they are proud parents and grandparents to 2 daughters (1 son-in-law), 2 sons (1 daughter-in-law), and 1 granddaughter. Family is Clark’s top priority in life and when not in the clinic he can be found playing, working, and enjoying time with family members. He has completed half marathons with 3 of his children and 20 marathons on his own. Just ask Becky or any of his children and they will tell you in addition to running; tennis and Earth, Wind, and Fire make Clark smile.

Jake Hillyard

Jake Hillyard

Physical Therapist

Jake attended Utah State University where he received a B.S. in human movement science prior to attending physical therapy school in Richmond, Virginia.  There he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU.) 

He has been a part of Columbia Physical Therapy since 2018, with his first 2 years working as a traveler for the company.  He enjoyed the experience of seeing various clinics across the greater Tri-Cities area and learning from many of the company’s experienced therapists.  He feels he has the best job in the world helping others return to their normal daily activities, hobbies, or sport.

Jake was first exposed to physical therapy as a high school athlete, when he became a patient himself.  Jake was born and raised in northern Utah and met his wife Kristi while attending Utah State.  They have 2 young boys, Myles and Logan, who keep them very busy.

Derreck Crews

Derreck Crews

Physical Therapist

Derreck graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2019. Prior to Baylor, he completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University-Idaho earning a Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology.

Derreck is committed to making a positive impact on the human experience of his patient’s and community. He believes the best aspect of his career is working with patients to help them achieve their functional goals. Derreck feels the most rewarded, professionally, when helping individual’s overcome their limitations and return to the activities they love to do. Derreck is passionate about learning and diligently seeks continued education in orthopedic manual therapy techniques and current evidence-based movement interventions.

Derreck married his high school sweetheart, Jessica, in 2006 and they have four boys Devin, Jaydin, Jaxin, and Dallin. Outside of the clinic, Derreck and his family enjoy spending time outdoors including: walking their Great Dane Juniper, playing basketball, disc golf, mountain biking, and snowboarding. Derreck also serves in the community by coaching and training in youth basketball and regularly participating in service opportunities through his church.

Aracely

Aracely

Office Manager

I have been in the medical field for 17 years now I started as a medical receptionist and slowly learning how to handle authorizations referrals medical records and billing/coding. I was given the opportunity here at Columbia Physical Therapy to become the office manager. I will be running all the front office from insurance inquiries and verifications, problem-solving any insurance issues to patient account status. My goal is to help everyone and make sure you have a great experience in our clinic.

On the days I’m not working I’m spending time with my husband and three girls.

Kris Johnson

Kris Johnson

Aide

Kris has worked here at Columbia Physical Therapy for 10 years as an Aide. Her duties as a physical therapist aide range from helping patients with basic needs to assisting Dale and Clark with procedures and exercises for patients. Quality patient care is her motto.

Kris is a native of Richland, graduating from Richland High School, and then earning her BA in Recreation and Leisure from Eastern Washington University. She is a sports enthusiast and enjoys rollerblading, walking and running.

Blanca

Blanca

Aide

As a physical therapist aide, Blanca’s daily duties are to help the patients with their
exercises as well as encouraging them. She also assists the therapists with procedures
whenever it is needed.

Blanca enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys being
outdoors and adventurous while making more memories.