MEET OUR TEAM OF SKILLED PHYSICAL THERAPY PROFESSIONALS

SAM MALEKI, PT, DPT, CSMT, CERT. DRY NEEDLING

Physical Therapist, Owner

Sam completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 2015. Following graduation, he spent several years learning how to effectively treat headaches, neck and lower back pain through the International Spine and Pain Institute. Since moving to Boise in 2018, Sam has successfully helped many patients with chronic and acute spine pain improve their quality of life. Through this success, he has emerged as one of the top spine physical therapists in Boise.

During his work as an outpatient PT, he has gained certifications in Functional Dry Needling (FDN, EIM) and Spinal Manual Therapy (CSMT, International Spine and Pain Institute).

When he is not working, Sam likes to spend his time skiing, hiking/mountaineering, mountain biking or relaxing with his wife and pets.

ASHLEY BERGERSON, PT, DPT, CERT. DRY NEEDLING

Meridian and Boise Physical Therapist, Owner, COO

Ashley earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Dakota in 2021. She is passionate about helping patients return to the activities they love by identifying the root cause of their pain rather than simply treating symptoms. Ashley believes that patient education is one of the most important parts of rehabilitation and takes the time to explain the "why" behind every injury, treatment plan, and exercise, empowering her patients to take an active role in their recovery.

Committed to providing evidence-based, specialized care, Ashley has completed advanced training and certifications in Functional Dry Needling Levels I and II (Evidence In Motion), Pelvic Floor Dry Needling, and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (Level I and Level II). She enjoys integrating these advanced treatment techniques with individualized exercise programs and hands-on care to help patients move better, recover faster, and achieve lasting results.

Originally from a small town outside of Duluth, Minnesota, Ashley now enjoys calling Idaho home. Outside of the clinic, you'll find her skiing, hiking with her dog, backpacking, camping, paddle boarding, or spending time with close friends and family exploring everything the outdoors has to offer.

TYLER ZACHER, PT, DPT, CERT. DRY NEEDLING, CMP

Meridian Physical Therapist, Meridian Clinic Director

Tyler grew up in North Dakota and earned both his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, where he also competed on the track & field team as a long jumper and triple jumper. His experience as a collegiate athlete gives him a firsthand understanding of the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to perform at a high level and recover from injury.

Tyler has a special interest in treating athletes and active individuals, helping them return to their sport, work, and everyday activities with confidence. He is certified in the Mulligan Concept, Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (McKenzie Method), and dry needling, and combines these advanced techniques with individualized, evidence-based care to help each patient achieve their goals.

Outside the clinic, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family, staying active through fitness and outdoor recreation, and embracing just about any opportunity for friendly competition.

ALLISON JOHNSTON, PT, DPT, CERT. DRY NEEDLING, CERT. RUNNING AND GAIT ANALYSIS

Boise Physical Therapist

Allison earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and is passionate about helping athletes and active individuals recover from injury, improve performance, and get back to doing what they love. With a special interest in sports rehabilitation, she creates personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient's goals, whether they're returning to competition, training for their next event, or simply staying active.

To provide the highest level of care, Allison has completed advanced training in running and gait analysis through RunDNA and is certified in Functional Dry Needling Levels I and II through Evidence In Motion (EIM). She integrates these specialized skills with hands-on treatment and individualized exercise programs to help patients move more efficiently, recover confidently, and perform at their best.

Outside of the clinic, Allison practices what she preaches. She competes in Ironman triathlons, enjoys camping in the mountains, hiking to alpine lakes, and embracing every opportunity to explore the outdoors. Her passion for endurance sports gives her a unique understanding of the physical and mental demands of training, allowing her to connect with athletes at every level and guide them back to the activities they love.

MACKENZIE KIRKPATRICK, PT, DPT

Meridian Physical Therapist

A proud Idaho native, Mackenzie earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Idaho State University in 2025. She brings a lifelong passion for movement, performance, and helping others stay active. Having played competitive soccer from elementary school through college, Mackenzie understands firsthand the physical and mental demands of athletics. Her own experiences navigating injuries, training, and competition shape the way she approaches patient care, allowing her to connect with athletes and active individuals at every stage of their journey.

Mackenzie has a special passion for working with the Treasure Valley's "Weekend Warriors"—runners, hikers, golfers, pickleball players, gym enthusiasts, and active adults who want to continue doing what they love. Whether you're training for your next race, returning to the golf course, or simply looking to stay active and pain-free, she enjoys helping patients move more efficiently, recover confidently, and perform at their best.

To provide the most effective, evidence-based care, Mackenzie is also certified in Functional Dry Needling (FDN, EIM). She incorporates dry needling, hands-on treatment, and individualized exercise programs to help patients reduce pain, improve movement, and reach their goals with confidence.

JENNA HENDERSON, PT, DPT

Boise Physical Therapist

Jenna earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at California State University, Sacramento. Her passion for physical therapy began through her own rehabilitation journey after multiple hip surgeries as both a child and an adult due to congenital hip dysplasia. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for the impact of individualized care and inspires her to help patients move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love.

Jenna is passionate about providing personalized, evidence-based care that addresses the root cause of pain while empowering patients throughout their recovery. She has completed Level I Pelvic Health certification through the Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE) and is continuing her advanced training with the goal of becoming a board-certified pelvic health physical therapist.

Outside the clinic, Jenna enjoys trail running, skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the outdoors. She is also an advanced scuba diver and once spent a year traveling the western United States in a camper. When she's not adventuring, you'll find her reading, drinking coffee, playing games with friends, or spending time with her husband, baby, and golden retriever.

ROY ARANA, PT, DPT, CERT. DRY NEEDLING

Boise Physical Therapist

Coming soon!

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