Johnston

Daniel Macera PT, DPT, OCS

Dan graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2011. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from URI in 2014 and joined Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. He is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). His clinical practice focuses on orthopedic physical therapy, sports-specific rehabilitation, trigger point dry needling (TDN) and manual therapy. Dan holds the chair position for the RIAPTA professional development committee and is an active member of the APTA and orthopedic section. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island Physical Therapy program. Dan’s personal interests include spending time with his wife, hiking with his dogs, exercising and learning new skills.

Ann Marie Marques PTA

Ann Marie graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant in 2019 and joined Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy the same year.

She has 5+ combined years of experience working as a rehabilitation aide in an outpatient orthopaedic physical therapy setting between Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital and Milford Regional Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine. Her clinical experience focused on assisting physical therapists with orthopaedic physical therapy, sports, and industrial rehabilitation.

Ann Marie is working towards earning her Physical Therapist Assistants Specialty Certification in Orthopaedics through Evidence in Motion. Her personal interests include spending quality time and having fun with her family, exercising, obstacle course racing, and traveling abroad.

Erik White PTA

Erik White earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Associates in Applied Sciences of Physical Therapy from Rhode Island College; Community College of Rhode Island.

Erik specializes in orthopedics and is most interested in treating general orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders, and sports rehabilitation.

In his free time, Erik enjoys playing and coaching soccer.

Jacalyn Pappas OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Jacalyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1997 from Worcester State University. She has been recognized by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission as a certified hand therapist (CHT) since 2010. In 2017 she obtained her Advanced Certification in Hand Therapy and in 2018 earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professionals. Jackie has practiced as a hand therapist for over 20 years and works with patients of all ages that have orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. Her clinical expertise includes treatment of upper extremity fractures, tendonitis, custom orthotic fabrication, traumatic injuries to the upper extremity and rehabilitation of post-operative injuries of the elbow, wrist and hand.

Sarah Carrington MOT, OTR/L

Sarah Carrington earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University. Prior to that, Sarah obtained her Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island.

Sarah specializes in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and is most interested in treating fractures and splinting of the wrist and hand.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.

Sean Rush PT, DPT

Sean graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences in 2020. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from South College in 2022 and joined Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. He is currently taking an orthopedic residency through Evidence in Motion and will sitting for the OCS in March of 2024, an active participating with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), certified Functional dry needling (FDN), & has received extensive continued education Re: Pain neuroscience education. His clinical practice focuses on orthopedic physical therapy, sports-specific rehabilitation, trigger point dry needling (TDN) and treating for various subtypes of vertigo including BPPV. Sean currently serves as a mentor for other PT’s in the profession through PappasOPT mentorship program & graduated South College Summa cum laude. Sean’s personal interests include spending time with his girlfriend Sophia where they hike, powerlifting, & learning new cooking recipes which he tries to do weekly.

Elizabeth Albro PT

Elizabeth Graduated from Quinnipiac college – Now Quinnipiac University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Over the span of her career, she has had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of Physical therapy. She began in acute care at Rhode Island Hospital and form there has worked in a variety of settings including impairment and subacute rehab, home care and long-term care, all of which has giver her a wide range of experience with a variety of patients. She then decided to pursue a career in Outpatient physical therapy and this where her interest lies. She is educated in the treatment and management of general medicine and neurological diagnoses, as well as also having an extensive orthopedic background after having worked specifically in orthopedics for fifteen years. Her passion is to educate patients about their condition and to enable them to take charge of their own care and well-being to promote return to their full potential.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys volunteering, the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Lucas Ackerman PT, DPT

Lucas is a passionate and dedicated physical therapist, having graduated from Northeastern University in 2023. With a strong foundation in the principles of physical therapy, Lucas is currently furthering their expertise through an orthopedic residency program, aiming to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

Having a genuine interest in helping people of all ages achieve their optimal physical health, Lucas finds fulfillment in working closely with patients, providing personalized care and rehabilitation plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Beyond the clinic, Lucas leads an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities such as playng soccer, hiking, and cycling.