Kresgeville

Fellow of the American Academy of Spine Physical Therapy

As an athlete involved in college sports, Melissa took a strong interest in the field of physical therapy. Melissa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Beaver College, now Arcadia University. Melissa earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Scranton and is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Melissa graduated as the first Spine Fellow from St. Luke’s University Health Network, one only 4 accredited programs in the country. She is the Facility Director at the Kresgeville Office and is involved in the Spine Fellowship and Orthopedic Residency programs. Melissa presented a research poster platform about the effects of mentoring in improving outcomes at APTA CSM in 2023. Melissa treats patients as individuals and addresses their personal concerns and goals while making therapy fun. Melissa is passionate about her work and the results her patients achieve in gaining back their independent lifestyles.

Sharon has been working as a physical therapist for over 30 years utilizing manual therapy and patient education to individualize each person’s therapy to their goals and abilities when creating a treatment plan in order to obtain the best functional outcomes.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston in 1989 and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Arcadia University. She is a Primary Care Physical Therapist and able to treat patients as direct access. She enjoys seeing orthopedic patients of all ages and a variety of other specialty diagnoses such as Bell’s Palsy, Vertigo and TMJ. She believes in wellness of the whole body and encourages her patients to lifelong fitness and health. Sharon continues to enjoy summer and winter activities and spending time with her growing family.

Melody received her Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Pennsylvania State University. Here she received an academic sports award in volleyball. She has been a PTA for over 20 years helping patients regain strength, mobility and function. She has focused on aquatic physical therapy the last few years where she has become a member of the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab institute. She has enjoyed coaching youth sports including basketball, baseball, softball and soccer.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in exercise physiology from East Stroudsburg University and an Associate’s degree in Applied Science as Physical Therapist Assistant from Lehigh Carbon Community College. She ignited her passion for rehabilitation during her collegiate field hockey career where she witnessed the power of rehabilitative medicine. Jessica enjoys treating patients of all ages and ailments but has a passion for working with athletes stemming from her own field hockey experience. She takes pride in her ability to work with clinicians and patients to cultivate individualized programs to maximize patient outcomes and mobility. In Jessica’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, and playing sports.

Chris graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Penn State University at the Hazleton campus. He has over ten years of experience treating geriatrics and orthopedic patients. Chris enjoys working with patients having a variety of orthopedic conditions, utilizing manual techniques to help patients achieve their goals. He enjoys a healthy active lifestyle that includes trail running, cycling, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. He also enjoys spending time with his family and their rescued greyhounds.

Johanna graduated from Misericordia University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She recognizes the wide variety of functional limitations that patients in the outpatient setting can have, and as a result, is a firm believer in creating an individualized treatment plan specific to her patient’s goals. Her treatment philosophy fosters the importance of movement and incorporates current evidence-based research with functional activities. This treatment philosophy addresses her patient’s deficits efficiently and carries over into movements they are required to perform throughout their day-to-day life. In the future, Johanna hopes to complete advanced certifications in orthopedics. In her spare time, Johanna enjoys exercising and reading.

Certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist

Patti graduated from the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Physical Therapy. She later earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree also from the University of Scranton. She is a Certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist through the American Physical Therapy Association’s section on Women’s Health. She believes that every patient interaction is an opportunity for growth and learning. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment to educate and support each individual through their own healing process. She has a personal love for movement and breathwork in all of its forms including but not limited to dance, yoga, and various exercise forms. Patti readily incorporates this love into her Women’s and Men’s Health specialty physical therapy practice.

Jessica graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College in 2009. She has over 13 years of experience working in outpatient physical therapy, with an emphasis on providing treatment for geriatric and orthopedic patients. She also has experience working in inpatient rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. Jessica believes in collaborating with fellow clinicians to combine traditional and evidence-based practice techniques in order to build individualized programs for each patient. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and painting in her free time.

Robert graduated from the University of Delaware in 1987 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy degree. He is a member of the APTA and is a direct access provider who holds licenses in both PA and NJ. He has over 30 years of experience treating a wide variety of conditions with an emphasis in outpatient orthopedics along with 15 years of aquatic therapy practice. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and competing basketball and baseball.

SOS Approach Certified

Ashley has a passion for working with pediatric patients and their families with feeding and communication needs. She feels mealtime should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University and her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland. Ashley is trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach (SOS Approach) for treating children with feeding difficulties. She is also PROMPT trained. Her treatment philosophy surrounds individualized treatment to meet a child where he/she is and to help them become an effective communicator and/or efficient eater. Ashley enjoys working collaboratively as part of a health care team to provide quality care to her patients and their families.

Helena has a passion for working with children across their developmental years from birth onwards and holds clinical interests in infant massage. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from High Point University. Helena has experience in school-based settings and early intervention. Helena strives to create an environment where families and she can work together to help her patients reach their goals.

Sandy’s first love was reading and her first job was as a clown at children’s birthday parties.  These early experiences have grown into a lifelong passion for nurturing the language and literacy skills of all children. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in East European Studies, and received her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from William Paterson University. At graduation she was awarded the Andrea Raymer Award for Clinical Excellence. Sandy believes that building communication skills for all children should be a priority as it is a fundamental part of the human experience. She also recognizes that children learn through play and strives to make therapy sessions productive and fun.

Jenna received a combined Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Saint Rose. She earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP) after completing her clinical fellowship at a human service agency working with students aged birth-5, primarily supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Jenna believes in individualization of treatment plans and play-based, hands-on approaches to therapy. She strives to bring her patients interests into her session to make therapy time engaging and fun. As a clinician, she enjoys growing her knowledge, researching, and collaborating with team members to facilitate a holistic method of intervention. In her free time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and hiking with her cocker spaniel, Finn.

Krista has a passion for working with children and their families to help them achieve goals across various settings including home, community, and school. Her passion is evident by her experience working with the pediatric population in multiple settings including school-based, virtual, and early intervention within the home. She graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Alvernia University and is trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach (SOS Approach) for treating children with feeding difficulties. As a mother and Occupational Therapist, she believes in providing a fun environment with a multisensory team-based approach to therapy to provide quality care to her patients and their families.

Lindsey’s passion for occupational therapy started at the age of 12 while babysitting her cousin with special needs and observing their therapy sessions. Lindsey received an Associate’s of Applied Sciences in Occupational Therapy Assistant, a Bachelor’s in Health and Occupational Sciences, and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Maria College. Prior to receiving her Master’s degree, Lindsey had eight years of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Lindsey has work experience with a variety of pediatric settings, including preschool, school age, and outpatient pediatrics. Lindsey believes that working as a team to provide a multi-disciplinary approach is important for the success of her clients. When Lindsey is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog.

DaLina earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University. She is passionate about working with children and has gained valuable experience through both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. DaLina has treated a range of diagnoses, with particular interest in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), as well as pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. DaLina strongly advocates for a collaborative, team-based approach tailored to each patient’s needs. She enjoys incorporating creativity into her sessions, which helps her build meaningful connections with both patients and their families. By fostering a strong rapport with her patients, DaLina aims to provide optimal therapeutic outcomes and ensure effective communication and support throughout treatment. In her free time, DaLina enjoys shopping, being crafty, and spending time with her family, friends, and her corgi Nala.

Jennifer is the lead front desk coordinator at the Kresgeville Physical Therapy Facility, which she oversees all the facility tasks. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and customer service, Jennifer is very dedicated and passionate with all that she is responsible for and loves helping anyone in need with questions or issues they may have. She wants patients to feel comfortable and have a great experience. Outside of work, Jennifer loves spending time with her 3 Children, fiancé, and family. She loves watching her kids in their various sporting events, camping trips and vacations.

Trista is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Sciences. She then went on to obtain her Masters of Science in Exercise Sciences from East Stroudsburg University. She has been working in the physical therapy field at our Kresgeville location since her graduation in 2003. She has dedicated herself to the many patients and fitness members making sure they feel comfortable and welcome in the facility ensuring they have the best experience and support to help keep themselves healthy. She has now moved to a more front desk staff role in which she feels her customer service and exercise background help her give new and returning patients the best care possible. When she is not in the office she is enjoying watching her 2 boys play multiple sport and volunteering with their sports programs in the community.

Tonya Weiss is a Front Desk Coordinator at the Kresgeville office and has been with Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s since November 1996 when the Allentown – West End office opened. Tonya takes great pride working in her hometown area and enjoys helping new and former patients. With over 35 years of healthcare experience and nearly 30 years at her current location, Tonya brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and loyalty to her job. In her spare time, she enjoys time spent with family, friends, and helping around the community.