The Story Behind Juniper

ABout us

Created to help people like you move well, recover fully, and stay strong for life.

You want to feel capable again—lifting, hiking, playing, and moving through your day without second-guessing every step. Maybe pain has slowed you down. Maybe “random” workouts didn’t feel safe. You’re ready for a plan that meets you where you are and helps you keep going.

At Juniper, we believe movement is medicine and strength is freedom. We pair expert physical therapy with smart strength training and recovery so you can feel better now and stay strong for years to come—with a guide who knows your story and cares about your results.

  • You want fewer flare-ups and more consistency.
  • You want to build (or rebuild) muscle for longevity.
  • You prefer expert eyes and a clear plan over guesswork.
  • You want to stay active doing what you love—safely.

Strength that Lasts

Our Story

Get Started

Our Mission

To help people move better, feel stronger, and live fully - through expert care, supportive guidance, and advanced technology.

Juniper was founded by Elizabeth Wergin, DPT, and inspired by her sister, Alyssa—an organic farmer in Northern California whose days were filled with soil, sunshine, bees, and long walks with her dog, Juniper.

In September 2016, Alyssa passed away at just 32. Her kindness, zest for life, and deep love for the earth gave Elizabeth the courage to build the place she had always envisioned: a studio where people could heal, grow stronger, and live fully.

The name honors Alyssa’s dog and the juniper tree itself—resilient, weathered, and more striking with age. Its berries have been used traditionally to ease aches and support healing. Like the tree, we help you grow steadier roots, greater resilience, and a softer, wiser strength over time.

In Alyssa’s spirit, Juniper is dedicated to kindness—to one another and to our earth. May her story continue in every person who chooses strength, vitality, and hope.

Hold on to what is good, even if it’s a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe, even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it’s a long way from here.
Hold on to your life, even if it is easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand, even if someday I’ll be gone away from you.
- A Pueblo Indian Prayer

The Story of Juniper

Like the juniper tree, we build resilience from the ground up so you can weather life’s stresses.

Rooted in Strength

Small wins compound. We meet you where you are and help you get 1% better—consistently.

progress over perfection

Physical therapists and trainers work side-by-side. You’ll always know the why behind your plan.

Expert Guidance

What We Value
(& Why It Matters To You)

Our Values

Meet Your Team

Juniper

Dr. Elizabeth Wergin, DPT is the owner of Juniper with 25+ years of experience helping clients move better and feel stronger. She takes a holistic, root-cause approach to care so people can stay active and thrive at every age.

Dr. Elizabeth Wergin, DPT

Founder & Physical Therapist

Michelle Barnowsky, CPT, CNC is Juniper’s Lead Trainer with over 10 years of experience. She designs strength programs that build muscle for longevity and confidence in every stage of life.

Michelle Barnowsky

Lead certified Personal Trainer

Colleen Burke, BS, CPT is a Personal Trainer with over 7 years of experience. She helps clients of all ages build strength, confidence, and resilience—with a special focus on weightlifting and postpartum fitness.

Colleen Burke

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER

Char Barwin, BA is Juniper’s Clinic Administrative Assistant with a background in communications, healthcare, and education. She supports daily operations, client care, and marketing while sharing her passion for movement and community.

Char Barwin

Clinic Administrative Assistant

What Our Clients Say

"I can honestly say Liz changed my life. She has gotten me walking normal again with minimal to no pain..."

"You will receive the highest quality of care from her and you will be treated with the utmost respect."

Real success stories

Juniper Member

Michelle

Learn More

Juniper Member

Renee O.

Learn More

"I had struggled with a very painful knee and leg for years. I had been to several Drs and PTs with no lasting results. I came across Juniper and Dr Liz at their open house. I can honestly say Liz changed my life. She has gotten me walking normal again with minimal to no pain and I am able to do things phyisically that I haven’t done in a LONG time. She is passionate about her work, uses cutting edge treatments and tools, is constantly educating herself on the latest therapies and trends and most importantly understands women’s healthcare needs and is compassionate when discussing our concerns and issues. She honestly is probably the most amazing healthcare provider I have had the opportunity to work with and have and would recommend her to anyone!!"

Juniper Member

Michelle

Go Back

What Our Clients Say

Real success stories

"I can honestly say Liz changed my life. She has gotten me walking normal again with minimal to no pain..."

"Liz Wergin is perhaps the best physical therapist I have ever worked with. She is committed to her patients and she is committed to learning. You will receive the highest quality of care from her and you will be treated with the utmost respect. You can take it from me, a physical therapist and one of her clients."

"You will receive the highest quality of care from her and you will be treated with the utmost respect."

Juniper Member

Renee O.

Go Back

What Our Clients Say

Real success stories

If you’re looking for a plan you can trust—and a team that walks with you—let’s talk.

Ready to Start Your Own Story of Strength?

Now Accepting New Clients

Get Started