Meet Our Staff

Karen Howell, P.T. - Owner/President
Karen, originally from Eugene, Oregon, is majority owner and has been a physical therapist since 1983. She graduated from Pacific University's Physical Therapy Program in Forest Grove, Oregon. Her background includes program development and expansion with Vencor and the TMJ and Facial Pain Clinic at the Portland VA Hospital. Karen also developed the physical therapy program and was Director of Physical Therapy Services for Primary Health, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. She has specialized training from the Arthritis Foundation and in the areas of chronic pain, craniomandibular/TMJ problems, fibromyalgia, and pre and post pregnancy musculoskeletal conditions. Karen is also an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and a past Southwest District Chair and Legislative Committee Chair of the Idaho Physical Therapy Association. She and Tom live with their family in Meridian, Idaho.

Tom Howell, P.T., M.P.T. - Owner/Vice-President
Tom Howell has been a physical therapist since 1990 after receiving his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Hahnemann University (now Drexel) in Philadelphia. He is a Past-President of the Idaho Physical Therapy Association, past District chair and Federal Affairs liaison. He currently holds the Finance Chair in the Association. Tom has had articles published in the HPA Resource, the main publication for the APTA Health Policy section and has presented at APTA National conference. At Howell Physical Therapy, he developed the GOLFwise program of golf-specific strengthening and rehab. He also is currently on the Advisory Board for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Carrington College. Tom grew up in Philadelphia and remains a big sports fan, especially the Eagles and Phillies. He also enjoys reading, movies and skiing.

Lisa Nelson - Office Manager
Lisa is our most excellent office manager and billing expert. She has been with the clinic since 2000 and keeps our front office going! She has close to 30 years in medical office practice and billing. She and her husband Gary are big NASCAR fans. They live in Boise.

Gemini - Our Therapy Dog
Gemini has been with us at the clinic since 2000. He is a mix of dalmation and dark-coated husky and has been trained to greet clients, provide a friendly face and help people de-stress.