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Dr. Marcus Neal grew up in Phoenix, Arizona with an interested mind and a penchant for learning. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science with a major in Kinesiology from Arizona State University in 2003. He went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University in 2006. Soon after graduation Marcus joined Desert Palms Physical Therapy in Tucson, Arizona. Marcus has continued his education while in practice completing his Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT) with North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2014 and Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) in 2016. Marcus became owner of Desert Palms Physical Therapy in 2014. He became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in 2020. He is now working towards a degree in advanced manual therapy and clinical research; DScPT from Andrews University. Marcus now focuses his time on teaching and clinical education of learning physical therapists while continuing direct patient care and clinical research.

Dr. Kristen Ayres attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2017. Kristen has experience treating patients at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ, including those with debilitating conditions such as end-stage cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, as well as a variety of post-operative orthopedic surgeries. As a former collegiate club soccer player, Kristen is passionate about rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries. Kristen aims to provide high-quality, hands-on care by mobilizing/manipulating joints to relieve pain for her patients. Kristen plans to advance her manual therapy knowledge in pursuit of her CMPT, COMT, and FAAOMPT with the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Regardless of the condition, Kristen is committed to providing a personalized, patient-centered, and evidence-based approach to recovery.

• Doctor of Physical Therapy – Northern Arizona University – 2017
• Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science – Creighton University – 2013

Dr. Brandon Blauser grew up in the small town of Oracle, Arizona where he developed his love of all things outdoors and sports. For most of his life he participated in soccer and endurance sports, but now mostly enjoys spending time with his family +2 dogs, gardening, and casually exercising in his free time.

He attended The University of Arizona where he graduated in 2014 with a BS in Public Health and minor in Spanish. From there he moved to Austin, Texas where he received his doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2017. He has been practicing as an outpatient Physical Therapist in Tucson since then and specializes in all orthopedic conditions, and is a board certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist since 2020.

Dr. Dan Norkiewicz is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 30 years of clinical experience. He received his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from The University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2010. Dr. Norkiewicz is a certified Manual Therapist, as well as a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. He continually participates in extensive continuing education to expand his skills and extend options for patient care.

Dr. Norkiewicz is originally from Pittsburgh, PA where he directed several orthopedic outpatient sports medicine clinics, staffed skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and private practices. He strives to integrate patient goals with an understanding of balancing the body to maintain results. Dr. Norkiewicz chooses to stay in the clinic because he enjoys helping to guide and empower people get their lives back.

He also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, yoga, live music and exploring this world with his wife

Dr.Hilary attended the University of Montana and received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and minor in Gerontology. She then attended Pacific University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2018. Hilary began her career working in the outpatient hospital setting and gained experience treating patients with post-operative, orthopedic, spine, neurological, and vestibular conditions.

Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Hilary grew up enjoying a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, backpacking, downhill and Nordic skiing, running, and cycling. She was inspired to become a Physical Therapist to assist others in achieving optimal function to pursue their own interests and fulfillment.

Hilary is passionate about treating the whole person and promoting overall wellness. She aims to provide quality manualtherapy and individualized rehabilitation programs that allow patients to attain their functional and recreational goals. Hilary values pursuit of education opportunities to continue to develop and grow her skills throughout her career.

Hilary moved to Tucson in 2018. She enjoys running, cycling, skiing, hiking, yoga, Pilates, swimming, cooking, and live music.

Michael graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2013 with an associate’s degree in Physical Therapy Assistant. Michael discovered his passion for physical therapy while working with his clients as a personal trainer in Wisconsin. Michael joined Desert Palms because of their targeted approach as well as their mentoring and continuing education opportunities. Michael brings a broad background of exercise knowledge to our team.

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Cathy Blanchard graduated from the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy in 2011. She holds a dual license as a Massage Therapist in Arizona and California. Her massage therapy sessions are a personalized approach to client specific needs with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. Her specialties include: Neuromuscular Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Swedish, Sports, and Prenatal/Postpartum massage. Cathy enjoys music, hiking, horseback riding and yoga.