Outpatient Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists

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.

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

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.

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.

Devin Christman, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Education: Widener University, 2012
Certifications: Board Certified in Orthopedics, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), Titleist Performance Institute Certifie
Clinical Interests: Spine, general orthopedics, ACL injuries, sports medicine

Devin is a senior Physical Therapist specializing in orthopedic/sports. He became a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 2016 and went on to complete his fellowship work in orthopedic manual therapy through Regis University in 2020. Devin has advanced training in biomechanics and injury prevention/treatment of golfers through certification by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). He also has advanced training in running gait analysis through the Running Clinic and is certified in Dry Needling. Devin has provided medical services for several athletic events including the U.S. Open (Golf) Tournament, Marine Corp Marathons, and Rock n’ Roll Marathons.

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.

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

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.

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.

Polo Lynn Edwards, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
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.

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

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.

Sophia (Fieke) Janson, PT, GCS 
Education: Medical College of Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University, 1989
Certifications: Board Certified in Geriatric Physical Therapy, LSVT BIG Parkinson's Rehabilitation
Adjunct Faculty: Marymount University
Clinical Interests: Neurological rehabilitation, falls prevention rehabilitation, amputee rehabilitation, arthritis rehabilitation, management of medically-complex clients

Fieke is a neurologic Physical Therapist. She has worked in a variety of settings including acute rehab, acute care, outpatient clinics and home health. She has enjoyed serving as adjunct faculty at both Howard University and Marymount University. Fieke is passionate about training future clinicians and is a certified clinical instructor. Her love for working with the geriatric population led her to develop a Falls Prevention Program at GW Hospital. She is also a regular speaker on this topic to community groups.

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

Rhonda A. Jones, PT, MA, DPT
Education: BSPT Howard University, Master of Arts University of Maryland, DPT University of Montana, Missoula
Clinical Interests: General practice, clinical focus orthopedics, chronic pain management, integrative health and wellness

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maggie Marshall, PT, DPT
Education: East Carolina University 2021
Clinical Interests: Orthopedics, runners, bone health, sports injuries, chronic pain

Maggie is an orthopedic Physical Therapist. She attended East Carolina University as an EC Scholar. During her time in PT school there, she worked as a graduate assistant in the Human Movement Analysis Lab researching bone stress injury in runners. Her background in gait analysis and advanced course work while in school has led to an interest in addressing bone health across the lifespan and working with runners from all backgrounds to both treat and prevent injury. She began her career as a Physical Therapist in Jacksonville, North Carolina, due to her interest in working with the military population. She gained experience working with both active duty individuals and veterans, and she later received the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification to better serve this population.

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.

Shana McMeans, PT, DPT
Education: Shenandoah University, 2022
Clinical Interests: Dyspareunia, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse,  postpartum

Shana is a pelvic health and orthopedic Physical Therapist. She attended Shenandoah University where she conducted extensive research in treatment for clogged milk ducts with the use of comprehensive physical therapy treatment. She has orthopedic interests in treating both lumbar spine and hip. When she started her bachelor's degree, she completed a project on the urinary system where she first learned about pelvic health physical therapy. Soon enough, Shana fell in love with learning about treatment for pelvic health conditions such as urinary incontinence, constipation, dyspareunia, and pelvic organ prolapse. She believes that this patient population is very underserved and she loves being part of GW where she can provide high quality care.

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 Lead Therapist to orthopedic and oncology specialists. She has been with GW since 2015 after moving here from the Midwest. Before becoming Lead Therapist, 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.

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.

​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 is a senior neuro Physical Therapist and is a part of the Neuro Team. Since graduating from Marymount University in 2005, Bonnie has worked in outpatient rehabilitation, serving stroke and brain injury survivors in an intensive outpatient program at another facility. She also worked with patients who have chronic orthopedic challenges, other neurological disorders, and complex medical histories, and has treated conditions across the lifespan, with her patients' ages spanning from 5 to 100. While at her previous clinic, Bonnie also served as a mentor to students, peers, and PT Residents, and helped to grow the mentorship program at that facility. She earned her Board Certification in Neurologic PT in 2016, and now serves as chair of a committee in the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, helping to develop strategies for promotion of and success pursuing Board Certification in Neurologic PT.

​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.

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

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

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.

Brian Salazar, PT, DPT
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.

Jose Sanfeliz, PT, DPT
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.

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.

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

Michael L. Taber, PT, DPT
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 Lead Therapist 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, and current pursuit of his Master of Business Administration from GWU, 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.

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

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.