Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Adrienne Colman PT, DPT

Dr. Adrienne Colman received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2017. She obtained her certification in dry needling from The Spinal Manipulative Institute in 2018 and has been practicing at the Emory Spine clinic since 2018.

 

Pamela Gjerde PT, DPT, OCS

Pamela is a 2004 graduate of Duke University's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program and brings experience specializing in rehabilitative services of both non-surgical and surgical hip and lower back. She received training in Trigger Point Dry Needling through Kinetacore (now Evidence in Motion) in 2010, Pilates for Rehab through Balanced Body in 2014, Fascial Manipulation through Myopain Seminars in 2015, and Myofascial Decompression in Cupping in 2019. Pamela has also assisted in the Mercer University Physical Therapy School in both prospective student interviews and clinical competency exams.

 

Sarah Hite PT DPT BSPTS Schroth C2 Certified

Sarah Hite has been with Emory Physical Therapy since 2011. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. Sarah has a passion for treating spine-related postural disorders which led her to specialize in the treatment of scoliosis. Sarah has advanced certifications in the Schroth Method for conservative management of kyphosis and scoliosis. Sarah developed Emory Physical Therapy’s scoliosis program and is the lead physical therapist at the Spine and Scoliosis Clinic at 59 Executive Park.

 

Frank Ko PT, MPT, MTC, FAAOMPT, CSCS

Frank has been a physical therapist since 2002 and started working at Emory Physical Therapy in 2008. Frank received his Masters in Physical Therapy from University of Florida and his Doctorate from University of St. Augustine. Dr. Ko is Fellowship trained in Manual Physical Therapy and Manual Therapy certified. Frank has been practicing dry needling for over 10 years and is also trained in fascial manipulation.

 

David Pasion PT, MPT

David Pasion received his Masters of Physical Therapy from Emory School of Medicine in 1999. His focus is on the treatment of neck and back injury. He is trained and certified in dry needling and Pilates based rehabilitation. David has been the manager of Emory Physical Therapy Spine Clinic since it opened in 2006.

 

Rebecca Simonds PT, DPT, OCS

Rebecca graduated from Emory University with her doctorate in 2015. She went on to complete Upstream Rehab Institute’s orthopedic residency program in 2017. In 2018, she became a board certified Orthopaedic Clinic Specialist. Rebecca also teaches anatomy and physiology at Georgia State University Perimeter College.

 

Marcia Toye Vego OT, PT, CHT

Marci is dual credentialed, with her Occupational Therapy degree from East Carolina University and Physical Therapy from Emory University and Georgia State University. In 1992, she also earned the certification of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Marci has her Sports Specialist Certification (SCS) since 2006, her Orthopedic Specialist Certification (OCS) since 2007. Additional clinical trainings include Pilates rehabilitation, Active Release Technique trained, Dry Needling certified and Mulligan. Marci has worked with Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Dream, specializing in hand and upper extremity injuries.

 

Justin A. Zych, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Justin Zych currently practices in Atlanta, GA as an outpatient physical therapist with Emory Physical Therapy and also as a faculty member of Emory University’s Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency. Justin earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University in 2012 and then graduated from Duke University with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015. He has completed advanced training in orthopaedics through the Brooks/UNF Orthopaedic Residency and OMPT Fellowship programs. Justin is actively involved with early career development through clinical mentorship, guest lectures in Emory University’s DPT program, and a presenter of continuing education courses.

Carl Heldman PT, DPT, MPT, MA, ATC, MTC, FAAOMPT

Dr. Heldman is a Manual Physical Therapist at Emory Physical Therapy specializing in spinal rehabilitation, connective tissue disorders, and pain. Dr. Heldman is a Certified Athletic Trainer with Master’s Education. He completed his MPT from Nova Southeastern University. He completed his MTC and DPT from the University of St. Augustine and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists in 2006. He has completed his Certification Myofascial Trigger Point. He has completed studies with Mario Rocabado for treatment of Cranio-Facial dysfunction, and Luigi Stecco for his Diploma Fascial Manipulation. Dr. Heldman speaks nationally and internationally on Manual Physical Therapy interventions for the treatment of various pathologies.

Anna Cottle PT, DPT, ATC

Anna Cottle is a physical therapist and athletic trainer currently serving as the clinic manager of the Emory PT Dunwoody location. Anna attended the University of Georgia for her athletic training degree and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. Anna also serves on the planning committee for the Emory Women’s Sports and Wellness Conference and is a clinical provider for the Women’s Sports Medicine program at Emory. Anna is certified in dry needling and experienced in treating athletes from high school, collegiate, and recreational sporting backgrounds.

 

Jaylen Dawson, PT, DPT

Jaylen was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. She attended University of Incarnate Word where she earned her Bachelors of Science with emphasis in Rehabilitative Science. Jaylen would later go on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. She is passionate about working with gymnasts and golfers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, working out and golfing.

 

Maggie Lupe, OTR/L, CHT

Maggie received her Master in Occupational Therapy in 2018 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology from Mississippi State University in 2015. She moved to Atlanta, GA in September of 2018 where she began her career as an outpatient orthopedics OT. She specializes in therapy for the hand and upper extremity and received her CHT certification in 2021. She is currently treating upper extremity patients in the Dunwoody and Smyrna Emory clinics.

 

Leah Todd, PT, DPT

Leah is a Physical Therapist from Dunwoody, Georgia. She graduated from Mercer University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, and has a variety of clinical experience including orthopedics, sports, oncology, lymphedema, and vestibular rehab. She received her Bachelors degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Georgia. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, and cheering on the Dawgs!

Brian Jennings PT, DPT, OCS

Brian joined Emory Physical Therapy in 2015 and has worked on the Northside of Atlanta since 1992, assisting orthopedic and athletic clients in achieving their functional goals. A 1992 graduate of the Physical Therapy program at the University of North Carolina, he has been certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist since 2005 and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016. During his career, Brian has extensive experience working with athletes from youth to professional, as well as the recreational adult. He has had the unique opportunity to work with professionals in all four major sports leagues as well as the WTA, ATP, LPGA, and PGA. He has an interest and focus on overhead athletes with extensive experience in baseball and has been blessed with the opportunity to assist in the rehabilitation of several members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as multiple youth, collegiate, and professional athletes. He is passionate about professional and community education and has presented at multiple conferences on the topic of shoulder and elbow rehabilitation, as well as community events focused on youth injury prevention in baseball, including the annual Georgia Dugout Club Preseason Clinic. He has three children that are his focus away from the clinic and enjoys mountain biking and hiking.

Emily Bolthouse DPT, SCS, CSCS

Emily is a graduate of Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2014. She went on to complete a sports residency at USC in Los Angeles and is a Sports Certified Specialist by the ABPTS. She is also certified in Functional Dry Needling and strength and conditioning. She specializes in post-operative return to sports for athletes of all levels and ages.

 

Danielle Fitzgerald, PT, DPT

Danielle grew up in Fairfax, Virginia. She attended the University of Kentucky in 2012, where she got her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and minor in Spanish while playing four years of Division 1 college soccer. She graduated from Emory University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2020. Danielle loves working with young athletes, weekend warriors and post-op knee surgery patients. In her free time, she enjoys playing competitive recreational soccer, traveling with family and friends, and trying Atlanta's best cuisines.

 

Lisa Kovack PT, MTC

Elizabeth (Lisa) Kovack PT, MTC is currently a staff physical therapist at Emory Physical Therapy. She graduated from Miami of Ohio in 1996 with a degree in Exercise Science. In 1998, she earned her degree in physical therapy from Georgia State University. She has spent her entire career working in orthopaedics and sports medicine. In 2009, Lisa received her certification in manual therapy from University of St. Augustine. In addition, she has been trained in functional dry needling and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. Throughout her career, Lisa has lectured on shoulder and running injuries at professional conferences. She is currently an active member of The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists.

 

Daniel Kraushaar PT, MPT

Daniel is a staff physical therapist who joined Emory Physical Therapy in 2007. He comes to Emory from The Hughston Clinic in Columbus, GA where he served as clinic director and director of rehab education in the sports medicine fellowship program for 3 years. Daniel graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2002 and completed an APTA accredited sports physical therapy residency program in 2004 through the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Daniel has received board certification in sports physical therapy and specializes in shoulder and knee rehabilitation.

 

Kenneth Mynatt PT, DPT, ATC, LAT

Kenneth was born and raised in Orlando, FL. He graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training in 2014 from Florida State University. He then attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2017. He joined the Emory Physical Therapy team in 2017. He is a frequent presenter and collaborates on patient and athlete care with Emory’s Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers.

 

Michael Newsome PT, OCS, SCS, MTC, Cert MDT, CSCS

Michael graduated with a biology degree from Presbyterian College and a physical therapy degree from Georgia State University. He is board certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. He has his Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine. He is credentialed by the Mckenzie Institute in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is trained in Functional Dry Needling and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. He is a guest lecturer and instructor in continuing education courses on the shoulder, knee, hip and spine. He is a member of the Orthopedic and Sports sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, Mckenzie Institute and National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has been working at Emory since 1991 and is the director for all of the Emory Physical Therapy clinics.

 

Kevin Poplawski DPT

Kevin grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania. He attended Misericordia University in Dallas, PA where he played soccer and received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy. He worked for seven years at the John Heinz Institute Spine and Sports Medicine Center and returned to school to complete his DPT through Temple University. In 2006, Kevin moved to Chapel Hill, NC where he accepted a position as the senior PT for Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Physical Therapy at UNC Healthcare (go Tar Heels!). Kevin moved to Atlanta in 2011 with his wife, Elizabeth, a physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He joined Emory Healthcare in August 2011 and currently works at their Sports Medicine Complex. Kevin is trained in Active Release Technique and is dry needle certified through Kinetacore. He is currently the CCCE for Emory Healthcare outpatient PT. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys playing golf, working out at the YMCA/ Burn Studios, loves to travel and spend time with his wife and two daughters, Emily and Hailey. He has also written two children's picture books and enjoys reading them to kids in elementary schools.

 

Lisa M. Resutek PT, DPT, ATC, SCS

Dr. Resutek has been practicing since 2002 treating patients with general orthopedic and sport related injuries. She received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training with Highest Honors from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate of Physical therapy with Distinction from Emory University. Dr. Resutek is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy and a Board-Certified Athletic Trainer. She is also certified in Dry Needling Therapy. She has had the opportunity to treat many college, professional and weekend warrior athletes.

 

Shelby Vandeberghe PT, DPT, CSCS, CFE

Shelby was born and raised in Orlando, Florida where she pursued her B.S. in exercise science in 2014 and her doctoral physical therapy degree in 2017 both at the University of Central Florida. She is passionate about working with high school athletes, the aging weekend warrior and any injuries or surgeries involving the knee joint. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and is trigger point dry needling certified. Her favorite hobbies are working out and trying all the good food and coffee shops Atlanta has to offer.

Michael Biller PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT

Michael graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Arcadia University. He is board certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, a FIFA Diplomat in Soccer Medicine and is credentialed by the Mckenzie Institute in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine. Michael is a frequent lecturer and instructor in continuing education courses on topics related to sports medicine, injury prevention and soccer medicine. He has been on staff at Emory since 1992 and manages the Dunwoody and Johns Creek locations.

 

Bethel M DiMaggio OT/CHT

Bethel is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then earned her CHT in 2006 after spending 5 years in Nashville, Tennessee. While in Tennessee, she focused on upper extremity rehabilitation of athletes, musicians and those injured in the workplace before moving to Atlanta. Bethel joined Emory in 2016. Her other interests include shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand post-operative rehabilitation, and injury prevention. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

 

Ashley Lock, PT, DPT

Ashley graduated from The University of Georgia in 2018 where she received her Undergraduate Degree with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and completed her Doctorate of Physical therapy at Georgia State University. Ashley has a variety of experience in different clinical settings including orthopedics, neurology, inpatient, and sport physical therapy. Ashley enjoys working with people of all ages and athletic ability. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys weightlifting, hiking, pickleball, and playing video games.

 

Baabak Mostoufi PT, DPT, CDN, CSCS

Baabak obtained is undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia in 2016. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. Baabak has his certification in dry needling and is a certified sports and conditioning specialist. He has a particular interest in sports, particularly tennis, basketball, and soccer. Hobbies include playing tennis, reading, and watching football on Saturday and Sunday.

Samuel Chukwuma PT, DPT

Samuel s a graduate of Georgia State University. He spent time after his undergraduate degree working in various clinical settings including sports, orthopedics, inpatient, and skilled nursing. He went on to attend the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, where he graduated with a Clinical Doctorate degree with heavy manual therapy concentration. He enjoys concerts, exploring Atlanta and staying active.

 

Eric C. Nichols PT, DPT

Eric graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in exercise and health science and completed his DPT at the University of St. Augustine. Eric’s passion is sports medicine and orthopedic injuries, specifically the shoulder, elbow and knee. Not only does Eric enjoy helping others reach their goals but also is an avid exerciser and enjoys golf, cycling, weight lifting and outdoor activities. Eric is certified in dry needling and consistently furthers his education in return to sport training.

Nicole Coleman PT, DPT

Nicole Coleman graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Sports Management in 2010. She remained at Old Dominion University to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree in 2014. In 2018, Nicole received her certification in dry needling from The Spinal Manipulation Institute in 2018.

 

Thomas Gailes PT MBA

Tom Gailes, an Atlanta native, is currently the clinic manager of Emory Physical Therapy at Spivey Station in Jonesboro, GA. Tom has over 30 years of orthopedic physical therapy experience. He started his pursuit in 1982 with a BS degree in Microbiology from Clemson University. In 1985 he graduated from Georgia State University with a BS in Physical Therapy, which included internships at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, St Mary’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee and Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia. In 1994 Tom graduated from Georgia State University with a MBA.

Tom has a myriad of interests but enjoys time with wife and 3 boys most. He travels when possible and plays tennis and does some woodworking on the side. He enjoys serving others in their needs through physical therapy or serving through his church.

Melinda Pasion PT, Cert DN

Melinda earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, NY in 1996. She is a licensed Physical Therapist with extensive clinical experience, including Site Director, in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Melinda joined Emory Physical Therapy in 2005 and currently practices at Emory at Sugarloaf in Duluth. She integrates an evidence-based approach with clinical specialties emphasizing manual therapy, movement and pain assessments, orthopedic spine and sports medicine related prevention, treatment and post-operative protocol. Melinda is certified in Polestar Pilates, Kinetacore Dry Needling, and IASTM. She is McKenzie MDT trained A-E. She is committed to continued education of soft tissue disorders with pursuing full body certification in Active Release Techniques, and certified Pilates Reformer Instructor for conditioning and performance of the dancer. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters in dance and swim, yoga, travel, book club and cooking.

 

Kate Walker, PT, DPT, CMTPT

Kate earned her Master’s of Physical Therapy in 2003 from the University of Evansville during which time she played on the Purple Aces softball team. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2013. She is a licensed physical therapist with widespread experience including orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and acute/sub-acute rehabilitation. Kate joined Emory PT in 2016 in the Sugarloaf office and has been Clinic Manager since 2017. She earned the Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) dry needling credential in 2015 and has completed McKenzie Parts A-B. Outside of the clinic, Kate likes to spend time laughing with friends and family, being active, and enjoying her son, Joseph.

Kristen Spurlock-Welsh PT, DPT, CSCS

Kristen graduated from Samuel Merritt University in California in 2007 with a doctorate in Physical Therapy. She worked with adolescent sports injuries for 11 years before transitioning to Emory in 2018. Kristen enjoys rehabbing sports injuries, post-op patients, along with gait & balance. Kristen is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and is also certified in dry needling and myofascial decompression (cup therapy). Outside of work, her interests include hanging with her family, traveling, being outdoors, and going to college basketball games.

 

Chip Hewgley PT, MPT, SCS

Chip graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in January 2000. He worked for the Atlanta Braves as the organization’s minor league PT for 2 years. He is board certified as a Sports Certified Specialist by the ABPTS and is trained in Functional Dry Needling. Chip is a frequent presenter on overhead throwing and baseball medicine. Chip came to Emory in 2002 and is the manager of the Emory location at Woodruff, on the Emory University Campus.