About Us

Ryan Palkoner

PT, MPT, Cert. ART, Cert. DN, Cert. VRS, CEO

Ryan Palkoner is the owner and founder of Epic Physical Therapy and a highly experienced physical therapist serving patients at Epic PT’s Highlands Ranch clinic. With more than 20 years of clinical experience in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, Ryan is passionate about helping patients reduce pain, restore movement, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Ryan earned his Master of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has built his career specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and advanced manual therapy techniques. He has extensive training in joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Active Release Techniques (ART), trigger point dry needling, and the McKenzie Method for spine care. His approach combines hands-on treatment with individualized exercise programs to help patients achieve lasting improvements in strength, mobility, and function.

As a Highlands Ranch physical therapist, Ryan has extensive experience treating athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to elite competitors. He is part of the Ironman Provider Network and has served on the medical staff for multiple Ironman Triathlons, the AVP Pro Volleyball Tour, and the Carlsbad Marathon. These experiences have allowed him to work with a wide range of sports injuries, including running injuries, endurance athlete injuries, shoulder injuries, spine conditions, and orthopedic conditions affecting active individuals.

In addition to treating patients, Ryan is passionate about advancing the physical therapy profession. He travels nationally to educate healthcare providers and clinicians on manual release techniques, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and kinesiology taping techniques.

Outside of Epic Physical Therapy, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and three children while exploring everything Colorado has to offer. Whether hiking, skiing, mountain biking, working out, or relaxing in the mountains, Ryan loves staying active and connected to the community he serves.

Lucas Won

PT, DPT, CSCS, Cert. DN, Cert. VRS, TPI certified, Director of Clinical Operations

Lucas was born and raised in the greater New York City area. In high school, he experienced various sports injuries and became a frequent physical therapy patient, inspiring his passion for helping others return to the activities they love. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois before completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Southwest Baptist University.

Lucas has a special interest in working with golfers of all ages and skill levels. He is certified as a Level 2 Medical Provider through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), allowing him to assess how movement limitations affect the golf swing and contribute to pain, decreased performance, and injury risk. Lucas helps golfers improve mobility, strength, power, and swing efficiency so they can play their best and stay on the course longer. He frequently works with golfers experiencing low back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, elbow pain, wrist injuries, and hip mobility limitations related to the game.

Erin Palkoner

MAT, Director of Communications and Marketing

Erin graduated with an Elementary Education degree from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana and then pursued her lifelong dream of being classroom teacher in San Diego. Soon after Erin went back to school and attained her Master of Arts in Teaching. Ryan and Erin were married and then moved their 6 month old son to beautiful Colorado.
 
New to Colorado and wanting to learn the area and meet new people, Erin taught Stroller fitness classes with Fit4Mom for 5 years all around the South Denver suburbs with her growing family in tow. Since teaching these classes, Erin became invested in being able to communicate effectively and form meaningful relationships. She joined the Epic PT team in the Spring of 2021. Erin loves speaking to providers, staff, and patients about how they will thrive at Epic PT. When she’s not in the clinics, Erin can be found volunteering at her children’s school, baking, or strength training to keep up with her husband and 3 active children.

Dan Stoot

PT, DPT, COMT, Director of Clinical Operations

Dan’s passion for vestibular rehabilitation and concussion care comes from personal experience. After recovering from multiple concussions himself and helping his mother regain function following a traumatic brain injury in 2011, he developed a deep appreciation for the life-changing impact physical therapy can have on people experiencing dizziness, balance problems, and neurological injuries.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), balance disorders, motion sensitivity, and lingering symptoms after a concussion. Dan is passionate about identifying the underlying cause of these symptoms and creating individualized treatment plans that help patients regain confidence, return to daily activities, and get back to the sports and hobbies they enjoy.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dan earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and believes in partnering with each patient to restore function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life through evidence-based vestibular and neurological rehabilitation.

When he’s not treating patients at Epic Physical Therapy, Dan enjoys fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Colorado’s outdoors. He currently lives in Denver and is an avid sports fan.

Maddie Noufer

PT, DPT, Cert DN, Endurance Cert

Maddie was born in Indiana and lived there briefly before moving to Orlando, Florida. She relocated to Colorado in 2012 and graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. She developed a passion for physical therapy while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a nursing home during her time in Fort Collins. Maddie went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2024.

Maddie has a special interest in treating runners and endurance athletes. As an Endurance Certified Physical Therapist and Certified Dry Needling provider (Cert DN), she combines evidence-based rehabilitation with movement analysis to help runners identify the source of their pain, improve strength and efficiency, and stay healthy while training toward their goals- from completing a first 5K to preparing for a marathon or ultramarathon.

Outside of the clinic, Maddie enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking, skiing, and participating in recreational sports leagues. She also loves cooking, reading, and playing board games.

Colin Hayes

PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Endurance Cert.

Colin was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where he developed a lifelong passion for sports and staying active. After experiencing the benefits of physical therapy firsthand through sports injuries, he knew he wanted to help others return to the activities they love. Colin attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and his Doctor of Physical Therapy.

As a Highlands Ranch physical therapist, Colin is passionate about helping active individuals recover from injury, reduce pain, and get back to doing what they enjoy most. He has a special interest in working with runners and endurance athletes and is both Certified in Dry Needling (Cert DN) and an Endurance Certified Physical Therapist. Colin enjoys helping runners understand the source of their pain while improving strength, movement efficiency, and performance so they can continue training and achieve their goals. He also works with patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, overuse conditions, and sports-related injuries using evidence-based treatment and individualized exercise programs.

Outside of the clinic, Colin enjoys taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer. Whether he’s snowboarding, hiking, camping, or exploring the mountains, you’ll likely find him outdoors whenever he isn’t helping patients at Epic Physical Therapy.

Jason Nagelhout

PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Jason grew up in Morrison, Colorado, where he developed a love for sports by playing baseball throughout high school and into college. His own athletic experiences sparked a passion for helping others recover from injuries and perform at their highest level. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas, graduating in 2024.

Jason sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Greenwood Village clinic and is passionate about helping active individuals throughout Greenwood Village, Denver, and the South Denver area return to the activities and sports they love. He has a special interest in treating overhead athletes, including baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and other sports that place repetitive demands on the shoulder and elbow. As a Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN) provider, Jason combines hands-on treatment, dry needling, and individualized exercise programs to help patients recover from sports injuries, improve performance, and prevent future injuries.

Whether working with competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, Jason believes movement is medicine and enjoys helping people regain strength, confidence, and pain-free function.

A West Denver native, Jason enjoys exploring Colorado’s mountains and parks. Outside the clinic, you’ll find him hiking, attending live music, cheering on Colorado sports teams, or spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Nicholas Weber

PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Nicholas was born and raised in River Falls, Wisconsin, where his interest in physical therapy began while recovering from sports injuries under the guidance of his uncle, a physical therapist. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for helping others move better, recover from injury, and return to the activities they love. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Biology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Des Moines University.

Nicholas sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Highlands Ranch clinic and is passionate about helping individuals throughout Highlands Ranch and the South Denver community recover from injury, reduce pain, and achieve their movement goals. He takes a personalized, functional approach to care by combining hands-on manual therapy, Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN), and individualized exercise programs to improve strength, mobility, and confidence. Nicholas especially enjoys working with active individuals and overhead athletes, helping them recover from shoulder, elbow, and sports-related injuries so they can safely return to the activities they enjoy.

Whether treating orthopedic injuries, overuse conditions, or helping patients regain function after pain or surgery, Nicholas is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care tailored to each person’s goals.

Outside the clinic, Nicholas enjoys hiking, cooking, exploring new restaurants, and cheering on his favorite Wisconsin sports teams- especially the Packers and Badgers. He also values spending time with family and friends and is excited to serve the Highlands Ranch community as part of the Epic Physical Therapy team.

Chris Peloquin

PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN

Chris is a Colorado native who grew up in the Denver area and completed his education in the Jesuit tradition, graduating from Regis Jesuit High School before earning both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University. His passion for helping people recover from injury and return to the activities they love has guided his career in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

Chris sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Greenwood Village clinic and has extensive experience treating patients recovering from concussions, vestibular disorders, and hand injuries. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, motion sensitivity, and lingering symptoms after a concussion. Chris enjoys helping patients regain their confidence, restore their balance, and safely return to work, sports, and everyday activities. He also brings more than a decade of experience treating hand and upper extremity injuries and is Certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), allowing him to combine hands-on treatment with individualized exercise programs to help patients recover efficiently.

Whether treating athletes, active adults, or individuals recovering from orthopedic and neurological conditions, Chris is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving long-term function.

Outside the clinic, Chris enjoys staying active in the Colorado outdoors. He grew up playing hockey, skiing, and guitar, and the pinnacle of his hockey career was officiating the Colorado Avalanche training camp. He continues to referee varsity, AAA, and collegiate hockey while also spending time hiking with his two Alaskan Malamutes, Romulus and Remus. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll often find him cheering on the Avalanche, skiing Colorado’s slopes, or exploring the mountains with his dogs.

Ashley Bauer

PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Ashley was raised primarily in South Carolina, where growing up in an active family and participating in a variety of sports inspired her passion for movement and physical activity as medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.

Ashley sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Greenwood Village clinic and is passionate about helping people of all ages regain strength, confidence, and independence. She has extensive experience treating athletes, individuals recovering from joint replacement surgery, orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and patients recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions. As a Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN) provider, Ashley combines hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and individualized exercise programs to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities that matter most.

Whether she’s helping an athlete return to competition, guiding someone through rehabilitation after a hip or knee replacement, or assisting a stroke survivor in restoring balance, strength, and functional mobility, Ashley believes every treatment plan should be tailored to each patient’s goals. She is committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care that empowers patients throughout every stage of their recovery.

Before joining Epic Physical Therapy, Ashley practiced in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she developed a passion for helping patients recover from orthopedic injuries and chronic pain. Her love of hiking eventually drew her to Colorado, where she enjoys being close to the mountains and embracing an active lifestyle.

Outside the clinic, Ashley enjoys backpacking, camping, climbing, road trips, spending time with her nephews, and exploring Colorado with her dog.

Eric La Rue

PT, DPT

Eric was born in Southern California and raised in Brighton, Colorado, where his passion for sports led him to play collegiate baseball. After experiencing an injury of his own, Eric discovered firsthand the impact physical therapy can have on an athlete’s recovery and performance. That experience inspired him to pursue a career helping athletes safely return to the sports they love. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Health Sciences from Buena Vista University before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Des Moines University.

Eric sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Highlands Ranch clinic and has a special interest in working with youth athletes, overhead athletes, and active individuals recovering from sports injuries. As a former collegiate baseball player and current baseball coach, he is passionate about helping baseball and softball players return to throwing, hitting, and competition safely through evidence-based rehabilitation and progressive return-to-sport programming. He also enjoys treating overuse injuries commonly seen in growing athletes, including shoulder pain, elbow injuries, knee pain, and other sports-related conditions, helping young athletes build strength, improve movement mechanics, and reduce their risk of future injuries.

Whether working with competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or active families throughout Highlands Ranch and the South Denver community, Eric believes in creating individualized treatment plans that help patients recover confidently and perform at their highest level. His goal is not only to relieve pain but to help every patient return stronger than before.

Outside the clinic, Eric enjoys coaching baseball, snowboarding, and exploring Colorado with his fiancée, Bri.

Zoe Simmons

PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Zoe was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where she developed a lifelong love for running and the outdoors. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Oregon State University, competing as a collegiate cross-country and track & field athlete before returning home to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Regis University in 2026. Zoe completed one of her final clinical rotations at Epic Physical Therapy’s Greenwood Village clinic and was excited to return as a full-time physical therapist to serve the community she calls home.

Zoe sees patients at Epic Physical Therapy’s Greenwood Village clinic and is passionate about helping runners, active individuals, and patients living with chronic pain return to the activities they love. As a Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN) provider and former collegiate runner, she understands the physical demands of endurance sports and enjoys helping runners recover from overuse injuries, improve movement efficiency, and stay healthy throughout training. She also enjoys working with individuals experiencing persistent or chronic pain, using evidence-based treatment, dry needling, hands-on care, and individualized exercise programs to improve function, reduce pain, and restore confidence in movement.

Outside the clinic, Zoe enjoys trail running, skiing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends while taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer.