Meet Our Team

Nadia Heffner

Nadia K. Heffner, LMT – A 2001 graduate of Indiana college of Bodywork Modalities, is a skilled professional specializing in therapeutic massage.

Ms. Heffner is highly skilled as the result of more than 20 years of experience in Reiki, Foot Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai massage, Relaxation KI massage, and Deep Tissue Techniques.

Outside of her practice Ms. Heffner enjoys riding and training horses, cooking, and traveling to explore all of New Mexico.

Matthew Kooi

Matthew Vander Kooi, PT, DPT, Cert DN obtained his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Washington State University where he worked closely with the exercise physiology and human performance departments. This gave Matthew early experience and insights into optimizing human movement and the rehabilitation process. Matthew has continued to build on these insights as he has progressed his passion for rehabilitative sciences, obtaining his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in 2019.

Matthew specializes in management of orthopedic injuries. Matthews practice experience includes working with primarily orthopedic populations in: Washington State, Arizona, New Mexico, and within military service areas. Matthew has particular interest in enhancing function for those living and or pursuing an active lifestyle.

In his free time Matthew enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with his family, and pursuing his hobby of competitive weightlifting.

Michelle Parra

Michelle Parra, MSPT earned her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland in 1995. She has since pursued extensive training in the area of Pelvic Health and has been treating male and female patients exclusively in this area for the last 14 years. She is experienced in the treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain and pregnancy and post-partum related issues.

She is passionate about helping patients with issues that can be difficult to talk about, but that may be a barrier to full participation in life. She especially loves teaching and motivating patients to improve their health and to move towards a more holistic picture of wellness. She completed a certification in Integrative Health and Wellness coaching though University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in 2020.

Outside of work, she enjoys most any outdoor adventure, but spends most of time running, hiking, biking and nordic skiing and recently learned how to skate ski. She also loves knitting, reading and spending time with her family, adult children and pets.

Shelly Wilson

Shelly Wilson, MPT, OCS, CEAS graduated with her Master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of New Mexico in 2007. She is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and is a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist. Shelly has advanced training in Therapeutic taping, Mulligan, McKenzie, Strain Counterstrain and Barral Institute Neural Manipulation techniques.

Shelly has extensive experience in the outpatient orthopedics setting and has great outcomes treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal diagnosis, post-operative conditions and work related injuries. Shelly loves working with people to help them heal and regain their function. She finds it very important to listen and work closely with her patients to help them achieve their goals and get the results they are looking for.

Outside of work Shelly enjoys traveling, playing golf, spending time with family and friends, and taking her dog Max on walks.

Sandra Chavez

Sandra Chavez, MSPT earned her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico in 2004. She has previous experience as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, earned a Master level certification in Dry Needling, and has an extensive knowledge and experience in Augmented Soft Tissue Manipulation (AYSTM), blood flow restriction techniques, and Functional Movement Screening (FMS).

All her achievements and acquired knowledge demonstrates her interest in working with a variety of high-level athletes, and highly motivated patients.

She finds great reward in working with people on the path to their recovery, healing, and overall wellness. She takes pride in her work and enjoys using her knowledge and expertise to facilitate functional and physical achievements for her patients.

Sandra says “I get ecstatic when my patients succeed in achieving their therapy goals.” “I am their biggest cheerleader.”

In her spare time, Sandra is an avid cyclist, both road and dirt. She enjoys functional strengthening and yoga, as well as outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and many other such adventures with her husband and dogs.

Valerie Gove

Valerie Gove, PT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy with 25+ years of experience. Valerie completed rigorous training in spine and extremity manipulation to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. She is certified in Integrative Dry Needling and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM).

Ms. Gove founded Active Solutions in 2001. She enjoys helping her clients optimize their function in life and in sports. She has a particular interest in shoulder injuries in overhead athletes.

Outside of work Ms. Gove is an accomplished equestrian, enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with her family, and performing agility with her Australian Shepherds.

Israel Gutierrez-Olivas

Israel Israel is a Physical Therapist Assistant experienced in outpatient care. He specializes in creative design of therapeutic exercise and has a passion for neuromuscular re-education to help patients optimize their movement to achieve their own personal goals. He enjoys working with athletes that require injury prevention training, post-stroke rehab, and post-op therapy.

Outside of work he enjoys doing outdoor adventures such as kayak fishing, snowboarding, camping, and hiking with his wife & 3 dogs. He developed his passion for Physical Therapy as a former patient at a young age from sport related injuries and loves seeing his patients succeed.

Rachel Harrison

Rachel Harrison, PT, DPT, CSCS earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico. She has an extensive background in exercise science as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES), and is a certified Kinesio Tape practitioner.

Doctor Harrison earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico. In 2009, she became a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) and became certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES) in 2011. She is a Level II Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner. Rachel has experience working with soccor and volleyball athletes and runners as well as the people in the general population that like to be active. She loves balance training and helping clients with fall prevention as well as working with children and clients with neurological injuries (stroke and brain injury.)

She performs acrobatic yoga and enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and a variety of outdoor activities. When she has quiet time she likes to read and spend time with her family.

Danielle Fromer

Danielle Fromer, LMT graduated from the Universal Therapeutic Massage Institute. Danielle specializes in deep tissue, medical, and myofascial massage.

She provides a supportive and relaxing environment for her patients listening to each individualized need.

With 10+ years of medical experience Ms. Fromer has a special understanding of chronic pain.

In her free time Danielle is active in the community and enjoys spending time with her family.

We are Open!

Active Solutions is OPEN for in-clinic treatment as allowed by the New Mexico Department of Health and video visits.

Your Protection and Safety Are Our Top Priority.
All ASTS locations have implemented strict protocols for COVID-19. Please contact us to learn the details.

Most insurance plans are allowing a variety of options to help you receive physical therapy during this time. Please contact us to discuss your options.

Contact Us

Danielle Fromer

LMT

Edgewood

Israel Gutierrez-Olivas

PTA

Rachel Harrison

PT, DPT, CSCS

Edgewood and Albuquerque

Sandra Chavez

MSPT

Albuquerque

Valerie Gove

PT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT

Edgewood

Shelly Wilson

MPT, OCS, CEAS

Albuquerque and Cedar Crest

Michelle Parra

MSPT

Cedar Crest and Edgewood

Matthew Kooi

PT, DPT, Cert DN

Edgewood

Nadia Heffner

LMT

Edgewood

Get Back to What You Love!

Active Solutions is OPEN for in-clinic treatment as allowed by the New Mexico Department of Health and video visits.

Your Protection and Safety Are Our Top Priority.
All ASTS locations have implemented strict protocols for COVID-19. Please contact us to learn the details.

Most insurance plans are allowing a variety of options to help you receive physical therapy during this time. Please contact us to discuss your options.