Nikao Team

Amy Gulledge, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Founder of Nikao

Education

A native of Arizona, Dr. Amy Gulledge graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Amy Gulledge's Story

Dr. Gulledge came into the physical therapy scene after spending months in therapy as an injured athlete. Since that time she has accumulated a wealth of experience in fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation for all fitness levels. Dr. Gulledge has a background in personal training, coaching, consulting on fitness and injury prevention for semi-professional and professional athletes, and designing wellness programs for university faculty.

Dr. Gulledge is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and holds a committee member seat within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She holds certifications in both upper and lower extremity dry needling (Cert. DN) and has completed extensive training to become a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) for her advanced knowledge and skills in manual therapy.

In her free time, Dr. Gulledge enjoys reading the latest research in Physical Therapy treatment and being physically active through a variety of sports and training modes. She loves the science and problem-solving involved within Physical Therapy and she is very passionate about her role in educating and empowering her patients and clients. She is a physical therapist representative for AZ District 9, and she enjoys her leadership role to help to advocate for her patients and clients at a national level.

Dr. Feta's Bio

Can’t forget Dr. Feta’s back story as well! Miss Feta, adopted by Dr. Amy in September 2024, has been coming to Nikao since she was just 10 weeks old. Since then, she has been a full-time employee, providing emotional support and constructive motivation to patients. We recently celebrated her first birthday on July 5th with lots of pets, high-pitched words of affirmation, and most importantly treats🦴 Beloved by patients, she’s become an integral part of the Nikao family!

Certifications

Kacie

Physical Therapy Technician

About Kacie

Physical therapy is awesome! (especially at Nikao). I’ve worked here as a PT tech for just over a year. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and the opportunity to learn under Dr. Amy Gulledge! I will be graduating with my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sports Performance from Grand Canyon University in December 2025. I then plan to attend graduate school to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This field has intrigued me since I was a little girl going to my dad’s physical therapy sessions after undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. I am eager to continue learning every day and have the ability to form a connection with each person who walks through Nikao’s door!

Elliot

Physical Therapy Assistant

About Elliot

I’m a Navy veteran and graduate of Pima Medical Institute who found a calling in physical therapy after an injury changed my life. That experience — along with my faith — inspires me to give back and care for others with compassion and purpose.

I love helping people move better and feel stronger, and I make it a priority to truly listen and support each patient in their journey. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me rock climbing, playing pickleball, doing yoga — or just staying active in any way I can!”

Allie

Office Coordinator

About Allie

My name is Allie. I lived overseas until I was 26 years old, where I learned to speak Arabic after living in the Middle East for 16 years. I spent 8 years acting on Arabic TV, speaking English and Arabic. Later, I went into the Navy and then became a veteran. Had miscellaneous jobs teaching, lifeguarding, and working for colleges and universities. I completed my Bachelors in Middle Eastern Studies and a Masters in Education. I love to travel, learn languages, read, hike, and spend time with my family.

Dr. Jasmine, PT, DPT

I became interested in physical therapy after spending multiple times in PT myself recovering from various soccer injuries, which includes 4 total knee reconstructions. Growing up physically active, enjoying the outdoors and playing collegiate soccer made me passionate about health and wellness, which gave me the inspiration to gain more knowledge about the human body and how to also help others improve their health and get back to the activities they enjoy.

I grew up in Goodyear, Arizona but went to University of Jamestown in Fargo, ND for physical therapy school. I spent 7 years experiencing the terrible winters and missed the sunshine so I moved back to Arizona in June of 2023.

Hobbies I enjoy include working out, hiking, shopping, playing pickleball and spending time with my husband and my friends.

I currently hold a dry needling certification and have taken additional manual therapy courses to eventually obtain my certification in orthopedic manual therapy (COMT). I have a strong interest in orthopedic rehabilitation and manual therapy. My approach emphasizes patient education, hands-on treatments for pain relief and long-term self management strategies to promote lasting outcomes. My treatment style includes manual therapy, strength training principles, and movement re-education to help restore function and performance.

Julia, PTA

About Julia

Julia is an Arizona native and a Physical Therapist Assistant with a wide variety of experience helping patients improve mobility, build strength, and regain confidence in their everyday lives. She is passionate about health and wellness and enjoys supporting her patients throughout their recovery journey.

Outside of the clinic, Julia enjoys spending time with her family. She recently welcomed a newborn and is enjoying this exciting new chapter of motherhood. Her husband is a nurse and local football coach, and they love being involved in their community and supporting the team.

Julia values connection, compassion, and helping others feel their best both inside and outside the clinic.

Dr. Cole, PT, DPT

About Dr. Cole

Cole is a Physical therapist with over a year of experience in Physical Therapy. Known for his diligence and compassion, he has a proven track record of helping multiple patients perform activities of daily living with conditions such as stroke, musculature and ligament ruptures and ALS.

Before joining Nikao, Cole earned a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University. He’s passionate about getting patients back to what they love and is currently looking to leverage their expertise in sports, hands on techniques and strength and conditioning.

Away from the clinic, Cole loves to practice Shaolin-kempo, play Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, and play videogames. He expresses his creativity through drawing, cooking, or occasionally dancing.

Liz, PTA

I grew up in Ohio, where I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Fitness Management from The University of Akron. After school, I started my first job as a physical therapy technician and realized how much I enjoyed working in the PT environment.

In 2019, my husband and I moved to Arizona, where I was able to return to college in a Physical Therapist Assistant program. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings, including sport orthopedic clinics and 1-on-1 home health.

I’m passionate about helping others achieve a healthier, higher quality of life through physical therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy being involved at church, hiking, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.

Paige, PTA

Paige, physical therapist assistant, is based in Mesa, Arizona. I am active in my profession and live what I teach every day to my patients. I work under the supervision of a physical therapist to assist in providing excellent physical therapy care.

My specialty includes helping people follow an appropriate exercise program to increase strength, endurance coordination, range of motion, as well as training patients to perform all activities of daily life.

I graduated from Stephen F Austin State University with a degree in finance, received my master’s in business administration seven years later, and then returned to Gateway community college and graduated in 2007.

I have since worked in outpatient physical therapy, aquatic physical therapy, in-patient care, in-home physical therapy, and at multiple skilled nursing facilities locally.

Along with carrying my certificate for physical therapy, I have my certifications as a personal trainer and as a group fit instructor.

I enjoy working with people and helping them to be more functional in their daily lives. This is my calling.

Gustavo, PTA

My passion for physical therapy began over a decade ago while supporting my mother through her journey with rheumatoid arthritis. Seeing the impact of quality care firsthand inspired me to become an advocate for others. Today, as a graduate of Pima Medical Institute, I combine that empathy with a high-level clinical approach.

I specialize in a comprehensive treatment model that integrates manual therapy, strength training, and movement re-education. My goal isn’t just to treat pain in the clinic, but to empower you with the education and self-management strategies needed for lasting recovery.

Whether you are managing a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, I am dedicated to helping you restore function and get back to the life you love.

Dr. Brandon, PT, DPT

Born and raised in Arizona, I developed a passion for health, movement, and performance early on. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Arizona State University, where I built a strong foundation in evidence-based care and patient-centered treatment.

I specialize in a hands-on approach to physical therapy, incorporating techniques such as dry needling, dry cupping, and IASTM to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

I believe that true recovery goes beyond the clinic—by providing education with long-term self-management strategies, I empower my patients to take control of their health and stay active for life.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy staying active through golf, basketball, strength training, and running races, which helps me better connect with and understand the goals of the individuals I treat.

Andrew, PTA

I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and went on to earn my Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Gateway Community College in 2019.

I’m a Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist (Cert. VRS) and TPI-certified, which allows me to treat patients with balance and dizziness issues as well as provide golf-specific rehab and performance training.

Originally from New York, I’ve spent most of my life in Phoenix and enjoy serving the community I live in. I also ran track for eight years, which sparked my interest in fitness, movement, and injury recovery.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy going to the gym, golfing, and spending time with my wife and our dog.

Francisco, PTA

I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated in 2020, with experience in both home health and outpatient settings treating a wide variety of diagnoses.

My interest in physical therapy began after high school when I worked at a physical therapy clinic and gained firsthand exposure to the field, which sparked my passion for helping others improve their mobility and overall function.

I take a patient-centered approach, focusing on education, hands-on treatment, and individualized exercise programs to promote independence and long-term success.

I have a strong interest in orthopedic rehabilitation, manual therapy, and functional strengthening.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through exercise, hiking, pickleball, and spending time with my wife, family, and friends.