Brian Cronin, Mike Nilson and Jeff Hart started U-District PT in 2004 with a dream of combining physical therapy, adult fitness and youth sports training. They’ve been friends for 20 years and love the challenges and growth that has accompanied starting a business.
Matt Roth joined the partnership in 2022 after being part of the U-District family for years as an athlete, intern and physical therapist. The three owners all work at different locations but come together every week to strengthen their friendship and serve the business.
Brian earned his BA from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University. Brian specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Brian combines his unique sports medicine education, his sports background as a player and coach, and his passion for the game to provide cutting-edge therapy and performance training.
Brian has been an adjunct professor teaching in EWU’s Physical Therapy Department since 2007. He was elected a board member for the Private Practice SIG in 2016 and he also proudly serves on the U-District Foundation Board. Brian has provided community educational talks to Washington Trust Bank, SNAP, Wa. State Dept. of Transportation, Leadership Spokane, SYSA, Washington State Employees Credit Union, NE Kiwanis, Morning Star Boys Ranch, Avista, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lee & Hayes, Gonzaga’s Business School, EWU Exercise Science Department, and Washington Alliance for Physical Education. Brian is Certified as an Emergency Medical Responder and in Applied Functional Science by the Gray Institute.
Matt received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Prior to George Fox, Matt graduated with a degree in Kinesiology from Whitworth University where he also played basketball reaching the Elite 8 and the Sweet 16’s twice.
He is very passionate about the patients that he works with, helping them achieve their full potential while using evidence-based practice in his treatments.
Matt completed a physical therapy serve trip to Uganda in the summer of 2018 where he treated children with various disabilities and limitations. He worked to leave a lasting impact by educating and empowering leaders and individuals in the community on how best to care for those in need.
He is originally from Spokane and a West Valley High School graduate. In his free time, he enjoys everything outdoors, including hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and archery.
Mike graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Business and completed his Master of Arts in Servant Leadership at Gonzaga. He played basketball for Gonzaga’s Elite 8 and Sweet 16 teams, earning WCC Defensive Player of the Year and All-Academic Team honors. In 2009, Mike completed a 40-week mentorship program in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute.
Mike is a licensed Sports Nutritionist and has been an Adjunct Professor for Gonzaga University since 2010, teaching health, human movement, and nutrition classes. Mike specializes in Sports Performance training and is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Gonzaga University.
