Meet the Team at Move Better
Our Portland chiropractors practice what we preach. Dr. Michael Quasney (Dr. Q) and Dr. Whitney Phillips are joined by Dr. Sophie Kaplan Mutch, Dr. Zachary Cullen and Dr. Alek Rybar. Together with support from Clinic Manager Alli Madsen, they offer patients a different type of medicine—one many haven’t tried yet but have always needed.
They help you understand why you are feeling the way you are while also helping educate you as to how to move better for lifetime impact.
They understand that learning the knowledge of what to do is easy while doing it is the hard part. Because of that, they have created a group of physical goals for their clinicians to meet. The minimum baseline for patients is a 1.25x bodyweight deadlift, 10 gymnastics pushups, and one chest-to-bar chin-up from the full hang. All staff must train past that to the clinical goal of a 1.5x bodyweight deadlift, 20 gymnastics push-ups, and 5 chest-to-bar chin-ups from the full hang.
Dr. Michael “Q” Quasney
Dr. Michael Quasney (Dr. Q) has been helping people for over 17 years. Initially, he worked in social services, specifically in therapeutic foster care, guiding foster children and teaching foster parents. After realizing a passion for movement, he became a personal trainer and quickly found that his patients were using his services to heal. An easy progression brought him to the University of Western States, graduating in 2015 with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
He can now combine all aspects of health care into a singular focus while bringing empathy and community back to health care. Dr. Q has received multiple certifications in fitness and behavioral intervention. He loves grip strength training, handstands, squats, and barefoot running (yes, he’s really barefoot, even in the city … and no, he has never had any problems). He also trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is ranked in the top 1% in the world in Call of Duty Mobile.
Certifications
- National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Art of Strength Kettlebell Certification
- StrongFirst Kettlebell Courses
- CrossFit Level I Instructor
- TRX Instructor
- Rocktape Functional Movement Techniques Basic
- Rocktape Functional Movement Techniques Advanced
- Handle With Care Behavioral Management System Instructor
Additional Education
- 8 hours of personal training at Gym Jones
- Love and Logic Parenting
- Mike Reinold: Recent Advances in The Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder
- Mike Reinold: Recent Advances in The Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment of the Knee
Clinical Standards Testing
- Last Test: May 2021
- Movement Paradigm Score: 43 / 49 (average of 4 evaluators)
- Deadlift: 315 lbs. 1.5x Bodyweight
- Pushups: 20
- Chin-ups: 3
Dr. Whitney Phillips
Dr. Whitney Phillips graduated in 2015 from the University of Western States and brings a high level of excellence and enthusiasm to chiropractic practice. In addition to receiving her doctorate, she received her master’s degree in Sports Exercise and Sports Science, where she gained extensive experience working with athletes.
Growing up, she participated in many sports and was raised on her family ranch in southwest Washington, where most of her time was spent riding horses. At an early age, she was showing in open equitation classes and later moved on to compete in professional rodeo. This upbringing has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the joys that animals bring into our lives.
Along with her doctorate in chiropractic she is a Certified Animal Chiropractor through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Certifications
- American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Certification in Animal Chiropractic
- StrongFirst Kettlebell Course
- Rocktape Functional Movement Techniques Basic
- Rocktape Functional Movement Techniques Advanced
Education
- Masters in Sports Medicine, University of Western States
- Mike Reinold: Recent Advances in The Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder
- Mike Reinold: Recent Advances in The Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment of the Knee
Clinical Standards Testing
- Last Test: May 2021
- Movement Paradigm Score: 42 / 49 (average of 4 evaluators)
- Deadlift: 150 lbs. 1.26x Bodyweight
- Pushups: 20
- Chin-ups: 1
Alli Madsen, Operations Manager
Alli Madsen was born and raised in Flint, MI. Growing up, she spent much time outdoors—canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. As well as having a love for the outdoors, Alli grew up an avid soccer player, starting as a forward for several youth leagues and clubs. She also excelled in music and the arts, playing the trumpet in jazz band, marching band, and pit orchestra and singing as a Flint Institute of Music soloist.
In high school, Alli discovered her true passion: darkroom photography. She became interested in exploring and pushing the idea of what photography is or can be. The darkroom became a new kind of language, a filter for expression and exploration. This early exploration guided her artistic practice into adulthood, opening a dialogue to explore her history and our shared histories.
In Grand Rapids, MI, Alli began her managerial career running a successful restaurant. Her experience in the restaurant also sparked an interest in the culinary arts, finding a similar joy in the kitchen as she found in the darkroom. Cooking and nutrition are still passions Alli embraces today, always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy healthy cuisine.
Returning to her first love of photography, Alli enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014, earning her BFA in Photo + Film in 2018. After graduating, she moved to Portland to start a new adventure. Part of that adventure was an unexpected healing journey that brought her to Move Better. Having experienced firsthand the benefits and healing power of the work being done at the practice, she became a firm believer in their mission and its implementation. This inspired her to work with our team to encourage movement-based medicine.
In her free time, Alli likes to explore new places, eat delicious food, make art both in and out of the darkroom, and spend time with her partner and two kitties.
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography and Film, with a photography concentration
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
Volunteer Experience
- 2018-present, Collection for Social Justice, Contributing Artist, Worldwide
- 2018, 1708 Gallery, Administration and Preparator, Richmond, VA
- 2017-2018, 2018 VCU Photo graduating class, Fundraising Chair, Richmond, VA
- 2017, Oakwood Arts + P35, Programs and Volunteer Coordinator, Richmond, VA
- 2017, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Events and Exhibitions volunteer, Richmond, VA
- 2012-2014, Avenue for the Arts, Artist Member + Programs Curator, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2012-2013, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Events and Theatre volunteer, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2012-2013, (106) Gallery, Events and Exhibitions volunteer, Grand Rapids, MI
- 2004-2009, Art for Kids, Instructor, Flint, MI
Dr. Sophie Kaplan Mutch
Dr. Sophie Kaplan Mutch is a PNW native who grew up exploring all the West Coast offers. She attended Western Oregon University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. During this time, she joined the women’s rugby team and learned to appreciate the impact that strength training can have on sports performance.
After graduation, Sophie continued exploring sports performance through personal training and powerlifting. Her love of rehabilitation grew, which led her to enroll in the Doctor of Chiropractic program at the University of Western States, concurrently completing her master’s in Sports Medicine. Sophie especially loves helping folks tap into the strength that they didn’t know they possessed and correcting movement patterns to optimize efficiency while lifting.
Sophie currently coaches powerlifting and has competed several times at a national level. Her background includes a variety of sports, including cross country, track, rugby, Olympic lifting, kickball, and CrossFit.
When not in the clinic, you’ll find Sophie exploring the local food cart scene with her wife, Loren, and their dog, Spike.
Education
- Western Oregon University, B.S. Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
- Doctor of Chiropractic, Master of Science in Sports Medicine, University of Western States
Dr. Zachary Cullen
Dr. Zachary Cullen received his Doctor of Chiropractic at the University of Western States in September of 2023. He is originally from Vermont, where he gained considerable experience in the culinary arts working as a cook and sous chef for multiple restaurants.
Learning a foundational understanding of how to cook gave him a deep appreciation for nutrition and health, which eventually led him to study and graduate from Castleton University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2018. He then moved to Portland, Oregon, and worked as a personal trainer/personal chef, where he synergistically combined the power of exercise with proper nutrition and dietary habits to maximize his clients’ results.
After experiencing nagging injuries that he could not heal from, he decided to work at a chiropractic clinic as a rehabilitation specialist, where he was mentored and taught how to maintain a strong, functioning, healthy, and pain-free body.
After experiencing the power of chiropractic care and intentional movement, he was compelled to become a chiropractor to help others receive the same self-empowerment and discovery that he did. Zach loves to work out hard and is passionate about natural bodybuilding and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Dr. Alek Rybar
Born and raised in the small town of Longview, Washington, Alek is a passionate individual with a love for both helping others, as well as the great outdoors. As a proud twin brother and one of four siblings, family has always been a cornerstone of his life, shaping his values and perspective from an early age.
Alek has diligently pursued his dream of becoming a chiropractic practitioner, graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic in December of 2024 from University of Western States (UWS). With an interest in holistic health and wellness, he embraces the opportunity to learn and grow within the field, and he is eager to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Alek finds solace and joy on the golf course, where he can often be found perfecting his swing and enjoying the tranquility of nature. His love for the outdoors extends beyond golf, as he relishes any chance to hike, camp, or simply explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Tyler Hoang, Chiropractic Assistant
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Tyler Hoang grew up immersed in a wide range of sports, including tennis, soccer, basketball, football, and baseball—thanks to his dad’s passion for sports, especially baseball. After discovering Olympic weightlifting in college, Tyler found a new passion that allowed him to explore the technical intricacies of the sport. His dedication led him to become a coach for his weightlifting team and compete in multiple national events. In 2019, Tyler earned a spot on his university’s weightlifting team, marking a highlight in his athletic journey.
Throughout his years of lifting, Tyler encountered his share of injuries, which sparked his interest in chiropractic medicine. Fascinated by the range of treatments and approaches chiropractors offer, he decided to pursue his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the University of Western States. He’s on track to graduate in May 2025.
Suzanne Chi, LAc, Acupuncturist
Suzanne brings over a decade’s worth of experience practicing and teaching acupuncture in the Portland area. Her human practice focuses on pain management and sports injuries using special techniques to treat both the injured tissue as well as the whole system. This includes myofascial trigger point needling.
Her treatment philosophy is to support a high quality of life by using all tools available, and has worked collaboratively in a healthcare team. Chinese Medicine modalities are one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan.
She is a proud dog and cat mom, and surrogate horse guardian as a volunteer at the Arabian Horse Rescue.
- BA, Muhlenberg College
- MSOM, National College of Natural Medicine
- Fellow, American Board of Animal Acupuncture
- Member of the International TCM Dermatology Association
- Adjunct Faculty, National University of Natural Medicine
- Diplomate of Acupuncture, NCCAOM
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