Bear Canyon Physical Therapists
Dr. Thomas Staton, DPT
Owner & Clinic Director
Thomas Staton is the kind of physical therapist people remember — equal parts clinical expert, straight shooter, and the guy who can make you laugh even when your back is staging a full rebellion. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UCF and a decade-plus leading clinics across the Southwest, he brings a rare blend of tough love, deep knowledge, and genuine human connection to every patient who walks through the door.
Patients quickly learn that while Thomas expects you to show up and put in the work, he’ll be right there beside you as a steady source of strength, motivation, and the occasional well-timed joke. Outside the clinic, Thomas is happiest outdoors — hunting, snowboarding, or sitting around a campfire with family and friends. He’s a New Mexico native, grounded, loyal, and endlessly dedicated to the people he serves
William Dunbar, PT
Will joined the team at Bear Canyon Therapy in 2001 after graduating Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico. He has over 20 years of experience working in Outpatient Orthopedics, with extensive knowledge of orthopedic, athletic, neurological, and geriatric rehabilitation.
He has worked closely with multiple Olympic and professional runners who use Albuquerque as a high-altitude training base, and is highly skilled in total knee and hip replacement rehab, plus long-term care for MS, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Will was born and raised in New Mexico and speaks Spanish. He’s completed 7 marathons and spent 5 years coaching track and cross country.
Cielo Abeyta, PTA
Cielo Abeyta is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Science from Pima Medical Institute. Born and raised in Albuquerque, she brings both skill and heart to her practice — with expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injury recovery, manual therapy, and KT taping. She treats every patient like family, striving to deliver the kind of care she would want for her own loved ones. Outside of the clinic, Cielo enjoys singing and spending her weekends bowling or playing pool with friends.
Bear Canyon Support Staff
Cosette Johnson
Front Office Coordinator
Cosette is our front office coordinator, always ready to greet our patients with a welcoming smile. She joined the team at the start of 2025 and is currently in school pursuing a career in Psychology. Cosette was born and raised in New Mexico, with close family ties to previous staff that had her spending much of her childhood in our clinic. Outside the clinic you’ll find her reading a good book or driving around with friends listening to their favorite songs
Heather Sanchez
Therapy Tech
Heather joined Bear Canyon Therapy in mid-2025, coming from the dental field with 11 years of experience, plus 14 years in the service industry — experience that puts patients at ease. Heather was born and raised in Vaughn, New Mexico, spent 13 years in San Antonio, TX, and settled in Albuquerque with her husband in 2020. In her spare time she enjoys finding the latest coffee shops and spending time with her daughter and husband, usually at a trampoline park.