Our physical therapists are experts in their fields and passionate about patient care. Get to know our key staff.
Clinicians
DR. CHRIS VANDERFORD -
DPT
Chris is a Sandpoint native and enjoys all of the activities that Sandpoint has to offer. He returned to his hometown in 2019 after spending several years practicing in orthopedic clinics in the Boise and Maui areas. He was introduced to the profession of physical therapy at a young age by his uncle who was a physical therapist in the area for several decades. Having been a physical therapy patient after a knee injury during his competitive soccer career, Chris is very familiar with the patient’s perspective and need for not only comprehensive physical rehabilitation, but also the role of the physical therapist as a motivator to encourage patients to consistently participate in the rehabilitation process. When he is not in the clinic treating patients, you can find Chris out on the slopes, on the lake, hiking the trails, or reading a good book.
Mary Rogers - MSPT
Mary Rogers has been a PT for 37 years specializing in Manual Therapy including Maitland and Osteopathic Muscle Energy Technique. She has used Manual Therapy over the years to treat stiff and painful joints of the cervical and lumbar spine as well as coccyx. This may also include pain into the arms and legs that originate from disc or nerve root impingement in the neck or low back. Visceral Manipulation is a type of Manual Therapy used to release fascial restrictions around the organs and especially useful following trauma, surgery or infection. Cranio Sacral Therapy is used for headache, Migraine and Vertigo. Also specializing in Pelvic Floor PT, Mary does internal assessments for women and men who may have Urinary or Fecal incontinence, Diarrhea, Constipation, Chronic Pelvic Pain and other issues of the pelvis.
Jenny Jones - PT
Jenny Jones wanted to be a “physiotherapist” since childhood. She realized her dream when she was accepted to the University of Michigan baccalaureate physical therapy program in 1978. She also met “Mr. Right” and after her graduation and internship moved to his home state of California. She balanced being a working mom of 2 children with PT in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics and home health. Escaping California in 2005, they found Sandpoint. Jenny worked at a variety of centers in the area until landing at Action Point Physical Therapy for her semi-retirement position. Jenny has various backgrounds and continuing education courses in her 45 years of practicing physical therapy. They include PT treatment of COPD and lung issues which stress retraining proper breathing techniques and activity modification to enable improved function and decrease episodes of shortness of breath. Her favorite ‘out of the box’ treatment technique is Strain/Counterstain, which can be highly effective in pain reduction through positional release and practices the Hesch technique for pelvic region releases. She uses her neurological background for improving her results with orthopedic patients. Parkinson’s is a particular area of interest due to her dad’s battle. Personal experiences with her own shoulder, neck, low back, tennis elbow, bunion, and piriformis syndromes make her a sympathetic practitioner. She is also the only Frequency Specific Microcurrent practitioner in the area to utilize a highly effective device which stimulates cellular and tissue repair with microcurrent (think millionth of amperes, not TENS thousandth of amp) and specific frequencies to effect changes. Approved by the FDA as a pain relief modality, it has also been shown to melt scar tissue and adhesions, treat PTSD in combat warriors, reduce inflammation in fibromyalgia caused by cervical injuries, reduce sciatica, and much, much more. When not working, gardening, church activities, ballroom dancing, exercising her 2 demanding dogs and reading are her favorite past times.
Marianne Soliz - PTA
A native of the Chicago suburbs, Marianne first graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations. After feeling unfulfilled early in her career, she had the opportunity to complete a Yoga Teacher Training. That training lit a spark within Marianne and she knew her career path had to change. She went back to school earning her associate’s degree in Applied Science and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2019. When it comes to patient care, Marianne loves pairing the foundations of Physical Therapy with the teachings of her yoga training to help bring a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Combining her experience in outpatient clinics and neurological rehab with the power of yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness – Marianne’s primary objective is to support and encourage her patients through their individual healing journeys.
Melissa Midstokke - Office Goddess
I have 12+ years of experience in a medical office setting.
Formerly taught various elementary school grades 3-6 for 12+ years in the Bay Area of California.
MA in Education from University of California Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, Ca.
BA in Psychology from University of California Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, Ca.
AA in Psychology from Foothill College in Los Altos, Ca.
A Sandpoint native born in Samuels, Idaho in a cabin without running water or electricity.
I enjoy being outdoors whether it is hiking, skating, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. You can find me walking my 20 year old pup on the Bay Trail regularly and appreciating that we live in such a beautiful place!
Madison 5th Avenue (Maddie)
I am the official mascot of Action Point Physical Therapy and as an almost 21 year old I appreciate the wonderful job that our therapists do! I love lots of pets and walks by the lake. I am so lucky to live in Sandpoint as is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.