Chris Reynolds, PT, MHS, CHT

Chris received his Bachelor of Applied Sciences Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan in 1979. He moved to Phoenix one year later to begin his career in hand therapy and has been part of a growing profession ever since. He worked for a group of hand surgeons and hand therapists for 17 years and helped lay the groundwork for this burgeoning specialty. During this period Chris authored several chapters in Rehabilitation of the Hand and a number of other publications while giving over 100 talks and presentations nationally and locally. He became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1991 and received his Masters of Health Science Degree from the University of Indianapolis in 1994.

In 1997 Chris started Desert Hand Therapy and has been the Director ever since, establishing 10 clinics in the Valley of the Sun. He continues to see a full caseload of patients finding immense joy in helping patients with injured upper extremities regain motion, strength, and function. He recently patented a continuous passive motion machine for the elbow and is working on a new brace/splint combination for injured hands and wrists. Through the years Chris has had the pleasure of mentoring individuals who have expressed an interest in entering the field of hand therapy.

Chris served on the Board of the American Society of Hand Therapy and has been an item writer for the Certification examination. He is a member of the APTA, AZPTA, and  ASHT.

When Chris is not at work he enjoys his involvement with his church, participating in sports of all kinds, and spending time with his “little brother” through Valley Big Brothers and Sisters. He particularly enjoys family vacations with his wife Laure, daughter Jessica and son Chase.

Central Phoenix Location

John Schouten

John joined DHPT in June 2021. I graduated from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. I have spent most of my time in the field in outpatient orthopedics. I decided to become a PT because all of the anatomy and sports medicine classes I took in college were very interesting to me and PT was a way I could keep learning about those things after college. I also love seeing and talking to a bunch of different people throughout the day and helping them get better. In my free time, I love playing basketball. If I could have a superpower it would be the ability to fly. I would love to be able to fly wherever I want but I would also love the fact that I could basically go sky diving whenever I want. When I was a kid my dream was to be an NBA basketball player.

Clarendon Location

Mia Graham, OTD, OTR/L

Joined DHPT in 2022

School: I attended the University of Tampa for my undergraduate degree and Creighton University – Denver Program for my occupational therapy degree.

Experience/Background to Highlight: I have experience in both outpatient hand therapy as well as the acute care hospital setting. I also had the pleasure of completing two clinical rotations with DHPT during my schooling.

My favorite part of OT is helping patients get back to doing the things they love so they can return to enjoying activities at home and in the community.

Career Goals: I am working to become a certified hand therapist and plan to work with a wide variety of patients.

Professional Association: AOTA

Enjoy doing in free time: I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, trying different restaurants, and spending time with my friends and family.

Favorite quote/life motto: My favorite quote to live by is:

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

Shelby Johnson PT, DPT, CSCS

Joined DHPT in 2022

School: I attended the University of Wyoming for my undergraduate degree and Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Experience/Background to Highlight: I have PT experience in outpatient ortho and acute care settings. I also had a 12-week clinical rotation with DHPT as a physical therapy student.

My favorite part of PT is getting to meet new people and helping them achieve their personal goals. I enjoy the challenge of creating unique exercise programs to optimize each patient’s specific needs.

Career Goals: I plan to continue treating full body and become dry needling certified in the near future.

Professional Association: APTA

Enjoy doing in free time: I enjoy hiking, weightlifting, playing outdoor sports, and taking my dog for long walks.

Favorite quote/life motto:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff.”
― Richard Carlson, Ph.D