Find your physical therapist

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.

‍

Specialties:

Manual Therapy

Spine

Headaches

Sports Injuries

TMJ

Vertigo

Clinic Director Dr. Rob Gruttadauria is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who also specializes in sports-related injuries and running. His passion is helping patients reach their goals, improve their quality of life, and reach new heights in their wellness journeys. He holds certifications in both Level 1 and 2 of Trigger Point Dry Needling and is one of the Lead Instructors for Highbar's Dry Needling Certification program.

In his free time, Rob stays active through a variety of exercises including running, weightlifting, and functional fitness. He also enjoys cooking and is always looking for recommendations on healthy meal alternatives. Rob also loves following his favorite New England sports teams, especially the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and Providence Friars basketball team.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Runners

Dr. Aiden Barrett is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedics, sports and overhead throwing injuries, shoulder, spine, post-surgical rehabilitation, balance & falls. He loves helping patients to maximize their quality of life by optimizing their movement so they can return to the activities they love. This passion led him to start his career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, working with NCAA Division 1 Hockey, Baseball and Softball teams, keeping their athletes healthy on the field and participating at peak performance.

In his free time, Aiden loves to golf, snowboard and hike across the Northeast. You can also catch Aiden cheering on his favorite new England sports teams, especially the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics.

‍

Dr. Christine Pawlina is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics and pediatrics. Her passion is helping her patients regain their quality of life. She always looks forward to the moment during every patient’s treatment where they first realize that they can take part in their favorite activities without pain or limitation.

In her free time, Christine enjoys reading and has accumulated an ever-growing pile of books to read next. She keeps active through playing indoor and beach volleyball as well as playing in a bowling league.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Dr. Tod Wright is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, soccer, and lower extremity joints. He is passionate about exercising and helping his patients achieve their personal best. Tod has earned certifications as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist and in Functional Dry Needling and Blood Flow Restriction Training.

In his free time, Tod enjoys lifting weights, running, playing golf, and snowboarding. Soccer is a huge part of his life, as he loves watching English Premier League and is an Assistant Coach for the boys' soccer team at Narragansett High School. When he’s not in the clinic or in the gym, he can be found attending to his yard in an attempt to create an outdoor oasis.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Soccer

Lower Extremity Joints

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Hockey

Football

Lacrosse

Baseball

Rugby

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

Dr. Brian Hay PT, DPT, MS, OCS is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in manual therapy, dry needling, running and gait analysis, sports rehabilitation, youth athlete injury prevention, orthopedics, injury prevention/rehabilitation in runners, and biomechanical analysis. He also serves as a Regional Director.

An avid runner himself, Brian developed the Highbar Running Academy to help fellow therapists learn to best treat the needs of the running athlete. He is also a Certified Executive Coach and uses his experience to help develop emerging leaders at Highbar through the Lead the Way program and as a Clinical Instructor for Brown University medical students. He's also traveled to Honduras to provide physical therapy services to communities in rural Honduras with the Brown University Branch of Shoulder-to-Shoulder, Inc., an organization that works collaboratively to create and operate sustainable and accessible health, nutrition, and education services in that region.

In his free time, Brian loves spending time with his wife and two boys. He likes to keep active by running long distance, playing golf, hiking, and traveling.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Manual Therapy

Dry Needling

Running and Gait Analysis

Sports Rehabilitation

Youth Athlete Injury Prevention

Running

Biomedical Analysis

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.

‍

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Rovena is a highly qualified physical therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Luigj Gurakuqi University in Shkoder, Albania (2011) and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Tirana-School of Medicine, Tirana, Albania (2014). With a deep passion for helping people live healthier lives, Rovena has specialized in treating musculoskeletal disorders and pelvic girdle and spine conditions. In 2014, Rovena completed a certification in Diseases of the Pelvic Girdle and Spine at the 58th National Congress of the Italian Sports Medicine Association, and in 2012, another in Classification and Mechanical Control of Musculoskeletal Disorders at Oppera Madonnina Del Grappa, Albania.

In addition to clinical work, Rovena has been active in sharing their knowledge and skills with the professional community, including presenting on Evaluative Measures for the Upper Limbs at the First Congress of PT in Tirana, Albania in 2012. Fluent in both Albanian and Italian, Rovena enjoys engaging with a diverse patient base and takes pride in positively impacting individuals and their broader communities.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Headaches

Sports Injuries

Pregnancy / OB

Pelvic Health

Spine

‍

Dr. Holly Garcia is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, women’s health, and pelvic health. She’s passionate about helping her patients address pain and limitations so they can actively live their lives.

Originally from California, Holly recently relocated to Rhode Island with her husband and son. She’s excited about this new adventure on the east coast and is always on the lookout for fun activities and restaurants in the area. She enjoys being outdoors, baking, doing puzzles, trying new restaurants, and traveling around the world.

‍

Specialities:

Orthopedics

Pelvic Health

Women’s Health

Dr. Han Low is a highly skilled Physical Therapist, specializing in rehabilitation and injury prevention. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and is certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment.

Fluent in Chinese and Malay, Dr. Low ensures effective communication with diverse patients. He is also an accomplished athlete, having completed Ironman races in Australia and Malaysia, as well as five World Marathon Majors.

With a holistic approach to patient care, Dr. Low is dedicated to helping individuals regain function, prevent future injuries, and return to their favorite activities.

‍

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

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.

‍

Specialities:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Vestibular Conditions

Pre & Post Natal Rehabilitation

Dance

Aquatics

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

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Athletes

Children

Adolescents

Dr. Jack Dixon is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, and balance & falls. His passion is to help his patients improve their quality of life. He is the happiest when he can discharge a patient to live an independent, pain-free lifestyle.

When Jack is not in the clinic, he loves to stay active by hiking and weight training. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, his favorite sports teams are the Baltimore Ravens and Boston Celtics. He also has a passion for cooking, so he is always looking for a fun recipe to try!

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

Dr. Erin Gardiner is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, headaches, balance & falls, and skiing. She loves working as a physical therapist because each day is different and presents a new opportunity to make a big impact on so many patients’ lives.

She can be found either by water or in the snow as she was a ski and snowboard instructor for over 10 years and enjoys boating with her family. Erin loves to spend time with her dog Sperry, and her husband, Brad.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Balance & Falls

Skiing

Dr. Jay Knoerlein earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2023. He specializes in orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care. Dr. Knoerlein is passionate about empowering patients to use their own bodies to improve function and enhance their quality of life. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Knoerlein is an avid sports enthusiast. Having grown up playing competitive soccer and basketball, he remains a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Boston Celtics.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Spine

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. Jon Ferrara is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, and soccer-related injuries and conditions. He is passionate about helping his patients improve their quality of life and return to the activities they love to do. As a former collegiate soccer player, Jon certainly understands the importance of an active recovery. He has also earned certifications in functional dry needling and the Graston technique.

In his free time, you can typically find Jon spending time with his wife and their two children. He loves staying active by playing sports like snowboarding and disc golf.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Soccer

Jenny Romano-Joseph is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, and gymnastics. Her passion is working with an active patient population to ensure they can maintain their fitness and improve performance. She was inspired to become a physical therapist after she was treated for her own sports injuries during her career as a gymnast. In previous roles, Jenny worked as a traveling physical therapist for over 8 years and treated patients of all types throughout the country.

In her free time, she enjoys working out, going to the beach, and spending time with her friends and family.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Gymnastics

Highbar's Compliance Officer Dr. Yvonne Swanson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She specializes in orthopedics, sports injuries, back and neck pain, manual therapy, headaches, TMJ, foot and ankle biomechanics, and trigger point dry needling.

Yvonne serves as a clinical instructor to physical therapy students and is an advisor and educator to local athletes and coaches. She has presented on professionalism for the University of Rhode Island doctoral program and has been a guest lecturer for the RI National Guard Retiree Association. Yvonne serves as the Chair of the Payment Committee for the RI Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and also serves as a member of APTA's National Private Practice Sections Policy and Payment Committee.

When Yvonne isn't treating patients or troubleshooting clinical and compliance challenges, she enjoys spending time with her 3 boys, gardening, jogging, snowboarding, and basically anything outdoors!

‍

Specialties:

Manual Therapy

Osteoarthritis

Spine

Foot and Ankle Biomechanics

Sports Injuries

TMJ

Trigger Point Dry Needling

Dr. Kevin Alexander is a Clinic Director at our North Kingstown clinic, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. In addition, Kevin completed a post-graduate residency program in orthopedics and manual therapy. He currently serves as a Faculty Member for the Highbar Orthopedic Residency program.

A competitive track and field athlete right through college, Kevin suffered several injuries throughout his life. His own personal experience with physical therapy is what inspired him to pursue his career in the field. In addition to an athlete and an expert physical therapist, Kevin is a teacher. He has been instrumental in the development of many continuing education courses as well as mentoring and teaching both students and fellow physical therapists.

Kevin grew up and continues to live in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. He has a passion for golf and semi-annually volunteers at the Full Swing Golf RI, an event founded by his wife, teaching children with physical disabilities how to enjoy and play the sport of golf. In addition to golf Kevin enjoys snowboarding, lifting at the gym, landscaping, cooking and - of course - running. From a middle school cross country runner to a track and field college athlete Kevin now enjoys participating in road races with friends.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Post-surgical

Sports-related injuries

Running

Headaches

Katie Pacheco is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, headaches, vestibular, concussions, and balance & falls. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve their movement goals and improving their quality of life.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, kayaking, or fishing. Whenever she’s not exploring the great outdoors, you can catch her cheering on the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. She resides in Tiverton with her husband and puppy.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Vestibular

Concussion

Balance & Falls

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. 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.

‍

Specialties:‍

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Dr. Mariah Ramsay is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist specializing in orthopedics. She loves working as a physical therapist because she can work with a diverse population of patients and help them to live their best, active lives. She feels honored to be a part of the process that allows patients to return to their favorite activities.

With her background in gymnastics, cheerleading, and softball, Mariah likes to stay active. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and doing yoga. She also loves camping, watching hockey and football, and spending time with her family.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Jaime Goss is a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, women’s health, headaches, vestibular, balance & falls, dance, neuro, pediatrics, hockey, figure skating, and gymnastics. She has treated patients spanning from 25 weeks gestation in the NICU all the way through age 106! Her passion is to watch her patients transform from being scared, frustrated, or angry to becoming able to participate fully in life again.

In her free time, you can usually find Jaime with her husband, son, and their two tuxedo cats Speedway and Petrie.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Women’s Health

Headaches

Vestibular

Balance & Falls

Dance

Neuro

Pediatrics

Hockey

Figure Skating

Gymnastics

Dr. Dan Folrendo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. He loves being a Physical Therapist because he gets to help people feel and move better and enable them to do everything they love!

He received his BA in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies from Assumption College. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

While he's not in the clinic, he loves to stay active by hiking, weightlifting, watching movies, and playing with his German Shepard, Maya.

‍

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!

‍

Specialities:

Orthopedics

Dr. Sarah Arruda is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, pelvic health, women’s health, neuro, pediatrics, and balance & falls. She loves helping patients get their lives back and loves her job as a physical therapist so much that she would still work even if she won the lottery!

Sarah loves to stay active by running, hiking, lifting, and golfing. She loves spending time with her husband and two young daughters as well as cheering on the Green Bay Packers, UConn Huskies, and Boston Red Sox!

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Neuro

Pediatrics

Balance & Falls

Meet Dr. Paul Tillyer, a dedicated physical therapist whose education includes a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Russell Sage College in 2021, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024. Since 2021, he has been an active member of the APTA, passionate about helping patients achieve their health goals through personalized therapy. Dr. Tillyer finds fulfillment in addressing unique movement challenges and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Dr. Tillyer advocates for bicycle commuting and increasing daily physical activity for public health improvement. In his leisure time, he enjoys participating in triathlons, snorkeling, and supporting local markets and eateries.

Carrie Knickerbocker is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant at the South Kingstown clinic, specializing in orthopedics, and pelvic health. She holds an Associate's degree in Applied Sciences from Labette Community College and has completed Pelvic Floor Level 1 certification. Carrie enjoys the diversity of interactions with her patients and colleagues, finding joy in guiding people to feel better while learning from their unique personalities.

Outside of work, Carrie loves spending time outdoors. Her favorite activities include hiking, camping, and biking, with a particular love for the mountains and the freedom of travel.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Pelvic Health

Dr. Rachel DeBlois is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, vestibular, and balance & falls. She is passionate about taking someone from a painful or limited place to being able to live a healthy, unlimited, and pain-free life.

While she’s not treating patients in the clinic, Rachel loves to dance, cook, and bake. She has recently started cycling and is working towards her goal of riding 100 miles with the NE Parkinson’s Ride. She is also a New England/Boston sports fan!

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Vestibular

Balance & Falls

Brielle Albertini, PT, DPT, is a dedicated physical therapist and clinic director with a passion for guiding her patients through their rehabilitation journey. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Springfield College, along with certifications in Dry Needling and LSVT BIG. Brielle specializes in outpatient care, where she forms strong connections with her patients, celebrating their achievements every step of the way. Beyond her practice, she finds joy in beachside relaxation, traveling, staying active, and exploring new culinary experiences. Now back in Massachusetts, she's excited to continue her impactful work in the community.

Dr. Lisa DeCoste is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Highbar. She specializes in women’s health, dry needling, orthopedics, spinal rehabilitation, manual therapy, and TMJ.

Lisa traveled to Croatia with the USA Women’s Sailing team as the team's physical therapist in 2004. She has published in the New England Senior Tennis Foundation magazine. She has received the Humanics Award for leadership from Springfield College and was named one of Providence Business News’ 40 Under Forty Award winners in 2016.

As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Lisa has served the Rhode Island chapter as the secretary and currently serves on the Nominating Committee. Her knowledge and experience bring a wealth of information as a clinical instructor for students.

When she’s not working, she loves to spend her free time on her boat with her daughter, traveling all over the Narragansett Bay.

‍

Specialties:

Women's Health

Dry Needling

Orthopedics

Spinal Rehabilitation

Manual Therapy

TMJ

Nicholas DiNobile is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, headaches, neuro, vestibular, and balance & falls. His interest in how the human body functions and recovers led him to also complete the Massage Therapist program at the Community College of Rhode Island.

When he’s not in the clinic, he loves cooking, nature, and spending time with his friends and family.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Neuro

Vestibular

Balance & Falls

Dr. Jesse Rudolph is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. He chose a career in physical therapy because he finds it deeply rewarding to help his patients get back to the sports or activities they love.

Jesse ran cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track at the collegiate level for all four years at Heidelberg University and worked at a specialty running store while he was pursuing his DPT. He loves to help others understand proper running form and how proper footwear can make all the difference.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Medina, OH, you’ll always find him rooting for all the Cleveland sports teams. In his free time, Jesse enjoys running, cooking, and trying new restaurants and breweries in the Providence area.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dr. Jaclyn DeCristoforo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, neurological diagnoses, balance & falls, basketball-related injuries, and the foot and ankle. She is passionate about being a physical therapist because she can see patients progress throughout their rehab program and reach their goals right before her eyes. She also loves that she can stay active throughout the day and use problem solving and creativity to help create a treatment plan for her patients.

In her free time, Jaclyn likes to stay active by hiking, playing basketball, running, skiing, golfing, or simply spending time outside. She watches all Boston sports but considers the Celtics to be her favorite team.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

SpineSports Injuries

Neuro

Balance & Falls

Basketball Injuries

Foot/Ankle

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.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Shoulder

Stephanie Morris is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, manual therapy, sports injuries, and aquatic therapy.  She loves building meaningful relationships and helping her patients move without pain.

In her free time, Stephanie likes to read, hike, travel, and watch the Patriots and Bruins play. She volunteers annually with the South Foster Fire Station 5K Road Race and the Kirkbrae Country Club Cancer Benefit and is a proud supporter of the RI SPCA.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Balance & Falls

Aquatics

Erin Botelho MSPT, OCS, is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and physical therapist who specializes in orthopedics, women’s health, shoulder injuries, and knee injuries. Her passion is learning about each patient and their experiences, fears, and successes in order to help them reach their goals. She believes that treating the injury may help the pain but treating the person will allow them to get back to their lives and the activities they love.

When she’s not treating patients or shuttling her children from dance rehearsals and sports practices, she loves spending time in the quiet outdoors and eating good food. She and her family love to escape their busy schedules by visiting Cape Cod and soaking up the salty air to re-energize. She has also begun testing out her green thumb and welcomes any gardening tips from her patients!

‍

Specialties:‍

Orthopedics

Women’s Health

Shoulder Injuries

Knee Injuries

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.

‍

Dr. Erin Sayles is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, neuro, balance & falls, aquatics, and pediatrics. Her passion is helping her patients participate in activities they were previously limited from doing due to a complicating condition, injury, or pain. She holds several positions in the Rhode Island chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association including Chair of the New Professionals Special Interest Group, Nominating Committee Member, and Legislative Committee Member.

In her free time, Erin keeps up with the Patriots and Bruins. She stays active by participating in yoga, soccer, and dance.

‍

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Neuro

Balance & Falls

Aquatics

Pediatrics