Meet Our Team

Dr. Art Van Leuven, PT, DPT, ATC, Founder

Art received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the number one ranked physical therapy school in the nation, the University of Southern California. He has worked as a physical therapist in a number of settings – outpatient orthopedic, home health care, and collegiate sports. Art holds dual credentials as a Physical Therapist and certified Athletic Trainer. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Chapman University, where he also was a member of the men’s basketball team. Several basketball injuries requiring rehab and surgery ultimately led Art on his path to Athletic Training and, finally, Physical Therapy. Art was raised in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he currently resides with his beautiful wife. three young children, and very energetic puppy!

Dr. Kimberlee McCoy, PT, DPT, Clinic Manager

Kimberlee received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University where she was awarded an Academic Excellence Award. She has experience in physical therapy in outpatient orthopedics and inpatient rehabilitation. Kimberlee obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of California, Santa Barbara with a minor in Exercise Science. She has worked as a group fitness instructor for 10 years at local gyms, teaching many formats including indoor cycling and cardio kickboxing. Kimberlee was raised in Southern California and has loved Santa Barbara since her time spent here during undergraduate. She enjoys group fitness classes, hiking, snowboarding, and yoga.

Dr. Steven Daum, PT, DPT

Steven received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University. He has experience as a physical therapist in outpatient orthopedic and home health care. Steven also has experience working as a certified personal trainer for two years. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Creighton University. Steven came to southern California for school after being raised in South Dakota and decided to take a position in beautiful Santa Barbara. He enjoys this area because he can spend his spare time surfing and hiking.

Ben Olivo, PT, DPT, TPS

Ben received his Master’s in Physical Therapy from California State University of Sacramento. He has worked as a physical therapist in a number of settings- outpatient orthopedic, skilled nursing, and acute care. Ben obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from California State University of Sacramento. He has completed his Therapeutic Pain Specialty through International Spine and Pain Institute, and has also obtained a Post- Doctorate in Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion. He also has experience working as a personal trainer. Ben moved from Northern California to Santa Barbara with his wife in March 2018 where he continues to participate in the activities he loves including biking, paddleboarding, hiking, and cooking.

Dr. Aaron Larson, PT, DPT

Aaron received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from California State University of Fresno and his Bachelors in Exercise Science from California State University of Northridge. He has experience in outpatient physical therapy, sports physical therapy, and inpatient rehab. Aaron has a passion for helping people move better. He enjoys learning languages, hiking, and exercising.

Dr. Katherine Sander, PT, DPT, OCS

Katherine received a Bachelor’s of science in Biology and minor in Spanish at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2013. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2017. During her time at USC, Katherine devoted her time as a student coordinator for a pro-bono wellness program called Fit Families. Upon graduation she earned the Order of the Torch, recognized for demonstrating academic excellence and commitment of service and community outreach. She then completed an orthopedic clinical residency at USC in 2018. During her residency, she helped teach within the doctoral physical therapy program, performed patient rounds with orthopedic surgeons, attended many continuing education courses, and treated patients in an outpatient orthopedic setting. She received her Board Certification Specialty in Orthopedics in 2019.

Prior to joining SB Physio, Katherine was a staff physical therapist in San Luis Obispo for two years, treating patients with orthopedic conditions, concussions and post-concussive syndrome. In addition to treating a variety of patients, she additionally provides clinical instruction to physical therapy students.

When outside of the clinic, Katherine enjoys playing soccer, hiking and running.

Dr. Patrick Bower, PT, DPT

Patrick received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, where he was also inducted into the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy’s National Honor Society and USC’s Order of the Golden Cane. Prior to his graduate education, Patrick attended Westmont College where he received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. In his time at Westmont, Patrick travelled to Bath, England to study Exercise Physiology, and also travelled to Ensenada, Mexico where he volunteered with a mobile, free medical clinic as part of Westmont’s Potter’s Clay team. In his free time, Patrick enjoys surfing and golfing, and he is a Titleist Performance Institute certified medical professional.

Myka Kelsey, Front Office Receptionist

Myka obtained a certificate in Basic HealthCare at Rogue Community College in Oregon while attending high school. She has been in the medical field for the last 6 years as a receptionist and Medical Assistant. She started working in a PT clinic last year, and loves the field. When Myka is not at the office, she can be found enjoying her time outdoors on the sunny Southern California coast, or hiking in the mountains.

Cecily Russell, Front Office Receptionist

Cecily received her Bachelor of Science in HealthCare at SBBC. She has been with SB Physio as an Aid since 2018, she is working towards pursuing further education for a career in HealthCare. She grew up in Santa Barbara, and loves spending her time biking, hiking, and improving her strength at the gym.

Heather Caughell, Front Office Receptionist

Heather graduated from UC Berkeley in 2018 with a B.A. in International Development and a minor in Education. She spent the following year and a half in Thailand where she worked as the Executive Assistant at IJM Chiang Mai, an organization working in human trafficking prevention. Heather returned to the Santa Barbara area to be close to her family and is enjoying working alongside the great SB Physio team. She loves spending time with her niece and nephews, reading, and going on bike rides with her sis!