Our Staff
KELLIE ARMSTRONG
PTA
LEAD PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
I was born and raised in Idaho and moved to Pocatello when I was 4 yrs old and have lived here since. I attended ISU where I received my PTA degree and have been practicing for 23 years. I have worked in multiple settings including Hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient. I really enjoy putting my therapy knowledge and manual skills to work to improve my Patients quality of life and return them to the activities they enjoy whether it be high-level sports or being able to get down on the ground to play with their grandchildren. My husband and I, Justin, are proud parents of 2 children who are now grown, a son Logan who recently graduated with his BSN and works as an RN in St. George, UT, and a daughter McKenna pursuing a Physician Assistant Degree. Now that we are empty nesters we enjoy filling our time with travel, concerts, outdoor recreation, and time with our family, friends, and 2 dogs.
I’m a Licensed PTA, Certified in IASTM, Kinesiotaping, Fit and Fall certified, BLS Certified. I Graduated from ISU PTA program in 2000 and have been working in the field since. I have experience in all areas of Physical therapy from working in Acute care in hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, wound care, and outpatient orthopedic and sports clinics.
I value family, friendships, and believe in serving others. I also values honesty, compassion and integrity.
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump
I specialize in manual therapy skills to help alleviate Patient’s pain to allow for increased function. Kellie enjoys advancing a patient’s strength and confidence with movement using a combination of targeted exercises for each individual patient.
Patients suffer from pain that limits their ability to participate in family functions, work, and everyday activities. I find it rewarding to help my patients regain their independence and quality of life.
Joint replacements, Back pain, shoulder surgeries, ACL, vertigo, and general weakness are things I like to treat
I love how all the employees are friendly and outgoing always willing to help each other. Also that it is a fun environment where you can be yourself. (Lots of joking around and sarcasm in the clinic).
When I’m not at work, I love going on walks with my Husband. Going on vacation Visiting with family and friends paddle boarding boating wake surfing sitting on a beach reading a book or listening to music, and playing Pickleball
Patient Testimonials
High Desert is seriously phenomenal! They have such an amazing atmosphere, amazing workers, and even a pretty awesome doggo too! Jared, Madeline, and Kellie were the three I worked with, and they are all amazing! So personable, so friendly, and so helpful! Thank you, High Desert! #therapyworks Alexandra Thomas
Jared, Brandi, and Kelly have been so helpful and pushed me but not past what I can handle. Always up to make people laugh Jared is a hoot. Smiling faces of him found around the building unexpectedly makes me laugh. Lol. The receptionist are always so sweet, kind and understanding. I leave feeling better every time and not like others PT facilities where people just want to die than go. I am finished doing PT having the strength and range of motion that I haven’t had in long time. I am going to miss seeing all these fun people. I highly recommend High Desert. Stephanie Brown
I had no idea what to expect when I needed PT for my knee injury. When I first hurt myself, I remember being afraid and heard about how physical therapy will hurt. ALOT! Will, Kellie and Penny have been so patient and helpful. Every week after Tonya would always say good morning, at least 4 people would come up to me and ask my progress, not just my direct physical therapist. Honestly I thought most of them were related because it just felt like a big family when I walk in there. I almost got sent to another PT office and I’m so happy I ended up here! Can’t express just how nice everyone is here. Kayla