I have 28 years of clinic experience in many settings.  Some of which include acute care, acute rehab, long-term care, and outpatient physical therapy.  I also have experience working closely with professional sports teams.  For the last 17 years, my focus has been on outpatient treatment.   I graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1994 with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health.  I like to consider myself a “jack of all trades.”  I feel that this allows me to look at my patients as a whole and use many different techniques to help them achieve their goals for treatment.  I  have completed course work in some specific treatment techniques including Strain and Counter Strain and completed my certification as a Lymphedema Therapist in 2013.   In my years as a therapist, I have met people who have become long-term friends.  I feel that my treatment style places the emphasis on the patient, as a person, and developing a cooperative relationship to allow all patients to return back to their highest levels of function.  

Jessica Whaley is a Physical Therapist at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Salisbury, MD. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2017 & received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Maryland Baltimore in 2021. Jess's mission for every patient is to empower them to return to doing the things they love in a way that works for them and their specific needs. Areas of interest for Jess include orthopedic & neurological conditions, gait & balance rehab, pelvic floor conditions & pregnancy/postpartum. She plans to continue to expand her knowledge in these areas to better serve her patients. She has begun to expand her knowledge about pelvic floor conditions such as urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse in training with Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. In her spare time, Jess enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé and their pets, as well as with her family and friends.

Lindsey Hunt  PTA, graduated from Salisbury University with a BS in Exercise Science in 2016.  She then received her Physical Therapy Associates Degree from WorWic Community College in 2021.   She worked for Aquacare prior to becoming a PTA as an Exercise Specialist.  Her passions include treating womens athletes and addressing post-partum concerns in women athletes.   

Stacie Street is a PTA at Aquacare in Millsboro, Delaware. She is a 2010 graduate of Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus in Georgetown, De where she received her associate’s degree in Applied Science and Allied Health for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). With her classroom and clinical experience, she developed several skills with the goal of returning every patient to their ultimate physical and mental well-being. It is her goal to understand the uniqueness of each patient and use skilled therapy in order to reach maximal rehab potential. Stacie’s areas of specialty and interest include geriatrics, general orthopedics, and post-surgical patients. Her mission is to strive to offer the best possible skills as a Physical Therapist Assistant, not only to make people physically feel better, but encourage them in all aspects of life, and be a positive influence in their life. She believes personal health and happiness are a few of the ultimate things people should want to achieve in their life. In her spare time, she likes to be outdoors, hunt, go to the beach and spend as much time with family and friends.

Gabrielle Gionnone PTA, graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Exercise Science.  She then received her Physical Therapy Associates Degree from Harcum College.   She is passionate about treating patients and continuing her education in the areas of male and female pelvic floor rehabilitation, pregnancy, and post-partum.

Juliana Spotts is a Physical Therapist at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Lewes, Delaware. She received her PT degree and training in Brazil and has over six years of clinical experience with focus in Orthopedics, Aquatic, and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Her passion as a Physical Therapist is treating patients as a whole and not as a diagnosis, and teaching them how to manage their conditions on their own. She strives to provide a high quality of care by utilizing evidence-based practice and completing continuing education courses that include certifications in Vestibular & Concussion Rehabilitation,  IASTM, and McKenzie part A and B.

Kristen is a recent graduate from Wor-Wic Community College with an Associate of Applied Science --Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Kristen also received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science Allied Health with a Minor in Psychology from Salisbury University in 2017. Since graduating from SU, Kristen has worked with Aquacare as an exercise specialist, water aerobics instructor, and front office with the Salisbury Milford Street and Easton offices. Now as a PTA, she hopes to gain and absorb knowledge and techniques from her coworkers and peers. Kristen strives to provide the best care for her patients and hopes they feel they are on the way to accomplishing their goals.

Lisa Purkins   PTA, received her Physical Therapy Associates Degree from Anne Arundel  Community College in 2013.   She is passionate in using functional manual therapy to heal patients and return them to their normal function. 

Dr.  Chalabala received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Delaware University in 2005 as well as her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the same university.  She became a Clinical Orthopedic Specialist in 2017 after extensive training.  Her specialties include Sports Rehabilitation and Foot & Ankle Dysfunctions.  Recently she is pursuing a specialty in Women’s Health including incontinence, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, and pre- and post-partum disorders.  She takes great joy in helping patients to feel better, move better, and eliminate their pain. What she loves most about her career, is the ability to bring happiness to her patients by guiding them back to the sports/hobbies that they love.  

Barbara graduated with a degree in physical therapy from the University of Delaware.  She spent over 35 years in clinical and managerial roles both in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.  She strong clinical interests in geriatrics, orthopedics, and aquatic therapy.   It is her passion to provide a caring and empathetic experience for her clients helping them achieve the highest level of function by teaching them great self- management tools.  She works closely with the Millsboro staff to provide evidence-based care.

Amanda has worked in many roles at Aquacare Physical Therapy over the past years including exercise specialist and patient care coordinator.   She received her Bachelor of Science from Lock Haven University in 2016 and completed her PTA degree from Delaware Technical School in 2020.  She is extremely excited to be working with the tenured staff at Millville in continuing to pursue her manual therapy/exercise knowledge.  

Dr. Arnst graduated from Lebanon Valley College  in 2017 completed a double major in Health Science, and Sociology. She then continued her training at the same college receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree in 2019.    She is certified in the treatment of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease through the LSVT BIG Protocol.  She is deeply passionate about treating patients early in the disease process and strives to always provide tools for self- treatment to set an individual  for success in the home and community.  She is pursuing her certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine.  

Dr. Hobson graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2018. Her expertise includes Vestibular/Balance including Vertigo, Chronic Pain, Postural Education, Aquatic Therapy, and Cupping/Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.  Her special interests include Holistic Approach to Running and Running and Foot Health.  Leigh has assumed the position as clinical director in October 2021.  

Cheryl Stetzer MPT brings a wealth of experience to our Salisbury staff! She graduated from Mercyhurst College in 1992 graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine and then continuing at the same university to receive a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1994. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 27 years! Ms. Stetzer has a passion for the injured worker and is Certified through the Blankenship Method to provide Functional Capacity Evaluations. Her passion is to provide physical therapy services during various medical mission trips and has gone to Nicaragua in 2014 and 2017 to help people that would otherwise have no access to treatment for physical ailments. It is here desire to continue this passion and pursuit in providing physical therapy to other countries who have poor access to medical care.

Dr. Drislane graduated from Ithaca College in 2018 where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy while minoring in Psychology. While at Ithaca, he played on the division III football team and worked as a personal trainer. Dr. Drislane has completed 2 of 4 parts on his way to obtaining a McKenzie certification that emphasizes advanced treatment for the spine and extremities. He became a certified vestibular therapist in 2019, specializing in vestibular pathologies and concussion rehabilitation. Dr. Drislane has a special interest in working in sports medicine and general orthopedics, in addition to his specializations. He strives to provide specialized, one-on-one care to his patients to return them to a pain-free and active lifestyle and to promote and optimize functional movement patterns in athletes in their specific sport. He serves as clinical director of our Millville location.

Jillian Kemmerlin OTR/L, CLT joins our Lewes staff as our Delaware Occupational Therapist.   She graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science in 2008  She then continued her education at Temple University achieving a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2013.  She is certified in the treatment of lymphedema from the Norton School of Lymphedema, treating both Upper and Lower Extremity Lymphedema.  In addition to Lymphedema/Manual Lymphatic Drainage, she also specializes in the treatment of hand therapy, fine motor/ADL training, orthotic fabrication, and the treatment of upper quarter injuries.    Her specialties include the treatment of individuals recovering from a stroke in providing fine motor movement development, adaptive equipment instruction and ADL training in dressing, bathing, and grooming.

Katie Oakley, PTA graduated from Wor-Wic Community College with an Associate of Applied Science – Physical Therapist Assistant degree. In addition to this, Katie also has a Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science degree from Salisbury University. Katie has worked for Aquacare Physical Therapy in various positions, for the last six years while completing her degrees. More recently, Katie has gone on to receive her Dance Medicine Certification. Katie has danced competitively for 16 years where she trained at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City, performed at Disney, and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Katie then transitioned into teaching and choreography. She has choreographed for James M. Bennett’s Rock n’ Roll Revival, Community Players, and the Theatre Department at Salisbury University. Katie believes the need for Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is imperative in our area with multiple dance studios, pre-professional ballet studios, theatre companies and universities. Katie believes the need for Dance Medicine Physical Therapy is imperative in our area with multiple dance studios, pre-professional ballet studios, theatre companies and universities.  

Krystal Perrone, DPT is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a graduate of Arcadia University with a Bachelor of Arts – Psychobiology. She joins us with experience in a variety of therapy settings including, outpatient, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. Her areas of specialty and interest include geriatrics, and pre-op & post-op total knee and hip replacements. Krystal is certified in cupping and kinesiology tape as well. As a therapist, Krystal is dedicated to providing quality care to patients utilizing evidence-based practice and hands-on techniques in order to help patients achieve their goals and return to the prior levels of function.

Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest Ryan Spotts is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Aquacare Physical Therapy with his home location being Millsboro Delaware. As a PTA, Ryan’s passion is in providing treatment for orthopedic patients. Ryan strives to provide the best quality of care possible to his patients by attending continuing education courses and utilizing evidence-based practice while treating his patients. Ryan also believes in working as a team with other therapists to achieve excellent outcomes for the patient, and to ensure patients are completely satisfied with their treatment. Training Ryan graduated with honors receiving the Magna Cum Laude award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree. While in college, Ryan had the privilege to have one of his clinical affiliations at Aquacare Physical Therapy, where he learned a variety of Manual Therapy techniques. Since graduation Ryan has taken and passed the NPTAE, and has become licensed in the state of Delaware. Ryan has recently continued his growth as clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. Your Vision My vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to listen to every patient’s difficulties and to deliver a personalized treatment to help each patient reach their own goals.

Kelly is originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, and worked alongside Dr. Robert Echenberg, world renown gynecologist specializing in pelvic pain. She always knew she wanted to work with people, and when she became a physical therapist she knew she was right at home. It became even better when she began to specialize in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Working with patients with very intimate and private issues is very challenging yet incredibly rewarding when you know you have helped someone overcome a large hurdle in their life. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science with a minor in Psychology from Ithaca College. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2008. She has been practicing Physical Therapy for 9 years with a specialty in women’s and men’s pelvic health for the past 8 years. She has a true passion for working with patients with pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pre/post-partum pain or dysfunction, constipation etc. She is CAPP-Pelvic certified (Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy) by the APTA and is working towards her CAPP-OB (Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy /Postpartum). Kelly also works with all orthopedic conditions. She has training in movement impairment syndromes, soft tissue and myofascial techniques, and visceral manipulation. Kelly strives to make the patient experience a special one. She makes sure to treat everyone like family and get them back to their normal function as quickly as possible.

Areas of Interest: Orthopedics, Lumbar Spine and Cervical Therapy, Golf Performance and Vestibular Therapy. Training - Bryan graduated with honors receiving the Sigma Cum Laude Award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree. Bryan has been with our Company for 5 years performing multiple duties such as, exercise specialist, administrative assistant and finance/analytic specialist. Bryan's clinical experiences have included both hospital and inpatient settings. Bryan has recently continued his growth as a clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. In addition, Mr. Morgan serves as our Analytic Specialist utilizing his accounting/analytical expertise. Vision: Bryans vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to stay current with evidence-based research to be a well-rounded and informed clinician to provide patients with the best type of care, so patients can progress with their therapy and personal goals successfully. In his spare time, Bryan is an active golfer and is on the cusp of becoming a single handicap golfer!

Areas of Interest: Orthopedics, Lumbar Spine and Cervical Therapy, Golf Performance and Vestibular Therapy. Training - Bryan graduated with honors receiving the Sigma Cum Laude Award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree. Bryan has been with our Company for 5 years performing multiple duties such as, exercise specialist, administrative assistant and finance/analytic specialist. Bryan's clinical experiences have included both hospital and inpatient settings. Bryan has recently continued his growth as a clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. In addition, Mr. Morgan serves as our Analytic Specialist utilizing his accounting/analytical expertise. Vision: Bryans vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to stay current with evidence-based research to be a well-rounded and informed clinician to provide patients with the best type of care, so patients can progress with their therapy and personal goals successfully. In his spare time, Bryan is an active golfer and is on the cusp of becoming a single handicap golfer!

Areas of Interest Orthopedics, Lumbar Spine and Cervical Therapy, Golf Performance and Vestibular Therapy.  Training Bryan graduated with honors receiving the Sigma Cum Laude award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Bryan has been with Aquacare Physical Therapy for 6 years performing a multitude of duties such as, exercise specialist, administrative assistant, and finance & analytic specialist. Bryan's clinical experiences have included both hospital and inpatient settings. Bryan has recently continued his growth as a clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International course, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. This unique method of rehabilitation has been found in studies to be superior in relieving back and neck pain, restoring function and preventing future episodes of pain. In addition to clinical specialties, Bryan serves as our Assistant Controller utilizing his accounting and analytical expertise.  Vision Bryan’s vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to stay current with evidence-based research to be a well-rounded and informed clinician to provide patients with the best type of care, so patients can progress with their therapy and personal goals successfully. In his spare time, Bryan is an active golfer and is currently an 8 handicap!

Amanda  Pender DPT is originally from the northwest corner of New Jersey. She graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with a degree in Neuroscience. She then went to Duke University in Durham, NC where she earned her doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT). After graduating, she has continued her education with several certifications such as Maitland certification of Manual Therapy (COMT) and AIB Vestibular Certification (CVRT) along with becoming an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor. She has encouraged many PT and PTA students during their clinical internships to pursue the rewarding career of becoming a physical therapist. Amanda has 10 years experience as a PT and is currently treating clients in Aquacare in Millsboro, DE and Salisbury, MD. Her areas of interest are orthopedic injuries, making custom fabricated splints for wrist and hand injuries, manual therapy for a variety of disorders, vestibular disorders and balance disorders, and orthopedic injuries. Amanda is looking forward to meeting and working with you to try to help you return to your lifestyle.

Katie is originally from Ocean City, Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree from Towson University in 2016 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Howard University in 2019. She came back to the shore to pursue her career in physical therapy. Katie is passionate about pelvic floor physical therapy and helping all people reach their goals through movement and specialized one on one care. She has taken pelvic floor training courses through Herman and Wallace and is continuing her education in pelvic floor physical therapy to better serve her patients. She loves working with all types of pelvic floor dysfunction, and particularly enjoys working with pelvic pain and incontinence. Katie’s vision is to provide holistic care for her patients to get them back to feeling confident in their daily lives.

Heather Motter, M.S. CCC-SLP completed her undergraduate and graduate education at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Upon completion, she had earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (2011) and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (2013). Since graduating, Heather has received a Certificate of Clinical Competence, and is certified in Vital Stim. She has extensive knowledge of many areas including, traumatic brain injuries, dysphagia, aphasia, fluency, dementia, Alzheimer’s, cognitive linguistics, Parkinson’s, communication disorders, stroke, articulation delays, autism spectrum, and social skills.

Katie Fives, DPT, CMTPT, COMT earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2009 from Mount St. Mary’s University and doctorate of physical therapy in 2012 from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Since finishing school, she continues to strive to better serve her patients by obtaining certification in manual trigger point therapy that incorporates therapeutic dry needling and a certification in orthopedics manual therapy. She enjoys working with a diverse patient population ranging from sports injuries, geriatrics, joint replacements, and workers' compensation patients. She is an avid runner, triathlete, and former college swimmer with special interest in the marathon and full triathlon distances. She strives to provide the highest quality of care to get all patients back to living their normal lives and back to participation in sports or recreational activities. Training: Graduated with a BS in biology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in 2009 and with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012 from University of Maryland at Baltimore. Specialties :

• CMTPT – certified manual trigger point therapist
• TDN – Therapeutic dry needling
• COMT – Certified orthopedic manual therapist

Brooke Thomas is a PTA at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Salisbury, MD. She is a 2019 graduate of Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD where she received her associate's degree in Applied Science and Allied Health for the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). Areas of interest for Brooke include continuing her knowledge in manual techniques and aquatics. She has begun to expand her knowledge with courses for cupping techniques for improved myofascial decompression with plans to become further skilled in mobilizations and alignment corrections. Her mission is to further improve the awareness of physical therapy and its effectiveness in improving function and decreasing pain. She believes personal health and happiness are a few of the ultimate things people should want to achieve in their life. In her spare time, she likes to read,cook/bake and be outside when possible.

Areas of Interest: Orthopedics, Lumbar Spine and Cervical Therapy, Golf Performance and Vestibular Therapy. Training - Bryan graduated with honors receiving the Sigma Cum Laude Award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree. Bryan has been with our Company for 5 years performing multiple duties such as, exercise specialist, administrative assistant and finance/analytic specialist. Bryan's clinical experiences have included both hospital and inpatient settings. Bryan has recently continued his growth as a clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. In addition, Mr. Morgan serves as our Analytic Specialist utilizing his accounting/analytical expertise. Vision: Bryans vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to stay current with evidence-based research to be a well-rounded and informed clinician to provide patients with the best type of care, so patients can progress with their therapy and personal goals successfully. In his spare time, Bryan is an active golfer and is on the cusp of becoming a single handicap golfer!

Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest Ryan Spotts is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Aquacare Physical Therapy with his home location being Millsboro Delaware. As a PTA, Ryan’s passion is in providing treatment for orthopedic patients. Ryan strives to provide the best quality of care possible to his patients by attending continuing education courses and utilizing evidence-based practice while treating his patients. Ryan also believes in working as a team with other therapists to achieve excellent outcomes for the patient, and to ensure patients are completely satisfied with their treatment. Training Ryan graduated with honors receiving the Magna Cum Laude award from Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 with his Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree. While in college, Ryan had the privilege to have one of his clinical affiliations at Aquacare Physical Therapy, where he learned a variety of Manual Therapy techniques. Since graduation Ryan has taken and passed the NPTAE, and has become licensed in the state of Delaware. Ryan has recently continued his growth as clinician by successfully completing Part A of The McKenzie Institute International, which focuses on treating the lumbar spine. Your Vision My vision as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to listen to every patient’s difficulties and to deliver a personalized treatment to help each patient reach their own goals.

Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest: I am a strong believer that movement is medicine and that many conditions can be treated and managed holistically with the right plan. My patients goals are the most important to me so I can get them back to doing not only the activities they need to do on a regular basis but the activities they love and want to return to. I have a passion for learning and treating orthopedic diagnoses as well as my newest interest in treating pelvic floor conditions. I would like to further extend my knowledge in the future to work more with patients pre- and postpartum. Training Undergraduate: Salisbury University, Bachelors in Exercise Science Graduate: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Doctorate of Physical Therapy Continuing education: -Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1/2B Course Your Vision My vision is to help as many people in my lifetime that I can, to live their life to the fullest by staying active, strong, healthy and doing the things that important to them. Something that is becoming more mainstream in this day and age is self-care and the importance of taking care of our bodies and physical activity is a huge part of that. I want to encourage my patients to take care of their body with movement not just while they’re under my care but for the rest of their lives.

Jordan Engler, clinical director  is a physical therapist assistant at Aquacare’s Easton, MD location. She is a 2017 graduate of Wor-Wic Community College’s inaugural Physical Therapist Assistant program where she received her associates degree in Applied Science and Allied Health for the Physical Therapy Assistant. During her time at Wor-Wic she was able to achieve Dean’s List status as well as Academic Excellence throughout her two year in the program. Jordan has been an employee with Aquacare Physical Therapy since 2012 when she was the head exercise specialist as well as patient care coordination for our Seaford and Millsboro locations prior to becoming accepted into Physical Therapy Assistant school. Her philosophy of care is to ensure thorough patient education and use of evidence-based interventions that each patient not only recovers but maintains and is able to live at their highest level of function even after they are discharged from physical therapy. Areas of interest for Jordan include building upon her knowledge of rehabilitation for orthopedic injuries, pediatrics, manual techniques including McKenzie Spine approach and aquatics. In her spare time Jordan enjoys being outside with her two English bulldogs and spending time with family.

Robin Sipp received her degree in Physical Therapy in 1991 from New York University and went on to further her education by receiving her advanced master’s degree in Pathokinesiology from New York University in 1997. She then continued to further her education by receiving her master’s degree in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Ethics from Saint Joseph’s University in 2015. She has been practicing for 30 years with experience in multiple settings to include outpatient, acute hospital care, acute inpatient care, home care, and subacute rehabilitation. Robin’s interests include orthopedics, geriatrics, aquatics, and neurology. Robin is an LSVT Big Certified therapist. This will allow for more diverse treatment options for patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions and will allow for a more customized treatment to meet the specific needs and goals for everyone. Robin is also certified in Dry Needling.  Robin’s goal for each patient is to provide them with a comprehensive individualized program to promote the patient’s ability to move, by being able to achieve their highest level of physical functioning to help them return to an active lifestyle.

Aquacare is pleased to welcome Kathleen Valentino, PT as head pelvic physical therapist to our Easton, MD office. Ms. Valentino graduated from the University of Maryland in 1988, bringing over 31 years of experience to Aquacare Physical Therapy, the last seven being dedicated to the specialty of pelvic therapy. Ms. Valentino served as pelvic floor therapist at Anne Arundel Hospital in both Easton and Annapolis since 2013. In that setting she provided treatment for all types and degrees of incontinence and pelvic pain in females and males including oncology, prenatal and postpartum populations. She also specializes in the treatment of bowel dysfunctions and disorders. Treatment strategies include biofeedback for pelvic floor strengthening and/or down-training, manual therapies, condition specific exercise programs and extensive patient education. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with Ms. Valentino to discuss treatment options for your patients, please do not hesitate to contact us at 410-770-9720. We look forward to continuing to provide expert pelvic floor physical therapy services to your patients!

Ashley Christenson, PT, DPT has 10 years of experience in physical therapy. Her specialties include manual therapy techniques, orthopedics, and will soon be adding Lymphedema to her training.  She studied for her undergraduate degree at McDaniel College and then went on to University of Maryland Eastern Shore for graduate education in physical therapy. She has taken several continuing education courses including spinal pelvic, cervical and thoracic, myofascial seminars from Great Lakes, taping courses, and aquatics courses as well. She strives to provide the highest quality of care for all patients to help them get back to living their lives.

Cristina Ravotta, DPT received her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland Baltimore County and went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She is passionate to help rehabilitate person’s who have experienced a neurological injury or diagnosed with a neurological condition, live their fullest life. She is certified in the LSVT BIG program which helps those with Parkinson’s Disease regain their mobility and improve their function. Dr. Ravotta is new to the field of Physical Therapy, however is very eager to learn and become the best therapist she can be and to help her community get back to doing what they love.

Brianna received her BS in exercise science with a minor in psychology at Sacred Heart University. Following her undergraduate education she graduated from Stony Brook University, NY in 2012 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brianna worked in outpatient care in Maryland with experience and interest in general orthopedics and post-operative care. In 2015 she became certified in Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars which has expanded her care as a manual therapist. Brianna also has 2 years’ experience in-home care with a focus on an orthopedic specialty. She strives to combine her knowledge and compassion in order to provide patient-centered care and to help each individual get back to living their life to their fullest potential. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors and on the beach with her family. 

Ashley Christenson, PT, DPT has 10 years of experience in physical therapy. Her specialties include manual therapy techniques, orthopedics, and will soon be adding Lymphedema to her training.  She studied for her undergraduate degree at McDaniel College and then went on to University of Maryland Eastern Shore for graduate education in physical therapy. She has taken several continuing education courses including spinal pelvic, cervical and thoracic, myofascial seminars from Great Lakes, taping courses, and aquatics courses as well. She strives to provide the highest quality of care for all patients to help them get back to living their lives.

Mark is a Physical Therapist Assistant graduate from Delaware Technical Community College in May 2018. During his two-year program, Mark was able to achieve Dean's List recognition and graduated with honors Sigma Cum Laude. Prior to PTA school, Mark was employed as an exercise specialist in our Lewes location where his passion for helping others convinced him to pursue further education in the field. With his background in exercise science from Wesley College, as well as personal training; Mark's main strengths are exercise prescription and progression to help patients achieve their goals and to decrease pain. Continuing education is very important to Mark. Since graduation, he has received training in Mckenzie Spine treatment techniques, as well as courses on orthopedic treatment for the foot and ankle.  Mark's goals are to continue learning new skills based on evidence-based research in order to be a well-rounded clinician and provide excellent care to our patients. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active and spending time with his family.

Dr. Carla Rivera, DPT, is a physical therapist and practitioner at Fitness Forum. A graduate of Old Dominion, Carla began developing her career with a degree in exercise science. Carla then commissioned with the United States Army earning her DPT from Baylor University via the Army Baylor Program. Carla has been stationed all over the United States practicing physical therapy in both garrison and austere environments. Carla retired from the Army as a Major having worked in in-patient settings such as Walter Reed Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston where she had the pleasure of assisting with both amputees and burn victims. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Carla Rivera is certified in pelvic floor therapy as well as dry needling and myofascial decompression (cupping). Carla has been recognized for her manual physical therapy skills (manipulation/ mobilizations) and credits taking an active, hand-on approach to such. Carla is a compassionate provider and always willing to think outside the box to assist patients. Carla believes strongly in the importance of continuing education and mentorship of new clinicians and students alike to continue to serve the local community with the highest quality of care possible.

Tara Collins, DPT, received her undergraduate education at the University of Delaware and then went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston MA. Tara is passionate about the field of physical therapy and has a wide range of interests including Lymphedema, women’s health & pelvic floor, vestibular, and neuro rehab. Dr. Collins is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the American Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She treats conditions such as cancer related lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, trauma related lymphedema, and primary lymphedema affecting the extremities and/or genitalia. The specialized treatment protocol of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy includes: proper skin care, exercises to improve the efficiency of fluid return to the heart, manual lymph drainage, and compression. In addition, Dr. Collins is pursuing a specialization in women’s health and pelvic floor therapy. She is available to see patients with a wide range of diagnoses including urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain.

Dwayne graduated from Delaware Technical & Community College, in Georgetown, Delaware, in 1996 from the Physical Therapist Asst. program. He provided physical therapy interventions, as a physical therapist assistant, to his patients for the next nine years while obtaining his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Wilmington College, in Georgetown, Delaware, in 2001. Then his Master of Science of Physical Therapy (MSPT) degree from Neumann College, in Aston, Pennsylvania, in 2005. As a physical therapist, Dwayne continually strived to provide the most complete comprehensive and compassionate care to his patients. Dwayne has practiced in various settings including; home PT, school-based PT, outpatient PT, and rehabilitation centers. Dwayne specializes in lumbar and cervical pain/dysfunction and post-surgical treatment, shoulder pain/dysfunction and post-surgical treatment, geriatrics, pediatrics, and gait/balance analysis and interventions. Dwayne and his wife have been residents of Western Sussex County since 1990. They moved to Laurel, Delaware, in 1997 and started their family. Dwayne has been involved with many of Laurel’s community organizations, the Laurel school district, and many of the area’s youth sports and activity programs. Dwayne is proud to be providing physical therapy services to Laurel and the surrounding communities.

Carson was born and raised locally in Salisbury, Maryland. After completing high school, she went to North Carolina and graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science. She then continued her education at Duke University, receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2018. During her time at Duke, Carson had the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of physical therapy experiences. These experiences included a rotation at a skilled nursing facility in Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins' inpatient rehabilitation unit, and an outpatient facility that worked with Division I athletes from Radford University. Carson has a passion for treating neurological conditions, orthopedic conditions, and geriatric clients. After graduation, she came back to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to further benefit her community and provide the highest level of care regarding health and fitness for her patients!

Marisa received her Bachelor's degree in exercise science from Salisbury University in 2015. She is a 2018 graduate of the PTA program at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD. In her classroom and clinical experience, she developed several skills with the goal of returning every patient to their ultimate physical and mental well-being. It is her goal to understand the uniqueness of each patient and use skilled therapy in order to reach maximal rehab potential. Her areas of interest include pediatrics, balance, and vestibular patients, and general orthopedics. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and spending time outdoors.

Kaitlyn Willin Smith is a PTA at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Seaford, Delaware. She is a 2018 graduate of Delaware Technical Community College, Owens campus in Georgetown, DE where she received her associate's degree in Applied Science and Allied Health for the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). During her time at Delaware Tech, she served as Secretary of her PTA club and received the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year for 2017. Areas of interest for Kaitlyn include continuing her knowledge in manual techniques, pediatrics, aquatics. She has began to expand her knowledge in Women's Health training with Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, focusing on Urinary incontinence, and myofascial release techniques. She wants to continue to focus on bladder dysfunction & go more in depth with pelvic pain syndromes. Her mission is, to strive to offer my best possible skills as a Physical Therapist Assistant, not only to make people physically feel better, but encourage them in all aspects of life, and be a positive influence in their life. She believes personal health and happiness are a few of the ultimate things people should want to achieve in their life. In her spare time, she likes to be outside, going shopping, and spend as much time with friends, family and her fiancé.

Maddi Lee is a physical therapist at Aquacare Physica Therapy in Easton, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016. Maddi shows an interest in sports-related injuries, orthopedics, and new manual therapy techniques. Maddi is excited to learn new modalities and techniques from her co-workers and attend more continuing education courses to further her knowledge on how to help people improve their overall function and quality of life. A fun fact about Maddi is that she played volleyball for the University of Maryland from 2008-2012. Go Terps! Maddi enjoys hiking, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jill has been a member of Aquacare’s team since 2002. Over the past 3 years, she has provided services in our Lewes, Millsboro, Seaford and Millville clinics. Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Delaware and her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Temple University. For the past 22+ years, Jill has treated patients in a variety of settings including home health, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation. Her clinical experiences and continuing education include orthopedics, manual therapy, postural correction, movement disorders, neuromuscular/balance rehabilitation, vestibular and dizziness rehabilitation and geriatric functional exercise training. “My approach to therapy is patient centered and goal oriented. Patient education is integral to my treatment plan. I try to fully explain what I find in my evaluations and how my recommended treatment plan will help improve their symptoms with the intent this will improve motivation to participate not only while with me in the clinic but also to continue on their own following completion for long term self- management and prevention of their symptom.” Jill is a lifelong resident of Millsboro, DE where she currently lives with her husband, 2 boys, 2 cats and their dog. She especially enjoys traveling and camping with her family. Jill is now currently seeing patients primarily in our Millville, DE office.

Cassie Hooper graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Maryland Eastern Shore located in Princess Anne, MD in September 2017. Cassie has clinical experience in inpatient neurological conditions, outpatient pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, and outpatient lymphedema. Cassie specializes in lymphedema of the head, neck, upper extremities, abdomen, and lower extremity and oncology rehabilitation. Cassie is a certified Lymphedema Therapist with a certification in advanced Lymphedema Management. Cassie is very passionate about her work and strives to build great rapport with her patients while giving them exceptional care. Cassie’s philosophy of care includes treating the whole patient instead of just the diagnosis and getting the patient back to a functioning status in order to improve their quality of life.

Kathy graduated from Chesapeake College PTA program in 2019,  starting her career with us in a student internship and becoming part of our team in August 0f 2019.   Kathy is an incredibly passionate physical therapy assistant with a drive to pursue knowledge in many areas.  She is extremely passionate about the treatment of pelvic floor therapy for both men and women, as well as pregnancy/post-partum patients.  She also loves providing aquatic therapy treatment. .  She has received certification in Myofascial Cupping and Kinesiology Taping for various conditions.  She provides services at both our Easton and Seaford locations.

Sara Carpenter received her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 1996 and completed a transitional Doctorate program in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2014 from Evidence in Motion. Due to her husband’s military career, she has worked in a variety of clinical orthopedic settings in several states to include North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Idaho and now Maryland. In the 21 years that she has been practicing, she has seen profound changes in treatment philosophy for different orthopedic problems and takes pride in keeping current with the latest orthopedic manual therapy techniques to benefit her patients and return them to their normal, independent lifestyle. Sara takes a functional movement based approach in order to give her patients the most optimal results and meet their goals to maintain a functional lifestyle. Sara’s clinical interests include treatment of a variety of sports medicine and orthopedic injuries, including athletes of all ages and skill levels, injury prevention and recovery following operative procedures. In her free time, Sara enjoys photography, snow shoeing, skiing, hiking and yoga, along with and spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.

Lori Ketler graduated from a Bachelor's of Science program in Physical Therapy, from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, in 1989. Lori has over 28 years of experience working full time as a physical therapist. Lori has worked in all settings from outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, home health, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Lori has worked with pediatrics through geriatric age groups. She has had experience in treating both in the office and in the pool, and has treated all kinds of patients from neurological to orthopedic. Lori has always focused on the quality of care and her treatment to meet the patient’s goals of therapy. She has worked on numerous committees for the American Physical Therapy Association of Maryland, including, the quality assurance, public relations, and legislative committees. She served as both secretary and Director of Government Relations of the legislative committee. She is always interested in learning new techniques that will help her return her patients to their prior level of function, from an infant patient to a patient 100 plus years old. Lori doesn't care the patient’s diagnosis, she loves to treat just about any type of patient, at any age level.

Millsboro and Lewes welcome Trevor Hirsch, DPT! Trevor is a new graduate Physical Therapist. He strives to deliver personalized and individualized care to each person that allows them to get back to participating in everyday life and doing the things they love such as sports and recreational activities.  He’s very interested in the application of manual therapy, vestibular and dizziness rehabilitation, sports medicine rehabilitation, spine care, and video analysis of sports movements such as golf swings and running mechanics. Trevor received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University.  He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in September 2017. Trevor’s clinical experience has included vestibular and dizziness rehab, sports biomechanical video analysis, and manual therapy skills with a variety of patient populations including amateur and professional athletes.  He plans on attending continuing education courses in the future focusing on manual therapy skills, sports biomechanical video analysis, and vestibular rehabilitation.  Trevor’s vision is to successfully rehabilitate people with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal injuries to enable people to return to or to begin a physically active lifestyle that reduces their future injury risk and improves their quality of life.

Laura Reitman was born and raised in Columbia, MD.  Growing up, she performed in the Howard Co. Modern Dance Company where her interest in movement began.  Later, she attended Ithaca College in upstate New York and earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy.   Laura happily settled in Baltimore, and for the past 22 years she has worked exclusively in orthopedic outpatient centers.  As a pool lifeguard and beach lover, she has always been drawn toward the water. Laura has successfully combined physical and Aquatic Therapy throughout her career and have enjoyed it tremendously.  As a licensed Physical Therapist, she has taken numerous continuing education courses in Core Stabilization and Pilates and finally came to rest at the well regarded Aquacare Physical Therapy.

We are pleased to announce that Salvatore Mancino Jr. has joined Seaford Physical Therapy of Aquacare as the clinical director. Sal received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida and has extensive post graduate training in the field of manual orthopedic physical therapy. His integrative assessment and treatment approach have been influenced by the teachings of Cyriax, Maitland, Mulligan and McKenzie. Sal is also a Credentialed Therapist in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine. This unique method of rehabilitation has been found in studies to be superior in relieving back and neck pain, restoring function and preventing future episodes of pain. Sal has completed all of the course work required for certification in the evidence-based Maitland-Australian approach to the clinical management of spinal and extremity conditions. The Maitland-Australian is world renowned and the corner stone of modern day evidence-based orthopedic manual therapy. Having treated out-patient orthopedic patients since 2010, Sal has accumulated a great deal of experience applying the principles of mechanical diagnosis and therapy to the whole spectrum of patients including professional and college athletes, heavy industry to office workers and homemakers. He has also been successful treating patients that have previously failed out-patient physical therapy. Outside of physical therapy, Sal loves to spend time with his family and enjoys biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking and travelling.

Cara Konlian MSPT opened Aquacare Physical Therapy in December, 1997. Under her leadership, Aquacare Physical Therapy has grown to 10 sites throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware. Her mission has been to add women’s health services/pelvic floor therapy at all locations of Aquacare Physical Therapy. Aquacare Physical Therapy currently has employed nine pelvic floor therapists, serving the Eastern Shore as one of the few practices offering dedicated women's health therapists. Mrs. Konlian's specialty includes both Women's Health and Aquatic Therapy. In regards to Aquatic Therapy, Cara has lectured nationally with various organizations including the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute. In addition, she has consulted with physical therapy practices throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts in the construction of an aquatic site and the implementation/marketing of aquatic therapy services. Over the last 25 years, Cara has trained as a manual women's health therapist through numerous courses offered with the Women's Health Section of the APTA and Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She is currently working towards her Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) with the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Training - Cara attended 2 years at Elizabethtown College and then received her Bachelor's of Health Science and Master's of Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA in 1994. She began working in outpatient orthopedics/aquatic therapy in Philadelphia, moving to the Eastern Shore in 1997 to open Aquacare Physical Therapy. She currently treats a variety of complicated pelvic floor therapy conditions including both women and men incontinence/pelvic pain and pelvic floor conditions. In addition, 2 days a week she works with a local gynecologist and gastroenterologist of the Atlantic General Hospital System in Berlin Maryland. Cara's Vision is to work to educate the community of the importance of pelvic health so that men and women do not experience the hopelessness that can come from suffering from incontinence or chronic pelvic pain. Outside of work, Cara loves to spend her time with her family and enjoys reading and travelling.

Kelly is originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, and worked alongside Dr. Robert Echenberg, world renown gynecologist specializing in pelvic pain. She always knew she wanted to work with people, and when she became a physical therapist she knew she was right at home. It became even better when she began to specialize in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Working with patients with very intimate and private issues is very challenging yet incredibly rewarding when you know you have helped someone overcome a large hurdle in their life. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science with a minor in Psychology from Ithaca College. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2008. She has been practicing Physical Therapy for 9 years with a specialty in women’s and men’s pelvic health for the past 8 years. She has a true passion for working with patients with pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pre/post-partum pain or dysfunction, constipation etc. She is CAPP-Pelvic certified (Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy) by the APTA and is working towards her CAPP-OB (Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy /Postpartum). Kelly also works with all orthopedic conditions. She has training in movement impairment syndromes, soft tissue and myofascial techniques, and visceral manipulation. Kelly strives to make the patient experience a special one. She makes sure to treat everyone like family and get them back to their normal function as quickly as possible.

Total Years’ Experience: 5 Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest: To increase the function and well-being of our patients in a caring manner. Areas of interest include aquatics, vestibular rehabilitation, balance training and orthopedic treatment. Training: Delaware Technical Community College, Physical Therapist Assistant Program (2011). Completed continuing education courses include cervical, thoracic, lumbar and extremity mobilization as well as myofascial release and functional strengthening. Member of Wor-Wic Community College PTA program advisory committee and serves as clinical instructor to PTA students. Vision: To further pursue continuing education opportunities and training in new treatment techniques for improved patient quality of care.

Aquacare Physical Therapy is pleased to announce the addition of Eileen Kane, MS, PT, CHT, RYT as staff physical therapist and certified hand therapist at our Lewes Delaware office. Her specialties include treating diverse upper quarter conditions and traumatic injuries. Eileen received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She received a fellowship award from Philadelphia Hand Center in Advanced Upper Quarter Rehabilitation Training and has an exhaustive continuing education to her credit including Essentials of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Dry Needling, Mobilization of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine and Ribs to name a few. Eileen is an attendee of the Philadelphia Hand Symposium where she assisted with cadaver lab instruction, the Ithaca Hand Therapy Think Tank, the University of Pennsylvania Shoulder and Elbow Conference, and has been a guest lecturer instructing splinting to occupational therapy students at Jefferson University. She has also taught for the American Society of Hand Therapists. Eileen has been invited as an international instructor on shoulders rehabilitation for the South African Society of Hand Therapists. Eileen's Vision "My approach to upper quarter rehabilitation is to treat each person according to their goals and needs using evidence-based practice. I try to improve patient motivation with education, humor, and close attention to what the patient wants out of their rehabilitation. I truly enjoy getting to meet people from all walks of life and I hope that makes my patients enjoy therapy sessions."

I believe that physical therapy can be a valuable means of improving patient's safety, independence and functional ability, allowing for improved quality of life. I strive to know what my patients are motivated by and respond to, tailoring my programs to individual needs for maximum outcomes. I am interested in working with patients with chronic conditions such as lymphedema, neurological disorders, balance deficits and those in treatment and/or recovering from cancer. Here at Aquacare I look forward to broadening my scope of practice to include pelvic floor therapy for both men and women.

My undergraduate education is from University of North Carolina Asheville and I received my Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in 2012. Since that time I have worked in inpatient, outpatient and skilled nursing settings. I am a Certified Lymphedema Therapist allowing me to effectively work with patients that have chronic swelling which can stem from a variety of causes, including congenital and inherited dysfunction, surgeries, trauma, and inactivity. Lymphedema therapy includes in specialized manual therapy, compression bandaging, use of specialized garments, and skin care, to reduce swelling and improve patient's skin health.

I have also been trained in LSVT BIG™ therapy for treatment of patients with Parkinson Disease and other neurological diseases. This highly effective treatment uses large-scale movements to retrain motor patterns allowing for improved walking, balance and ability to perform daily activities.

I have also had experience guest lecturing on Parkinson Disease at Western Carolina University, facilitating Parkinson Disease support groups and developing group exercise programs to allow patients long term benefits upon discharge from therapy. I have been a member of the Tumor Board and Falls Safety Committee for Haywood Regional Medical Center.

My vision is to work in collaboration with my team here at Fitness Forum, as well as, my patients and their families to improve their physical health, through exercise, education and behavioral change allowing for improved participation in their daily activities at home and in their communities.

Lisa Zimmerman has accumulated 18 years of experience in physical therapy. Her areas of interest are orthopedics with an emphasis in manual therapy and trigger point dry needling for restoration of movement and pain reduction. Lisa’s philosophy involves providing one on one hands on skilled care for each one of her patients to allow for their return to full function. She started with a B.S. in Biology. Then moved on to her M.S. in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University then her Doctorates in Physical Therapy, with Distinction. She is also a Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist in Dry Needling from Myopain Seminars. Her vision is to help improve the lives of all of her patients by reducing their pain and assisting them in gaining their full functional mobility.

Genevieve Good-Malloy has over 10 years of experience in outpatient therapy experience with emphasis in orthopedics, dry needling, manual therapy techniques, vestibular rehabilitation, back pain, LSVT BIG, and sports related injuries/ACL prevention. Genevieve graduated from Salisbury University with her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science while playing collegiate basketball, then obtained her Masters of Science in Applied Health Physiology. After, she graduated from University of Maryland Eastern Shore with her Doctorates of Physical Therapy. Her vision for Fitness Forum is to be known as the best physical therapy practice in the Annapolis area providing attentive, friendly, accurate, efficient and one on one care to each patient, allowing patients to reach their maximum potential and become independent with their mobility.

Chris Allyn Fritsch has 22 years of experience in physical therapy. Her primary focus is to evaluate and treat the root cause of dysfunction rather than simply alleviating the patient’s symptoms. She spends time to educate patients in posture, mechanics, and exercise in a team approach between the therapist and the patient. Chris’s areas of interest include lower quarter biomechanics, manual therapy, sports medicine, and canine rehabilitation. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelors in Education and Athletic Training. She then went on and graduated Howard University in Physical therapy as well as MEd Administration.

Karen Maize has 18 years of experience as a physical therapy assistant. Her areas of interest include outpatient orthopedics, manual therapy, neurological therapy, and athletic training. She obtained a B.S. from West Virginia Wesleyan College. From there, she earned her physical therapy assistant associates degree from Anne Arundel Community College. She now is an adjunct professor at Anne Arundel Community College and teaches Manual Therapy Techniques. She has taken continuing education courses from Institute of Physical Art, Barrel Institute, Great Lakes, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Noigroup-Explain Pain and Visceral Mobilization.

Connor Sheriff, DPT has 6 years of experience in physical therapy. Connor’s areas of interest are orthopedics and sports therapy, aquatic therapy, manual therapy, and pediatrics. She hopes that every patient she treats leaves physical therapy feeling confident that they can make positive lifestyle changes to not only prevent future injury but to improve their overall wellness whether physical or mental. Connor did her undergraduate studies at Slippery Rock University in Exercise Science. They then attended the same college for her Doctorates in Physical Therapy. She hopes to see physical therapy continue to grow as a field that not only provides physical rehabilitation but preventative wellness, emotional and social support and community education.

Susan Baker as 41 years of experience as a physical therapy assistant. As a dedicated professional, Susan is most interested in discovering what the patients want with their therapy and helping them achieve these personal goals. Susan feels the most fulfilled when patients continue with their aquatic therapy as open swimmers, and seeing positive results of consistent exercise. She received her Associates in Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 1976 from Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Following completion from this degree she worked in pediatric neurodevelopmental Physical Therapy until 2003. Pediatric physical therapy included aquatic and hippotherapy program development for Eater Seals Rehabilitation of Central Ohio and Delaware County board of mental retardation/developmental delay. Courses of study included Nancy Finney’s handling the Young CP Child at home, multiple NDT for pediatrics courses, and studying with Mary Massery “If you can’t breathe, you can’t function”. More recently, focus of training and clinical practice has been Aquatic Therapy, including teaching classes in gentle/moderate aquatic exercise and Ai Chi. Susan's Vision..."To have the pool be a healing place."

Nicole Evans has 12 years of experience in physical therapy. She specializes in orthopedics, balance, sports, and dry needling physical therapy. She obtained her BS at Francis Marion University in 2005. She then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of the Pacific in 2009. She has taken several continuing education seminars through Great Lakes, multiple courses in Vestibular Rehab, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Dry Needling through Kinetacore (Evidence in Motion).  Her vision as a physical therapist is to treat the whole body, injuries and/or dysfunction occurring due to an imbalance in the body. By treating the whole body, patients can help prevent future injuries and build stronger bodies. Nicole’s goal as a physical therapist is to help begin and continue healthy lifestyles and help get patients back to doing the things they love.

  Donielle has 16 years of experience in physical therapy. Her philosophy of care is that her patients are more than their injury. She believes physical therapy should treat the whole person and see them achieve their goals for the most functional lifestyle possible. Her attended Salisbury University for her undergraduate. Then she earned her MS of Physical Therapy at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. After, she completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University. She has been published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain: The Effects of Aquatic Physical Therapy on Cardiovascular Fitness and Self-Concept in Patients with Fibromyalgia. She is a Certified Vestibular Specialist and a Certified Concussion Specialist. Her interests include vestibular rehabilitation, migraine and headache therapy, aquatics and neurological issues such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. She is an adjunct instructor at Delaware Technical Community College for seven years teaching anatomy, neurology, modalities, aquatics, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is currently the Clinical Director of Millville Aquacare Physical Therapy. Join us for Millville's 10th Year Celebration!

3 Months Experience Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest: During my experiences in the clinic, the most common problem I see in patients is lack of body awareness and poor movement mechanics, whether from their job, posture, or habits, that increases their pain and symptoms. My philosophy of care revolves around getting people to move again and participate in their lives to the fullest. My areas of interest include return to work rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, and geriatrics. Training: I attended Cumberland County College in New Jersey for my Associate's Degree followed by going to Salisbury University in MD for my bachelor's degree. I completed my graduate courses at UMES in MD for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in September 2016. I will be attending continuing education courses for a Functional Capacity Evaluations certification and want to become a clinical instructor in the near future when I have more clinic experience. Vision: My vision is to educate people about the importance of taking charge of their personal health to the point where they are able to independently manage their symptoms with as little medical intervention as possible.

5 Years Experience My philosophy of Care and Area of Interest includes customizing treatments for each patient through a combination of manual techniques and therapeutic exercises to maximize benefit of PT for each patient and return patient to prior level of function. I treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, but also specializes in neurological conditions including Parkinson's Disease, vestibular disorders, and concussions. I obtained my Undergraduate degree in Biology from Washington College (2008) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UMES (2012). I have a certification in LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular certification from American Institute of Balance, and further specialization in Concussion Management and TMJ Disorders. Clinical Instructor/mentor to PT and PTA students. Vision: To continue improving manual skills as well as learning new treatment techniques to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients!

15 Years Experience Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest: I am a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at Aquacare Rehabilitation in Salisbury, MD. My experience in the field of physical therapy ranges from in-patient care, acute care and out-patient orthopedic and aquatic therapy. At Aquacare I specialize in orthopedics, vestibular and aquatic therapy with individualized programs for each patient. These programs are modified and adapted to fit the needs of every client that we treat using evidence-based practices. I pride myself in making sure that every patient I treat feels that they are listened to, cared for and important. I continue to work on improving my skills and knowledge as a therapist with continuing education, discussions with other professionals in my field of work as well as constant communication with the area doctors on different interventions and treatment approaches that may better serve my patients. I received my Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from Delaware Technical Community College and have continued to further my knowledge through continuing education courses. I have attended such courses as Great Lakes Joint Mobilization Techniques, Manual Soft Tissue Techniques and Vestibular Rehabilitation and have also provided clinical instructor leadership to current students in the process of obtaining their physical therapy assistant degree. I have attended aquatic’s and orthopedic rehabilitation courses as well as management and leadership courses in preparation for the path my career has taken me. I truly enjoy what I do every day and love the facility and co-workers that I get the pleasure of working with daily! My Vision: To continue to serve my community and better my education and knowledge to provide the best, most effective treatments for our patient population. I hope to be able to add joy, laughter and friendship to each and every one that I come into contact with and to continue to strive to be the best therapist and leader possible!

Pam Kline has 16 years of experience as a physical therapy assistant. Her goal as a therapist is to help each patient attain their highest and best level of physical recovery from injury or surgery along with equipping her patients with the knowledge and motivation to continue with an active and healthy lifestyle after therapy. Pam attended the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Keystone College in LaPlume, PA. The first ten years of her career were spend in an out-patient clinic that specialized in orthopedic injuries. During this time, her continuing education classes focused on hands-on skills and techniques with focus in the hip, knee and shoulder joints. When her mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Pam added continuing education in neurological disorders. Since joining the Aquacare staff, she has attended a course with the focus on manual therapy, mobilization of the cervical, thoracic spine and ribs as well as hands-on aquatic techniques from the Aquatic Therapy University. She has also completed continuing education in pelvic floor function and dysfunction and treatment of urinary incontinence. The most recent has been the LSVT Big program for Parkinson’s. Her vision is for patients to understand their injury and how to avoid future injury and to value their physical health with a goal of aging successfully when they complete physical therapy.

13 Years Experience Philosophy of Care and Areas of Interest: Following through with each patient’s plan of care while utilizing my continuing education and manual skills to maximize their recovery and rehabilitation process. I pride myself in providing patients with a positive and educational environment to assist them in healing and being able to self-manage symptoms. I enjoy working in an aquatic environment, hands on therapy, pediatrics, vestibular rehabilitation, lymphedema management, general orthopedics and geriatrics. Training- I graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Technical and Community College with an Associates in Applied Health and obtained by MD and DE PTA license in 2014. I have taken several  Great Lakes courses including Myofascial Release, Functional Strength, Treatment of Common Extremities, The Foot and Ankles, The Lumbar Complex,  Cervical, Thoracic and Rib Mobilizations, The Basics of SI Mobilization and Functional Anatomy. I have had several aquatic courses through The Aquatic Therapy Institute AND Aquatic University. I am trained in Lymphedema Management of the Upper and Lower quadrants, in rehabbing and preventing injuries of the young athlete, and balance and vestibular training. I am also a credentialed clinical instructor. Your Vision: I plan to continue my career as a PTA with AquaCare and enhance my skills with the most recent and up to date technology and research based skills. To serve my community and the physical therapy profession in hopes of bringing more awareness to our profession and to progress rehabilitation ability.

Megan Edwards is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Millsboro, Delaware with 3 years of experience. She takes great pride in being a physical therapist assistant and focuses on educating patients of the importance on being more aware of how they are moving and controlling their bodies. This is to help reduce their pain, improve their function, and prevent further injury or problems. Being compliant with their care is a major factor that Megan stresses to her patients. She excels in communication with patients and explains their care in layman’s terms so that patents fully understand their treatment and why they are coming to therapy. Using evidenced-based practice, Megan continues to treat a wide variety of diagnoses including low back and cervical pain as well as orthopedic conditions of the foot/ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, upper extremity, and shoulder. Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University in Maryland and earned her Applied Allied Health Associates Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Delaware Technical College, Owens Campus in Georgetown, Delaware. She has taken several continuing education courses including Aquatic Therapy Techniques for Orthopedic/Neurological pathologies; Myofascial Release; and Kinesiology Taping for Stroke, Pain, and Posture; and Rotator Cuff Dysfunction. Megan has been an employee of Aquacare since 2007. She began working with company as a student and quickly progressed to acting as an exercise specialist. She is currently the acting clinical director of the Millsboro office. Megan’s vision: “I strive on helping patients learn the importance of and how to care for their bodies and their health. My passion for physical therapy drives me to actively pursue advanced education courses which will allow me to provide the best treatment for my patients.”

Maureen Gordon has accumulated over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist. Maureen uses her extensive training, hands-on skills, and clinical experience to evaluate and treat patients in an empathetic and supportive environment. Utilizing evidence-based research and techniques, she works with each patient to assist them in returning to their maximal level of function. Maureen educates patients on the condition for which they are seeking treatment and teaches them how to improve and manage their condition. She works closely with other clinical team members to create an experience that aims to restore independence and help patients reach their goals. Her specialties include vestibular, headache, and concussion rehabilitation. Maureen graduated in 1996 from Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She worked in outpatient orthopedics after graduation before focusing on treating people with concussions, vestibular, balance, and headache disorders. She was the facility director of a Balance and Headache Center, focused exclusively on treating these specialty patients. Maureen received her Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation and also her Certification in Cervicogenic Dizziness (2013) from Emory University and the American Physical Therapy Association. She was the lead vestibular therapist and a team member at St. Luke's University Hospital and Health Network in Bethlehem, PA to establish vestibular competency training for other network physical therapists (PTs). In this capacity, she trained and tested PTs in the evaluation and treatment of patients with concussions. Maureen has been a clinical instructor to high school, PTA, and PT students since 1997. She has provided many community lectures, taught professional continuing education courses, and guest lectured at East Stroudsburg University (East Stroudsburg, PA). Since moving to Maryland in 2015, Maureen has continued to specialize in the treatment of patients with concussions, vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and headaches, expanding the programs and treatments available to the people on the Eastern Shore. Maureen’s vision…“Many people do not know that there is help with physical therapy for vertigo, vestibular conditions, headaches, or concussions. I am passionate about helping educate patients and others about how PT can improve their lives.

16 Years Experience Mark earned his Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine and Associates in Physical therapy from California University of Pennsylvania in 2001. He initiallystarted out for several years in the sports medicine field and outpatient orthopedics; with a focus on manual interventions and hands on care. Later in his career, he transitioned to a rehab manager role at local Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities for about the last 8 years. He joins AquaCare after stepping down from his administrative role, and back to outpatient therapy to focus on patient care and manual interventions.

Liz Kim has two years of experience as a physical therapy assistant. Her areas of interest include orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. She obtained her Bachelor’s from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in Health Sciences. She then continued her education onto Harcum College for her Physical Therapy Assistant degree. Her vision is to assist patients in their rehabilitation journeys as they return to the best of their ability, adjusting each session to fit the patient specifically, instead of following a generic “recipe book”.

Lauren Nuttle has 12 years of experience in physical therapy. Her specialties include spinal care and manipulation, canine physical therapy, and urinary incontinence. She studied at Salisbury University for her undergrad, then continued to University of Maryland Eastern Shore for her graduate education in physical therapy. She has taken several continuing education courses including spinal, pelvic, sacrum, foot and ankle, cervical and thoracic, and myofascial from Great Lakes Seminars, as well as urinary incontinence from Herman & Wallace.

4 Years Experience Philosophy of Care:

• Each human being is uniquely organized and functioning combination of body, mind, and spirit. I believe that health is a state of complete physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. I believe that each individual is responsible for his or her own life and possesses the power to achieve an optimum state of health and empowering individuals to achieve this optimum state of health is the core purpose of health professionals.
• Physical therapy is a profession dedicated to service, to people and society, and physical therapists music practice in an artful, competent, compassionate, caring, legal and ethical manner. As a Physical Therapist I believe that a therapist must practice mindful of the art and science of the profession. Physical therapists must have commitments to lifelong learning and to search for the evidence that supports and advances practice. Critical thinking, problem solving, intellectual perseverance and courage are all essential characteristics of the successful physical therapist.
• Physical therapists diagnose movement dysfunctions based on skillful examination and evaluation regardless of the cause or etiology and provide skilled therapeutic intervention to foster improvement in physical functioning and maximizing overall quality of life.

Training: Shri B.G. Patel College of Physical Therapy, S.P. University BPT, Physical Therapy (2005-2010); University of Montana, Non-Degree seeking program in Professionalism, Clinical Decision Making Vision:

• Physical therapist's role also includes that of case manager, teacher, researcher, and consultant. I worked as licensed Physical Therapist in the state of New York and Pennsylvania in numerous different settings. I want to push my patients to be as healthy as they can be. Working as a physical therapist, I want to lead by example and inspire my patients to recover the strength and wellness they have lost. Physical therapy is a personal profession in which patients reply, both mentally and sometimes physically, on their therapist and must follow their therapist's directions in order to effectively recover. Working as Physical Therapist, providing me the soulful satisfaction that I was seeking as a high school graduate and by completing my doctorate degree via TdPT course of Arcadia University, I want to satisfy my hunger for knowledge in the area of Physical Therapy. It will help me to improve the high degree of professionalism and I possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and behaviors to practice physical therapy in a truly scientific manner

Jeff Bonnette has over 18 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant. As a PTA, with the majority of his experience in orthopedics and sports medicine, Jeff strives to provide his patients with the best possible care. Utilizing evidence based practices, he works closely with a strong team of therapists to achieve optimal outcomes and extremely satisfied patients. Jeff graduated from Rowan University 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a specialization in Athletic Training and became certified through the National Athletic Trainers Association - Board of Certification (NATABOC). In 1999, he completed his certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Mercer County Community College and is currently licensed in the state of MD. Jeff is also the owner of Midshore Health and Fitness, LLC which provides athletic training services, ImPact concussion testing and athletic performance enhancement training. Jeff has been the Head Athletic Trainer with Saints Peter and Paul High School since 2005 and has also worked with Talbot County Public Schools, Chesapeake Community College and Easton’s semi pro football team. Jeff has been nationally certified as an Athletic Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine for over 10 years. He was recently certified in Functional Movement Techniques and kinesiotaping. Jeff’s vision as a therapist is to continually provide the highest quality of care in an ever changing and challenging healthcare system and to impact each patient in the most positive way possible. It is his goal to successfully treat my patients’ issues and make such a positive impact in their lives that they will want to come back whenever they need help with aches, pains or injuries.

10 Years Experience Courtney is a Physical Therapist at Aquacare Physical Therapy located at 598 Cynwood Drive Suite 101 in Easton. As a dedicated professional, Courtney is devoted to treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions by providing one-on-one care and customized treatment programs to help each patient meet their individual goals. She collaborates with her colleagues to provide a team approach to patient care to improve their quality of life. Courtney received her Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Biochemistry from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, then her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at University of Delaware in Newark, DE. She has significant continuing education in treatment of Orthopedic Conditions and Manual Therapy, and more recently in pelvic floor dysfunction. She has a certification as a Credentialed Clinical Instructor and enjoys teaching and learning from her students. Courtney’s vision…“My vision is to help maximize patients’ independence and level of function. Many people do not know that there is help with physical therapy for urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor dysfunction diagnoses. I enjoy educating patients and others about how PT can improve their lives.”

Christy Saunders is a physical therapist at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Millsboro, Delaware. In addition to working with adult clientele, Christy is one of Aquacare’s pediatric physical therapists. Christy strongly believes that her clients are most successful when they are allowed to rehabilitate in an environment that is fun and patient-centered. She aims to support her patients both physically and emotionally while utilizing a hands-on approach that is based on the most current research. Christy encourages her clients to find value in their treatment by internalizing their goals. She feels this will allow them to reach and maintain their greatest level of mobility and function for maximum participation in home, community, and recreational activities. Christy received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina and has been a practicing clinician for four years. Christy has a deep love for traveling and prior to settling in Millsboro worked as a traveling physical therapist with her husband along the West Coast and in Colorado. As a pediatric therapist, Christy has received training in how to incorporate both sensory integration and neurodevelopmental techniques in the treatment of children with neuromuscular disorders. She has also completed continuing education courses in the use of aquatic therapy techniques in the treatment of adults and children. Christy is a credentialed clinical instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association, and she looks forward to being an integral part in the education of the next generation of physical therapists. Christy has a genuine love for the profession of physical therapy and for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. It is her hope that this passion is evident to her patients and fosters an enjoyable and productive rehabilitation environment.

Cailtin Ruggiero has 6 years of experience in physical therapy. She specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy and treats pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pregnancy and post-partum, osteoporosis, and weight loss. She has many years of experience dancing and enjoys rehabbing dancers in order to return to performing. Caitlin also has her core Barre Pilate's certification. She has her undergraduate degree in health science from Marymount University and she also received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the same university. Caitlin has been a teacher assistant and clinical instructor assisting in the training of physical therapy students. She has taken continuing education courses in pelvic floor physical therapy for both female and male patients. Caitlin also completed a three-month residency upon graduating from my graduation program in Women's health. In addition to the continuing education courses in selective functional muscle assessment, muscle energy techniques for the spine and extremities, aquatics and myofascial release. Her vision for her patients is to get them to achieve the highest level of function. When treating pelvic floor patient’s, Caitlin wants all of her patients to have increased confidence and less of a fear of an embracing accident to occur in order to live more fulfilled lives.

Bradley Saunders has over 5 years of experience in physical therapy. His areas of interest are vestibular, orthopedics, manual therapy, and dry needling. He graduated with from St. John Fisher College with a BS in Biology and Chemistry. Then he moved onto The University of South Carolina and earned his Doctorates of Physical Therapy. He is a APTA Certified Clinical Instructor, a Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist and certified in dry needling through the Spinal Manipulation Institute. His vision is to lead physical therapists through continued education, clinical instruction, and refining evidence based manual skills, towards a more autonomous practice and as the primary clinicians in treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments.

8 Years experience Philosophy of Care: I strive to provide the best quality of care to all patients based on an individualized assessment and treatment plan to help each patient achieve their goals and be able to return to a full life. Areas of Interest: Orthopedics, Pregnancy, Aquatics Training: Bachelor of Arts McDaniel College; Doctor of Physical Therapy University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Continuing Education Courses: Great Lakes Seminars Lumbar/Sacroiliac/Myofascial Release/Cervical/Thoracic, Aquatic Therapy, Kinesiotaping Served as Clinical Instructor Vision: To improve the wellness and function of my community by providing the best care to all patients and family members and to continue to further my education to allow for continued growth in the field of physical therapy.