Bethlehem - Illick's Mill

Certified Level 2 Running Gait Analyst

Growing up playing competitive basketball and soccer, sports has been a huge part of Sherif’s life. Throughout his clinical career, he has developed a passion for working with athletes as well as other orthopedic related conditions, with advanced education in gait analysis, running, manual therapy, and performance training. Sherif obtained his Bachelor’s of Science with a concentration in Kinesiology from Temple University, followed by his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University, and further specialized within the St. Luke’s Orthopedic Residency Program. He is Dual-Board Certified in Orthopedics and Sports by the American Physical Therapy Association, as well as Direct Access certified. In addition, he is a Credentialed Certified Running Gait Analyst. Sherif serves as an adjunct professor at DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, assisting with course topics of Orthopedic Case Analysis, Exercise Prescription, and Therapeutic Modalities. He is a Certified Clinical Instructor and is also involved in teaching and mentoring in the St. Luke’s Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program. Outside of work, he enjoys distance running and exercise, traveling, cooking, following Philadelphia sports, and spending time with his wife and family

Shari Ann’s passion for wellness and admiration of the body grew from years of competitive gymnastics and all-star cheerleading. After retiring from over fifteen years of competitive sports, she began surfing and snowboarding recreationally. She taught gymnastics and was a Certified Personal Trainer before becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant after graduating from Penn State University in 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She has treated patients of all ages and backgrounds. She believes in educating all her patients on living a healthy lifestyle with the gratitude of knowing that all we have is today. She has been in the St. Luke’s family since 2018—before her daughter was diagnosed with infantile leukemia when she was six months old. Shari Ann has worked tirelessly to give her daughter the best quality of life for the last five years and is happy to report that she is just a few months shy of attaining three years in remission. Shari is an advocate for pediatric cancer research and is a published author. Her book details the brutal journey of motherhood through battling childhood cancer and holding onto hope. You can find Shari sharing her smile with her patients, even on rainy days, as just breathing is more than a gift worth being grateful for.

Mitchell has a passion for working with individuals across the lifespan with clinical interests in sports medicine, manual therapy, gait analysis, and lifting/functional movement mechanics. Specifically, Mitchell enjoys working with lifting athletes and individuals interested in enhancing performance in sports or everyday functional activities. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Temple University. Mitchell’s treatment philosophy stems from using a holistic approach to see the person as a whole and believing in the power of “prehab” to decrease the risk for injuries and promote a life of health and wellness. Interests of his include staying active with weight training, recreational sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as cooking and exploring new foods/drinks. He has experience working in the restaurant industry, after-school educational programs, and with pediatric spinal cord injury patients and thoroughly enjoys learning new things and meeting new people.

Theresa attended East Stroudsburg University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Rehabilitative Services and Psychology. She went on to receive her Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College. Theresa completed massage courses at Health Options Institute and is Certified in Deep Tissue Massage. She is also a Certified Graston Technique Specialist and a Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner.

Brendon received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from West Chester University in 2021, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from DeSales University in 2024. Brendon is dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centered care, and exploring every avenue to support the improvement of his patients. He holds clinical interest in expanding his manual therapy skills and expertise, and specifically enjoys treating pathologies relating to the spine. Outside of work, Brendon enjoys lifting weights, playing sports, serving at his local church, and spending time with his family and friends.

As a lifelong athlete, Connor knows what it’s like to endure the setbacks of suffering an unfortunate injury. Connor is passionate about working with individuals of all sports and activities that experience orthopedic related conditions but has extensive experience working with golfers and is certified within the Titleist Tour Performance Institute. Connor also enjoys working with patients with neurological conditions. Connor has experience with and enjoys treating individuals that suffer from dizziness, balance disorders and concussions, and is accredited within the St. Luke’s Comprehensive Concussion Program. Connor graduated from Moravian College in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, where he was a four-year member of the baseball team. Connor received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from DeSales University in 2023. Connor’s treatment philosophy revolves around providing individualized treatment plans that stimulate everlasting growth and self-efficacy, as he attempts to inspire a level of functionality that exceeds the prior standards of his patients. In his free time, Connor enjoys golfing, snowboarding, playing guitar and watching sports.

Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant

A Bethlehem native, Kirk holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Audio/Video Production, as well as a specialized degree in Multimedia Production. After a career as an engineer in the wireless telecom industry, Kirk returned to school to pursue a second career in Physical Therapy, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Lehigh Carbon Community College. Outside of work, you can find him running and biking on local trails, snowboarding the local slopes, and working with rescued dogs at various local animal shelters.

Thomas’ clinical interests include treating athletes, joint replacement therapy, spinal rehabilitation, isokinetic strength testing, and the general orthopedic patient. Thomas graduated with Honors from the University of Hartford in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 2005. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. He has his Direct Access License and is also a treating therapist of the Comprehensive Spine Program. Thomas believes in a hands-on personalized approach to treatment geared towards each individual’s goals. Thomas is a lifelong resident of Bethlehem and is proud to provide rehabilitative services to those in his hometown. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

As a former patient herself who has struggled with widespread chronic pain, Amanda understands how impactful and debilitating pain can be on one’s life. How it changes the way one navigates their world. She took her personal experience with pain and made it her mission to empower her patients to overcome their functional limitations and pain by utilizing evidence-based and person-centered care. Amanda graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science concentration. She attended DeSales University where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She further became a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) and received her certification through Evidence in Motion. As a clinician, she enjoys creating a motivating and fun experience for all her patients. On her free time, she enjoys working out, trying new restaurants in the Lehigh Valley, and spending time with her family.

Taylor has a passion for outpatient physical therapy, where he enjoys helping athlete’s own their recovery and return to activities they love. Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Professions, with a minor in Nutrition from Temple University. He then continued his studies at Temple University, where he later earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2024. Taylor firmly believes in the power of healthy lifestyle changes, strength and conditioning, and nutrition in order to maximize function and performance. Taylor is excited to incorporate these principles for each patient, athlete or not, to promote longevity and health.