Find your physical therapist

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. 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

Clinic Director Dr. Leanne Monteiro PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics and women’s health. She became a physical therapist because she wanted to help people return to what they love to do, whether that be competitive sports, recreational activities, or getting back to work.

Leanne is fluent in Portuguese and has clinical expertise in orthopedics, post-surgical and women's health, including incontinence and pelvic pain.

In her free time, you can catch Leanne cooking, going for walks with her dog, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Women's Health

Dr. Heather Fontaine is a physical therapist who graduated from Springfield College in 2024. She grew up in Brimfield, MA where she first found her passion for physical therapy attending many appointments in the hospital, outpatient, and home care settings with her mom, Paula. She is dedicated to helping patients return to their prior level of function and beyond, while giving them the tools to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. When she is not in the clinic, you will probably see Heather running around Aquidneck Island preparing for road races anywhere from 5Ks to the marathon.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Running Injuries

Meet Juan David Moncayo, a compassionate Physical Therapist whose drive stems from his upbringing in a community lacking access to physical therapy. Juan David earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology from The Master's University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Arcadia University.

With a desire to assist others, Juan David challenges the belief in lifelong setbacks caused by injuries, considering it a privilege to aid individuals in discovering their potential anew. Fluent in Spanish, he establishes profound connections with his patients.

Beyond his professional duties, Juan David finds joy in activities such as boxing, martial arts, and motorsports. He also devotes time to learning languages, currently focusing on Japanese. Juan David's empathy and expertise are dedicated to empowering patients and highlighting the resilience of the human body.

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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

Dr. Jennifer Alves is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic health for women. She has been a Registered Massage therapist for over 25 years. She previously worked as a caseworker with teens at risk and has experience working with women with PTSD, EDS, and sexual trauma. She developed a curriculum for self esteem that she taught in a woman's prison and believes in a wholistic approach when treating her patients.

Dr. Alves loves all kinds of music and artistic endeavors. Don't be surprised if you find her dancing in her office.

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Specialties:

• Pelvic Health for Women
• Postpartum
• Low Back Pain
• Dysmenorrhea
• Dyspareunia
• Stress and Urge Incontinence
• Fecal Incontinence
• Prolapse
• Vaginismus
• Urinary Retention
• Urinary Frequency

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

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

Meet Camden Marcotte, PT, DPT, NCS, OCS, a Doctor of Physical Therapy known for his commitment to guiding individuals through their rehabilitation journeys. Holding a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from MCPHS University, Marcotte boasts dual certifications in Neurologic and Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. His diverse expertise includes certifications as a Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation provider, an ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist, and proficiency in whole-body dry needling. As a clinical instructor, he has mentored five Physical Therapy students, emphasizing his dedication to education and mentorship. Marcotte derives great fulfillment from contributing to patients' recovery stories, whether it involves post-stroke mobility or returning to sports and daily activities after surgery.  

Beyond his professional pursuits, Camden Marcotte is a multilingual individual currently learning Portuguese and Spanish. He balances his commitment to patient care with personal interests, engaging in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, spending quality time with his family, and exploring his creativity through photography. Marcotte's holistic approach to rehabilitation, combined with his passion for continuous learning and mentorship, defines him as a compassionate and skilled practitioner in the field of Physical Therapy.

"I enjoy helping people return to their prior level of function."

When Bob is not in the clinic he enjoys golfing, fishing, and watching football on Sundays.

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Dr. Jean Paul Aracena Oliver is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, pediatrics, and conditions in the wrist, hand, and elbow. He's passionate about helping his patients regain their ability to move and participate in the activities that bring them joy. Before moving to the United States to get his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, Jean Paul specialized in a Sports for the Disabled program at the University of Leipzig in Germany. He is also a native Spanish speaker who is excited to help his Spanish-speaking patients recover from their pain and limitations.

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In his free time, Jean Paul loves exploring the outdoors, exercising, or enjoying family time with his daughters and wife. He loves trying new foods, exploring new places, and following his father-in-law's motto of finding a pocket of peace and a tiny adventure each day.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Wrist

Hand

Elbow

Custom Splinting

Dr. Ashley Cummings is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, vestibular, figure skating, and performing arts. She is passionate about helping people get back to the activities they enjoy and loves watching the progress her patients make during each step of their treatment. As a formerly competitive figure skater, Ashley has firsthand experience with recovering from sports-related injuries and now she loves to figure skate for fun.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys exploring new restaurants, going to live music events, hiking, and Pilates.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Vestibular

Figure Skating

Performing Arts

Jason Gonsalves is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant who thrives on helping people feel better. His own experience with physical therapy for his Achilles tendons in seventh grade has given him a unique perspective as a patient, allowing him to connect with those he helps on a personal level. Jason values being a supportive presence for his patients, fostering friendships while ensuring they feel heard and understood. With a deep interest in the human body and its functions, Jason is passionate about learning and applying this knowledge in his practice.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his three nephews and hanging out with friends. He recently took up golf and loves the game, even if he’s still honing his skills. A devoted fan of all Boston sports teams, especially the Celtics, he could talk about sports for hours!

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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. Leah Katsos is a Clinic Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics and women's pelvic health. She is passionate about empowering her patients to seek their fullest potential without limitation by physical, mental, or emotional ailments.

Leah directed a health and wellness program that focused on nutrition, exercise, and mental resiliency to high-risk teens in New York City from 2012-2014, utilizing a holistic approach to health. She went on to spend the next 5 years working in outpatient physical therapy as an Exercise Specialist and in administration from 2014-2019. These experiences led to her clinical expertise in orthopedics and pelvic health.

She likes to keep active by hiking, biking, and practicing yoga. You might find her pulling up to the clinic on her bicycle when the weather permits it. She also loves to play the piano!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Women’s Pelvic Health

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. 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. 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. Bryan Raksnis PT, DPT, MDT is a dedicated physical therapist working in our Middletown clinic. With specialties in orthopedics, headaches, sports injuries, spine, and extremity injuries, Bryan brings a wealth of expertise to his patients. He holds a Bachelor of Science (2017) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England and is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), being one of only four certified practitioners in Rhode Island.

Bryan is an active member of the McKenzie Institute International and APTA. He is passionate about helping individuals return to their best selves and educating them on the body’s mechanics. His research has been published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and he has spoken at APTA events.

Outside of work, Bryan enjoys surfing, snowboarding, sailing, and exploring the great outdoors.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Headaches

Spine

Extremity Injuries

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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. 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. Margaret Taylor is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics. She’s passionate about getting to know each of her patients and their needs so she can guide them through a treatment plan. The best part about being a physical therapist for Margaret is watching her patients gain confidence as they return to the activities they love.

In her free time, Margaret enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and hiking with her family and their dogs. She keeps active by playing in various recreational soccer teams for the last 25 years. You can usually find her riding her bicycle or walking to wherever she needs to go!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Alexis Williams is a Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and balance & falls. She loves working as a Physical Therapist Assistant so she can help people achieve their own personal goals, whether that be getting back to work, playing with their grandchildren, or returning to their favorite physical activities.

Originally from Brooklyn NY, Alexis loves spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband and dog. She has been a runner for 20+ years and has completed 13 half marathons, 1 full marathon, and countless 5K races!

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Specialities:

Orthopedics

Sports injuries

Balance & Falls

Dr. Michael McGuire is an avid runner. He loves running 5K's and 10K's. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton. Outside of normal orthopedic conditions. Dr. McGuire specializes in treating concussions and vestibular conditions. In his free time he loves cheering on the New England Patriots.

"I love forming trusting relationships with my patients and assist them in achieving their physical therapy goals!"

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Manual Therapy

Dry Needling

Running and Gait Analysis

Sports Rehabilitation

Youth Athlete Injury Prevention

Running

Biomedical Analysis

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

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

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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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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

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

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. 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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Post-surgical

Sports-related injuries

Running

Headaches

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Neuro

Vestibular

Balance & Falls

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. 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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Clinic Director Dr. Michelle Fuleky PT, DPT, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, pelvic health, and women’s health. She enjoys treating each patient as a whole to assess how their body moves and how they can achieve their health and wellness goals in their entirety.

She has authored and presented on several topics including ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation for hip pathologies. She has also contributed to the physical therapy protocol for conservative treatment of femoral acetabular impingement and developed a test to determine if an athlete is ready to return to sports after knee surgery.

Michelle resides in East Greenwich with her husband, Norm, and their dog, Cole. When she’s not in the clinic, you can usually find her hiking, spending time with her friends and family, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. She also loves to travel and see different parts of the country and the world.

Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Pelvic Health

Women’s Health

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. 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!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Neuro

Pediatrics

Balance & Falls

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!

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Spine

Sports Injuries

Balance & Falls

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!

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Specialties:

Manual Therapy

Osteoarthritis

Spine

Foot and Ankle Biomechanics

Sports Injuries

TMJ

Trigger Point Dry Needling

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Balance & Falls

Aquatics

Haley Chaves is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics and dance. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her patients so they can reduce their pain and increase their range of motion. Each year she takes a trip to the Dominican Republic to provide medical care and aid in construction projects that help develop the community of workers and their families.

In her free time, Haley enjoys traveling to her family’s land in Maine and spending time with her cat and dog. If there’s a Boston Bruins game on, she’s either watching it at home or at the arena.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Dance

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

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Neuro

Balance & Falls

Aquatics

Pediatrics

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Balance & Falls

Skiing

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

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.

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Specialties:

Orthopedics

Sports Injuries

Headaches

Vestibular

Concussion

Balance & Falls