Meet the Team

  • Dr. Preston Ward, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert TPDN

    FOUNDER and CEO

    Preston is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah and completed a competitive Orthopedic Residency through the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City VA Hospital. He is certified through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and maintains active membership with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

    With advanced training in manual therapy, trigger point dry needling (TPDN), pain science, and strength and conditioning, Preston has worked with a diverse range of patients—from recreational athletes to collegiate, professional, and Olympic competitors. He has collaborated with well-known outdoor brands and industry leaders to develop injury prevention and performance programs tailored for athletes and outdoor professionals. Committed to evidence-based care, Preston remains actively involved in research, teaching, and continuing education.

    Outside of the clinic, Preston is deeply rooted in the outdoor lifestyle. A lifelong backcountry hunter and archery enthusiast, he is passionate about mountain endurance, wilderness navigation, and physically demanding pursuits. His extensive personal experience in rugged environments gives him a unique insight when working with outdoor athletes, laborers, and companies focused on keeping their teams injury-free and performing at their best in challenging terrain.

  • Dr. Erik Smith, PT, DPT

    Northern Midwest Specialist

    Hello! My name is Erik Smith, and I was born and raised in Wisconsin, where my connection to the outdoors began young. I spent my early years hiking the woods behind our home, helping family build stands, and soaking in every chance to be outside. While most of my hunting experience has been rooted in the Midwest, family trips out West sparked a deep appreciation for the mountains and physical challenges of backcountry adventure. Over the years, I’ve grown from a seasonal hunter into someone who trains year-round to make the most of every trip—whether it’s archery antelope hunts, rifle elk, or chasing spring gobblers and whitetails closer to home.

    I earned my undergraduate degree in Wisconsin and completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy in Northeast Iowa. My clinical training took me across the U.S.—from the Midwest to Arizona and Hawaii—giving me valuable experience in both rural and urban settings. Since returning to Wisconsin, I’ve spent over 14 years working in orthopedics and sports medicine, helping patients return to the activities they love. I’m also certified in the Principles of Schroth Therapy, a scoliosis-specific exercise approach, and continue to stay active in professional development.

    Over time, I’ve developed a strong connection with outdoor athletes and weekend warriors—people who want to stay strong, capable, and pain-free so they can keep getting after it outside. Whether prepping for a demanding hunt, recovering from injury, or trying to move better, my goal is to help people live their most active lives. That passion for movement, health, and the outdoors led me to MTN PHYSIO—and it’s exactly why I’m here for YOU.

  • Dr. Skyler Jorgensen, PT, DPT

    Southern Midwest Specialist

    Hi, I’m Skyler. I grew up in Castle Dale, Utah, nestled between mountains and desert—an ideal place to explore the outdoors through hunting, fishing, hiking, and plenty of rugged adventure. Sports have always been a big part of my life, from basketball and football to golf and baseball. This foundation sparked my passion for helping athletes and outdoor enthusiasts perform at their best and stay active in the activities they love.

    After college at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, my family and I moved to Wyoming to be closer to the mountains and pursue big game hunting. Early on, I learned firsthand the physical demands of mountain hunting—empty tags and tough seasons taught me how critical fitness, exercise, and nutrition are for success. This experience shaped my approach as a physical therapist, driving me to help others improve their capacity for hunting and outdoor pursuits. That shared passion led me to connect with Preston, and together we focus on keeping outdoor athletes strong, capable, and injury-free.

    Now back in Nebraska with my wife and three daughters, I’m dedicated to fostering a love of the outdoors in my family and in those I work with. I’m excited to help you build the strength and endurance you need to reach your goals—whether that’s filling tags, making it up the mountain without pain, or simply enjoying your time outside to the fullest. Let’s get you thinking about how far you can truly go.

  • Jared Thomas

    Strength and Conditioning Specialist

  • Kim Ward

    Administrative Executive

    Kimberly grew up in Lindon, Utah, surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains and open skies—a backdrop that shaped her love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. She earned her degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU, bringing a strong foundation in empathy and communication to her role at MTN PHYSIO. As the billing specialist and administrative assistant, Kimberly is the steady force behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operations so our team can focus on helping clients get back to the adventures they love.

    When she’s not managing schedules or handling billing, Kimberly dedicates her time to her husband and daughter, finding joy in serving others and brightening the days of those around her. Her genuine care and attention to detail make her an essential part of MTN PHYSIO, where she supports both patients and staff with kindness and professionalism.

    Kimberly believes that a smooth-running practice is key to effective healing and performance, and she’s committed to making every interaction positive and efficient. Stop by and say hello—you’ll quickly see she’s someone who truly cares about your well-being and helping you stay active and healthy for all your outdoor pursuits.

  • Kolby Schmerse

    Brand Specialist

    Kolby has been an outdoor enthusiast his entire life, growing up exploring Utah’s favorite spots—from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell—where camping, fishing, waterskiing, and hunting were family traditions. His father made sure to take him out whenever possible, and at just five years old, Kolby experienced his first deer hunt, learning early the values of patience, teamwork, and perseverance.

    As he grew, Kolby’s passion deepened into archery, hunting, and fitness, quickly becoming the central focus of his life. He put aside other interests, dedicating himself fully to mastering the skills and discipline required for success in the field. His guiding motto, “Consistency is key,” reflects his belief that sustained effort and dedication create the best foundation for achievement—both in hunting and in business.

    Now serving as MTN PHYSIO’s Company Relationship Director, Kolby leverages his deep outdoors experience and commitment to excellence to build strong partnerships with clients and organizations. When he’s not helping connect people to the care and support they need, Kolby enjoys chasing that elusive velvet mule deer with his wife Ali and their two energetic children, Rocky and Ellie.

  • Tayler Ward

    Company Relations

  • Kirk Blake

    Corporate Consulting

    Introducing Kirk, an avid adventurer from West Point, Utah, whose passion for the outdoors runs deep. Whether he’s backpacking through rugged canyons or savoring the quiet moments tucked away in a hunting blind, Kirk thrives in nature’s embrace. His love for exploration doesn’t stop there — he’s also a dedicated motorcycle rider, always chasing new trails and breathtaking vistas off the beaten path. Hunting sharpens his connection to the wild, where patience and respect for the land are paramount.

    Kirk earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from Southern Utah University (SUU), blending his adventurous spirit with strong financial expertise. This unique combination allows him to navigate complex business challenges with precision and insight, making him a trusted partner in the corporate world.

    At the heart of it all is Kirk’s family—his wife Kelli and their two children, Kyden and Kaizley—who ground him and inspire every journey. Balancing a life of thrilling outdoor pursuits with professional excellence, Kirk embodies the spirit of MTN PHYSIO: driven, dedicated, and deeply connected to the world around him.