Find your physical therapist

Meet Lauren Giampietro, a dedicated physical therapist who has successfully completed her Doctorate at Sacred Heart University. As an active member of the Rhode Island American Physical Therapy Association (RI APTA), Lauren is committed to ongoing professional growth and collaboration.

In her role, Lauren takes pride in helping individuals reclaim activities they love by tailoring treatment plans to their unique goals. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking and the outdoors, finding inspiration in the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Lauren is an enthusiastic fan of the Boston Bruins, reflecting her passion for sports and community connections. With a holistic approach to physical therapy, Lauren Giampietro combines academic achievement, professional engagement, and a love for the outdoors, contributing to her commitment to helping others lead active and fulfilling lives.

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John Cacciapuoti is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in sports-related injuries and orthopedics. He is passionate about helping others overcome their injuries and reach their goals. John has also earned a certification as a Personal Trainer from the National Academy for Sports Medicine and is planning on returning to school to become a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

In his free time, he enjoys staying active. Whenever there is a Boston sports game on, you can usually find John cheering on the team at home or in the crowd!

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Specialties:

Sports Injuries

Orthopedics

Alexis Williams is a Physical Therapist Assistant with over 20 years of experience, specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, vestibular conditions, concussions, and balance and fall prevention.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Alexis has always valued an active lifestyle. A dedicated runner for more than 20 years, she has completed 13 half marathons, one full marathon, and countless 5Ks. She has also shared her love of running and movement with the next generation, coaching Girls on the Run in the East Greenwich school system for two years.

Outside of the clinic, Alexis enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog. She has a strong interest in health and nutrition and lives by the philosophy that movement is medicine. Her advice is simple: “Find something that excites you to move your body and do it!”

‍Specialities:

• Orthopedics
• Sports injuries
• Geriatrics - Balance & Falls
• Vestibular
• Neck & Spine
• Concussion Rehabilitation
• TMD

Meet Dr. Stephanie Rapp, a dedicated and passionate Physical Therapist with a strong commitment to helping her patients regain confidence and return to the activities they love. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Quinnipiac University.

With a focus on orthopedics, sports injuries, pediatrics, and more, she finds immense joy in empowering her patients, especially children, to thrive in their movement and daily lives.

Outside of her work, Stephanie enjoys skiing, reading, and staying active through beach walks and volleyball. Her deep empathy and expertise drive her to help patients overcome challenges and discover their potential.

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Dr. Emily Hutcheson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, pre & post natal rehabilitation and vestibular conditions. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their goals and to watch them improve from their initial evaluation to their discharge.

When she’s not in the clinic, Emily loves traveling with her husband and going kayaking. She also enjoys spending time at home with their two cats and two dogs.

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Specialities:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Vestibular Conditions

Pre & Post Natal Rehabilitation

Dance

Aquatics

Dr. Ryan Aubert is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. He loves being a physical therapist because he enjoys forming relationships with patients and helping them improve their quality of life throughout their recovery. He was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy by watching his mother, who was a long-time nurse.

When he’s not in the clinic, Ryan loves to watch, play, and coach soccer. He also loves to spend time with his wife and son – especially if they can be outside! He has also lived in 6 states and has participated in service trips to help the underprivileged in India and Jamaica.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dr. Brian Elliano is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics. His experience with playing rugby for much of his life piqued his interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation. He loves watching his patients progress and ultimately return to their favorite activities.

In his free time, Brian enjoys weight lifting, biking, and watching his favorite sports teams: the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. He also loves exploring new restaurants with his friends and family and is always looking for recommendations!

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Specialities:

Orthopedics

Director of Pediatrics, Dr. Sarah Goldstein, is a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist and a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pediatric physical therapy care and orthopedics. Her diagnoses of expertise include torticollis, plagiocephaly, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, gross motor delay, and developmental delay. She has been caring for pediatric patients since graduating in 2017 and refers to them all as "her kids".

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She loves working as a physical therapist because she can positively impact someone’s quality of life, whether that be within the home, in recreation, or at work. Dr. Sarah participated in ballet her whole life, retiring finally in 2023, and loves to work with the dance population to ensure safety with participation and show-readiness. With her specialty in pediatrics, she loves that she can take the “boring” out of another doctor’s appointment for a child by creating a fun, entertaining, safe, and exciting environment to help the child and family reach their goals.

When Sarah isn’t in the clinic, she likes to spend time with her husband, son, and rescue dog. ‍

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Specialties:

Pediatrics

Orthopedics

Dance-related injuries

Luke Sparks is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics. He is passionate about using movement to help patients get back to the activities they love and live without limitation. Luke may be a familiar face, as he worked as an Exercise Specialist at Highbar in the East Providence, Seekonk, and Warwick clinics.

In his free time, Luke enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs, Rocky and Juniper. They enjoy being outdoors, whether that be scuba diving, fishing, or hiking.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

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Dr. Allie Ollerhead is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, and balance & falls. Her passion is helping her patients improve their function, return to their favorite activities, and being a shoulder to lean on when they need it most. She has earned certifications in both Level 1 & Level 2 of trigger point dry needling through Highbar's Dry Needling Certification program.

In her free time, Allie loves to go to the beach, try any new restaurant, and spend time with her family and friends. She keeps active by practicing yoga and walking her dog. As a resident of Massachusetts, Allie is a huge Boston sports fan and you can bet she is always watching when the Patriots play.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

Tyler Woodward, PTA is a skilled Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care. He holds a Bachelor's in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island (2017) and an Associate of PTA from New England Institute of Technology (2021). Additionally, Tyler has earned a PTA Specialty Certification in Orthopedics from Evidence in Motion (2021), further strengthening his expertise in helping patients overcome physical challenges.

Tyler is passionate about assisting patients in regaining their quality of life and getting back to their daily activities and hobbies. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, taking walks with his dog, Bruni, and exploring new foods as a self-proclaimed foodie. A dedicated Boston sports fan, Tyler attends most Patriots games.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Soft Tissue Disorders of the Hip

Dr. James Picard is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. He is passionate about helping his patients get back in control of their health.

In his free time, James enjoys hiking, traveling, chess, and watching the Boston Celtics. He also loves to play pickup soccer and support the Barcelona FC team. You can also find him spending time with his two dogs, Leo and Indiana.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Meet Anjelia Altebrando, a dedicated physical therapist at Highbar specializing in orthopedics and spine care. She holds a Bachelors of Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Springfield College, earned in 2022 and 2024 respectively. Anjelia is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling through Highbar since 2023 and is affiliated with RIAPTA. Passionate about helping patients reclaim their active lifestyles, she finds fulfillment in facilitating their return to favorite activities. Anjelia has shared her expertise through speaking engagements, including a panel on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education at the 2022 APTA Fall conference. Beyond her professional achievements, she enjoys coaching lacrosse, supporting the NY Yankees and Giants, watching Friends, and exploring new restaurants.

Yalis Chamberlin is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in general and post-surgical orthopedics, pediatrics, and aquatic therapy. She is passionate about helping her patients return to their favorite activities.

When she’s not at work, she loves to be active outdoors. She enjoys hiking, running, and competing in obstacle races. To refuel from all this activity, she loves Italian food!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Aquatic Therapy

Hannah Martin is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at Highbar Physical Therapy’s East Providence clinic. She earned her Associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistance from Central Penn College in 2019 and specializes in supporting pelvic health and pregnancy. Hannah is a member of the Rhode Island American Physical Therapy Association (RIAPTA).

Hannah is passionate about helping patients improve their daily lives. She finds learning about the body and its changes through injury and recovery fascinating, and she particularly enjoys supporting women in need of pelvic floor therapy and athletes eager to return to their sport. Outside of work, Hannah is a self-described foodie who loves cooking, trying new restaurants, and weightlifting. She has been happily married for four years and shares her home with her husband and their two cats. When not in the kitchen or the gym, Hannah can often be found running or reading.

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Specialties:

Pregnancy/OB

Pelvic Health

Michael Maciel is a skilled Physical Therapist Assistant at the Providence clinic, specializing in orthopedics, spine care, and sports injuries. As a member of the Rhode Island APTA, Michael is dedicated to helping patients achieve their goals by creating meaningful connections and supporting their return to the activities they love.

Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Michael enjoys working with a diverse range of patients. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his two children and bonus daughter. He is passionate about cooking, and in his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and golf.

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Lauren Neville is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, headaches, vestibular, balance & falls, dance, and concussions. She loves watching the progress and success of her patients from their initial evaluation to their last appointment. Her experience growing up as an athlete resulted in her being a patient many times, so she has a deep understanding of how injuries can impact the life of an athlete.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys running local road races, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, traveling, and attending concerts.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Vestibular

Balance & Falls

Dance

Concussions

Lance Howard is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, headaches, and cervical and lumbar joints. He loves that he can help people recover from injury, improve their function or quality of life, and help patients return to the activities they love.

He is also a Clinical Instructor for PTA students and a mentor at Highbar and East Providence High School. He has volunteered as a coach with Riverside Little League, St. Luke Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization.

When he’s not in the clinic, Lance loves spending time with his wife, Jennifer, his 2 children, Emily and Alex, and his dog, Milo. He enjoys staying active by skiing, golfing, boating, and hiking, but is always looking for places to travel for his next adventure!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Cervical and Lumbar Joints

Dr. Michael Glassman is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, headaches, football, and track. He is passionate about educating the community and helping patients achieve a better level of activity.

A former college football player, Mike first experienced physical therapy as a patient. After suffering an ACL tear, he successfully returned to play three years of college football and continues to be active today. He now strives to recreate his success with physical therapy for all his patients.

When he’s not in the clinic, Mike is likely eating chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream or being active in any way he can. He plays in a full-contact flag football league in Pawtucket, but is always on the lookout for new activities and experiences!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Football

Track (Sprinting & Jumping)

Dr. Zebulon Shalginewicz is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, and balance & falls. He is passionate about using exercise as medicine to help his patients reach their goals, whether that be decreasing pain, increasing strength, or improving mobility.

In his free time, Zebulon enjoys walking his dog, exercising, and cheering on the Celtics and Tottenham Hotspur. He keeps active by running, playing soccer or ultimate frisbee, and going to the gym.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

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Dr. Sawyer Stapp PT, DPT earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary's University in 2022, following his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from California Lutheran University in 2017. Dr. Stapp specializes in orthopedics, headaches, sports injuries, and spine care. His passion for physical therapy lies in helping patients get back to the activities they love, whether that's returning to the field for a sport or enjoying daily walks.

Originally from the Central Coast of California, Sawyer recently relocated to Rhode Island with his fiancée, Kaitlin, and their golden retriever, Pepper. He brings his personal experiences as an athlete into his practice, helping athletes of all levels recover and reach their goals. Outside of the clinic, Sawyer enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and participating in escape rooms. A dedicated sports fan, he especially loves football and is a long-time supporter of the Minnesota Vikings.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Dr. Erica Manchester is a Clinic Director, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, soccer, and female athletes. She loves to empower her patients to participate in their own recovery and working as a team to help her patients achieve their goals. While in school, she shadowed in clinics and rehabilitation facilities in Italy and volunteered in weekly balance group exercise classes.

In her free time, Erica loves to bake, play the flute, go to vineyards, and try new restaurants. As a big fan of the US Women’s National Soccer Team and former team member of the Salve Regina University Women’s Soccer Team, she keeps active by running and playing co-ed soccer. She also coaches female athletes in the Narragansett Youth Soccer Association.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Soccer

Female Athletes

Dr. Kara Casavant, PT, DPT, OCS, is the Clinic Director of Highbar’s Boylston location. A Husson University graduate, Kara earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, MBA, and Doctor of Physical Therapy, and went on to achieve her Orthopedic Board Certification. As an APTA member with specialized training in dry needling, Kara provides expert care across orthopedics, balance and fall prevention, sports injuries, and performance arts rehabilitation. With a personal background in CrossFit and over 20 years as a competitive cheerleader—including at the collegiate level—she has a unique passion and skill set for working with athletes, dancers, and performing artists.

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Outside the clinic, Kara is an avid New England sports fan who enjoys cheering on the Patriots and attending Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) games. She also loves the outdoors, spending her free time kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing in the winter, and staying active year-round.

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Specialties & Services:

• Orthopedics
• TMD
• Back, Neck & Shoulder Rehabilitation
• Balance & Fall Prevention
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Sports or Work-Related Injuries
• Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation
• Dry Needling Treatment
• Concussion Management
• Performance Arts Rehabilitation

Jennifer Bugg, PT, MPT is a seasoned Physical Therapist and healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience spanning orthopedics, home health, and program management. She has a particular expertise in treating gymnastics, snowboarding, skiing, and volleyball injuries, as well as a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Jennifer is passionate about building connections with patients, mentoring colleagues, and creating care experiences that feel personal, empowering, and effective.

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Outside the clinic, Jennifer enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her son and family dog. Whether she’s guiding an athlete back to their sport, leading a team, or launching a new initiative, Jennifer brings energy, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.

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Specialties & Services

• Orthopedics
• Sports Injuries
• Neuro Rehabilitation
• Geriatrics - Balance & Falls
• Vestibular
• Neck & Spine
• Concussion Rehabilitation
• Dry Needling
• Blood Flow Restriction
• TMD

Dr. Matthew Salvatore is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports injuries, and balance & falls. He is passionate about helping his patients get back to the activities that are important to them and finds it deeply rewarding to watch them become more physically and mentally resilient throughout their treatment.

In his free time, Matthew likes to stay active by hiking, walking, basketball, and golf. As a fan of the Celtics and Patriots, you can usually catch him watching the games with some good food and his friends and family.

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Specialties:‍

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

Emma Wroblinski is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics and massage. She is passionate about helping her patients feel empowered and equipped with the tools needed to manage their conditions.

In her free time, Emma enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, and fishing. She and her husband reside in Coventry with their two children and two dogs.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Massage

Mary-Anne is the Clinic Director and a Physical Therapy Assistant at our Westerly clinic. Her specialties include orthopedics, sports injuries, balance and falls, aquatics, and vestibular.

Outside of work, Mary-Anne enjoys soccer, golfing, surfing, snowboarding, rollerblading, hiking, country line dancing, and spending time with her two fur babies.

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Dr. Dylan Forrester is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics and sports-related injuries. His passion is making meaningful improvements in the lives of his patients through education, hands-on adjustments, and exercise. He loves being a part of a patient’s journey to get back to what they enjoy doing and watching the progress they make along the way.

In his free time, Dylan enjoys being outside, whether that be hiking or going to the beach. As an avid New England sports fan, you can typically find him cheering on his favorite teams, the Celtics and Patriots. He is kept busy at home with his dog named Honey and two tuxedo cats named Sylvester and Brooke.

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Specialties:‍

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Elizabeth Mainville is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics and balance & falls. Her passion is forming connections with her patients during their road to recovery and supporting them through their treatment. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the progress her patients make from their first appointment through their graduation day.

When she’s not in the clinic, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her many pets. She likes to stay active by playing volleyball recreationally and competitively.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Balance & Falls

Dr. Brittany Polk PT, DPT is a passionate physical therapist based at the Pawtucket clinic, specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, headaches, vestibular rehabilitation, and neuro/concussion care. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2020 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2023. Dr. Polk is LSVT BIG certified and has a special interest in working with neurological populations, with an eventual goal of earning her Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification. She is an active member of the APTA.

Inspired by her own experiences with collegiate softball injuries, Dr. Polk discovered her passion for physical therapy and now finds great fulfillment in helping her patients recover and enhance their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, snowboarding, and cheering for the Boston Bruins.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Headaches

Sports Injuries

Vestibular

Spine

Neuro

Balance

Concussion

Dr. David Pavao is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in manual therapy, acute and chronic spine pain, headaches, sports injuries, TMJ, and vertigo. He is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and serves as Highbar's Chief Clinical Officer. In his role as Clinical Officer, Dave oversees the professional development of clinical staff, which includes the Highbar Student Curriculum, the Mentoring for Highbar onboarding program, and the Highbar Orthopedic Residency, as well as in-house continuing education to ensure our clinical team and patients have an exceptional experience at Highbar.

He is currently an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at his alma mater, where he earned the Academic Excellence Award as a student and the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2013. Dave also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Rhode Island American Physical Therapy Association.

When Dave isn’t treating patients or ensuring that all clinical staff at Highbar are staying up to date on current clinical standards, he loves spending time with his wife Michelle and his 2 children, Aiden and Grace. He likes to stay active by playing soccer and tennis and coaching Aidan's soccer team.

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Specialties:

Manual Therapy

Spine

Headaches

Sports Injuries

TMJ

Vertigo

Dr. Danielle Parent is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, specializing in orthopedics, spine, sports injuries, headaches, vestibular, Parkinson’s Disease, strokes, and balance & falls. She is passionate about working with her patients to achieve their goals and loves watching her patients regain their independence.

In her spare time, you can find her attending New England Revolution soccer games behind the net in the supporter’s section. Her love for the team led her to meet her husband, who is also an avid soccer fan! She is also actively involved with the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association and has participated in their Rock Steady Boxing program and their Annual Race/Walk/Run for PD.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Vestibular

Neurological Conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, strokes)

Balance & Falls

Dr. Kathleen Rafanelli is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. She loves being a clinician because it allows her to promote and encourage her patients to live a healthier lifestyle so they can experience the positive effects of exercise on their mental, physical, and social health. She also enjoys helping her patients regain function in their daily activities by reducing their pain and increasing their range of motion.

She loves traveling and has been to many places around the world, including Vellore India where she worked with physical therapists at the Christian Medical College to learn about cultural norms and observe similarities and differences across the profession. Her first clinical rotation was at the VA in Providence and a unique, 5-month clinical rotation at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. While working on the base, she practiced in an environment where she was able to rehabilitate active duty military members as they train at their duty stations and prepare for their deployment.

While she’s not in the clinic, she loves to stay active by hiking, playing pickup basketball with friends, and going to the gym. She loves spending time with her dog, Nelli, and watching the Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dr. Lindsey Arcand is a physical therapist at our Seekonk clinic and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, specializing in orthopedics and dance-related injuries. Starting her career at Performance Physical Therapy as an Exercise Specialist in 2015, she continued her education at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and has advanced to her role as a Physical Therapist.  She loves helping her patients reach their maximum potential to live their best lives.

In her spare time, she loves to dance, hike, and spend time with her cat, Troegs. She has been a dancer since age 3 and participated in the Danceworks Boston Company during her time in college.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dance

Meet Taylor Simone Bairos, a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in Pregnancy/OB and Pelvic Health. Graduating with her degree from the New England Institute of Technology in 2020, Taylor has furthered her expertise with certifications including Herman and Wallace Level 1 and the Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification. Affiliated with RIAPTA, she is passionate about helping individuals restore their movement and alleviate pain. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys outdoor activities with her family, such as hiking and kayaking, and is committed to pelvic rehabilitation, inspired by her own journey to overcome postpartum challenges.

Specialties:

Pregnancy / OB

Pelvic Health

Dr. Hilary Bicknell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. Her passion is helping people find relief from pain or limitation to get them back to the activities they love. Throughout her career, she has earned a certification in Neurological Dry Needling for pain management and sports rehabilitation from Integrative Dry Needling.

In her free time, Hilary enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and exploring new places. You can find her snowboarding in the winter and boating during the summer.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dr. Jeremy Kuznitz is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. His passion is to provide his patients with the tools to help them take their power back, heal their bodies, and improve their function. He believes that there is nothing more rewarding than watching his patient achieve a goal that they never imagined possible.

In his free time, Jeremy enjoys watching sports and cheering on the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots. He also loves hiking, reading, and traveling.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dr. Reid Holden is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, hockey, football, lacrosse, baseball, and rugby. After playing sports his entire life, Reid attended physical therapy to get him back on the field after some major injuries. His personal experiences at physical therapy and his love for working with people motivated him to become a physical therapist to help people do what they love.

While earning his degree, Dr. Holden provided free physical therapy services to the greater New Haven area. Through his time treating, he gained a true passion for sports rehabilitation and orthopedics. He is now an adjunct lab professor for orthopedics at Bryant University.

In his free time, Dr. Holden plays in local men's hockey leagues and loves spending his spare time hiking or relaxing at the lake.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Hockey

Football

Lacrosse

Baseball

Rugby

Dr. Hargun Khanna, PT, DPT is a skilled physical therapist at Highbar’s Pawtucket clinic, specializing in orthopedics and treating balance issues, as well as injuries to the low back, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UMass Amherst in 2018 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2023. Dr. Khanna is a member of the Massachusetts APTA and was honored with the Mary Mankin Clinical Scholar Award in 2023. Her research includes co-authoring a comprehensive meta-analysis on cardiac rehabilitation in people with heart failure.

Dr. Khanna speaks Hindi and Punjabi. Outside of work, she enjoys singing karaoke, making pottery, and taking her dog to the beach.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Headaches

Vestibular

Spine

Balance

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Jaimie Moura is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics and sports-related injuries. She is passionate about being a part of the process of helping patients reach their goals and loves that she can treat patients in the same town she grew up in.

When she isn’t treating patients, she is likely reading or spending time with her family. As a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Boston Bruins, she loves attending sporting events. Jaimie may not readily admit it, but she is also a reality TV show addict!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Dr. Kathryn Pereira is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, and balance and falls. Her passion is to create meaningful connections with her patients so they can achieve their personal goals. She believes in the importance of empowering her patients to improve their health and mobility through education.

In her free time, Kathryn enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She’s also a big Boston sports fan, especially when it comes to the Boston Bruins, and loves to cheer on the US Women’s National Soccer Team.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

Kevin Silvia is a Physical Therapist Assistant at our Pawtucket clinic who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, athletes, children, and adolescents. He is a clinical instructor for high school Physical Therapist Assistant students and the Community College of Rhode Island’s Physical Therapist Assistant program.

He co-founded and was previously director of the Highbar Speed School, which is a comprehensive sports training and conditioning program for athletes. He served on the volunteer committee for the 1st Annual Performance 5K Road Race. Previously, Kevin founded and directed a state-wide fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, through which he helped raise $23,000 over five years.

Kevin spends his time away from the clinic biking, hiking, shooting, and spending time outside. He also loves strength training, cross-training, and mixed martial arts.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Athletes

Children

Adolescents

Dr. Mara Hochman is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics as well as spinal and shoulder-related injuries or conditions. She is passionate about helping her patients get back to the activities they love to do while instilling a love of exercise along the way. She completed the Memorial Hermann Orthopedic Residency, where she was also a faculty member, and has earned certification in trigger point dry needling. Mara now serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Highbar Orthopedic Residency program.

In her free time, Mara enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her husband, son, and dog. She has lived all over the country, from growing up in California to living in Texas, and now in Rhode Island.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Shoulder

Dr. Ashley Tamke is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, the spine, dance, and balance & falls. She loves being a physical therapist and helping her patients get back to their lives without pain or limitation. Her favorite part about being a clinician is finding creative ways to help reduce pain for her patients.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys running and has run a total of 12 marathons, including the Boston Marathon 4 times. She resides in Cumberland, RI with her husband Matt, her sons Jacob and Thomas, and their dog Sophie.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Balance & Falls

Dance

Natalie Briggs, PT, DPT, PSP is a physical therapist at Highbar Physical Therapy’s Middletown clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both from Seton Hall University. Natalie is also certified as a Primary Spine Practitioner through the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the North American Spine Society (NASS).

Specializing in orthopedics and spine care, Natalie is passionate about helping her patients reach their goals. She enjoys learning each patient’s story, uncovering their motivation, and creating a personalized plan to guide them back to optimal health.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys swimming, running, competing in triathlons, and spending time with her two boys and two dogs.

Specialties: 

Orthopedics

Spine

Aquatics

Dr. Katherine Meschisen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, pelvic health, women’s health, volleyball, aquatics, and pregnancy & postpartum conditions. She is passionate about helping patients get back to the activities they love the most and empowering them to make improvements in their lives.

In her free time, Katherine loves reading, going to the beach, baking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and son. She enjoys staying active, especially if it’s through playing volleyball. If there’s a Patriots or Red Sox game on, you can usually find her cheering on her favorite teams!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Pelvic Health

Women’s Health

Volleyball

Aquatics

Pregnancy & Postpartum

Dr. Nicole Sweet is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, balance & falls, and pregnancy-related pain and dysfunction. She also has expertise in treating geriatrics and Parkinson’s Disease. Her passion for physical therapy is fueled by building relationships with patients while helping them achieve their goals.

After getting her DPT, Nicole traveled for two years, working as a physical therapist in a wide variety of settings. During that time, she also earned a certification in functional dry needling.

Nicole likes to stay active by hiking, kayaking, yoga, and going on outdoor adventures. She also loves spending time with family and friends, trying new foods and wines, and relaxing at the beach.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Balance & Falls

Pregnancy-Related Pain and Dysfunction

Dr. Kara Chace is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, women’s health, concussions, dry needling, and balance & falls. She also serves as a Regional Director for Highbar. Kara loves meeting new people and helping them to reach their goals, whether that be to get back to work or enjoy life pain-free. Throughout her career, she has gained certifications in functional dry needling and hippotherapy, which is the use of horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment, especially as a means of improving coordination, balance, and strength.

She has previously volunteered at Greenlock Therapeutic Riding and is actively involved in community programs that support our youth including K-Rob and the RI Special Olympics.  Dr. Chace also volunteers as a project advisor at Barrington High School and North Smithfield High School.

When she’s not in the clinic, Kara likes to spend time with her family and go to sporting and concert events. She keeps active by hiking, skiing, swimming, playing soccer, and biking.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports-Related Injuries

Women’s Health

Balance & Falls