Meet Our Staff

Ken McKenzie, PT, MPT, DPT

Ken has been a physical therapist since 1997, treating a wide variety of patients. He co-owned and managed an outpatient physical therapy clinic for the last 12 years in Pineville, Louisiana, but had always dreamed of living in beautiful Colorado. So July 2014, he and his family moved to Arvada, and he opened his own outpatient clinic, Premier Physical Therapy, in Westminster.
Ken attended Florida State University 1991-1995 where he was an All American tennis player. He then received his Master of Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine in 1997 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007. Ken is a member of the APTA and the private practice section of APTA.

Eric Pankey, PT, DPT, MTC

Certified in Dry Needling (FDN)

Growing up in the state of Colorado, Eric attended Colorado State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science in 2012. Wanting to pursue a career in physical therapy from a young age, Eric went on to achieve his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in December of 2015. Eric received his manual therapy certification in 2016 and is certified in dry needling (FDN). He is also a member of the APTA as well as the AAOMPT. When not treating patients in the clinic, Eric finds joy in a multitude of outdoor activities including hiking the Rocky Mountains and playing a variety of sports such as basketball, volleyball, and snowboarding. Along with helping others achieve their rehabilitative and personal fitness goals, living an active lifestyle is just one of Eric's many passions in life.

Kim Cavanagh, PT, MSPT

Kim has been a physical therapist for 25 years. She moved to Colorado in 1996 and worked for several years before taking time off to stay home with her 2 kids.
Kim attended Drake University 1983 - 1988 where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She then attended Des Moines University from 1988-1990 where she received her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Kim is certified in equestrian fitness and rehabilitation and is also interested in golf biomechanics and rehabilitation. Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 kids, 1 horse and 2 dogs. Kim is a member of the APTA.

Connor Thompson, PT, DPT

Connor was born and raised in Pennsylvania with dreams to become a physical therapist in Colorado one day. He earned his degree in Health Sciences from Gettysburg College in 2015 and spent the next 3 years working as a PT Aide. This experience allowed him to immerse himself in the profession and confirm his passion for the field. Connor earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from High Point University in April 2021. Connor is a member of the APTA and is a Certified Barefoot Training Specialist (EBFA). When not treating patients, he is likely exploring the Rocky Mountains with his fiancé (Bri), who is also a physical therapist. Connor is an avid snowboarder, hiker, mountain biker, and golfer.

Cassie Kalil, PT, DPT

Cassie was born and raised in Denver, CO and worked as a tech at Premier for 2 years before going to PT school. She attended undergraduate college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins where she studied Health and Exercise Science, then went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in Phoenix, AZ.

Cassie enjoys rock climbing, traveling, painting, photography, watching formula 1 racing, gardening, building her house plant collection, hiking and playing with her dog Dexter, and going to concerts and car shows with her husband Alex.

Ariana Oliveira, PT, DPT

Dr. Ariana Oliveira is a doctor of physical therapy with her certification in manual therapy. She has many years of experience treating patients with orthopedic injuries, pre & post-op, and athletes. Ariana also treats vestibular disorders and pediatric patients.
Ariana mainly focuses on restoring function and mobility through manual therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping therapy, dry needling, motor control training, and strengthening. Her main goal is to get her patients back to their daily lives and performing activities they love. She strives to provide patients with long term tools to help keep them active and pain free.
Ariana is an athlete, like so many in Colorado, and therefore understands the importance of not only living pain free but also being able to do the things you love. She moved to Colorado in 2020 and enjoys trail running, backpacking, hiking, HIIT workouts, exploring new restaurants, being outdoors and camping with her husky pup.

Casey Quinn PT, DPT

Casey was born and raised in the outskirts of Philadelphia, and moved into the city after graduating PT school. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Widener University. Casey and her husband, Kyle, love to have an active lifestyle and anything that gets them outdoors. She particularly enjoys hiking, skiing, kayaking, soccer, gardening, photography, cooking and eating (if we're being honest this is her favorite activity).

Stephanie Lenz, PT, DPT

Stephanie was born and raised in Prior Lake, Minnesota. She is a proud midwestern who loves the lakes and outdoors. Prior to becoming a Physical Therapist, she spent 6 years in the US Navy and the majority of her time was spent in San Diego, CA. Working with the military population is a passion of hers and she loves meeting other veterans. Stephanie earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. She is extremely passionate about getting patients back to doing the activities they love, connecting with patients, and promoting optimal health!

Stephanie has 2 dogs (German Shepherd and Havanese) and loves exploring the outdoors with them, she also loves hiking and biking in the summertime, and snowboarding in the wintertime.

Leyden Neumayer, PT, DPT

Leyden was born in the Philippines and grew up in Denver. She earned her doctorate degree in physical therapy at Regis University in 2015 and is certified in dry needling.

She initially became interested in physical therapy after watching a family member undergo vestibular rehab and return to indepence. Leyden enjoys the mix of evidence based science and creativity involved in addressing each patient's unique condition. Most of all she enjoys empowering her patients to reach their goals.

Outside of the clinic Leyden enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and building community. Some hobbies she enjoys include gardening, being a "chicken mom," trying new foods, fishing and hiking.

Brittany Esser, PTA

Brittany was born and raised in Wisconsin and attended Herzing University to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, she first pursued a Bachelors degree in Speech Pathology and a Masters degree in Child Life Specialist. After she completed those degrees she knew that Physical Therapy was more her calling.

Brittany is certified in vestibular, pelvic floor, and cervical/thoracic techniques. Brittany moved to Colorado after she graduated in 2021. She likes an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, volleyball, and anything outdoors.

Kevin Quinn, PTA

Kevin hails from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. After years working as a golf instructor, he decided to pursue a greater passion in physical therapy. In 2022, Kevin completed the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College in Aurora. He strives to help patients achieve their physical therapy goals through use of manual therapies, therapeutic exercise, and effective patient education.

Kevin enjoys many types of outdoor recreation including trail running, rock climbing, snowboarding, and hiking. His other interests include seeing live music, playing soccer, and spending quality time with friends.

Michelle McKenzie, Office/Marketing Manager

Born in Louisiana and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Michelle attended the Florida State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994. After getting married, starting a family and moving around the southern states, she and her husband decided to make the move out west in 2014 and have never looked back! After opening Premier Physical Therapy in 2015, Michelle stopped nursing to help run the business with Ken. She loves the Premier family atmosphere that has been created over the years and is grateful every day for the amazing staff and patients. Her son and daughter are both CSU Rams. Michelle loves to play tennis, scuba dive and ski, enjoys listening to her favorite band the Avett Brothers. She loves the beauty and fun Colorado offers!

Danielle Bond, Front Office Manager

Born and raised in Steeler's Country, Danielle moved to Colorado from Pittsburgh with her husband in 2016. She has made the rounds with Premier Physical Therapy, working first as a tech, then a PTA, and has now decided to try her hand at the front office (and loving it)! When not working, she can be found in the beautiful outdoors hiking and fishing with her hubby, cruising the winding roads of the Rockies on her Triumph, and loving on her two kitties Tala and Brewster. She is accomplished in the fine art of tea service and has won many awards for her skill. She loves interacting with the patients and staff at Premier and looks forward to helping in whatever way she can!

Richelle Breedlove, Receptionist

Born and raised in Colorado, Richelle enjoys nature and being outdoors in her free time. She also enjoys being a mom to her beautiful daughters and taking her on adventures. She has worked in healthcare for 12 years and looks forward to her journey with Premier Physical Therapy.