About Us
Our Philosophy
Vibrance Physical Therapy and Wellness is a clinic that recognizes the diverse elements that contribute to health and wellbeing of individuals. The best healthcare is patient-centered and individualized to evaluate and treat the assorted factors implicated in drawing the body away from health and homeostasis. Whether these factors are a result of an automobile accident, sports injury, or chronic disease, we apply a holistic approach to rehabilitation that is formulated to maximize the body’s ability to heal itself.
Our approaches are research-based and results-driven, utilizing proven and innovative techniques to make health attainable for all of our patients.
Our Staff
Helén Åkerberg Evans, PT
With over 30 years of experience working as a physical therapist and a lifetime spent nurturing a passion for healthcare, Helén expanded her practice by opening Vibrance Physical Therapy and Wellness in January of 2019. As founder and owner of the clinic, Helén offers proven and innovative therapeutic techniques coupled with functional nutritional counseling to restore optimal health and wellbeing to patients of the Salem area and beyond.
Helén began her career in healthcare after obtaining a nursing degree in 1985 from Bohusläns Vårdhögskola in Uddevalla, Sweden. Intrigued by the body’s amazing ability to heal itself with proper guidance she went on to become a physical therapist, graduating from the University of Gothenburg in 1988. Helén relocated to Portland the following year and worked at Oregon Health and Sciences University Hospital in neurosurgery, outpatient orthopedics, and sports medicine before moving to Salem, where she has spent the last 27 years working with outpatient orthopedics and TMD patients. In 1999, Helén started specialization in the field of TMJ and has since become the TMD specialist of the area. Helén has been invited to lecture on TMJ and TMD for several annual classes of George Fox University Physical Therapy Program students. Her continuing education has also included studies in orthopedics, sports medicine, spinal stabilization, medical exercise therapy, McKenzie therapy, weight training, posture correction, yoga, and post-op treatment. After decades of observing the accelerated healing power that a balanced diet and lifestyle lends to patients, Helén began rigorous training through the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy and received her first IFNA certification early in 2018. She continues to be invited by collegiate athletics programs to speak on the value of applying nutrition strategies to optimize athletic performance.
When Helén is not at the clinic or reading the latest in healthcare news she enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown children. After more than a decade of coaching youth soccer and watching the beautiful game played at all levels, Helén has found more time to enjoy more of Oregon’s outdoors – hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, snow skiing, camping, and waterskiing, wake boarding, as well as yoga, cooking, and partaking in Oregon’s fine wine country.
Katie Chapman
Katie grew up in Lowell, Oregon, and now lives in Monmouth while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with minors in Gerontology and Psychology at Western Oregon University. A dedicated student-athlete in cross country and track, she is set to graduate in June 2025 and has already been accepted to Northern Arizona University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We are so proud of her achievement and excited to see her take the next step in her career.
Her experiences as both a student and athlete have strengthened her passion for helping others through movement and recovery. Katie has been an incredible member of our team at Vibrance, and we are especially grateful for the way she has supported and trained this year’s new PT aides.
Outside of school and work, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and running.
Veronica Sigl
Veronica grew up in the small town of Oakland, Oregon, and moved to Monmouth to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Western Oregon University. She is now entering her final year and plans to apply to physical therapy schools this summer and fall.
Her passion for physical therapy is rooted in her lifelong involvement in sports and her personal journey with strength training. Athletics taught her the value of leadership, compassion, and teamwork—skills she has also developed as a role model for her younger siblings. Veronica brings these qualities, along with her dedication to helping others grow, to her role at Vibrance.
Outside of school and work, Veronica enjoys weightlifting, listening to music, exploring new hobbies like fishing and hunting, and spending time with her friends and family. She also loves being outdoors, especially walking along the beach searching for unique shells.
Jacob Kalanikuhio Amerino
Jacob was born in Pleasanton, California, and grew up in Keizer, Oregon, where he attended McNary High School. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Western Oregon University, with graduation set for June 14th. Alongside his studies, Jacob is preparing to apply to physical therapy schools as he takes the next step toward his career goal. His interest in physical therapy began after a wrestling injury, when he experienced firsthand the importance of rehabilitation. That experience, combined with his time coaching youth sports, shaped his passion for helping others build resilience and reach their goals. Through these experiences, Jacob has learned the value of patience, character development, and supporting others in becoming the best version of themselves—qualities he brings to his role at Vibrance.
Outside of work and school, Jacob enjoys staying active through ice and roller hockey, weightlifting, and volunteering in the community. He also loves playing guitar and singing.
Nikia Evans, MD, MS, CSCS
Nikia has continued her involvement (throughout medical school and now residency) as our coordinator of strength and conditioning. Prior to beginning medical school, Nikia spent a year in Germany playing professional soccer and was a part of NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer at Portland State University, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. With an extensive personal background in the world of elite performance training, experience coaching athletes at the elite youth to collegiate and professional levels, as well as work with masters and tactical athlets of all ages, Nikia brings knowledge of practical applications of strength and conditioning principles as well as a natural teaching ability to Vibrance Physical Therapy and Wellness. In addition to her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist accreditation through the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2019, Nikia became a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2022 and graduated with her Masters in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida in 2023.
Nikia spends her free time adventuring with her dog and fiance, cooking seasonal meals, making music, and getting together with family and friends as often as she can.
Our Alumni
At Vibrance Physical Therapy, we are incredibly proud of our PT Aide alumni. For those who have chosen to pursue physical therapy school, we celebrate a 100% acceptance rate. Their hard work, compassion, and dedication to patient care have carried them forward into the next stage of their careers, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the impact they will make as future physical therapists. Congratulations to our first graduating class of physical therapists Brogan and Faerynn!
Current and future physical therapists include: Faerynn Glasscock, Brogan Boen, Taylor Harris, Micah McLeish, Kassidy Noon, Mariana Contreras, and Kaitlyn Kruse
Special thank you to early contributions from Maddie Klotzbach and Connor Evans!
