RESTORING MOVEMENT DAILY

Chele assumed ownership of STAR Physical Therapy in 2022. Her passion for physical therapy began after sustaining multiple knee injuries in high school, which required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others recover and return to the activities they love.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Oregon State University in 2001 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Pacific University in 2004.

Chele began her professional career in Southern California, where she practiced for eight years before returning to her roots in Carson City. Upon taking ownership of STAR, she has remained committed to maintaining the clinic’s boutique approach—providing personalized, one-on-one care that supports each patient’s individual goals and promotes an active, healthy lifestyle.

Outside of her practice, Chele enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, and proudly embracing her role as a dedicated soccer mom.

Originally from Michigan, Annette graduated from Western Michigan University and spent over a decade gaining valuable experience in customer service and owning and operating two businesses before making Nevada her home a little over 20 years ago.  

Since living in Nevada, she has worn many hats-from Executive  Director at a medically based  fitness center and Director at an assisted living facility, to stay-at-home mom and currently
the Office Manager at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.

She’s known for her friendly phone skills, strong organization, and ability to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.  What she loves most about her work is the people- both patients and the amazing team she gets to work with every day. She takes great pride in helping ensure that everyone who walks through STAR’s doors feels valued and cared for.  

Outside of work she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and dogs.  She also has a passion for cabi clothing line and loves shopping for new pieces to add to her wardrobe. 

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1988. After several years in engineering, he decided to pursue his passion for health and movement, completing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami in 1997.

He began his physical therapy career in Reno, where he practiced at ROC for six years before joining STAR Physical Therapy. Mike brings a unique analytical approach to patient care, blending his technical background with his clinical expertise to deliver effective, personalized treatment.

Outside of the clinic, Mike enjoys gardening and spending his time watching and coaching soccer.

Kendra is a Nevada native who was born and raised in Reno. She was a student-athlete at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where she competed in ski racing while also working as a youth ski racing coach at Diamond Peak. She graduated from UNR in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology.

After graduation, Kendra spent three years working as a full-time physical therapy technician at an outpatient clinic in Reno. In 2022, she was accepted into her dream physical therapy program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. During PT school, she gained experience treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic injuries and neurological conditions through the university's pro bono clinic and aquatic therapy program.

Kendra's passion for skiing inspired her to develop a service project focused on preventing back injuries among ski instructors who volunteered with a local adaptive ski program. After two and a half years, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and shortly thereafter began her career in outpatient orthopedics. Kendra has pursued continuing education focused on manual therapy to further enhance her clinical skills and patient care. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, skiing, mountain biking, dirt biking, and camping throughout Nevada and the western United States.

Ricardo Ugarte is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Carson. He is a licensed Physical Therapist dedicated to helping patients move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2017, and completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Utah in 2023. Ricardo’s treatment approach focuses on individualized, evidence-based care that supports each patient’s unique goals. Outside the clinic, Ricardo enjoys exercising, camping, golfing, and values spending quality time with his family.