Find your physical therapist
Highbar clinicians are raising the standard of care in physical therapy. We don’t just treat your injury or pain, we partner with you to achieve your health goals. Our physical therapists are trained in a whole-body approach to health so that they can provide customized, research-based care to every patient. No matter your ailment or stage in life, we’ll help you increase movement, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love.
At Highbar practices across the region, you’ll find a consistent, high quality level of care. From general PTs to specialists in areas like pelvic health, pediatrics, running injuries and more, we have the right practitioner for you.
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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.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Balance & Falls
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Rebecca is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, with specialties in orthopedics, sports injuries, and pediatrics. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Roger Williams University (2019) and earned her PTA degree from Bay State College in 2021. Rebecca is currently pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and is a proud member of the Rhode Island APTA.
Rebecca loves being a PTA because it allows her to help people achieve their goals, find joy in movement, and improve their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys running, strength training, and reading. A dedicated Dolphins fan, she brings her passion for health and fitness into all aspects of her life.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Pediatrics


"I love being able to help people live their best lives while watching them grow and change to reach their optimal potential."
Sara enjoys traveling, cooking, and going to theater. She loves visiting museums, historical sites, and exploring quintessential New England towns. Her favorite sports teams are the New York Rangers. Dr. Sara Schmelkin enjoys spending time with her husband Marc, and cat Roxy.


Gregory Doucette MPT, OCS is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, and sports-related injuries. He loves helping people and hearing their stories. He finds it rewarding to see a patient have the “lightbulb” moment when they realize they aren’t fragile or broken and they can get back to the activities they love. His passion is patient education and teaching the importance of core stability for sound functional movement.
When he’s not spending time with his family or friends, Greg loves to play basketball, soccer, and golf. He and his family are season ticket holders for Quinnipiac basketball and return to campus frequently to support their alma mater.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries

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Dr. Brendan Boyle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, long-distance running, and track & field. He loves to empower patients to find ways to take control of their pain on their own in addition to helping them in the clinic. He is passionate about helping patients understand how their musculoskeletal system works and putting their injuries in a context they can understand. Brendan is also a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who is a faculty member for Highbar's Orthopedic Residency program.
When he’s not treating patients at the clinic, he spends his time running (often in road races), fishing, playing guitar and the bass, and binge-watching shows on Netflix. He also makes time to watch his favorite sports teams – the Patriots, Celtics or Red Sox – play.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Long Distance Running
Track & Field
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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
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Clinic Director Josh Ambeau is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, running, and football. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve their movement and function goals to become the best versions of themselves.
Originally from Baton Rouge, LA, Josh enjoys brewing his own beer and supporting the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. He keeps active by running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Josh resides in Hopkinton, MA with his wife Emily, and their dog Lucy.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Running
Football


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

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Dr. Kim Daniels is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics and pelvic health. She is passionate about helping people find solutions to feel better and find ways for them to get back to the activities they love to do.
Originally from New Hampshire, Kim now resides in Rhode Island with her husband and dog. She keeps active by practicing and teaching yoga, running, and hiking. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her cooking or baking!
Specialties:
Orthopedics
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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
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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
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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.

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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.
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.
Specialties & Services
- Orthopedics
- Sports Injuries
- Neuro Rehabilitation
- Geriatrics - Balance & Falls
- Vestibular
- Neck & Spine
- Concussion Rehabilitation
- Dry Needling
- Blood Flow Restriction
- TMD
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Dr. Conor Bray is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, and golf rehabilitation. He loves to help people reach their full potential and watch them regain function to get their lives back. His mission is to build a more active, fun, and rewarding world – one patient at a time!
In his free time, Conor enjoys hiking, biking, playing basketball, and playing golf. He also loves to explore the many options that Providence has to offer, especially when it includes his dog, Stark. As an avid Boston sports fan, if there’s a Patriots or Celtics game on, you’ll always find him watching and cheering on the team.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Golf

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Dr. Shawn Blankenship is the Clinic Director at our Middletown clinic and a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, post-stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. He’s passionate about connecting with his patients to educate and empower them in their recovery. In his past roles, Shawn has served as an Adjunct Professor for Seton Hall University’s Physical Therapy program.
When he’s not in the clinic, Shawn enjoys playing golf, running, and road biking. You can usually find him rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes or spending time with his wife and dog.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Dr. Caitlin Cogan is a physical therapist who brings curiosity, compassion, and a patient-first mindset to her work at Highbar Providence. With clinical interests spanning orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care, Caitlin is especially passionate about helping people return to the activities that give their lives meaning—whether that’s sport, fitness, or simply moving through the day with confidence.
Caitlin earned her B.S. in Movement Science from Westfield State University (2022) before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at MCPHS University (2025). During graduate school, she contributed to research aimed at creating more inclusive fitness environments and presented her team’s findings at APTA CSM 2025—an achievement that reflects her commitment to advancing the profession. She also holds Highbar Dry Needling Level I certification, allowing her to blend manual therapy, education, and evidence-based interventions into personalized treatment plans.
As a member of both the Massachusetts APTA and Rhode Island APTA, Caitlin values staying connected to her professional community. She loves being a physical therapist because it allows her to work with people from all walks of life and help them return to what they enjoy most—empowering patients through education, support, and meaningful movement.
Outside the clinic, Caitlin brings that same enthusiasm to the world around her. She’s a proud fan of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and the Boston Red Sox, and she enjoys exploring Providence, going on long walks, and spending time with family and friends.


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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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
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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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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.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Dance

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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
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Dr. Norah Garvey is a physical therapist at Highbar Providence who brings energy, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to her work across orthopedics, spine care, sports injuries, and pediatrics. Norah is especially passionate about helping people return to their favorite activities and seeing firsthand how improved movement can transform daily life. Whether she’s supporting an adult through recovery or celebrating a child’s first time rolling, crawling, or walking, she finds joy in every milestone.
Norah earned both her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Husson University, where she developed a strong foundation in movement science and whole-person care. She has also completed Level 1 Dry Needling through Highbar, giving her additional tools to help patients address pain, improve mobility, and regain confidence in their bodies.
What Norah loves most about physical therapy is the opportunity to guide people through meaningful change—helping them move better, feel better, and get back to the life and activities that matter most.
Outside the clinic, Norah stays active and connected to the outdoors. She loves hiking, skiing, and Irish step dancing, and she spends as much time as possible with family, friends, and her dogs. A proud New England sports fan, she never misses a chance to cheer on the Boston Bruins.


Meet Nicholas Grillo, your partner in wellness. Beyond his expertise in physical therapy, Nicholas is a culinary enthusiast who loves creating delicious and healthy meals. Committed to a well-rounded lifestyle, he finds joy in lifting weights and staying active.
Nicholas, along with his wife Mary and their furry friend Buster, is an adventure seeker. They love exploring the beautiful landscapes of New England through long walks and hikes. Embracing the cold weather, the Grillo family enjoys winter sports and the invigorating outdoors.
Outside the clinic, Nicholas values quality time with loved ones. He believes in the power of good food and drink to bring people together, creating memorable moments. With Nicholas Grillo, you have more than a skilled physical therapist—you have a wellness advocate who understands the importance of a balanced and fulfilling life.

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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
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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
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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
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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!
Specialties:
Sports Injuries
Orthopedics
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Dr. Marie Carreras PT, DPT, has been a physical therapist since 2011. After graduating, she gained experience in a variety of settings, including acute care, schools, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term acute care. In 2017, she transitioned to outpatient orthopedics, where she began noticing certain patient symptoms related to the pelvic floor that could not be addressed with general orthopedic knowledge.
Marie specializes in inclusive pelvic health, maternity/postpartum care, and general orthopedics. Marie is passionate about helping individuals develop body awareness, address concerns, adapt as needed, and optimize their progress. Her decision to pursue physical therapy was inspired by her own experiences with physical therapy following injuries as a teen and young adult.
Marie has run several half marathons and completed her first marathon in the 2016 Clam Chowder Challenge.When she's not working or managing the chaos of her three children she enjoys powerlifting, training for her first black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate, hiking, doing arts and crafts, and reading.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
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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.
Specialties:
- Pelvic Health for Women
- Postpartum
- Low Back Pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Dyspareunia
- Stress and Urge Incontinence
- Fecal Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Vaginismus
- Urinary Retention
- Urinary Frequency

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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
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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.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Balance & Falls
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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
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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
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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.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
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Dr. Jake Broccolo is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedics, post-surgical care, and sports-related injuries. He also serves as the Clinic Director for our North Providence and Woonsocket clinics. A native Rhode Islander, he was introduced to the field of physical therapy when he injured his arm playing baseball. From athlete to patient then physical therapist, Jake offers expertise in baseball and football injuries. In addition, he enjoys working with the elderly, on mobility, balance, and minimizing the risk of falls.
In his spare time, Jake stays active by going to the gym, riding his bike, and playing golf. A baseball player and RedSox fan, he was at the famous ‘RedSox vs Yankees Brawl’ game. Ask him who his favorite family member is and he'll tell you it's his 7-year-old black lab, Zoe.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Post-surgical
Sports-related injuries
Balance and fall prevention
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Dr. Nick Abbatangelo, PT, DPT, brings a strong background in both rehabilitation and performance training to Highbar Physical Therapy in Norwood. He earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Simmons University in May 2025.
In addition to his clinical training, Nick is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Nutrition Coach. He has also completed continuing education and certifications from leading rehab and performance organizations, further expanding his ability to guide patients through recovery and performance goals.
Nick is passionate about helping people move better and return to what they love. With eight years of experience coaching athletes and active individuals, he combines his knowledge of physical therapy, strength training, and nutrition to deliver well-rounded, patient-centered care.
When he’s not working with patients or coaching, Nick enjoys long walks and runs, spending time with family and friends, reading, weight training, and cooking.
Specialties & Services:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Injuries
- Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation
- Neck, Spine, Hip & Shoulder
- Rehabilitation
- Dry Needling
- Blood Flow Restriction
- Balance & Falls

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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
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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. 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.

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Dr. William Hilton is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who specializes in orthopedics, the spine, sports-related injuries, and balance & falls. He is passionate about educating his patients on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exercise to help them recover from pain or injuries.
In his free time, William enjoys hiking, going to the gym, weightlifting, and playing trading card games.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Balance & Falls
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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!
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Headaches
Cervical and Lumbar Joints
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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
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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
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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

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Michael Jung, PT, DPT is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care. Michael holds a Master’s in Photography from Marlboro College and a DPT from MGH Institute of Health Professions. Michael is passionate about empowering patients to gain self-efficiency in rehabilitation, as well as support management of injuries/dysfunctions. Michael is currently leading a systematic review and meta-analysis as the first author, with plans for publication, and recently presented findings from this research at APTA’s CSM 2024. Outside of work, Michael enjoys playing the piano, baking, making espresso drinks, and spending time with his two cats.
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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!
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Aquatic Therapy
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"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.


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
