SANDPOINT — Shawna Benner-Erickson officially took over ownership of Lake Country Physical Therapy Monday.

Benner-Erickson, physical therapist, helped Dr. John Faggard start the clinic more than 12 years ago.

"I worked for him for 12-and-a-half years and our plan was, when he got closer to retiring, that we would transition over," Benner-Erickson said.

Faggard, an orthopedic surgeon, has not yet retired, but is no longer at the clinic as he went to work at Bonner General Health. Benner-Erickson said they will still work closely and continue patient care as a team, just at separate places.

Otherwise, the staff and location of the clinic will remain the same. Benner-Erickson said the clinic accepts all major insurances and referrals from all area physicians as well. She said the Lake Country staff covers physical therapy on all the body parts —  necks, backs, shoulders, hands, etc. They treat various types of injuries and post-surgery physical therapy. Benner-Erickson said she can also do custom bracing and custom orthotics.

Benner-Erickson said she is excited for the opportunity to run her own clinic.

"Especially in the town I grew up in," she said. "I love being a therapist here ... getting to work with people who have known my family — and all my teachers. Being a therapist in a small town, it makes it fun, because there is a real connection to the community ... being in a community like this, there is so many people who are so supportive."

Benner-Erickson graduated from Sandpoint High School before going to the University of Idaho and then Eastern Washington University for therapy school. She then worked at another clinic in Sandpoint for a while before going to work for Faggard.

Lake Country Physical Therapy is located at 1005 Highway 2.

Information: 208-263-1632.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.