Deb Hopkins MPT, C-IAYT

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Degrees and Certifications

Physical Therapy

  • Bachelor of Arts Pre-Physical Therapy, SF State University 1994 
  • Master of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University 1997 
  • Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist 2011 
  • PT Continuing Education Certifications:
    * LSVT Big Parkinson’s Certified Therapist
    * Parkinson Wellness Recovery Certified Therapist
    * APTA Pelvic Health CAPP certification – in progress; completed 58 hours of the CAPP curricula 

Yoga

  • Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga Foundation certified 500 hour Healing Yoga Teacher 2012
  • International Association of Yoga Therapist: C-IAYT Yoga Therapist 2017 – present
  • International Association of Yoga Therapist: Approved Professional Development Provider – 2023
  • Yoga Well Viniyoga 1000+ hour Yoga Therapist Training 2021 – currently in progress

Teaching Experience

  • The Yoga Well (2022): “Breathing for Pain” 3-hour online workshop 
  • Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco Employee Health Department (2011-2020)
    – Task analysis and job-specific individualized ergonomic education for employees in every department in the medical center: administration, engineering, housekeeping, surgery, medicine, pathology, health education, etc.
    – Department-specific ergonomic in-service presentations for: laboratory, ultrasound, phlebotomy, material services, medicine, cardiology, physical therapy, and administration. 
  • Kaiser Permanente South SF and San Francisco, PT Department (1997-2020)
    Weekly and monthly group classes including “Level 2 Chronic Pain”, “Back Care”, “Neck Care”, and “Pre-operative Total Joint Replacement” 
  • The Yoga Well (2016): Yoga 300-hour Teacher Training Assistant 
  • 5 Koshas Health and Healing (2012-2015): “Healing Yoga for Chronic Pain” bi-monthly class; “De-stress Gentle Asana and Meditation” bi-monthly class; “Uncovering Obstacles to the Ideal Self” 6-hour workshop
  • San Francisco State University Department of Kinesiology (1993-94) Human Movement: Teaching assistant under mentorship of Dr Joseph Higgins
  • Vista College (1989-1994): Adaptive swimming assistant instructor 

Research

  • “Forward Head Postural Patterns: Sagittal Plane Observations of a Computer Operator” 1996. Hopkins, D., Roberts, A., Virgillio, C. 
  • “Dual Task Jumping in Preschool Children” 1994. Higgins, Joseph R., Ed.D, Doyle, J., Hopkins, D., and Howell, S. 

Work Experience

  • 5 Koshas Health and Healing
    2012 to 2022
    In-person and virtual one-on-one Yoga Therapy
  • Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco
    2003 – 2020
    Physical Therapist, outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab
    2010-2020
    Employee Health Department Ergonomic Evaluator
  • Kaiser Permanente, South San Francisco
    1997- 2003
    Physical Therapist, outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab, inpatient acute care
  • Kaiser Permanente, Redwood City
    Sept 1996 – Feb 1997
    Physical Therapy Intern, acute neurological rehab and outpatient orthopedic rehab