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Upbeat, friendly, deeply supportive during hip replacement

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Debra L

Dr. Mariel Hammond desires to promote a healing environment where all patients can truly understand their diagnosis, work together with their providers to improve their outcomes, and return to function with a sense of accountability that empowers them. Mariel has studied many realms of physical therapy assessment, including Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), McKenzie, Maitland, Sahrmann, and Functional Range Systems that allow for a full body approach to assessment and treatment. She utilizes movement screening approaches such as the FMS and the SFMA for return to sport performance and life, which ensures your treatment will help reduce future risk of injury and pain. Approach to treatment Every person is different, in the way that they move, heal, and respond to feedback. Dr. Mariel makes education a priority to ensure that patients take responsibility for their own care and understand the amazing power of self healing that the body can achieve when placed in the right environment. Personalized home exercise programs will be given to each patient, and regular communication with their therapist will allow the patient to reach these outcomes at their own pace. Mariel meets patients at their fitness level, treating the weekend warrior all the way up to the professional athlete. Learning first how to move appropriately, and then load the body optimally, each patient will leave their appointments with a better understanding of how resilient and powerful our bodies can be. She has a particular interest in youth development training and injury reduction, coaching many levels of youth from elementary to college and beyond. Education Dr. Mariel obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida, specializing in anatomy, biomechanics and fitness training. She continued her education, getting her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Duke University, where she studied under some of the best physical therapists in the world. Learning from them has been a profound lesson, and she strives to continue her education through courses that spark her passion, and keep up with the ever-changing evidence based practice. Particular interests include sports performance, pain science and orthopaedic injuries. Constantly curious about longevity and reaching her own potential, Mariel has also invested many hours of research on how to improve all body systems - from sleep, nutrition, mental health and performance. A session with Mariel could touch on all of these aspects and more, with up to date interventions that keep you striving to be the best version of yourself. Outside of Work Mariel is an avid adventurist, exploring the many wonders that the PNW provides. Growing up in Florida, she did not have access to beautiful mountains and enjoys the hiking and climbing that nature provides. Basketball was her passion growing up, and she was a high school standout before moving on to UCF where she began to play Ultimate Frisbee competitively. She is now an Elite Level Ultimate Frisbee player, becoming just one of 26 women representing team USA in the Worlds Ultimate and Guts Championships in 2020. She has continued her career with the Oregon Women's club team, Oregon Schwa, which placed 3rd in the nation last year. Don't hesitate to find out how you can get involved with your local league as she loves to talk shop!

Mariel Hammond

Physical Therapist, Eugene, OR

Meet Alex Boettcher, Strength Coach at Zenith Performance and Wellness. Alex Boettcher’s journey into strength training started a little later than most but has been nothing short of transformative. As someone who didn’t connect with traditional sports growing up, Alex discovered their true calling at the age of 23 when they entered a weight room for the very first time. The simplicity and raw power of barbells and dumbbells sparked an immediate passion, and it wasn’t long before Alex was chasing the thrill of lifting heavy. This enthusiasm eventually evolved into a love for the sport of Strongman. Despite facing challenges during their first competition, Alex was hooked—not just on competing, but on the continuous process of building strength and resilience. Along this journey, a deep curiosity about training methodologies emerged, inspiring Alex to learn how to help others achieve their strength, mobility, and endurance goals. This drive led them to become a certified personal trainer through NASM. Now, with over 13 years of experience, Alex specializes in working with individuals new to the gym or those who have faced negative fitness experiences in the past. Their goal is to help these clients build confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong fitness. For more experienced athletes, Alex brings expertise and personalized strategies to refine training and achieve ambitious goals in both fitness and sport. When Alex isn’t in the gym, they enjoy exploring hiking trails, belting out tunes at karaoke nights, and creating imaginative adventures as a tabletop role-playing game master for friends.

Alex Boettcher

Strength Coach, Eugene, OR

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, with a degree in Communication from Anderson University in Upstate South Carolina, Allie brings a bit of southern hospitality to Zenith's client experience team. She comes from a professional background of project management and marketing, and thrives in collaborative environments where connection matters. Allie is deeply invested in fostering a welcoming space for everyone who walks through the doors, whether someone is taking their first step toward physical wellness or returning for performance optimization. Her goal is for every client to feel heard, understood, and equipped with the information they need to make confident decisions about their care.

Allie Halperin

Client Experience Specialist

March 5, 2026

The spirit of Zenith is upbeat, friendly, and deeply supportive. From being greeted by Allie at the front desk, to interacting with James in the office, to sessions with the professional providers, it just feels good to walk through that door! I have worked with PT Mariel, both before and after hip replacement. She is equal parts exceptional knowledge and motivational joy. And I've just started working with Alex, the personal trainer. He is also obviously very knowledgeable, dedicated, and personable. Both he and Mariel are committed to creating individualized programs by listening and responding to their clients in order to build not just optimal physical strength and recovery but also to educate us in ways that will support our on-going health and resilience. Zenith really does live up to its name!

What Clients Are Saying About Zenith

From pain relief to peak performance, our clients share how Zenith’s expert physical therapy, strength training, and recovery services have helped them stay active. Read their stories ›

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Laura C

"From a permanent disability diagnosis to pain-free and athletic again"

Lisa T

"Ropheka makes every session something to look forward to"

Sarah M

"Best strength training I've found in Eugene"

Kaspar B

"Integrated PT and strength reversed leg atrophy, hiking and running again at 60"

Joy T

"A Year of Knee Setbacks, Finally Moving with Less Pain"

Sue H

"Zenith is so much more than a gym"

Three pillars. One clinic.

Physical Therapy

Explore Physical Therapy

Get expert physical therapy in Eugene, OR - no referral needed. Rehab PT, performance PT, car accident recovery, and bike fitting for active adults.

Strength Training

Explore Strength Training

PT-backed personal training, small group sessions, and strength classes in Eugene, OR. Built around your movement patterns, goals, and schedule.

Recovery

Explore Recovery in Eugene

Sports massage, yoga, and recovery sessions for active adults in Eugene. Led by one of 6 MMTs in Oregon, integrated with PT and strength training.

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