Diane Shiffer, PT, CMPT
Founder | Physical Therapist | Lifestyle Health Coach | MELT Instructor
Diane is the Founder of Connect & Beyond Physical Therapy and brings more than three decades of clinical expertise, leadership, and community connection to her work. She earned her degree in Biology from Willamette University and completed her Physical Therapy education at the University of Puget Sound. A Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy, Diane has dedicated her career to helping people move through injury, restore strength, and expand what’s possible in their bodies.
As both a physical therapist and lifestyle health coach, Diane’s work centers on what she calls “Beyond growth” — the belief that recovery is just the starting point. True health is built proactively through thoughtful planning, movement, and sustainable lifestyle change.
Her decades of hands-on experience inform her work as an instructor and coach. Diane quickly identifies physical and behavioral barriers, then partners with clients to create clear, practical plans that support long-term vitality. She blends movement science, lifestyle-based exercise, and behavior change principles into programs that are evidence-based, personalized, and designed to last. In addition to her coaching and clinical work, Diane teaches MELT Method classes Wednesday through Friday in the Beyond Studio. These sessions offer a gentle, evidence-informed self-treatment approach that helps participants reduce pain, improve mobility, and build a sustainable self-care practice that supports long-term movement health.
Diane’s philosophy is collaborative, encouraging, and pragmatic. She believes in meeting people where they are, treating them with respect, and thoughtfully challenging them to grow. Having practiced in the same community for many years, she deeply values the trust built over time — relationships that reflect the integrity and accountability at the heart of Connect & Beyond.
Outside the clinic, Diane enjoys swimming, hiking, yoga, gardening, and traveling with her husband, Alan. She cherishes time with her son, Rob, and daughter-in-law, Marisa.
Favorite Place to Recharge: Anywhere with beautiful water to swim in.