Don earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1992 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010, both from the University of Rhode Island. He also completed a fellowship with the Gray Institute for Functional Training in Applied Functional Science. Don was the recipient of the RI Physical Therapy Association’s Distinguished Service Award and has been honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award from the URI PT program.

Sports medicine related cases are Don’s specialty. He has worked extensively with youth through professional athletes in both injury prevention and conditioning programs. Don and the OPT practice lead the state in the treatment and prevention of shoulder and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete. He has developed baseball specific conditioning programs and preseason pitching screens for both baseball and softball athletes.

Active at the state and national levels in professional associations, Don has served as National APTA Private Practice Section’s Committee Chair for the Marketing and Public Relations Committee, as thePresident of the RI Physical Therapy Private Practice Group, the Legislative Chair for the RI APTA and is on the RI Physical Therapy Licensure Board.  He is often a guest lecturer for the APTA, the YMCA, NUWC as well as CCRI and URI. Don routinely provides medical services at local sports tournaments and competitions. He, his wife and three children are all active in their community, serving on boards, assisting with strength and conditioning programs and cheering on the sidelines (occasionally too loudly).  Don also enjoys music and is a member of a trio “Group Therapy” which performs at venues across Aquidneck Island.

Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Health Science from Endicott College. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant’s degree from the New England Institute of Technology where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa Society for academic excellence.
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Amy worked in our Tiverton clinic for 10 years as an aide before returning to school to pursue her PTA degree. Amy has clinical experience working with developmentally and cognitively impaired children. She has contributed over 100 volunteer hours at the Rhode Island Free Clinic providing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and spent multiple years volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Project.
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An avid Red Sox/Patriots fan, Amy enjoys anything focused around health and wellness. She spends her free time being active, either running, at spin class, snowboarding, working out at the gym or being outdoors.

Leo earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2019 where he also earned a Bachelor of Science in 2016.

An accomplished collegiate runner, Leo holds the Middle Atlantic Conference and Widener University record in the indoor 800 meters. In 2016, he was ranked 17th in the nation for the outdoor 800 meters, D3 NCAA schools. He was a 7x conference medalist and won the MAC 800 meters indoors and outdoors along with the indoor 4×400 meter relay his senior year. In graduate school, Leo had the opportunity to coach collegiate Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. He specialized in coaching middle-distance runners and coached under one of the most successful Track and Field coaches in the nation, Vince Touey.

Leo also served as the Funds Officer for the Chester Community Physical Therapy clinic during graduate school, providing PT services to uninsured financially struggling members of the community. Leo became a PT to channel his passion for helping others, especially individuals recovering from injuries who want to return to the activities they love. Leo particularly enjoys assisting competitive athletes return to sport and often volunteers at community sporting events.

Lisa received her Bachelor of Physical Therapy in 1990 from Northeastern University. She began her career working in both Tufts and Harvard affiliated Boston teaching hospitals with a variety of patient caseloads including orthopedic, neurology, oncology, medical surgery, cardiac rehab and pediatrics.
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She became passionate about working with infants in the NICU and focused her post graduate work on pediatrics at Boston University in 1992. Over the past 28 years, Lisa has specialized in pediatric cases. She has taken over 20 advanced training seminars with a focus on pediatric rehabilitation including neurodevelopmental techniques, infant massage, myofascial release, strain-counterstrain and craniosacral therapy.
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Lisa believes in a family-centered approach and enjoys working with children of all ages and their parents to achieve their goals.
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She lives in Wakefield with her husband and 3 children, all of whom can be found at the beach swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and hiking with their 2 dogs, Cotton and Shugha.

Eric received academic excellence and faculty recognition awards when he earned his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island in 2007. Two years earlier, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from URI. Eric is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. The OCS is an achievement in learning that less than 5% of all PT’s complete. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
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Eric has extensive experience working with a wide range of conditions and injuries and has a strong background in functionally-based therapy. He has worked with all ages and enjoys connecting with his patients and helping them on their journey to health and well-being.
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Eric has traveled to Guatemala to provide therapy to disabled children at the Centro Maya School.
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A bass guitar player, Eric is a member of the musical trio “Group Therapy”. He enjoys a cold beer and is proud of his award-winning homebrew beer and cider. A gardener, he grows his own hops along with vegetables and flowers.

Nate received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and his Bachelors in Kinesiology from The University of Rhode Island.
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Nate incorporates McKenzie techniques and Gary Gray training when working with patients. He enjoys getting to know each patient and implementing a personalized plan of care aimed at getting them back to their hobbies and occupation.
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Nate became interested in a physical therapy career while recovering from a sports injury in high school.
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A URI basketball fan, Nate enjoys playing basketball, surfing, volleyball, baseball, skiing, soccer, running and spending time at the beach.

Matt joined OPT in 2019 after earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State San Bernardino.
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Matt gained valuable experience in his graduate school internships in a variety of physical therapy settings. He enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and helping them improve their quality of life.
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Matt is bilingual (English & Spanish), enjoys playing the guitar, watching movies and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Mike earned a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island in 2015. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 2012.
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Mike is certified in Dry Needling and Sports Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion. He holds a certificate in Applied Chain Reaction Biomechanics and is a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS). Mike is an Emergency Medical Responder and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA).
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During his time at URI, Mike gained clinical internship experience working with a variety of patients in the ICU, acute care, rehab unit, and outpatient orthopedic settings. He believes in an active lifestyle to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Mike appreciates the patient interaction and helping people get back to activities they like doing, sports, gardening, walking, caring for grandchildren, etc.
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Mike enjoys playing all sports, especially basketball, golf and volleyball. As a student athlete, he experienced various sports injuries and, in fact, his athletic trainer and physical therapist inspired him to pursue a physical therapy career.
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Mike and his wife enjoy traveling. They have explored Costa Rica, Guatemala, Iceland and many other beautiful places. Their next adventure is parenthood, as they are “impatiently waiting and very excited for their first child to be born in November!

Laura Reichard earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Thomas Jefferson University. Prior to that, Laura obtained her Bachelor of Science from Temple University.

In her free time, Laura enjoys soccer and hiking.

Kristin received her Masters is Physical Therapy in 1996 from the University of Rhode Island and graduated from The University of New Hampshire in 1990 with a degree in Athletic Training. Kristin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
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She has over 15 years of experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation including working overseas with the American Football teams. Kristin also has extensive experience working with the non-athletic populations implementing advanced strength, conditioning, and functional rehabilitation programs.
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She has taken over 20 advanced training courses including gait, foot, upper and lower extremity biomechanics, and spinal rehabilitation. Her clinical interests include concussions and she attended Harvard Medical School’s conference on Concussions and Spine Injury. She is also interested in Women’s Rehabilitative Health issues including post breast cancer procedures and mastectomy.
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Kristin employs an overall functional approach to her patients to help restore as well as improve mobility, strength and performance.

Victor received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2014 after spending eight years in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness manager. During that time, Victor earned the designations of Certified Applied Functional Science (Gray Institute), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), and certifications as a kettlebell and boxing/kickboxing instructor. In 2004, Victor graduated with honors from Boston University’s College of Communication.
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Victor is a Graston Technique specialist. He earned his GTS credential which is the highest level of training for Graston soft tissue mobilization and release.
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Victor enjoys working with clients and patients of all ages and pursuits. He believes strongly in the power of an improved physical condition and works hard to achieve it.

Victor loves spending time with his wife and two young children. His interests and experiences include singing professionally for over 13 years, and being a long-time friend, member, and advocate of the Hyannis Sound, Firedrill! (both of which are vocal groups) and the FLAG Flag Football League.

A Rhode Island native, Amy earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Simmons College in 2007.  She received a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2005 and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Health in 2001, both from the University of Rhode Island.
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Amy joined OPT in 2005 and has worked with the pre-adolescent to the elderly. She is trained and experienced in many facets of physical therapy and particularly enjoys the treatment of sports related injuries and post-surgical athletes. She also has extensive experience working with patients recovering from head injuries and concussions.
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Amy is ImPACT trained (ITPT) through ImPACT Applications in Concussion Care and Treatment. She attended Harvard Medical School’s conference on Concussions and Spine Injury and Boston University’s conference on Head Trauma and the Athlete. Additional coursework includes Post-Concussion Syndrome at Memorial Hospital, Concussion in Sports Training with NFHS, Functional Rehabilitation from the Kinetic Chain/Gray Institute, and Lumbopelvic Integration from IMTS.
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Amy enjoys music and soccer. She was in the marching band and pep band at URI and also played competitive soccer. During high school, Amy tore ligaments in her ankle and became a physical therapy patient. This experience is what sparked Amy’s interest in becoming a PT.
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In addition to working in OPT’s physical therapy clinics, Amy helps student athletes with injury prevention by providing warm up and injury reduction programs for high schools and youth athletic programs. She developed and administers OPT’s Total Athletic Performance Summer Conditioning Camp.
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Amy has routinely been on the medical staff of the Boston Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Cape Cod Marathon. In her free time, Amy enjoys distance running, weight training and playing the trumpet. She is also a certified PADI diver and an aspiring pilot!

A veteran of the United States Navy, Steve has been part of the OPT team since 2002 when he joined us as a rehabilitation aide. In 2006, Steve received his NSCA Personal Trainer Certification and earned his Physical Therapy Assistant certificate from the Community College of Rhode Island with Cum Laude distinction in 2017. Steve continues to study Chain Reaction Functional Biomechanics through continuing education.
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Steve has a strong background in sports training, geriatric conditioning and working with neurological disorders. He works with high school athletes and can often be found helping within the community at special events.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys playing basketball and weight lifting.

Kara Young earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Exercise Science from Bridgewater State College. Prior to that, Kara obtained her AAS – Physical Therapy Assisting from Community College Of Rhode Island.

Kara is most interested in treating total knee replacements and ankle/Achilles injuries.

In her free time, Kara enjoys hiking/camping, drawing/painting, and golfing.

Andrea has been a licensed physical therapist, athletic trainer and massage therapist for over 25 years. She is also a Nike Certified Golf Performance Specialist.
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Andrea earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of New England in 2013. She received a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Athletic Training from Westfield State College in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science, Sport and Leisure from the University of Connecticut in 1992. Andrea earned a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science in 2007 from the Gray Institute where she is currently a faculty member.
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Andrea has worked with all age groups in nearly every type of physical therapy setting. She has extensive experience working with competitive athletes on performance enhancement, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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In her free time, Andrea enjoys coaching softball, basketball and Free2Play Movement for the youth in her community.

Michaela Stern earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Plymouth State University. Prior to that, Michaela obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Rhode Island.

Michaela specializes in athletes, gymnasts, runners, geriatrics and is most interested in treating total knee replacements.

In her free time, Michaela enjoys running, snowboarding, and hanging out with her dog, Tommy.

Dena earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England. She has over 22 years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation.

Dena treats a wide variety of orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on upper extremity rehabilitation and hand therapy. She is also a pediatric therapist with a focus on providing treatment for developmental and neurological diagnoses.

In her free time, Dena loves spending time with her husband and daughters, enjoying all their activities and sporting events. She can often be found in the garden, at the beach or rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots.

Timothy Mello earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Prior to that, Timothy obtained his Associate in Applied Science from the Community College of Rhode Island.

Timothy specializes in athletic training and is most interested in treating shoulder injuries.

In his free time, Timothy enjoys rock climbing, axe throwing, and whiffle ball.

Samantha Guimond earned her Associates from Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Prior to that, Samantha obtained her Applied Science from CCRI.

Samantha specializes in being a physical therapist assistant and is most interested in treating neck pain.

In her free time, Samantha enjoys hiking, baking, and going to the beach.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology/Sports Medicine from Westfield State University and her PTA degree from MWCC. Her certifications include Applied Chain Reaction Biomechanics, Applied Functional Science, Clinical Instructor, and Rehab Taping Techniques. She is a certified Personal Trainer, a certified Schwinn Spin Instructor, and has her Orthopedic Speciality Certification (OSC).

Melissa has 20 years experience Working in all areas of Orthopedic PT including post-op rehab, home care and return to sport. When she is not treating patients in the clinic she is busy teaching dance classes, spin classes and putting together fitness programs for clients.

Denise has been in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant’s degree from the Community College of Rhode Island and was previously a fitness and aerobics instructor.
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Denise joined OPT in 2001 and has experience working with a broad range of diagnoses working and patients of all ages. She is also an IFPA Certified Fitness Trainer and enjoys designing and implementing individual fitness programs.