Meet our Team

Dr. Hilvers has offered clinically advanced, occupationally-informed care of firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and allied emergency response professionals for two decades.

Dr. Hilvers founded ERHC in 2004 following an invitation to provide annual exams to members of the Boise Fire Department dive team, after working in close proximity to the first responder community as an ER physician.

Following its inception, ERHC quickly emerged as a regional leader in first responder medicine, providing an unparalleled scope of medical and mental health services for responders in Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

Dr. Hilvers was honored to oversee the establishment of ERHC’s first-ever expansion clinic, ERHC North, at the invitation of Northeastern Washington/Northern Idaho emergency response agencies and advocates.

Dr. Ola Kamieniecki is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician and current Sports Medicine Fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno. She provides athlete-centered care across Division I athletics, professional and amateur sports, and mass-participation events, with expertise in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, PRP, and orthobiologics. Dr. Kamieniecki is passionate about understanding and advocating for metabolic balance as a foundation for peak immune function and chronic disease prevention. She is dedicated to building proactive, evidence-based, and personalized care plans that help pause chronic disease progression while eliminating risk factors for severe outcomes. She believes in treating patients as a whole, empowering them through education and partnering with them to make meaningful, lasting improvements to their health.

“Supporting wellness goes far beyond providing medical treatments; it’s about building strong relationships, emphasizing education, and prioritizing prevention. Experience has taught me that while the latest medical recommendations and treatments may evolve rapidly, the foundation of a trusted and supportive relationship with your physician should remain constant.”

During his 7-year medical career, Dr. Danielson has gained versatile experience as a primary care physician, educator, researcher, and team leader. His expertise includes broad-spectrum family medicine and sports medicine, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal health, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Danielson has undergone comprehensive training in preventative medicine and holistic patient care; he is committed to taking a “whole-person” approach toward improving his patients’ overall physical, mental, and emotional health by exploring the physiological, psychological, and social factors that impact their well-being.

Dr. Danielson has extensive experience caring for top-tier college, Olympic, and professional athletes, whose livelihoods rely on optimal physical and mental performance. Prior to joining ERHC North, Dr. Danielson served as a primary care/sports medicine physician for the University of California-Berkeley, where he cared for more than 900 intercollegiate athletes competing across 30 varsity sports. During his Sports Medicine Fellowship (University of Arizona, Tucson), he treated members of area fire, police, military, and border patrol units for work-related injuries, and developed a passion for caring for this service-driven population. He is eager to apply his expertise to care for first responders serving Northeastern Washington and Northern Idaho, promoting their total wellness on- and off-duty.

A Treasure Valley, Idaho native who completed his Family Medicine Residency in Tacoma, Dr. Danielson enjoys deep ties to both Idaho and Washington. He looks forward to returning to this beloved terrain and hitting the slopes, fly fishing, mountain biking, and camping with his growing young family.

“I look forward to bringing my dedication and holistic approach to ERHC North, ensuring each patient feels supported and informed in their healthcare journey.”

Samantha embarked on her nursing journey 20 years ago as a nursing assistant, and has continuously advanced the depth of her patient care, ultimately obtaining a Doctorate in Family Practice – Nurse Practitioner from Washington State University. She then completed a rigorous Nurse Practitioner Residency program at the highly competitive Community Health Association of Spokane, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Samantha is relentlessly passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She prides herself on building a strong relationship with every patient, empowering those in her care to take charge of their health through her proactive and holistic approach.

As the spouse of an active-duty firefighter, Samantha is deeply aware of the unique medical and mental health needs of first responders, and is highly invested in advancing their overall well-being. As the mother of two teens, she understands the importance of comprehensive family practice, and strives to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages.

A Spokane native, Samantha is dedicated to giving back to the communities she serves. Outside of work, she enjoys an active lifestyle with her family and two dogs, including time spent in the great outdoors and on the open road. She is an avid triathlete who has proudly competed in the Half Ironman World Championship (South Africa) and the Ironman World Championship (Hawaii).

“My approach is centered on understanding each patient’s long-term goals and breaking them down into achievable, short-term steps. I emphasize balance within dietary preferences and restrictions, encouraging small, sustainable habit changes that lead to lasting success.”

As a board-certified Registered Dietitian, Sara provides Medical Nutrition Therapy and nutritional counseling to patients of all ages. With a Master’s Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology from Washington State University, Sara offers a broad range of clinical services, guiding patients to manage metabolic diseases, safely achieve weight management goals, and optimize athletic performance.

Prior to joining ERHC North, Sara specialized in providing youth athletes with highly customized nutritional counseling to increase their competitiveness and navigate repetitive-use injuries caused by chronic under-fueling. Working toward a specialization in Tactical Dietetics, Sara is dedicated to improving first responders’ well-being, on and off duty, while addressing their unique nutritional needs as “occupational athletes.” She looks forward to translating her extensive clinical knowledge to advance job performance, quality of life, and longevity among emergency response professionals as well as their family members.

As the wife of a firefighter and devoted mother of two, Sara understands first-hand the challenges and rewards of life as a first responder family. When she’s not caring for patients, Sara loves spending active time outdoors – running and hiking with her dog, horseback riding, and making memories with her family.

“As a clinical caregiver, I believe that to provide for another person is one of the most life-giving, life-receiving things a human being can do. Our lives were meant to be full of such acts, investing our talents for the benefit of others.”

Evan presents an unparalleled depth of Physical Therapy expertise, and is invested in continuing to elevate the scope of care he provides to his patients. Shortly after receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University, Evan was board-certified in Orthopedics and completed an intensive fellowship in Orthopedic and Manipulative Physical Therapy. He is further certified to provide Dry Needling/Muscular Trigger Point treatments. A skilled clinician and mentor, Evan is a highly regarded faculty member, instructing Physical Therapy students and practitioners through doctorate-level graduate programs, residencies and fellowships, and post-professional Continuing Education seminars.

As a former collegiate athlete, Evan understands the drive to maintain peak physical performance. He has provided movement screening/injury prevention and rehabilitation services in Industrial Medicine settings, and has worked with top-tier college athletes as well as “tactical athletes” serving in the U.S. Army and Air Force. He enjoyed an upbringing immersed in a culture of duty and service, with numerous family members engaged in firefighting (both structural and wildlands) and law enforcement roles, and with at least one relative enlisted in every branch of the U.S. military.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Evan is honored to translate his personal dedication to service and extensive experience by caring for first responders working and residing in Northeastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Outside of his clinical practice, he is engaged in the local and global communities as a church leader, youth mentor, and refugee program volunteer.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to help people every day; I truly can’t imagine myself in any other profession. Physical therapy allows me to combine so many roles that I love – I get to be an injury detective, a problem-solver, a patient educator, and a motivator. The best part is forming amazing connections with people – and I get to call it ‘work.’”

Amber holds a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University, and received her certification as an Orthopedic Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2009. In addition to bringing 25 years of experience as a versatile physical therapist to ERHC North, Amber has been certified as an Aquatic Specialist since 2008 and is an Inspire – Leading with Heart leadership program graduate. She emphasizes evidence-based care, individualized attention, and patient-provider collaboration in her practice, noting, “Each person presents with a unique physiology, encompassing their strengths, weaknesses, and personal experiences; the best outcomes happen when we communicate and work together.”

As a competitive collegiate swimmer (Washington State University) recognized as an Academic All-American Athlete by the NCAA, Amber excels at applying her diverse education and experiences in the care of active, motivated patients. With extensive experience working with a diverse range of individuals, from collegiate and professional athletes, to first responders and “weekend warriors,” her clinical approach balances the demands of athletic and work performance, with effective and safe healing and recovery strategies. She looks forward to applying her eclectic expertise to support ERHC North patients in their rehabilitation journey, from acute injury phases through high-level return-to-work (or sport).

Amber grew up in the inland Pacific Northwest and enjoys the region’s mountains and outdoor recreational opportunities with her husband and two boys (while vigilantly dodging mosquitoes and spiders). When she’s not caring for her patients, you’re likely to find her walking her dog, at a car show, sunning on a pool deck, or avidly reading “fluff.” Amber remains involved with USA Swimming and Special Olympics Swimming as a dedicated official. If she could find time in her busy schedule to perfect an additional art, Amber notes, “I wish I could truly do magic.”

“Performance is deeply connected to overall health, and requires a holistic approach. Physical capacity and occupational readiness are built not in the gym alone, but through sleep, nutrition, stress management, and healthy daily habits. I believe in bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance through movement education and purposeful strategies to keep my clients adequately prepared for sports, active duty, and life.”

Tim brings a versatile background as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), with extensive experience supporting patients to recover from, and manage, acute and chronic injuries. Prior to joining ERHC North, Tim amassed 16 years of experience working with athletes and fitness-minded clients in an outpatient Physical Therapy setting, where he established a full-time Strength and Conditioning Center for patients, post-rehabilitation and beyond. Tim is passionate about supporting his clients to quickly and safely return to their athletic, work, and personal lives during and after physical therapy treatment. An exercise physiologist, Tim supports ERHC North patients and medical providers by administering fitness tests and Cardiac Stress Tests.

Tim has not only worked with numerous firefighters and law enforcement personnel during his career in health and fitness, he serves as a part-time/volunteer firefighter and EMT with Spokane County Fire District 3, where he is a member of the Health & Wellness Committee. With 7 years of active-duty experience, Tim is well-attuned to first responder culture and elevated health risks. He recognizes that as “tactical athletes,” emergency response professionals experience similar demands and needs as Olympic contenders.

An eastern Washington native, Tim has developed a passion for promoting longevity among the Spokane area’s dedicated emergency service members. Tim is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys camping, hiking and spending time on the water with his wife, two kids, and family dog.

“I am excited to be joining a team of like-minded providers working together to help improve the lives of those in our first responder community. My approach to massage therapy is to deliver excellent, compassionate care by customizing every session to each individual patient. I’m very dedicated to helping patients achieve optional function and mobility, as well as reducing any pain they experience in activities of daily living.” 

Gail brings 6 years of experience as a versatile licensed massage therapist to ERHC North. She offers a diverse range of therapies to include Injury Prevention and Recovery, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Prenatal Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, and Cupping, and is experienced in caring for patients with a wide variety of body types and injuries. She joins the ERHC team following her tenure managing a top-performing massage therapy studio within a leading national franchise.

Gail has significant experience in caring for first responders and competitive athletes, with an emphasis on injury prevention and recovery, as well as general stress relief and wellness. Gail is well-connected to the first responder community through her significant other, who has served as an active-duty firefighter for nearly two decades.

Outside of the massage therapy studio, Gail prioritizes spending time with her friends, her family, and their Bernese Mountain Dog and Black Lab. You’ll find her hiking, running, skiing, and taking spin classes – when she’s not out exploring the greater region on a weekend road trip.

“Mental health and wellness are essential components of overall fitness. Being ‘fine’ isn’t as good as it can be. First responders and their loved ones can have the most appreciative and loving relationships if they are willing to do life more intentionally than the average family. I love coming alongside responders and helping them understand themselves and their experiences more authentically, which inevitably leads to enhanced communication and deeper connections in the relationships that mean the most.”

As ERHC North’s inaugural MHS coordinator, Stephanie brings 8 years of experience as a licensed mental health professional and has undergone advanced training to become a Certified First Responder Clinician. She specializes in trauma-informed care and the treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSI/PTSD. Stephanie offers a versatile range of treatment modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EEG Biofeedback/Neurofeedback, and pEMF Stimulation.

Stephanie joined ERHC North following several years of co-owning/managing a successful private practice where she cared exclusively for first responders. As the spouse of a 30+ year first responder, Stephanie witnessed first-hand the negative impacts on emergency response professionals, their spouses, and their children, when their mental health needs go unaddressed. Mid-way through her husband’s career, Stephanie became determined to help find solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of duty, to highlight the positive aspects, and to help her own responder and family live the most fulfilling life possible. She brings that same determination and dedication to each session, with every client.

Born and raised in Spokane, Stephanie found herself back home in the community she loves after a few years exploring other areas along the West Coast. Stephanie has nine children and a growing number of grandchildren that keep her and her husband busy most days. When she has the opportunity to sneak away, she enjoys the quick get-aways in the area’s hiking trails and lakes, running long distances, and riding her Harley, Pearl.

“Working with, and serving, first responders has been a longtime career aspiration of mine. I’m excited to have this unique opportunity to be part of a team that serves this population, with the goal of providing comprehensive care. I look forward to helping our emergency response professionals, and their families, live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Heather brings more than 15 years of experience as a licensed therapist in both community mental health settings and her own private practice. As the spouse of a law enforcement professional, Heather is committed to care that is not only evidence-based, but mindful of occupational cultures, as well. Heather has undergone extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, suicide prevention, and youth mental health issues. Heather worked directly alongside emergency responders as a crisis responder for more than seven years, ultimately being promoted into the role of Crisis Services Manager. Based on her concern for the welfare of community members of all ages, Heather worked in concert with the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office to establish the Newport, WA school district’s Threat Assessment Team.

As a certified EMDR provider, Heather is highly experienced in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma and other conditions that frequently present among first responders and their loved ones. She has been proud to include numerous firefighters, law enforcement officers, and paramedics among her clients, and has built effective collaborative relationships with front-line personnel from Emergency Room staff, to prosecuting attorneys, to corrections officers and law enforcement members.

When she’s not at a gym, or a ball field cheering on her two favorite youth athletes (who happen to be her children), you’ll find Heather outdoors, boating at the lake, or traveling with family and friends.