Please share a brief overview of your education and professional certifications.

For my undergraduate degree, I attended Grove City College, where I majored in Exercise Science. I continued my professional education at the University of Pittsburgh and earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am also a licensed Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Prior to physical therapy school, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach for athletes ranging from age 6 through the Division I level. I also had the opportunity to coach football at the Division III level, which further strengthened my understanding of sport-specific performance demands and injury prevention.

What is your philosophy or approach toward physical therapy and rehabilitation?

My philosophy and approach to physical therapy center on a holistic model that addresses the needs of each patient while creating lifelong, sustainable changes. Once we are able to restore range of motion, increase strength, and alleviate pain, the main principles remain the same regardless of the diagnosis or injury. Increasing overall levels of activity and being consistent with an exercise program will not only help the patient return to their prior level of function, but help them to exceed their previous baseline and reach their full potential. Specific to my athletic population, I am passionate about creating a structured, progressive return-to-sport plan that bridges the gap between rehabilitation and performance. My goal is not just to clear athletes to play, but to ensure they return stronger, faster, and more resilient than before their injury.

What do you find the most rewarding working at Wonsettler?

Physical therapy is a very rewarding career, and the right environment can make an impactful difference on both the patients and the physical therapists. I started as a student here at WPT and this clinic was much different from anywhere else I have been, both as a student and a patient. Our focus on 1:1 care is by far the most rewarding part of working at WPT. It allows for a genuine relationship between myself and my patients, where we have 45 minutes to cater exercises and treatments towards their goals. 

Please share a success story where you helped a patient overcome a significant challenge.

I once had a high school athlete who was coming off of a great season where he earned all-conference honors and now, he was unable to skate for longer than 10 minutes before having to sit out. He was originally told that he had a hip flexor strain and was instructed to rest for 2 weeks before trying to skate. After those two weeks, he reinjured himself after the first practice. He came to WPT for a thorough initial evaluation, and we found that his symptoms were consistent with a groin strain. After a few weeks of targeted exercises, his pain was significantly reduced, and he was able to skate at full speed. At this point, we transitioned to high level strength training, sprinting, and plyometrics to prepare him for his upcoming high school and travel hockey season. He did not miss a game the remainder of the year, and was able to compete with increased speed, power and endurance without a nagging injury holding him back!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work to maintain your own physical and mental well-being?

I am a big fan of golfing, pickleball and trying new coffee shops with my fiancé Katie.

What advice would you give to someone considering physical therapy as a solution to their health concerns?

My biggest piece of advice would be to take the first step and make an appointment, as sometimes the hardest part is getting started! Physical therapy is beneficial not only to recover from an injury or a surgery, but can be the first step you take to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.