FloatStaff

Natalie grew up in running sports and always had a passion and goal of helping people. Natalie graduated from Misericordia University in 2008 with her Master’s degree in physical therapy and soon thereafter, she obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University. She has years of experience in outpatient orthopedics as she is passionate about ensuring the best quality care provided for her patients. Natalie strives to have a strong rapport with her patients to set them up for successful rehabilitation and in achieving their established goals. She believes in lifelong learning, growing, and developing new skills and learning from others. Outside of therapy, Natalie enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with her husband and two very active girls, especially in the outdoors.

Anthony is a bilingual Occupational Therapist with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Kean University and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University. He has previous experience in an outpatient setting treating neurological, orthopedic, and pediatric patients from my clinical rotations. Anthony gained a strong interest in working with an orthopedic population through my clinical rotations. He enjoys working with a variety of patients and understands that every individual is unique and deserves patient-centered interventions for the best care. Anthony takes a holistic approach to therapy focusing on functional activities and helping patients return to their meaningful goals. When he is not working, he enjoys running, working out, playing soccer, and watching sports!

Evan has a passion for treating individuals of all ages with a special interest in orthopedics. Evan’s main goal is to help his patients achieve their personal fitness and exercise goals in order to improve their daily lives with both a hands-on and exercise-based treatment approach. Evan believes that every approach to each patient is different, and that each person should be treated according to his or her own goals. Evan received both his bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Misericordia University. Evan is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. While in school, Evan had the opportunity to work with both the men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse teams in programming and implementing an exercise program aiming to decrease the number of injuries each team incurred both during and after their respective seasons with good effect. During Evan’s free time, he enjoys going on hikes and long walks with his dog and fiancé.

Having a passion for fitness and a large interest in the medical field, Jo-Elle graduated from Lehigh Carbon County Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She enjoys working with a variety of diagnoses and populations and is most passionate about orthopedics and sports. She believes that exercise is for life and can often be heard saying “motion is lotion.” In her down time, she enjoys spending time with her son and dog, going to the gym, hiking, kayaking, and cooking. She also thoroughly enjoys St Luke’s sponsored obstacle races with her son.

Alyssa was inspired to become a physical therapist assistant through her own experience of attending physical therapy for different orthopedic conditions. She graduated with her Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Pennsylvania State University. Then earned her Indirect Supervision License. After working as a physical therapist assistant for several years, Alyssa became interested in treating pelvic health patients. She participated in the St. Luke’s Pelvic Rehab Team Mentoring program to help achieve positive patient results. Alyssa enjoys treating patients of all ages within different specializations in physical therapy such as orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health. She is detail oriented, takes pride in quality of patient care, and believes in a hands-on approach along with evidence-based techniques when treating patients. Alyssa is continuously striving to better patient outcomes by taking continuing education courses to keep up to date with current treatment methods. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Alyssa has a passion for working with a variety of athletes and populations with clinical interests in manual therapy, post-operative diagnoses, and Parkinson’s disease. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Thomas Jefferson University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in exercise physiology from East Stroudsburg University. She feels physical therapy is best performed with both active and manual therapy techniques to achieve optimal outcomes. Alyssa feels her background with playing collegiate soccer and being an avid runner helps aid in rapport and connection with athletes and others dealing with injuries.

Jen has a passion for movement and helping people and knew that she wanted to be a neurologic physical therapist starting in the 6th grade! She received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Drexel University in 2011. Jen has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy since 2015. She believes in providing a supportive, yet challenging environment for her patients during therapy sessions to ensure that they can reach their maximal functional potential. Jen enjoys running marathons, being down the shore, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Tom received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University. He believes in a hands-on treatment approach and individualizing each patient’s therapy program based on their specific needs and goals. He has a special interest in working with athletes as well as patients of all ages with orthopedic injuries. Throughout his sessions he incorporates manual therapy techniques and evidence-based practice in order to optimize patient outcomes. Tom enjoys outside activities including hiking, biking, recreational sports and helping patient get back to their favorite activities.

Kiersten graduated from Moravian University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences, and continued her education at Moravian University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2024. She is passionate about treating patients with orthopedic conditions and believes it is important for her patients to gain maximal functional movement and strength to return to doing what they love. She uses her knowledge and devotion to physical therapy to give her patient’s the care they need. She approaches her patients with empathy and values their opinion when it comes to their care, as she believes all patients should have a say in their treatment options. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and 2 cats, and she is always looking for fun new coffee flavors to try!

Lauren received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Neumann University in 2016 after earning a B.S. in Kinesiology from Penn State University. She believes in the importance of a well- rounded approach to healing and focuses on active and manual treatments to help patients achieve their goals. Lauren enjoys working as a float therapist and getting to interact with and help many different patient populations while gaining exposure to a wide variety of diagnoses. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and baking.

Sarah was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science at East Stroudsburg University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University. She believes in utilizing a combination of manual therapy and exercise to create individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve their goals and maximize their function. She is a nationally ranked bodybuilder and powerlifter. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her 2 dogs as well as strength training and reading.

Jacob’s drive originates from his extensive athletic background at the high school and collegiate level with experiences in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, track, and swimming. As a result, he developed a deep love for athletics while experiencing the challenges of recovering from sports-related injuries. This fueled his passion for assisting athletes in returning to peak performance levels on and off the field. Jacob received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences from Moravian College and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Moravian University. His clinical focus includes return to sport, manual therapy, hand therapy, concussion rehabilitation, and running/gait analysis. He plans to pursue board certifications in orthopedics and sports in the near future. Beyond the clinic, Jacob finds fulfillment in spending time with loved ones, honing his carpentry skills, and indulging in video games.

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Cancer and lymphedema diagnoses hold a special place in Alaina’s heart. Her mom was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of PT school. Her diagnosis led her to seek a clinic experience at Fox Chase Cancer Center where she was able to see continuum of care and how physical therapy could benefit patients throughout their course of treatment.  It is extremely important that activity and quality of life are maintained along with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Alaina received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Bloomsburg University and continued to Temple University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She is a Certified Edema Specialist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Additionally, she is a Vestibular Certified Therapist. Aside from cancer care, Alaina has spent most of her career treating a variety of orthopedic conditions in the outpatient setting. She focuses on using manual therapy to address myofascial impairments and exercise to re-educate and strengthen the tissues. Alaina believes in working towards goals that are patient driven and help patients to maximize their quality of life.

Kenneth received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and Master’s of Physical Therapy degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He has over twenty years of experience as a physical therapist and has training in the McKenzie system of mechanical diagnosis and therapy and the Mulligan concept of manual therapy. Kenneth’s extensive clinical experience and training has facilitated successful treatment for many patients with disorders of the spine and various orthopedic ailments and injuries. He has also used his knowledge and expertise to participate in St Luke’s orthopedic residency program as a mentor to orthopedic physical therapy residents. Kenneth also holds the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification which he has used to provide specialized rehabilitation to athletes from various sports or athletic backgrounds.

Melissa always had a passion for helping people and got involved with physical therapy to help people live life to their fullest potential. Melissa earned her Master of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from College Misericordia. With over twenty years experience, she enjoys treating people with all conditions but particularly enjoys post-surgical patients. She is happy to work in the area where she grew up and still resides. She is always looking for new ways to advance her skills and treatment techniques to better serve her patients. Melissa believes that therapy should be a personalized experience and will work with each patient to achieve their individual goals. In her free time, she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

She grew up playing sports and developed an interest in exercise and anatomy in high school. Courtney graduated with an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Fitness Specialist from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2007. After working as a personal trainer and physical therapy tech, she went back to school to earn her Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College in 2012. Courtney has experience working in outpatient therapy and at an inpatient rehab hospital. Her favorite part about treating patients is helping them get back to enjoying their hobbies, daily activities, and discovering the benefits of exercise. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog playing in nature and watching home improvement shows.

LSVT BIG Certified

Being an avid skier, Jason has experienced injuries of different kinds, including concussions. Those injuries and other experiences have led to him developing an interest in the neurological population. His interest only grew after having spent several years as a physical therapist assistant in St. Luke’s Acute Rehabilitation Center. While working in acute rehab, he developed a strong interest in stroke recovery, especially evidence-based high intensity gait training. In 2018, he made the decision to return to school to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy to better serve patients. He graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science before attending and graduating from DeSales University in Center Valley, PA with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. While at DeSales, he has also earned an LSVT BIG certification for treating patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of work, Jason enjoys hiking with his wife and their dog, working on and driving sports cars, skiing, and riding his motorcycle on sunny days.

Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Kutztown University and an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College. He believes in using manual techniques and focusing on functional exercises to promote getting back to everyday life activities. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports and landscaping.

Being a multi-sport athlete through grade school and college, Kyle’s interest in physical therapy started at a young age. He received his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College. He takes pride in helping people of all abilities achieve their goals, whether they are a high-level athlete or someone attempting to return to their basic daily tasks. Outside of the clinic, he can be found playing sports, hiking, snowboarding, and producing various genres of music.

Angelica discovered her passion for physical therapy during her senior year of high school while attending a Sports Medicine Program. She went on to earn her Associates of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness from Montgomery County Community College and later graduated from Harcum College with an Associates of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. With experience in both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics, Angelica enjoys working with a wide variety of orthopedic and neurologic patient populations. She truly believes “Movement is Medicine” and loves helping patients achieve their functional and personal rehabilitation goals through therapeutic exercise and mobility. Outside of the clinic, you’ll often find her out for a run, soaking up the sun at the beach, enjoying a great cup of coffee, or exploring local farmers markets.

Laura started her early career as an animator working on the original Forensic Files and various commercials for television and web. After watching compassionate therapists work with her father as he battled through Parkinson’s disease, she decided she wanted a change in career and enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. Compassion, understanding and how to critically think in directing individualize patient care are just some of the core skills she obtained through the program. Once accepting a position at St. Luke’s University Health Network, she further honed her core hands on skills through various online and live courses. Laura loves providing care as one of our float PTA staff. Not only does her position empower her to progress her skills through exposure to many of our highly skilled Physical Therapists, but she finds fulfillment in working with all patient populations from young to old. On the weekends you will often find her partaking in recreational agility for her dogs’ exercise and enjoyment.

Vanessa works with both the neurologic and orthopedic populations of all ages to help them achieve their personal goals. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Physiology from DeSales University and then went on achieve her Master of Public Health and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees at Arcadia University. Vanessa believes that having her MPH gives her a different perspective in identifying barriers for her patients and helping them overcome what may stand in their way of recovery. She utilizes a movement-based approach to physical therapy with emphasis on the individual she is treating. When not in the clinic Vanessa keeps active by running, hiking, and kayaking. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and trying to recreate all the different foods they try on their adventures at home in her kitchen.

Certified Hand Therapist

Cathy is an experienced PT, treating people of all ages striving for each patient to reach their full rehab potential.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, and Certification in Hand and Upper Extremity from Drexel. As a Certified Hand Therapist, she enjoys seeing her patient’s return to independence and the activities they love. She works closely with area Hand surgeons to identify impairments and assist each patient to reach their personal goals. Outside of PT, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family including 11 grandchildren and playing the bagpipe!

As an athlete and sports fan, Tracey enjoys working with patients with orthopedic and sports injuries to help them achieve their personal goals. Additionally, she has experience in aquatic therapy and enjoys educating patients on the healing properties of the water. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from NYU and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Emory University. She believes everyone is unique and takes the entire person into account when implementing treatment plans for a patient centered approach to healing. In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures with her husband and kids, learning about different cultures and foods, and watching or playing tennis and soccer.

Dr. Michael Steimling is an orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapist with advanced expertise in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Drexel University in 2013. Since 2015, Dr. Steimling has been an ABPTS board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics and, in 2018, became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists after completing the Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy at Regis University. His clinical interests include sports-related injury management, post-surgical rehabilitation, and performance optimization for athletes of all levels. In addition to his clinical work at St. Luke’s, Dr. Steimling is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Moravian University. He also maintains an active research background in running biomechanics, risk factors for running-related injuries, and gait retraining strategies, and has published in peer-reviewed journals

A clinician who holds a passion for the arts, athletics, and child development, Kaylie received her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University, followed by her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University. She frequently treats orthopedic, pediatric and sport related injuries, believing in a hands-on approach to best provide the care that is geared towards personalized patient/family goals. In her spare time, you can find Kaylie building a humble photography business, reading, crafting, or finding a new home renovation project to add to her list of ever-growing DIY endeavors.