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.

Cody Jacks, DPT

Cody completed his undergraduate degree at Campbell University and graduated with honors with his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University prior to moving to Redding in August of 2021 with his wife. Cody welcomes the opportunity to serve the surrounding community as Lead Physical Therapist of Baas Physical Therapy. He has experience with a variety of patient conditions, including general orthopedics, orthopedic trauma, vestibular training and reeducation, Parkinson's, and Ehlers-Danlons Syndrome. Cody is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking and exploring Northern California and the surrounding areas with his wife.

John Kvale, DPT, OCS

John grew up in Ohio and completed his undergraduate degree from Ohio University in 2002 before skiing several seasons in Colorado. He later graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Colorado in Aurora in 2009. John started his career in Hawaii, then worked near a ski resort in New Mexico providing patient care in the outpatient, aquatic and hospital settings before moving with his family in 2013 to Redding. John is dedicated to helping people maximize their recovery through aquatic and land based physical therapy techniques. He also earned an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist credential in 2018. Outside of the clinic, John and his 2 young sons enjoy baseball, fishing, snow sports, and golfing.

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.

Jason Pearson, PTA

Jason graduated from the Institute of Technology Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program in 2022 after a career as a small restaurant owner. Growing up, Jason was an army brat and moved all over the US and to Germany. His family landed in Redding and he stayed put. Jason grew up very active, playing soccer and basketball; also hiking and backpacking. His love for sports and physical activity ultimately led him to his current career. Jason is committed to assisting people reach their physical therapy goals and helping them return to enjoying their lives. He appreciates all he can learn from others, and working in an environment that fosters growth. Jason enjoys spending time together with his wife and two daughters, being a dance dad, and any time he can spend outdoors.

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.

Lacey, PT Tech

Lacey is proud to call Redding her hometown and has a deep native lineage in Northern California. With her passion for helping people, she is furthering her experience and knowledge as a PT Tech at Baas Physical Therapy in pursuit of a future career in the healthcare field. Lacey enjoys spontaneous adventures with her family and friends, as well as taking care of her two horses. Some of her favorite pastimes include creating art, reading, and dancing.

Benjamin, PT Tech

Originally from the coastal town of Crescent City, Ben moved to the Redding area with his wife Sarah in 2022. After working as a Recruiter for Western PT, he made the transition within the company to work as a PT Tech at Baas Physical Therapy. Ben is currently working towards attending the Physical Therapist Assistant program offered locally at Shasta College. He enjoys the outpatient setting and fosteringrelationships with patients as they progress in their treatment. In Ben's freetime, he enjoys traveling with his wife, running outdoors, playing music, and spending time at home with his 2 dogs and 3 cats.

Rebecca, PT Tech

Rebecca grew up in the city of Chicago and has lived in several areas before settling in Redding. She began her career in retail, and customer service has made up most of her work history. These prior experiences have enabled her to apply her skills in the field of physical therapy. As a PT Tech, Rebecca enjoys most being able to assist our patients and seeing them come and go with positive attitudes. In her spare time, Rebecca likes to do a number of creative activities including, but not limited to: drawing, crocheting, and sewing

Yeli, PT Tech

Yeli was born in Santa Rosa but moved to Redding at a very young age. She graduated from Shasta College with a degree in Allied Health and plans to further her healthcare career, possibly in Kinesiology. Yeli’s key role is aiding our Therapists by providing guidance with exercises and helping our patients during their rewarding recovery process. Previously a Certified Nursing Assistant, she enjoys being a positive person in others' lives and finds value in making them feel comforted and understood. In her spare time, Yeli enjoys hiking, fishing, playing tennis, painting, and traveling with her family. When she’s not outside, she’s inside binge-watching all her favorite romcoms with a bucket of popcorn and a box of tissues.

Kaylee Taylor, Receptionist

Kaylee is from Redding. For the past six years, she worked as a Certified Personal Trainer in the Sacramento area before recently returning to Redding to finish school as a Nutritionist. As the Front Desk Receptionist/Scheduler, Kaylee enjoys greeting patients as they come in, getting to know them and cheering them on as they progress each week. When Kaylee is not at work, she's at the gym working out. On the weekends, you'll find her either hiking or paddle boarding on the lake!

Kristina, Receptionist

Kristina was born and raised in Redding. She has an Associate's Degree in Business Information Technologies and Human Development. Her experience is in Office Management as well as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) work. As a receptionist, Kristina is here to assist with setting up initial appointments and bringing a warm smile to greet the patients each day. She spends most of her time outside of work with her children, attending their sporting events or watching Netflix. Even though she loves being at home, Kristina is venturing out with a new hobby - paddleboarding!