Michelle Folsom is the owner and physical therapist at Heart of Gold Physical Therapy.  She has been practicing physical therapy in Santa Barbara since 2008.  She has worked in various settings with very bright clinicians, starting her oncology and lymphedema specialization in 2017.  

She feels fulfilled when helping others and believes one cannot truly take care of others until they take care of themselves.  Thus her emphasis in a wellness practice grew.  She values an efficient, evidence based approach to therapy, while maintaining the personal warmth that we all benefit from.

She is a lover of jokes, coffee, walking, and ashtanga yoga.  She thrives when surrounded by her husband, Doug, son, Pat, and daughter, Jane, as well as her many beloved friends and family members.

• Bachelors of Science, Biopsychology and Exercise Science - University of California, Santa Barbara

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) - University of the Pacific

• Oncology Training - Physiologic Oncology Rehabilitation Institute

• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) - Norton School of Lymphatics

• Lymphology Association of North America Certified

• Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist - American Physical Therapy Association, 2012-2022

Natalie Hickenbotham has been practicing physical therapy since 1986 in a variety of clinical settings, dedicating her practice to pelvic health since 2012. 

She has developed a comprehensive Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program and is excited to share this with the Santa Barbara community. She has also worked within the cancer community and feels drawn to serve this population. 

Natalie has a passion for continual learning, staying up to date on current research to provide cutting edge care to men and women. She enjoys incorporating specialized oncology and pelvic PT with yoga, posture, breathing. 

Natalie integrates a down to earth style and a sense of humor into her care. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, hiking and travel. 

Education/Professional Development

• Bachelor of Arts, Biology - University of California, Santa Cruz
• Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy - University of California, San Francisco
• Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification 2014-2024
• Pelvic rehabilitation specialist with emphasis in pregnancy and postpartum, pelvic pain conditions, menopause
• Memberships: The Menopause Society, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, International Continence Society, International Pelvic Pain Society