Our Mission at Ascent Therapy Clinic
- Provide the highest quality of physical therapy and rehabilitation to help our patients live their best lives.
- Our devoted specialists will empower you with the education and tools necessary to live a pain-free life.
- We strive to create an atmosphere that promotes health, healing, and well-being.
Dr. Jeffrey Mills, PT, DPT
Owner
Dr. Mills received his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) from the University of Miami in 2015. Prior to joining Ascent Therapy Clinic, he was the Director of Physical Therapy for a multi-disciplinary practice with clinics throughout the Denver-Metro area. Dr. Mills emphasizes an extensive hands-on manual therapy approach including dry needling and joint mobilizations in order to address pain and dysfunction. He additionally prescribes specific and individualized therapeutic exercises to correct movement patterns and help each of his patients maximally achieve their goals.
Dr. Mills was an avid athlete and his interest in physical therapy and fitness was evident at a young age. He enjoys an active lifestyle of working out, snowboarding, playing golf and tennis, and traveling. His enthusiasm for physical fitness health inspires him to help his patients return back to their desired lifestyle.
Our Team of Professionals
Location: Littleton
Lauren Cook
Practice manager
Lauren Cook
Practice Manager
Lauren grew up in Chicago, IL and moved to Colorado in 2015. She has worked multiple years in the healthcare industry. Including specialty clinics and family medicine. Most recently, Lauren was a clinic manager for several years at an Urgent Care and Family Medicine clinic. In her free time, Lauren enjoys being outdoors. Whether it’s hiking up in the mountains with her husband, newly welcomed baby daughter and 2 dogs, camping or at a brewery with friends. She also always makes time for cooking up new recipes and baking.
Dr. Megan Zartman
PT, DPT
Dr. Megan Zartman
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Dr. Zartman graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Science in 2013, then from Pitt’s DPT program with a clinical Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2016. She gained valuable experience as a travel physical therapist before relocating to Denver to become a clinic director for a local Assisted Living Facility. Dr. Zartman has a passion for older adults and medically complex patients, and is excited to be joining the Ascent Therapy Team. Dr. Zartman uses evidence-based practice to best serve her clients. She creates individualized treatment plans, utilizing manual therapy, endurance and resistance training exercises focused on ensuring patients achieve their individualized goals.
Dr. Zartman enjoys skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking and all the arts and culture Denver has to offer. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering for the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies.
Dr. Lukas Mehling
PT, DPT
Dr. Lukas Mehling
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Lukas has been treating patients in the Denver area for over 10 years with an emphasis on sports injuries and neck/back pain. After undergoing ACL surgery and rehab playing high school sports, it opened his eyes to a career in physical therapy. He graduated from University of Cincinnati’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2012. Lukas takes pride in making his treatment sessions as warm and welcoming as possible for his patients. In addition, he is a certified specialist in orthopedics and dry needling.
Originally from Columbus Ohio, he followed the sunshine and mountains to Colorado where he met his wife, Catherine. When he is outside of the clinic Lukas enjoys spending time with his wife and young son while exploring the local hiking trails and concerts.
Dr. Paul Gonzales
PT, DPT
Dr. Paul Gonzales
PT, DPT
Dr. Gonzales Graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in Physiology in 2021. He then received his clinical Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami DPT program in 2024. He has gained experience in various physical therapy settings and populations ranging from inpatient neuro to outpatient orthopedics making him a well-rounded and knowledgeable clinician. Dr. Gonzales is passionate about treating orthopedic patients of all ages endeavoring to restore function and mitigate pain. He firmly believes we all have athletic and physically demanding activities in our lives. Whether that’s playing with the grandkids, enjoying the Colorado outdoors, performing work duties, or simply taking care of chores at home. Whatever your goals are, Dr. Gonzales utilizes evidence-based practice to create individualized care plans. He utilizes manual therapies, therapeutic cupping, and designs tailored exercise programs to address your goals. As a former high school soccer coach, Dr. Gonzales treats each patient as a new member of his team and encourages open communication between clinician and patient to optimize outcomes.
Dr.Gonzales pursues athletic ventures of his own including weightlifting, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and snowboarding. As a Wyoming Native he grew up exploring the mountains in his home state spending ample time hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and fishing. Now he is looking forward to doing the same in Colorado. He also loves traveling, reading, and supporting Denver sports. Go Broncos!
Delaney Peterson
Clinical Assistant
Delaney Peterson
Clinical Assistant
Delaney holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver and plans to pursue graduate studies to become a Physician’s Assistant or Physical Therapist. She has worked in healthcare since 2016, when she started working at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic before moving to Swedish Medical Center. In her free time she enjoys reading, skiing, camping, hiking, and exercising.
Nina Rozwadowski
Clinical Assistant
Nina Rozwadowski
Clinical Assistant
Nina received her undergraduate degree in Community and Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Wisconsin: Madison. She is currently taking prerequisite science courses at the Community College of Denver in order to apply to graduate school to become a Physical Therapist. Nina is very passionate about fitness and coaches classes at three different gyms.In her free time she enjoys climbing, cycling, watching sports, hiking, and camping.
Location: Wheat Ridge
Dr. Annaleise Lake
Clinic Director, PT, DPT
Annaleise Lake
Physical Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Lake graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine in 2017, and from CU Anschutz Medical Campus with a clinical Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2020. She values patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and educating patients on prevention techniques to avoid reinjury. Dr. Lake understands the importance of getting to know a patient as a whole, not just their presenting injury. She creates individualized treatment plans containing manual therapy, dry needling techniques and exercises focused on returning patients back to what they love.
Dr. Lake is a Colorado native and enjoys skiing, hiking, and lifting weights. She grew up dancing and swimming competitively and continues to participate in both. She also enjoys volunteering in her community and educating high school and undergraduate students on the physical therapy profession.
Dr. Kyra Auten
PT, DPT
Dr. Kyra Auten
PT, DPT
Dr. Kyra graduated from Concordia University in Irvine, CA with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis in rehabilitation in 2018 and graduated from Regis University with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2023. She is passionate about treating the whole person, getting you back to doing what you love with the knowledge and confidence to do so. She loves treating weekend warriors and sports injuries. She uses patient-centered care and evidence-based practice including manual therapy, dry needling techniques, and exercise. She is also certified Level 1 pelvic floor therapist able to treat pelvic floor dysfunctions such as incontinence, urgency, and prolapse.
Dr. Kyra grew up in Southern CA she moved to Colorado in 2020 to attend graduate school. She played beach and indoor volleyball collegiately and continues to play whenever she has the chance. In her free time, she loves to be outside hiking and skiing, lifting weights, and taking her two dogs for walks.
Arby Arbuthnot
Office Manager
Arby Arbuthnot
Office Manager
Arby has studied Biology at Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, AZ, as well studied Exercise Science and Personal Training here at Metropolitan State University. He has been with Ascent Therapy Clinic since 2018 working as a Clinical Assistant and now is the Office Manager of our location in Wheat Ridge. Arby enjoys coaching boys high school soccer, as well as spending lots of time outdoors fishing, camping, and playing sports.
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Get In Touch
Ascent Therapy Clinic,
9116 W Bowles Ave, STE 10
Littleton, CO 80123
720 . 769 . 3333
Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 6:00pm