Outpatient Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists

 

Laura Albares, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2022
Certifications: Pilates Certified in mat, chair, and Reformer
Clinical Interests: General orthopedics, Pilates for rehabilitation, performing arts physical therapy, chronic pain, low back pain, hip pain, and hypermobility syndrome

Laura is an orthopedic physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor. Her love of movement began while training to be a professional dancer. With twenty years of Pilates training, she loves incorporating Pilates into the plan of care. Laura is passionate about working with patients to educate and inspire them to realize their full potential and reach their recovery and mobility goals.

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Rachel Bracken, PT, DPT, OCS, AIB-VR
Education: University of New Mexico
Certifications: Board Certification in Orthopedics, AIB-VR. FSOAE
Clinical Interests: All gender pelvic health rehabilitation, care for the pregnant and postpartum patient, orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, TMJ, geriatric care

Rachel is a senior orthopedic/pelvic/sports Physical Therapist. During her career as a physical therapist she has been passionate about teaching athletes, especially soccer players, how to prevent serious knee injuries like an ACL tear. She coordinates screening events for adult soccer leagues in Washington, DC. Her pelvic floor training has prepared her to offer post-partum patients return to running testing and she develops programs for return to running or other high levels of activity. She earned her board certification in orthopedics in 2018 and uses the gained knowledge every day with orthopedic, sports and pelvic floor patients.

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Mary Busch, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2018
Certifications: LSVT BIG Parkinson's Rehabilitation
Clinical Interests: Neurological rehabilitation, gait and balance training, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, post-surgical rehabilitation, orthopedic injuries

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Callie Cabral, PT, DPT
Education: Boston University, 2022
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, sports medicine, pelvic health

Callie is an orthopedic Physical Therapist and is part of the Sports Medicine team. She played club soccer at the College of William & Mary where she studied Public Health and Hispanic Studies. Upon graduating, she coached high school soccer, basketball and softball for two years, before getting her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2022. In her time treating patients, she has developed passions for treating a variety of lower extremity injuries, as well as treating and improving access to pelvic health rehabilitation.

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Zachary Carroll PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2019
Certifications: Certified in Dry Needling
Clinical Interests: General Orthopedics, sports medicine, chronic pain

Zach is an orthopedic Physical Therapist with a passion to help individuals achieve their goals. He attended The George Washington University to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. Zach has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, hospital-based outpatient and privately owned clinics as well as backstage for the performing arts. He has experience working with individuals of all ages and activity levels with particular interest in orthopedic surgeries, injuries and persistent pain. Zach equips his patients with the necessary tools to effectively manage pain and injury to improve their overall function and optimize performance in their chosen activities.

Elena Chermak, PT, DPT

Education: Kean University 2022

Clinical Interests: Pelvic health (all genders), urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, prolapse, pregnancy/postpartum

Elena is a physical therapist working with patients who experience pelvic floor dysfunction of all genders. Since graduating with her doctorate, she has completed level 1, 2A, 2B and capstone courses through Herman and Wallace and is working towards her PRPC certification. When out of the clinic, she enjoys running, hiking, traveling, cooking and baking.

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Natasha Chevalier-Richards, PT, DPT, NCS
Education: Temple University, 2010
Certifications: Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS), LSVT BIG, APTA Certified Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Neurological rehabilitation, vestibular, post-concussion, Parkinson's disease, gait and balance training, wheelchair seating and mobility

Natasha is a Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist, first working in the Acute and Acute Rehabilitation Units before transitioning to the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. She specializes in the treatment of neurologic conditions and wheelchair seating and mobility assessments. Natasha graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from University at Buffalo in 2006. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Temple University in 2010. She completed her Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network/George Washington University Hospital in July 2016. Natasha consistently takes continuing education courses to further her knowledge in treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders.

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Blake Cooper, PT, DPT
Education: Duke University, 2023
Clinical Interests: Pelvic health rehabilitation of all genders, pelvic girdle pain, lumbo-pelvic stabilization, orthopedics, rehabilitation for the pregnant and postpartum population, dyspareunia, return to run screening for the postpartum athlete, pilates inspired rehabilitation

Blake is a pelvic health Physical Therapist treating pelvic floor dysfunction of all genders through an orthopedic lens. Since graduating with her doctorate in physical therapy from Duke University, she has obtained Level 1 & 2 pelvic health certificates from the Academy of Pelvic Health APTA and is currently working toward becoming CAPP-Pelvic certified. She strives to curate a plan of care that is collaborative, patient-centered and evidence based to return her clients to their prior level of function and optimize quality of life.

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Hope Cunningham, DPT
Education: University of Maryland, Baltimore, 2018
Clinical Interests: Pelvic health (all genders), pelvic and genital pain, urge incontinence, stress incontinence, post-partum rehabilitation, prolapse

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Laura Danberg, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Education: University of Delaware, 2009
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports and in Orthopedics, Certified in Dry Needling
Clinical Interests: Sports rehabilitation, running injuries, ACL rehabilitation, dry needling

Laura is a sports/ortho Physical Therapist. She has been the team physical therapist with the GWU athletic department since 2012. She has experience working with a wide variety of sports within the department, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, rowing, gymnastics, track/XC, softball, baseball, volleyball, water polo, swimming/diving, tennis, rugby and ultimate frisbee. Laura is board certified in both Sports and Orthopedics through American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She is also certified in dry needling and has advanced training in blood flow restriction training.

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Rachel Deal, PT, DPT
Education: George Washington University, 2020
Certifications: Trigger Point Dry Needling, Running Rehab Specialist
Clinical Interests: Pelvic health rehabilitation for all genders, care for the pregnant and postpartum patient, orthopedics, running athlete

Rachel is a pelvic and orthopedic Physical Therapist. Since graduating with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from George Washington University, she has pursued certifications in pelvic health and works with all genders. As a lifelong athlete, Rachel enjoys treating runners and is a trained Running Rehabilitation Specialist with the Institute of Athlete Regeneration. She also has advanced training in techniques such as Trigger Point Dry Needling from Myopain Institute.

Neema Desai, PT, DPT

Education: University of Pittsburgh, 2020

Certifications: Trigger Point Dry Needling

Clinical Interests: Sports medicine and overhead athletes
Neema is an orthopedic Physical Therapist. As a tennis player, she is interested in working with various athletes and sports backgrounds. She also has advanced training in techniques such as Trigger Point Dry Needling from Myopain Institute. Neema has experience in working with patients with all ages and activity levels with the goal of returning to their hobbies and optimal functional performance. 

Brian Domin, PT, DPT

Education: University of Illinois-Chicago, 2023

Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, sports medicine, post-op, chronic pain

Brian is an orthopedic physical therapist that has experience working in acute care and private outpatient clinics prior to joining The George Washington University Hospital. His treatment style focuses on instilling confidence in patients’ abilities and assisting them with return to their hobbies and interests through movement. He has background working with a variety of conditions and likes treating post-operative patients. Outside of clinic, he enjoys lounging with his great dane Stanley, watching his favorite sports teams, and hanging out with his DMV family.

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Polo Lynn Edwards, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, OCS
Education: Thomas Jefferson University 2014
Certifications: MDT, Blood Flow Restriction
Clinical Interests: Spine, shoulder, overhead athletes, sports medicine

Polo Lynn Edwards is an orthopedic/sports Physical Therapist and is part of the Sports Medicine team. She has practiced in an array of orthopedic/sports settings, where she has had the opportunity to treat an array of athletes and performing artists, however due to her past as a former swimmer her favorite athletes to treat are swimmers and overhead athletes. She has advanced training in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Blood Flow Restriction therapy, level 1 and 2 Certified Running Gait Analysis through runDNA, Emergency Medical Response for the Athlete, as well as the ability to interpret underwater video analysis.

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Daniel Finn, PT, MBA
Education: University of Scranton, 1996
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist, Oncology Rehabilitation, Trigger Point Dry Needling, APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Musculoskeletal and orthopedic physical therapy with special interest in spinal pain and shoulder pain

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Joanna Hsu, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2021
Certifications: APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor 
Clinical Interests: Neurological rehabilitation, vestibular, post-concussion, post-COVID, gait and balance training, wheelchair seating and mobility, management of medically complex patients

Joanna is a neurologic Physical Therapist. She specializes in the treatment of neurologic conditions and is passionate about expanding GW Outpatient Rehabilitation's vestibular and post-concussion treatment programs. Outside of her clinical practice, she also serves as adjunct faculty at The George Washington University Physical Therapy program and loves teaching and mentoring future physical therapists.

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Dhinu Jayaseelan, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, Fellowship, 2014; The George Washington University, DPT, 2010
Certifications: APTA Credentialed Advanced Clinical Instructor, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics, Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Clinical Interests: Manual therapy, pain science, research, tendinopathy

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Kevin Keating, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2018
Certifications: Running Specialist (The Running Clinic), APTA Level 1 Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, running, sports, postoperative rehab, student education

Kevin has been at the GW Outpatient Rehabilitation Center since 2018, treating a wide range of patients with orthopedic and sports injuries. He likes working with patients throughout their journey after orthopedic surgeries, helping them to regain their previous level of function or athletic performance. Additionally, Kevin works as the Site Coordinator of Clinical Education, facilitating a continued partnership between the outpatient clinic and GW University's Physical Therapy program to educate the next generation of physical therapists. He enjoys working with students to nurture their skills during their clinical rotations.

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Talya Krumholz, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University
Certifications: Pelvic Health
Clinical Interests: Performing arts physical therapy, all gender pelvic health rehabilitation, care for the pregnant and postpartum patient, hip pain, sports and general orthopedics

Talya is a pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapist. She developed an interest in treating and preventing injuries unique to performing artists during her former career as a professional ballet dancer. Talya attended George Washington University Physical Therapy school where she became certified in pelvic health physical therapy. When not in clinic, she enjoys walking her dog, biking around DC and teaching group fitness classes.

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Beth (Elizabeth) Ljung, PT, DPT
Education: University of Maryland School of Maryland Department of Physical Therapy, 2007
Certifications: LSVT BIG, SFMA I & II
Clinical Interests: Orthopedic injuries, manual therapy, neurological rehabilitation, acquired and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, amputee rehabilitation, spinal cord injury rehabilitation

Beth is an orthopedic/neurological/amputee Physical Therapist. During her career she initially worked in neurological specialty rehabilitation programs with specialties in stroke and brain injury, prosthetic training/amputee rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury. She then switched to primarily outpatient programs and continued to treat patients needing neurological and amputee rehabilitation, but she also became passionate about treating an array of orthopedic injuries. Beth is passionate about ensuring her patients' needs are met by providing the manual therapy they need to address their physical dysfunctions, providing hands-on cuing to address their biomechanical and neurological needs, and to ensure that her patients are returning to optimal level of function with minimal risk of re-injury.

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Steven Malachowski, PT, DPT, CSCS
Education: The George Washington University, 2020
Certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Running Rehab Specialist Certified
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, vestibular, post-concussion, sports and performance artist medicine, aquatics

Steven is a Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is part of the Sports Medicine and Post-concussion Rehabilitation team. He has advanced training in performing arts medicine, long-distance running, and vestibular and post-concussion syndrome rehab. Steven obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the George Washington University in 2020 and practiced in Texas for a year before moving back to Washington, DC. He loves helping people achieve their goals and has experience working with athletes and instrumental musicians.

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Michele McLellan, PT, CLT
Education: Northeastern University, 1983
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist for 20 years, Vodder Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Clinical Interests: TMJD, spine, foot/ankle/custom orthotics, shoulder, hip, knee injuries and surgeries, cancer recovery, lymphedema

Michele is an orthopedic and lymphedema therapist. As a lifelong learner, Michele has studied with osteopaths learning muscle energy techniques, craniosacral therapy, strain/counterstrain and visceral manipulation. She has studied with Feldenkrais practitioners, and attended a 360 orthopedic residency program that was Norwegian based. For 19 years, Michele owned her own physical therapy practice. She taught in the doctoral program for several years at UMass and has been adjunct faculty at George Washington University since 2015. Clinically, Michele focuses on empowering her patients to obtain optimal movement restoration, eliminating faulty movement patterns, and retraining posture using manual therapy and exercise.

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Lori Miller, PT, Dip. MDT
Education: Kansas University Medical Center, 2003
Certifications: Diplomat Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy/McKenzie Method, Dry Needling Certified
Clinical Interests: Back and neck pain, mechanical diagnosis and therapy (McKenzie Method), orthopedics

Lori is a Supervisor to orthopedic and oncology specialists. She has been with GW since 2015 after moving here from the Midwest. Before becoming Supervisor, Lori worked with patients experiencing musculoskeletal disorders and injuries and focused on treatment and pain management of spine and extremity conditions. She has worked in multiple settings including hospital-based outpatient and privately owned clinics. Lori helps support many of the specialty programs offered at GW Hospital. She is proud to lead the GW team with such skilled and dedicated therapists and enjoys supporting, mentoring, and encouraging growth and communication.

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Nick Moats, PT, MSPT, OCS
Education: West Virginia University, 2007
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics
Clinical Interests: Hip injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation after hip labral repair/reconstruction, sports injuries, dry needling

Nick is a senior orthopedic Physical Therapist. He has worked at GW Hospital since 2008 and treats a large variety of orthopedic injuries, including neck and low back pain, shoulder, hip, and knee injuries, sports related injuries, and post-surgical rehab. Nick has a particular interest in hip femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI), hip labral tears, and recovery from arthroscopic hip labral repair/reconstruction. He earned his board certification in orthopedics (OCS) in 2012. Nick is also certified in dry needling, blood flow restriction therapy, select functional movement assessment, and running analysis and treatment/prevention of running injuries through The Running Clinic.

Janelle Oduro-Adjei, PT, DPT

Education: Northeastern University, 2022

Certifications: Johns Hopkins Certificate in Pelvic Residency, Level 1 Stecco Fascial Manipulation, American Physical Therapy Association Certificate in Pessary Fitting

Clinical Interests: Pelvic health rehabilitation (all genders), maternal health, incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain

Janelle is a physical therapist who specializes in all pelvic health conditions to support optimal healing through a holistic lens and improve patient quality of life. With previous experience as an orthopedic and pelvic physical therapist, she strives to incorporate a multi-dimensional approach to treatment. She has an interest in maternal health and has conducted research at Johns Hopkins Hospital on pregnancy/postpartum referral rates and education associated with pelvic health physical therapy. She has previously also participated in pre and post-operative assessment and treatment of patients undergoing gender affirming surgery. She is passionate about pelvic health for all people and is excited to partner with the rehabilitation team and other providers for high quality care.

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​Bonnie Pancoast, PT, DPT, NCS
Education: Marymount University 2005 (DPT), Longwood University 2000 (BS)
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic PT, APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and Advanced Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Stroke rehabilitation, brain injury rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, rehabilitation for persons with limb loss

Bonnie has been a Neurologic Physical Therapist since 2016 and has extensive experience working with stroke and brain injury survivors. She is a Senior Physical Therapist on the Neurological Team here at GW Outpatient Rehab and has a passion for mentoring and teaching students and peers alike. She has worked with patients across the lifespan, and has treated patients with a large variety of diagnoses in the neurological realm as well as chronic orthopedic challenges. She also enjoys working with patients with limb loss in our Amputee Specialty Program. Outside of the clinic, Bonnie is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and serves as a committee chair within the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy in APTA. She also serves as adjunct faculty in Marymount University’s Physical Therapy Program.

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​Arun Pargal, PT, DPT
Education: The George Washington University, 2023
Clinical Interests: Low back pain, chronic pain, strength and conditioning, psychology

Arun is an orthopedic physical therapist who enjoys working with patients throughout the rehabilitation process. He studied Kinesiology and Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as being a member of the club soccer team.

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​Dorie Prince PT, DPT
Education: Quinnipiac University, 2011
Clinical Interests: Gait and balance training, neurological rehabilitation, wheelchair seating and mobility assessments

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Janvi Raichura, PT, DPT
Education: University of Southern California, 2021
Clinical Interests: Pelvic health (all genders), prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation, vaginismus, diastasis recti, trigger point dry needling

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Neelima Reddy, PT, MPT, AIB-VR
Education: Miami University (BA), Youngstown State University, MPT, 2003
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, falls prevention, post concussion rehabilitation, pregnant and postpartum rehabilitation

Neelima is an orthopedic/vestibular Physical Therapist. After graduating PT she school has worked at an array of hospital-based outpatient settings working with a variety of patient populations and diagnoses across the lifespan. In recent years she has focused on treatment of vestibular conditions addressing dizziness and balance impairments. She strives to provide a comprehensive total body approach to fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness. Neelima has volunteered her time at Special Olympics Healthy Athlete working with athletes and coaches providing health screenings and injury prevention.

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Brian Salazar, PT, DPT, OCS
Education: The George Washington University, 2020
Clinical Interests: Spine, sports injuries, general orthopedics, post-op total hip and knee replacements

Brian is an orthopedic Physical Therapist who enjoys working with all orthopedic conditions in order to help patients maximize their function and return to the things they love. Brian runs the outpatient rehabilitation program for total hip and knee replacement surgeries to ensure that the patients are getting the best care possible following their surgeries.

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Jose Sanfeliz, PT, DPT, OCS
Education: Western Kentucky University, Old Dominion University, 2019
Clinical Interests: Orthopedic injuries, long-COVID rehabilitation, aquatic therapy

Jose currently works as a physical therapist treating various musculoskeletal injuries. He mainly treats the orthopedic population including spine pain, chronic pain, joint replacement and sports injuries, and has a special interest in long-COVID rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. Jose graduated with his BS in Biology from Western Kentucky University and subsequently commissioned via ROTC into the US Army where he served as a Medical Service Corps Officer for 10 years. After resigning his commission from the Army, Jose achieved his life-long goal of becoming a physical therapist culminating in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

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Pamela Shields, PT, DPT, OCS, Dip MDT, CEASI
Education: Temple University, 2004
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist, Diplomaed Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Level I
Clinical Interests: Musculoskeletal injuries, pain or dysfunction of the spine and extremities as well as musculoskeletal disorders secondary to surgery, cancer or chronic pain

Pamela is an orthopedic Physical Therapist specializing in the use of the MDT assessment to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders of the spine and extremities. She values clinical practice advancement, life-long learning and striving for superior patient outcomes and mitigating healthcare burden on individuals and society. Her work-life balance includes working one-on-one with her patients to achieve what is most important to them; finding physical achievement through running, cycling, swimming and yoga; finding mental achievement through reading and study; finding creative achievement through piano and emotional achievement through time well spent with family and the outdoors.

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Joseph Signorino, PT, DPT
Education: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, 2010
Advanced Training: Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist, Trigger Point Dry Needling, APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions addressed with manual physical therapy and exercise; special interest in conservative management for chronic conditions

 

Kianna Stiffler, PT, DPT

Education: Ithaca College, 2022

Certifications: Johns Hopkins Women's and Pelvic Health Residency Graduate 2024, Certified Pessary Fitting Provider, Certified Level I Stecco Fascial Manipulation Provider

Clinical Interests: pelvic health of all genders, sexual dysfunction, gender-affirming care

Kianna is a pelvic health physical therapist treating various types of pelvic floor dysfunction. Kianna grew up in Buffalo, NY, then attended Ithaca College to receive her undergraduate and doctorate degree in physical therapy. After graduating college, she worked in an outpatient chronic pain setting prior to completing the Johns Hopkins Women's and Pelvic Health Residency program in 2024. Through building a therapeutic alliance with goal-oriented and evidence-based patient care, she strives to empower and improve each patients' quality of life.

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Michael Taber, PT, DPT, MBA
Education: The George Washington University, 2017
Certifications: Emory University Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation, APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Cert. DN
Clinical Interests: Post-COVID rehab, orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion, general wellness

Mike serves as Supervisor for our clinic’s Neurological and Pelvic Health outpatient Rehabilitation Groups. In his previous clinical physical therapist role, Mike treated a general orthopedic patient population, as well as patients who experienced vestibular disorders or had sustained a concussion. He also co-created our clinic’s post- COVID rehabilitation program. Mike’s previous background in economic consulting and statistical analysis has paired well with his clinical and population health interests, leading to his pivot to an administrative role. He enjoys using this combined expertise to advocate for patients and staff and to continue the growth and progress of our clinic.

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Carla Vertudes, PT
Education: Far Eastern University, Philippines, 2005
Certifications: American Physical Therapy Association Credentialed Clinical Instructor
Clinical Interests: Pelvic floor rehabilitation, incontinence, pelvic pain, vaginismus, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/primary lateral sclerosis

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Karen Whitesell, PT, DPT, NCS, ATP
Education: A.T. Still University, 2015
Certifications: Board Certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Certification in LSVT Parkinson's Rehab, Certification in Assistive Technology
Clinical Interests: Wheelchair seating and mobility, neurologic rehab, LSVT, amputee rehab, falls prevention

Karen is a neurologic Physical Therapist and has been an adjunct professor at George Washington University, Marymount University, and the University of Maryland. She is on the advisory board for the Montgomery College Physical Therapy Assistant Program. She has had a long career in Neurologic Physical Therapy, specializing in wheelchair seating and mobility, neurologic rehab for persons with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke. Karen co-leads the GWUH Outpatient Clinic’s Falls Prevention Program. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.