Meet the Team

Mike graduated from Lasell College in 2014 with a BS in Exercise Science. He earned his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 and joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. Mike is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist whose clinical focus is in orthopedics. He is also certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations for patients returning to work. He is a member of the APTA. His personal interests include powerlifting, cooking, woodworking and large bowls of pasta.

An Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist, Liz joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2011. She graduated from the University of New England in 2001 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy and has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 2011. In 2016 she received her certification in Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy from Evidence in Motion. Her specialties include hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, including orthopedic and neurological injuries, wound care, work-related injuries and custom splinting. Her interests include spending time with her husband and two boys and volunteering in the schools.

Destiny joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2017. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology, and also earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from that institution in 2017. Her areas of clinical focus include sports medicine, orthopedics and concussion rehabilitation. In 2018, Destiny was certified in acute and chronic concussion management through Complete Concussion Management. She can assist in managing concussions from the acute phase and progress patients back to work and/or activities in a safe and timely manner. She also recently became a Sports Certified Specialist through Evidence in Motion. In her career she has been a community volunteer for amateur and professional boxers, and a USA Boxing certified coach. She is a former USA Boxing National Champion and represented Team USA at the Continental and World Championships. She interned at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. Destiny’s interests include boxing, playing with her dogs Ninja and Miyagi, traveling and watching the Steelers!

John has been part of Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy since 2013. He attended Westfield State College from 2006 to 2010, graduating with a BS in Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2013. In 2014-2015 he completed an Evidence in Motion Residency in Orthopedic Manual Therapy. John is a Certified Vestibular rehabilitation specialist through the American Institute of Balance, and a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. John’s clinical experience lies in inpatient and outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, treating a wide variety of general musculoskeletal conditions with additional focus on the temporomandibular joint and vestibular rehabilitation. In 2018, John was certified in acute and chronic concussion management through Complete Concussion Management. He can assist in managing concussions from the acute phase and progress patients back to work and/or activities in a safe and timely manner. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) RI chapter and Private Practice Sections, and an APTA Private Practice Section Key contact for Rhode Island legislative action. His personal interests include exercise, obstacle course races, spending time with friends and family and his chocolate lab Sam.

Scott is the clinic director of Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy of Warwick where he offers PT in the clinic as well as aquatic therapy. Scott attended the University of Hartford where he earned his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2004 and his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2013. Scott also has experience in the pediatric and home care setting. He has attended orthopedic continuing education courses emphasizing manual techniques. In 2018, Scott was certified in acute and chronic concussion management through Complete Concussion Management. He can assist in managing concussions from the acute phase and progress patients back to work and/or activities in a safe and timely manner. His clinical practice focuses on vestibular therapy, aquatic therapy, orthopedic and sports medicine; he also utilizes Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPN) to assist in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. He is also a certified vestibular rehabilitation specialist through the American Institute of Balance. Scott continues to participate in men’s soccer leagues, and is a big Patriots and Bruins fan.

Ryan graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Kinesiology and a focus in Exercise Science. He is currently certified as a personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Ryan was truly inspired to make coaching a career when he changed the life of his 63 year old grandmother by helping her lose over 60 lbs, adapt her lifestyle to stay at a healthy weight, and find an exercise regimen she could stick to. Through education and training he ultimately gave a woman he so admires the gift to take control of her life. He recognized that if she can do this after sixty-plus years of poor habits, anyone can overcome their respective obstacles.

Ryan’s purpose in coaching is to empower individuals by connecting them to their goals, and facilitating an environment that helps them get there. He feels we all have the potential to improve, we just may need a little help to unlock it. Ryan’s favorite modality is strength training, with a belief that improved strength is the most transferable feat one can obtain from exercise.

When working with Ryan you can expect to push beyond your perceived limitations, improve your knowledge of fitness, and most importantly have fun!

Yelena joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2007 and was named Director of the 1539 Atwood Ave. Johnston clinic in 2012. She received her Bachelors of Rehabilitation Sciences from Northeastern University in 2006, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007. She also completed a year-long managerial leadership program through Evidence in Motion in 2014, and earned vestibular certification through the American Institute of Balance (AIB) in 2015. Lena is also currently working towards her Advanced Vestibular Certification from American Institute of Balance. Her areas of clinical focus include vestibular rehabilitation, concussion rehabilitation and balance retraining. Lena’s outside interests include spending time with family and friends, dancing and playing tennis.

Kendra-Lynn completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island, first receiving a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and then earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017. She joined the staff at Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy of North Providence that same year. Kendra specializes in pelvic floor and postpartum physical therapy, treating men and women with abdominal, urinary, sexual, and bowel dysfunction. She completed her training for this specialization through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Kendra is a member of the APTA and is secretary of the RI Women’s and Men’s Health Special Interest Group. Her personal interests include weight training, dancing, cooking, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Mellany earned her B.S. in kinesiology and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island. She joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2016, with a clinical focus in orthopedics. She is currently earning her Manual Therapy Certification through Evidence in Motion. Her personal interests include going to the beach, hiking (especially with her pups) and rooting for the Patriots.

Paul attended American International College, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdepartmental Science in 2004 and his Masters of Physical Therapy in 2005. He joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2006. He recently completed his Executive Program in Practice Management, with his Post-professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion in 2016. He is certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations for patients returning to work, and is also a certified Titleist Performance Institute golf expert. He has also recently become certified in functional dry needling. Paul has spent the majority of his career in an outpatient setting and is experienced in treating patients with a variety of diagnoses including orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, amputees, and occupational medicine (return to work, work conditioning). He is a member of the APTA. His favorite pursuit outside of work is spending time with his family.

Dan Macera 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 Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. Dan is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and 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 is an active member of the APTA, RIAPTA and orthopedic section, and a member of the Rhode Island legislative committee. His personal interests include spending time with family, exercising, hunting and hiking with his dog.

Danielle recently joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University in 2011 and continued her education at the University of Rhode Island earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014. Prior to joining the Pappas Team, she worked in acute care and sub-acute rehab settings with patients neurological disorders. She is LSVT BIG Certified and has experience with patients with Parkinson’s Disease, amputations, CVA’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. Her personal interests include exercising, traveling, horseback riding, and spending time with family and friends

Jennifer graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1998 with her Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy and has been treating outpatient orthopedics for 18 years. She has attended orthopedic continuing education courses emphasizing manual therapy techniques, aquatic therapy, and treatment for prenatal and postpartum patients. Jennifer joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2016. Her interests include practicing tai chi, playing sports and spending time with her family.

Mike graduated Quinnipiac College with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1998. In 2007 he and his wife Jacalyn opened the first Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in Johnston, Rhode Island, and have added six more clinics since. In 2008 he earned an Advanced Masters in Orthopedics from Quinnipiac University, and in 2012 received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the EIM Institute of Health Professionals. His clinical focus is sports, orthopedics, and vestibular rehabilitation. Mike is a member of the Private Practice Section and the RI chapter of the APTA. His personal interests include enjoying time with family and friends, and coaching youth wrestling.

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.

Lauren earned her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Hartford in 2014, and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017. She joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. Lauren is certified in LSVT BIG for persons with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. She is also certified in functional dry needling as well as a CPR and first aide instructor. Her clinical practice and areas of interest include orthopedic disorders, neurological disorders (CVA, PD, TBI, SCI), as well as pediatric developmental disorders. In 2016 she delivered a presentation at the CPAPTA Fall Conference titled Development of Trunk Control in Infants. Outside of the clinic she enjoys archery, hiking with her dogs and traveling. She also competes in shooting.

Josh earned his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New England in 2001, and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion in 2012. He is board certified in orthopedics and focuses in his clinical practice on orthopedics, hip dysfunction, post-operative rehab, spinal pain and injuries, shoulder, knee and ankle pain and injuries. In 2018, Josh was certified in acute and chronic concussion management through Complete Concussion Management. He can assist in managing concussions from the acute phase and progress patients back to work and/or activities in a safe and timely manner. He is a member of the Private Practice Section of the APTA. Josh has been the clinic director for Lepre Physical Therapy in North Providence since 2002. In 2017 he partnered with Mike Pappas to create Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy of North Providence. His hobbies include sports, hiking, biking and spending time with family and friends.

Beth received her BS in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac College in 1998. She graduated Drexel University in 2004 with a post professional certificate in the Hand and Upper Quarter, and became board certified in hand therapy in 2006. In 2011 she joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy where she focuses on upper extremity injuries from the shoulder to the fingertip, including rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, nerve and tendon injuries, amputations and wounds. In 2017 she earned her Advanced Certification in Hand Therapy and in 2018 she earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professionals. Her interests include yoga, running, strength and conditioning classes, and traveling with family and friends.

Victoria joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy as a rehab aide in 2012 and started working as a physical therapist in June 2018. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in 2015 with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and then received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2018. Her clinical interests include orthopedics and pediatrics. Victoria is currently a member of the APTA, RI and pediatric sections. Her personal interests include spending time with family and friends, going to the beach and playing with her dog Zoey.

Chris has been in the fitness industry for 12 years now. Chris earned my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of RI. Chris has since remained in the fitness industry both as a personal trainer and as an educator at a technical school, educating students to earn their personal training certifications. Chris is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, an American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer, and Chris has additional certifications in TRX and as an AASDN Nutrition Specialist.

Chris knows how a crazy schedule and busy lifestyle can make getting to the gym really difficult. Sometimes when you have so many plates spinning at once, it’s hard to find the time to focus on yourself and your fitness routine. Chris has had a lot of responsibilities on my plate over the past few years. Working crazy hours, helping his wife take care of his two little girls and two retired greyhounds, and taking care of his home leaves little time and energy. Creating a sustainable and realistic workout plan, and then implementing it can be very challenging! Chris decided to enter this field after he thought about all of the other busy working professionals out there who want to get healthier but just need a little help. Chris has developed a mindset over the years that help drive his health and fitness goals. So while he’s a big fan of sandbag, kettlebell, and functional training his approach is about creating consistent reliable training regimes that fit with your lifestyle and get YOU results!

Tiana joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in July 2017. She attended the University of Rhode Island from 2009-2014, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus on exercise science. In 2017, she graduated from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She completed her inpatient clinical at Rhode Island Hospital where she specialized in treating patients with traumatic orthopedic conditions. Tiana is certified in CPR and recently completed Evidence in Motion’s year-long orthopedic residency program. Her clinical practice focuses on individuals of all ages with various musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions. She has a special interest in treating patients with chronic pain, and utilizes the current best evidence and various manual therapy techniques to allow patients to reach their goals. Tiana is a member of the APTA. She also enjoys running, working out, traveling and spending time with her family.

Amanda joined Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy in 2013 after graduating both the undergraduate and graduate Physical Therapy programs at Simmons College in 2011 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She earned her manual therapy certification through Evidence in Motion in 2017 and is also certified in Graston Technique. Her clinical focus is in orthopedic medicine. Amanda is involved in many community events and enjoys spending time with her family, especially at their family lake house in Maine!

Paula Mazur Trump graduated from the University of Connecticut with two degrees, a BS in Education: Sport and Leisure Studies, which lead to certification as an Athletic Trainer, and a second BS in Allied Health: Physical Therapy. In 1998 she earned her MS in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her thesis was a descriptive study of the musculoskeletal characteristics and injuries in professional ballet dancers. She also received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (tDPT) in 2002. Paula was an original partner in Paladin Physical Therapy when it opened in 2008. In 2016 she partnered with Mike Pappas to create Paladin-Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy of Cranston. She is a certified orthopedic specialist (OCS), and a certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Her areas of clinical expertise include Graston Technique, trigger point dry needling (TDN), and manual therapy. Her professional activities include serving as a Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates for 3 years, volunteering for the Ocean State Marathon for many years, and facilitating an online class in diagnostic testing and pharmacology through Boston University. Paula is the Compliance Officer for Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy. Her personal interests include gardening, hiking, and beach volleyball. She also volunteers with Little Rhody Dog Rescue.

Johnathan Walker is the director of the Pappas Physical and Hand Therapy clinic at 5805 Post Road in East Greenwich, RI. He graduated Northeastern University in 2003 with a Masters in Physical Therapy, and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion in 2013. He is a board certified orthopedic specialist and a certified vestibular rehabilitation specialist. He also has experience treating TMJ disorders. In 2018, Jon was certified in acute and chronic concussion management through Complete Concussion Management. He can assist in managing concussions from the acute phase and progress patients back to work and/or activities in a safe and timely manner. John is a member of the APTA. He enjoys outdoor activities including basketball and volleyball, traveling and spending time with his family.