Meet the MTN PHYSIO Team!
We are a dedicated group of skilled people who are passionate about outdoor activities such as hunting and archery. Our team consists of individuals who are not only experts in physiotherapy or respective occupations but also love exploring the great outdoors.
Dr. Preston Ward, PT, DPT, OCS
Preston grew up at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City. His first memories of the outdoors at the age of 3 or 4 include riding on the back of mules and horses, deer hunting, and wearing a sleeping bag to stay warm. He grew up having a fascination for the outdoors. He played various sports, including baseball, lacrosse, football, snowboarding, and mule riding. His passion from a young age was camping and hunting. He took his first buck at the age of 14 where he and his brother stalked over a mile to get within yards of his muzzleloader buck. At the age of 17, he drew a coveted limited-entry elk tag. As it would go, this was an archery tag…. the caveat…. Preston didn’t own a bow and hadn’t ever shot a bow. Instead of returning the tag to the draw, he purchased a bow and practiced every day. He learned the art of bowhunting and recognized the hours of practice it takes to get proficient. After too many close calls, a few misses, his Dad right next to him, and a bull within 20 yards, he finally connected on a beautiful 350-inch bull. This is where his passion for archery began and he will admit he has been addicted ever since.
As he grew up, he began to have a love for learning both academically and physically. He attended the University of Utah to receive a Bachelors of Science in Exercise and Sport Science/Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish Language Studies. He pursued higher education, obtaining his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and being accepted as only 1 of 4 Orthopedic residents. He completed his year-long residency in his home state, where he had rotations at both the University of Utah and Salt Lake City VA Hospital. After studying for over a year, he became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist through the ABPTS. He is an active member of the APTA and participates in regular research. He has furthered his education by learning the art of trigger point dry needling (TPDN), manual therapy skills, pain science, personal training, strength, and conditioning. He has worked with collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes, presented and published research, taught graduate students, and exceeded patients’ expectations.
When not in the clinic, Preston enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his beautiful wife Kim, their sweet little girl Prestly, their dog Holly, their mule Millie, a pair of binos, his bow and arrow, and a good set of hiking boots.
Dr. Skyler Jorgensen, PT, DPT, C-PS
Hi, I'm Skyler! I grew up in Castle Dale, Utah, between the mountains and desert, which afforded me endless opportunities to explore the outdoors and create many memories of hunting, fishing, hiking, and getting my boots dirty. I also grew up playing any sport that I could be involved in, including basketball, football, golf, and baseball, which has grown my love for helping athletes and recreationists continue to participate in the sports and activities that they love and want to continue to be able to perform at a high level. In college I moved to Nebraska and continued to love the outdoors and was invited to go on an archery hunt with my buddy. After that day I knew I had to get my hands on a bow and haven't put it down since.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska Medical Center my family and I decided to take a job in Wyoming to be closer to the mountains and so that I could get more into hunting big game animals which are abundant. It truly is like Cameron Hanes says: you don't have to become physically fit to perform archery hunting, but it helps a lot, and with his track record, I believe him. I also came to find that out on my own, and I was not physically prepared for the first two years of hunting in the mountains of Wyoming. The empty truck and unused tags tell a far more specific story than I can, and those hunts were painful both physically and mentally. As a physical therapist I know the importance and functional adaptations that come with exercise and nutrition. This knowledge and belief lead me to want to help as many others as I can increase their ability on the mountain or in the field to perform at their highest capacity, which is why I feel Preston and I have become friends. I now live back in Nebraska with my wife and three daughters, and I want to continue to share my love of the outdoors and archery with them so that they can also foster a love for the outdoors.
I look forward to meeting you and working to build your ability on the mountain or in the field so that you don't have to continue to have the pain of not filling your tags or your freezers and so that you can have the best time on the mountain. You don't have to continue to think about stopping or how hard it's going to be to reach that next ridge; we can instead get you to the point where you are thinking about how high you can truly reach!
Kimberly Ward, BSc, CAO
Kimberly grew up in Lindon, Utah. She went to college at BYU where she graduated with a degree in Marriage Family and Human Development. When she is not spending time with her daughter and her husband you can find her serving others, and looking how she can make someone’s day a little brighter and their load a little easier. She has a heart of gold and wants to help others. She is the bread and butter that keeps this business running. If you get a chance stop by and say hello… You won’t meet a finer person that is truly concerned about your well being.
Kirk Blake
Introducing Kirk, a true adventurer hailing from West Point, Utah. Kirk finds solace and excitement in exploring the great outdoors. Beyond the hustle and bustle of daily life, Kirk cherishes moments spent backpacking through rugged terrains, immersing themselves in the serene tranquility of nature's embrace. With a spirit of adventure coursing through his veins, they embark on thrilling motorcycle rides, seeking out new paths and vistas that beckon to be discovered. A passion for hunting ignites Kirk's senses as they navigate through forests and fields, connecting with the primal essence of the wilderness. Whether it's a tracking game or reveling in the quietude of a hunting blind, each moment spent in nature is cherished and respected. Academically, Kirk is a graduate of Southern Utah University (SUU), where he earned both a Bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA. His academic pursuits have equipped them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the intricacies of the financial world with finesse and precision. Amidst adventures and professional endeavors, Kirk finds his greatest joy and fulfillment in the loving embrace of family. Married to Kelli, with two adorable children, Kyden and Kelli, family is the cornerstone of Kirk's life, grounding them and infusing every adventure with deeper meaning and purpose.
With a heart that yearns for the open road and a mind finely attuned to the nuances of finance, Kirk embodies the perfect harmony of adventure and professionalism, making every journey both exhilarating and rewarding.
Kolby Schmerse
Kolby has been an outdoor enthusiast all his life, from an early age he was camping, fishing, waterskiing and hunting in Utah’s local favorite areas ranging from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell.
His father made a special effort to take him out fishing and hunting at every opportunity they had. At 5 years old Kolby and his Dad bagged their first deer together. Kolby’s job was to hold the legs so his dad could finish the gutting and cleaning process, as a 5-year old with a strong sense of smell and a weak stomach… those those deer legs may or may not have come in contact with his dads face a handful of times.
Fast forward 10 years or so Kolby became obsessed with archery, hunting and fitness… Everything else got put on the back burner, Football and friends became less and less of a priority. Once he sold his Dirtbike Kolby was fully committed to being a successful archery hunter. And is still chasing that success today.
“Consistency is key” has always been Kolby’s motto…this is never a formula guaranteeing success in the field; however, it sets a precedence that if you are dedicated to your craft and put in the effort, chances of success will follow at a higher rate.
When Kolby isn’t in the mountains trying to locate that “dream” velvet Mule Deer, he is spending time with his beautiful wife Ali and two crazy little ones Rocky and Ellie.
Jason LaRue
Jasen LaRue is a multifaceted individual whose journey is as diverse as the landscapes he loves. Born in the sunny state of Florida, he discovered his heart belonged to the rugged beauty of mountains early on, favoring their heights over sandy shores. With a knack for problem-solving and a passion for efficiency, Jasen found his niche in fixing things and optimizing processes—a trait that transcends both his personal and professional life. From the age of 12, archery captured Jasen's imagination, becoming a lifelong love affair that culminated in the thrilling achievement of taking down his first big game animal, an elk, with a bow at age 15. Adventure pulses through his veins, drawing him to high-elevation mountains and lengthy river expeditions, where the call of the wild fuels his spirit. In his career, Jasen has embraced diverse roles, transitioning from plumbing and home construction to the water treatment equipment industry. His journey within this field has seen him excel as a project manager, quality manager, and manager of various business units and field service teams nationwide. Through it all, Jasen's unwavering commitment to excellence is fueled by his deep-rooted faith and the love he holds for his family. With faith as his compass and family as his anchor, Jasen embraces each day with a zest for life, seeking out new challenges and experiences while striving to make a positive impact wherever he goes.