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Chelsea Gonzalez, OTD, OTR

Chelsea Gonzalez, OTD, OTR

TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS

Post Graduate Education:Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona — Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Undergraduate Degree:University of Nevada, Reno — Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Literature & Language; Minor, Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Services; Undergraduate Counseling Certification, Abuse and Addiction Treatment Services
Other Skills:Proficient in Spanish
Conversant in American Sign Language
Associations & Certifications:American Society of Hand Therapists
American Occupational Therapy Association
Arizona Occupational Therapy Association
Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment Services
Registered Behavior Technician
Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society
Psy Chi International Honor Society

BIO

Chelsea Gonzalez is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, licensed Occupational Therapist, and Hand Therapist at Great Basin Orthopaedics.

She specializes in pediatric therapy and sports medicine occupational therapy, as well as neuromotor and congenital anomalies. Her goal with patients is to help them return to the activities that bring them joy — from playing guitar to caring for grandchildren. Her therapeutic treatments are designed to build the specific skills patients need in order to return to their daily activities.

Growing up, Chelsea played a lot of sports, and got a lot of sports injuries, including a pair of concussions, a broken elbow, shoulder, humerus, hand, foot, a few fingers and ribs. Her first-hand experience with orthopaedic therapists helping her get back to doing the things she loved made the specialty a natural fit for her.

During college, Chelsea Gonzalez got a glimpse of what her professional life could look like when she went to Mexico on a church mission and met a group of American occupational therapists working with orphaned children. Seeing the incredible progress the children and their caregivers made in a short period of time — and the joy the therapists took in their work — inspired her career path.

After that life-changing trip to Mexico, Chelsea returned to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), knowing she wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy (OT). She earned dual degrees in Psychology and Spanish Literature & Language, along with a certificate in Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment from UNR. She continued her education at Northern Arizona University where she earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

Through her doctoral studies, Chelsea gained extensive experience with pediatric hand and occupational therapy, post-surgical hand therapy, and neurologic therapy. She was a co-author on a study of upper extremity injuries. She also spent several years working with the visually impaired and their use of adaptive technology. Chelsea is conversant in American Sign Language (ASL) and proficient in Spanish.

Chelsea was raised in Los Angeles (Disneyland was her playground) and Placerville. She met her husband at UNR during her undergraduate studies. Together they enjoy travel and outdoor adventure, including backpacking, snowboarding, water sports and hiking.

FIND A PHYSICAL THERAPIST

I have been a patient of both Dr. Fyda and Dr. Hayes. Both doctors were thorough and knowledgeable in all facets of my care. I felt very comfortable and confident knowing I was in well-trained hands.
Shannon S.
Very professional! Very friendly, helpful and respectful.
Dawn S
Our daughter broke her arm twice and was seen by Dr. Lilyquist. He is patient, kind, and explained things well to us.
Ashley G
I was never a patient, but as an intern I enjoyed my time working here. The Doctors who run the practice are top notch. Work environment is structured organized and cheerful. I was offered a position but they couldn't get it approved but they gave me the help I needed to get my degree!
Austin Noriega
The referral to the Physical Therapy Specialists was great! I really appreciate the efficiency of this practice in terms of taking me back at my scheduled appointment time, efficiency through x-ray, and not having to wait for the doctor. These attributes really made the experience.
I hurt my foot playing softball last summer. My friend referred me to Great Basin Orthopaedics. The doctors were super nice, and the employees were super nice, too. I hope to be back on the softball field this summer.
Kelly M.
If you live in the Reno area, you just can't do better than Great Basin Orthopaedic. I'm someone with knee problems going way back decades, as well as other orthopedic issues, so I think I know what I'm talking about. Don't settle, get the best, go to Great Basin, or, as they call it GBO. I promise you will be glad you did.
Wanda H.
It's been a few years since I went here with a broken arm and I can't thank them enough for the excellent care I got!!! I was able to avoid surgery and avoid my arm getting to stiff since he didn't put me in a full cast. The staff was super friendly throughout the whole building from the receptionist, the nurses, the x-ray techs and the dr. Literally everyone had a smile and that's rarer these days
Carissa Byram
I'm very happy with the doctor and staff and love the nice and big waiting room.
I was amazed that when making the appointment that they were able to see me in two days.
It was super convenient having PT at the same place as my surgery because they worked together to help me focus on my goals, to know what I could and couldn’t do and what my limits were. They were available to answer my questions on the spot, which helped the entire process go faster.
Kiley Cryer
the staff at Great Basin is excellent from the phone, front desk, nurses and x-ray tech. very pleasant to deal with.
A very efficient run medical facility. Very professional staff who greeted you with a smile and introduced themselves in all interactions with the organization. A model for other medical groups to take notice.
This place has truly been a godsend since my ACL surgery. Amy knows how and when to increase my activity levels. So lucky to have her helping with my recovery.
RedandJodi Muratori
Totally AWESOME STAFF!! You will be glad you used them—you owe it to yourself to check them out, rather than only the HUGE “other” Ortho guys. I tried them both and I am BLESSED that I ended up with GBO. They are passionate about improving your life and helping you fully recover! Six stars out of five, 11 stars out of ten!!
David Michael Bel
Fixed my sons Right Clubfoot with very mininal treatment compared to other doctors recommendations. Minimal serial casting, No surgery, minimal bracing time. And over a year now with No treatment, and His foot looks perfect. Although I felt rushed along, and sometimes dismissed. I cant complain much, as I also felt the doctor did an excellent job, and wasnt there to screw around or put me through the ringer with extra treatments or procedures. Too many doctors out there seem to try and treat Clubfoot, and do more damage than good. Dont go anywhere else for clubfoot treatment.
Trisha R
It was a great visit. I felt heard and cared for, and left feeling very satisfied. I immediately texted a friend to recommend GBO.
Prompt professional knowledgeable service encountered from all staff members very patient oriented practice. Very pleased with my visit.
Mary B.
Great service. Nice staff. Would recommend to anyone needing knee replacement.
Jil L.
I'm very pleased with everything they have done for me.
Betty T.
This place is amazing! I am telling everyone I know!
My son was seriously injured in a skateboarding accident. The hospital said nothing was broken and sent him home telling him to follow up with an orthopedic specialist. He did not have insurance but was in process of getting some as he just moved to Nevada and no long qualified on mine. I called all the orthopedic clinics I could find they all said they would not see him. Finally one said OK in Sept. Even though I told them he could not use his arm at all and was in incredible pain. Get some insurance and call back. I offered to self pay for him still no. I finally found Great Basin. They were the kindest most helpful people I had talked to anywhere. They got him in within 4 days. The cost was exactly what they said. They then counseled him on where and how to get some insurance. When I followed up with them the next day they explained how they had applied the payment I had sent and his situation regarding insurance. I understood he was going to need insurance for any major treatment. We just needed to have his arm examined and get a professional opinion and make sure letting it go, while we got insurance, was not going to cause more damage. Great Basin is the first medical facility I've had to deal with in the last two years that has actually treated us like living beings. I am so appreciative. Thank you for helping us.
Kacee Casto
Great care from all levels!!! Excellent care from the emergency room to rehab! Follow-up care will be excellent, also!!! Excellent care, excellent recovery, makes healing much faster, perfect recipe!!!
I love how smoothly everything runs here. My doctor is amazing the nurse is great too. From checking in, to follow ups to my surgery (ACL) everything went so smoothly and even my post op care. I wish all my doctors outside ortho would go so smoothly! Great job guys!
Sharon B.
The x-ray tech Kathy was a pleasure. I was crying from the pain and she even took the time out to hug me.