Staff

Don Baas, PT

Don graduated from Fresno State University in 1990 and has been providing patient care, practice management and clinical development since. Don is taking an administrative and leadership role for Baas Physical Therapy and is the CEO and co-developer/co-owner of Western Physical Therapy, Inc., a multi-practice company with offices from the Sacramento area north of Redding, of which Baas Physical Therapy belongs. Don is a cycling enthusiast, an avid fisherman, and enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling with his family. He and his wife Erin have two children at home, and a third that is married with two young children of their own.

Brian Baas, PT

Brian also graduated from Fresno State University in 1992 and has been providing patient care, practice management, and clinical development since. Brian is also taking an administrative and leadership role for Baas Physical Therapy as well as providing patient care. Brian is the CFO and co-developer/co-owner of Western Physical Therapy, Inc., a growing organization of outpatient physical therapy practices. He is involved in community outreaches, has served as Anderson High Schools athletic team therapist, and enjoys developing physical therapy programs. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, playing basketball, golfing, wake-surfing, and cycling.

Garret Gheen, MPT

Garret received his Master's degree in Physical Therapy and his Bachelor's in Health Science from Loma Linda University in 2004. Garret started his career in Southern California, developing new courses and curriculum for some of the latest physical therapy techniques before moving to the Redding area with his young family in 2007. He specializes in outpatient orthopedics and neck/back rehabilitation and has developed programs for total joint rehabilitation as well as a vestibular (dizziness) rehabilitation program. Garret also is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, certified through the American Physical Therapy Association. Garret is a devoted family man, and is active in sports and outdoor recreation including mountain biking, running, hiking, golfing, fly fishing, snowboarding, and surfing.

Ryan Troll, DPT

Ryan is originally from Pullman, Washington where he received a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at Washington State University. He went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. Ryan has most experience with outpatient orthopedic care, but is knowledgeable in care for vestibular and neurological disorders, pediatrics, and cardio-pulmonary conditions. He welcomes the opportunity to serve the surrounding community as Lead Physical Therapist of Baas Physical Therapy, as he is very personable and loves helping people accomplish their goals. In his free time, Ryan enjoys anything outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with his family.

Michelle Leavell-Penn, PTA

Michelle graduated from Holistic Institute of Berkley for Massage Therapy in 1985 and developed her own private practice from 1992 to 2016. She furthered her education at Coleman College in Houston Texas, graduating from an Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program and receiving her license in 2007. She went on to specialize in Aquatic Therapy Certificates at the Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute, and has over 5 years of experience in Aquatic Orthopedic care, with an emphasis on core and lumbar stability. Michelle is dedicated to providing special care to each individual patient, and to providing a fun atmosphere while educating patients and assisting in reaching therapy goals. Michelle is a certified scuba diver and also enjoys camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and singing in the choir at church.

Matthew Montes, BS, PTA

Matthew Montes is a Southern California transplant who has lived in the North State since high school. After graduating, he completed schooling at Shasta College, then attended Chico State where he earned his Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology. Matt was a part of the first graduating class of the Institute of Technology's Physical Therapist Assistant program. He grew up loving sports and fitness which led him to his current career. Matt's hobbies include personal training at Sun Oaks, photography, hanging out at the lake, and taking trips to the coast with his family. He plans to continue his growth in the company by implementing techniques from his colleagues and through continuous learning.

Julian, PT Tech

Julian relocated to Redding from San Francisco, having previously worked as a counselor for probation and foster youth before deciding to switch his career path to PTA. As a PT Tech at Baas Physical Therapy, Julian enjoys helping patients with their workouts while fostering a positive and fun environment. He is a very proud father who loves to spend as much time with his young son as possible. His hobbies include basketball, playing drums and hiking. As he prepares to start his education in the PTA field, he strives to help patients progress through their rehabilitation to optimize quality of life.

Sherice, Aquatic PT Tech

Sherice is from beautiful Northern California. She has a passion for whole-body wellness and being active, and is committed to expanding her knowledge and expertise. Sherice's ultimate goal is to help people achieve their personal milestones and to live more fulfilling lives. Some of her favorite activities outside of work include camping, hiking, paddleboarding, taking road trips, reading, and DIY projects. Sherice also enjoys practicing a variety of dance and aerial performance art forms and volunteering for local theater events whenever possible.

Arnica, Front Office Lead, Insurance Coordinator

Arnica is from Los Angeles and recently moved to Redding. She graduated from North West College in 2004 as a Medical Assistant and has been in the Medical Field for the last 15 years. Arnica's primary job at Baas Physical Therapy is to verify patients' insurance, answer any insurance questions, and submit authorization for continued treatment as necessary. When she is not working, Arnica enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking with her son.