MEET OUR TEAM
Heather Chowaniec Brummett, PT, DPT, CMPT, CSCS, NCPT, CertDN
Physical Therapist, Pilates Instructor, Owner / President
Dr. Heather completed her Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Chemistry in 1997 and graduated with distinction in 2001 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University. She started her physical therapy career in 2001. Since then, Heather has worked with all ages in injury prevention as well as with those recovering from injury and surgery. As a former professional dancer and high school athlete, she is passionate about her work in dance and sports medicine. She has worked in the dance community since 2001 assessing and assisting dancers, including female athletes (any age), recover from injury and enhance performance. She is a Nationally PMA®-Certified Pilates Instructor and a Polestar Pilates Educator for Instructors. She has been teaching movement strategies with Pilates since 2002. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA, Certified in Dry Needling, and is a Certified Manual Therapist (CMPT) with North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT).
In 2007 Dr. Brummett opened Balanced Physical Therapy, Pilates & Performance Center in Glendale, AZ to offer the greater Phoenix area premium quality 1-on-1 physical therapy, Pilates and performance services. She believes that each client deserves the time and attention to meet their goals in an intentional and effective manner.
She is a native Phoenix, AZ and was a top soloist and group dancer, winning several national titles and had several rewarding opportunities as a dancer. She was a VIP dancer while touring with Dance Olympus as a faculty demonstrator, won convention scholarships to train in LA, and was one of the dancers in the 2nd Annual Tremaine Scholarship program at Tremaine Dance Studio in Los Angeles. She danced professionally in LA and during that time suffered an ankle injury, which ultimately lead her into her career. Dr. Heather trains dancers in her clinic in dance performance enhancement, injury reduction/prevention and overall dancer health, conducts in-services with dancers and teachers locally at their studios, presents at workshops, as well as presents at dance conventions.
She is a Board Licensed Physical Therapist specializing in Dance Medicine since 2001. Dr. Heather created Balanced Dance Medicine Teacher and Dancer Training On-Line Programs with an added benefit of live support to personally assist dancers and dance teachers with their burning questions. With the Balanced Dance Medicine Training Programs, she provides courses and workshops, as well as direct interaction with all her members on a regular basis with the goal of creating Strong, Smart, and Successful Dancers!
When she is not in the clinic, she is spending time with her husband, their two daughters, their dogs and family. She enjoys Pilates, hiking, dancing, running, working out and traveling.
Crystal Geer, PT, DPT, CMPT, CSCS, LSVT, CertDN Physical Therapist, Pilates Instructor
Dr. Crystal graduated from Northern Arizona University with her Bachelors in Exercise Science in 1998, followed by a Masters in Kinesiology from Kansas State University in 2000. Her love of exercise, human movement, and working with people resulted in her becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in 2003, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) in 2004. She worked as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and massage therapist for 11 years, giving her the flexibility to stay home with her children while they were young. When her children began elementary school, she decided to return to school to become a Physical Therapist. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus in 2017.
Crystal joined the Balanced Team in March 2020. She enjoys working with patients of all ages, providing treatment for general orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, movement disorders, and chronic pain. She specializes in the use of manual therapy, dry needling techniques, and therapeutic exercise to aid in the healing process and correct dysfunctional movement. It is her goal to understand her patients needs so that she can provide care that is directed at helping her patients continue to do what they love to do in life.
In her free time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys getting outdoors with her family to go hiking, mountain biking, camping, backpacking, and fishing. She also loves to exercise when she has time. Her favorite activities are tennis, CrossFit, and Olympic Weightlifting.
Natasha Tininenko, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Pelvic Floor Specialist, Yoga Instructor
Dr. Natasha is a physical therapist, yoga instructor, dancer and a mother, who has always embraced movement as a way of life. She was first exposed to yoga and Pilates through her extensive dance training and summers performing at Fiest Texas.
She attended the University of Arizona where she enjoyed cheering on the Wildcats and dancing on the Pom line. It was there she found a passion for group exercise and began teaching, all forms of aerobics, hip-hop, cardio classes, and cycling. Her bachelors is in Exercise Science.
She went on to earn a doctorate degree in physical therapy from A. T. Still University in 1999.
Natasha joined the Balanced Team in August 2023. Prior, her life has moved her around the country to work in Illinois, Hawaii, and San Diego. Natasha completed her Yoga Teacher Training in the School of Purna Yoga in 2010 and pursued additional training in therapeutic yoga with Professional Yoga Therapy Studies. She has been teaching yoga, mat Pilates, and group exercise for over 25 years. Natasha’s keen eye helps her find the source of malalignment and create balance in the body for each individual.
After birthing two beautiful babies and recovering from the birthing process, she pursued further training in Pelvic Health and is working towards a certification from Herman Wallace.
Natasha educates her patients to connect with their breath, improve their posture, and re-balance their body to optimize their mobility and heal from pain. Whether you are a weekend warrior with a sore shoulder, an office worker with a tight neck, or a person looking for relief from back pain and trying to avoid surgery, she can personalize a home program for you. Natasha utilizes a variety of modalities including therapuetic yoga, spinal traction, joint mobilization, massage, pelvic floor rehabilitation, Strain-Counter Strain, cupping, and kinesiotaping with her patients.
In her spare time she enjoys weight lifting, hiking, cycling, swimming, and spending time with her family.
Kyra de la Fuente, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Kyra brings a unique blend of experience to her physical therapy practice. A former Level 9 gymnast, she understands the needs of high-level athletes firsthand. Dr. de la Fuente earned her BS in Exercise Science from Webster University in 2020, gaining experience with college athletes in the Athletic Training Department. She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Midwestern University in 2024, where she served as president of the Student Physical Therapy Association, organizing professional development events, educational lectures, and instructed underclassmen in clinical mastery.r.
Dr. Kyra’s holistic, evidence-based approach encompasses physical rehabilitation, mental well-being, and nutritional wellness. Her expertise includes manual therapy, pain neuroscience education, postural assessment, movement analysis, mindfulness training, breathwork, and tailored exercise prescription. She has diverse clinical experience with athletes, neurological patients, cardiac rehabilitation, post- surgical recovery, and chronic pain management.
Committed to health equity, Dr. de la Fuente creates an inclusive environment for all patients, regardless of background, gender identity, or sexual orientation. She actively participates in community education to promote physical health and wellness. Her evidence-based practice combines the latest research with clinical expertise to deliver optimal, personalized care.
Outside of work, Dr. de la Fuente enjoys hiking, pickleball, fitness, literature, cinema, and cooking. She loves traveling with her partner, Chris, and spending time with her cats (Sashi and Tonka), and dog (Riku).
Hannah Brown, BA Public Relations
Pilates Instructor, Social Media Manager
Hannah joined the Balanced Team in June 2024. Originally from Long Island, New York, she was very active, participating in gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance. In 2021 she graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Public Relations. After graduation, she started practicing Pilates with her mom because she thought it was a better fit for her heart condition, asthma, and to help reduce her mom’s sciatic nerve pain. Hannah found Pilates to be incredibly beneficial, so much so, that she decided to pursue it as a career.
After Pilates training, she began teaching Pilates in November 2023 has been passionate about it ever since.
When she’s not doing or teaching Pilates, she and her boyfriend, whose job relocated her Phoenix, are with their Australian Shepherd, Pretzel. She is enjoying her new life in Phoenix, even though the heat is quite a change!
Ashleigh Schrank, Front Office Manager
Ashleigh is a Phoenix, AZ native and couldn’t imagine herself living anywhere else. She joined the Balanced Team in September 2023 as our Front Office Manager. She enjoys working in customer service because she likes to brighten people’s day. She wants to be a happy light that can shine brightly if someone is having a bad day.
Her and her husband have been together for 10 years and tied the knot in July 2023 in Las Vegas, NV with a Hangover Themed Ceremony. They welcomed their beautiful little girl Kinsley Mae in March of 2024. When she does have free time she enjoys going to the gym, camping, off-roading, reading books, and spending time with her family and friends.
Brooke White, Front Office Assistant Manager
Brooke White is native to Arizona. She served a Church Mission in Portland, Oregon for 18 months in the year 2020. She joined the Balanced Team in April 2022 and is an assistant at the Front Office. She is currently a senior at ASU studying Clinical Exercise Science. She is working towards becoming a fitness instructor to help people have fun while exercising.
She recently got married & has a Bernedoodle puppy named Harvey. She loves to spend time with her little family as well as karaoke, dance, and be anywhere with a pool / beach! Some of her favorite travel destinations are Canada, Ireland, and Florida and she is always looking for new adventures!