Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy

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 Weber, PT, 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

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!

Mel Blankensop, PTA, has more than 20 years of experience. She prides herself on providing patients with a positive and educational environment to assist them in healing and being able to self-manage symptoms. She provides aquatic physical therapy, hands-on manual therapy, pediatrics, lymphedema, vestibular rehabilitation, pediatrics, general orthopedic rehabilitation and geriatrics. She graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Technical Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Health and obtained by MD and DE PTA license in 2014. She has 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. She also has taken several aquatic courses through The Aquatic Therapy Institute AND Aquatic University. She is a trained lymphedema therapist and has experience rehabbing and preventing injuries in the young athlete, and balance and vestibular training. She is also a credentialed clinical instructor.

Hannah Barger, PT, DPT, earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2025, where she also completed her undergraduate studies with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Medical Spanish. Hannah has a special interest in Dance Medicine and plans to pursue certification in this field. Having danced competitively for 14 years, she understands the physical and emotional challenges that come with dance-related injuries. Her personal experience fuels her passion for helping dancers prevent injury and return to peak performance with confidence and strength. She is also dedicated to supporting patients of all ages and backgrounds, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or striving to stay active and independent. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with family, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and ending the day with a good book.

She is accepting new patients in Annapolis!