Our Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Team
Dr. Carol Roeder, Owner
Physical Therapist, DPT, SFMA.
Born and raised in Bend, Carol earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015 from the University of St. Augustine and began her career in outpatient orthopedic clinics in San Diego. In 2020, she returned home to open Osprey Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, combining expert care with her personal experience navigating injuries and rehab.
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Her path to PT began after shoulder surgery in high school and continued through ACL and hip injuries in college and adulthood, teaching her the value of having a knowledgeable clinician in your corner.
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Carol is certified in SFMA, Barbell Rehab Method, and Blood Flow Restriction Training, allowing her to assess movement, safely modify strength training, and support recovery even when heavy loads aren’t possible. She focuses on keeping patients moving, modifying load and movement patterns rather than telling them to stop activity.
Her approach blends hands-on techniques with individualized programs to empower patients toward independence. Outside the clinic, Carol enjoys hiking, fishing, snowboarding, triathlon training, and playing tennis with her mom.
Rachel Atkinson, PT, DPT
Rachel graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Athletic Training. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University in 2009.
She has extensive training in manual therapy combined with a strong exercise background, using a head-to-toe movement approach to care. Rachel’s treatment philosophy begins with a comprehensive movement assessment to identify structural and functional impairments while considering each patient’s individual physical demands. She integrates hands-on manual techniques with targeted mobility and stabilization exercises to address impairments and restore optimal movement.
Outside the clinic, Rachel loves spending time outdoors. In her free time, you’ll find her biking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, practicing yoga, or enjoying a walk in the woods. She values the balance that outdoor recreation brings to her life and appreciates all that Bend has to offer.
Nate Palmer
Physical Therapist, DPT.
Nate earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University. He specializes in lower-extremity injury management and prevention, helping patients recover from injuries and surgeries while returning to the activities they love. As a lifelong runner and thru-hiker, Nate is especially passionate about working with runners and mountain athletes, blending traditional physical therapy with strength training and endurance coaching principles.
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After navigating several tendon and bone injuries himself, Nate understands both the physical and mental side of recovery. He is a certified running gait analyst and clinical running specialist, focusing on functional movement assessment and biomechanical gait analysis to treat impairments from the low back to the foot and ankle.
His approach combines hands-on treatment, strength and conditioning principles, and patient education to help individuals return to activity with confidence and long-term resilience. Outside the clinic, Nate enjoys trail running, ultramarathon training, backpacking, skiing, fly fishing, disc golf, and reading. He lives in Bend with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs, Honey and Blanche.
Zach Zahniser
Clinic Administrator
Zach Zahniser was born and raised in Bend, Oregon, where he developed a love for leadership and adventure through his decade-long journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. His passion for exploring the great outdoors was further fueled by years of cross-country running at Bend Senior High, navigating the peaks and valleys of Central Oregon. Drawn to scenic landscapes and breathtaking sunsets, he finds peace in winding down with a relaxing evening in nature.
Through diverse career paths and life experiences, Zach has always found fulfillment in helping others become the best versions of themselves. With the support of a loving family that instilled in him the values of compassion and kindness, he strives to spread positivity wherever he goes.
He graduated from Oregon State University-Cascades with a degree in Business Administration. His purpose-driven approach focuses on assisting in environments designed to make a meaningful impact on the community. He takes pride in ensuring smooth, well-structured operations through meticulous administrative organization. A lifelong learner, Zach is committed to helping businesses thrive while uplifting those around him.
Outside work, he finds solace in watching sports and traveling to support his sister as she plays college softball. But there’s also a wilder side—when he’s not immersed in a game, you’ll likely find him in the heart of a mosh pit at metal shows across Central Oregon, embracing the raw energy of live music with his fellow punks.
Ren
Aspiring Therapy Pup
Ren has known since he was a young pup that he wanted to do something where he could serve people. He was finally able to make this dream a reality when he came to his new home with Paul and Carol in 2020 at the age of two. More so when his mom got her new office in 2022 as there is more space for him to roam and interact with patients while also having a safe space of his own in the break room when he needs to rest.
Unfortunately, Ren had a bit of a rough start jumping between owners which has left him a little anxious at times, but once he gets to know you, you’re in the pack for life and you can always expect to be greeted by wiggles and a smile when you come in to the office. So please, be patient with the boy. He has so much love to give but has to learn he can trust you first.
In his spare time, Ren loves to sleep, go for car rides, go on runs and hikes with Mom and Dad, and snuggle. Like his mom, Ren is a lover of all things soft and you can find them curled up on the couch together under the softest blanket in the house on any given day. He is also a connoisseur of fine food and is the pickiest eater in the house.