Maria Hopkins earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in biology and a minor in Spanish from Western Maryland College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to earn another bachelor’s degree in physical therapy (PT) and her master’s in PT from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, graduating Magna Cum Laude again. As part of her master’s program, Ms. Hopkins conducted and presented research on “Aerobic Insufficiency in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.”

In December 2019, Maria graduated from Logan University with a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance with a concentration in Sports and Fitness Nutrition, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her thesis, Perioperative Nutritional Recommendations for Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgeries, has proven to be helpful in the well-rounded rehab of her orthopedic patients.

Ms. Hopkins has been a licensed physical therapist for 30 years and her experience spans multiple settings including hospital, outpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and skilled nursing. She has an extensive skill set in general orthopedics and neurology and has developed and implemented women’s health and oncology programs in a hospital system and in private practice. In 2000, Ms. Hopkins became a certified lymphedema therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. In 2013, she received her national lymphedema certification through the Lymphology Association of North America.  Maria enjoys treating pathologies related to the shoulder, hip, and knee. In 2021, Ms. Hopkins became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. In September 2022, Maria obtained her RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification through Holy Yoga and enjoys incorporating yoga principles into her PT practice.

Maria has been part of the OPA Therapy team since its inception in June 2015 and currently works full-time at the OPA Eagle River satellite office.

Maria moved to Eagle River, Alaska in the summer of 2014 with her husband and six children. When not working, she enjoys the Alaskan outdoors, exercising, gardening, creating beaded jewelry and spending time with her family and friends. She is actively involved in her community and church.