Physical Therapists Archives - Performance Optimal Health

Pam Sbarra

“'Care from the core' drives me to provide holistic care that makes a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of those I have the privilege to serve as a physical therapist.”

Pam Sbarra, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist based in Greenwich.

Pam deeply cares about her community, and has experience working as a soccer coach teaching young players as well as players with special needs basic skills in the sport. She also volunteered in a pro-bono clinic to provided physical therapy services to individuals in the community who are uninsured or under insured, as well as with Individual Abilities in Motion, an organization that is designed to allow individuals who have either sustained or live with a mobility impairment to participate in adaptive sports.

Watching her grandmother navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has shaped her career path towards becoming a physical therapist. Witnessing her challenges and triumphs firsthand sparked a deep empathy within Pam and fueled a passion to help others regain their strength and independence.

Forming meaningful connections with her clients is cornerstone of Pam's approach to improving their care. Building these connections allows me to motivate and support my clients throughout their rehabilitation journey, fostering a collaborative and empowering environment where clients feel heard and valued. This approach not only improves adherence to therapy but also cultivates a sense of partnership that is essential for achieving lasting health outcomes.

Outside of work, Pam stays active by going to the gym, running, and kayak with my dog. She also enjoys reading about and watching women’s sports.

Publications

The Effect of Home-Based Physical Activity on Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review

Kayleigh McComb

“I want to empower people to lead an active life without limitation and perform at their optimal level. My goal is to allow my clients the freedom to participate in activities that are meaningful to them in a sustainable way.”

Kayleigh McComb, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist based in Greenwich who enjoys working with all populations, especially resilient individuals seeking to achieve performance goals and maintain an active lifestyle.

Kayleigh previously worked as a barre instructor and taught group classes that focused on improving the strength, mobility, posture, and endurance of her clients. She has also been an active part of her community through injury prevention screening for youth athletes.

In her care, Kayleigh seeks to provide holistic care to every person by understanding their individualized goals. She emphasizes the value of shared decision making to guide a meaningful therapy experience and providing education on practical recovery strategies that help clients fit wellness into their daily lives.

Outside of work you can find Kayleigh running outside, hiking a trail, learning a new skill, or relaxing by the ocean.

Kayla Michalik

“I treat my clients like they are my family — and I am their biggest cheerleader.”

Kayla Michalik, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist based in Naples who enjoys working with athletes, among other populations, such as outpatient orthopedics. She works with clients of all levels and age ranges, including young and professional athletes in sports ranging from hockey, football, volleyball, baseball, dance, and cheerleading.

As a physical therapist, Kayla values getting to know her clients past their injury, listening to what their goals and interests are so that she can tailor a program that fits their needs while also reaching their goals and beyond. It is important to Kayla to build a trusting relationship with her clients built around education; she is a firm believer that exercise is medicine and that physical therapy is not a one size fits all approach.

Kayla was previously involved in the Tampa Bay community helping a lot with Feeding Tampa Bay and Impact Academy, where she helped promote and educate students, teachers, and parents about the importance of physical activity. In her off time, Kayla enjoys practicing Pilates, watching Michigan football, and hanging out at the beach.

Maresa Catenzaro

“I think what makes my care different is I try to talk to my patients and get to know them for more than just what their injury is.”

Maresa Catenzaro, PT, DPT, is physical therapist based in Hamden who works with all types of clients, including young athletes and older adults.

Maresa focuses on giving her clients a good education, which helps increase patient outcomes. By building a trusting relationship, her clients are more likely to be consistent with coming to their appointments, completing their home exercise programs, resulting in them getting better faster. This also helps to build a unique experience for each individual, so that Maresa is able to build the best program for the client that is tailored specifically to them.

As a former athlete, Maresa experienced multiple injuries in her past, which opened her up to the world of physical therapy. She started shadowing in inpatient and outpatient clinics to get a better idea of what work as a physical therapist is like, and ultimately decided to pursue the career. Maresa completed her final 10 week clinical rotation at our Westport location, solidifying her interest in orthopedics.

Maresa lives a very active lifestyle outside of work, weightlifting at the gym and going on hikes. She also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, or going to the beach or lake during the summer.

Stash Rutkowski

"Caring is genuine. In our field, it builds and solidifies relationships that are needed in physical therapy."

Stash Rutkowski, PT, ART, is certified in both Active Release Therapy and Dry Needling, and has two decades of clinical experience. He specializes in hip pathology and has trained with top hip surgeons in the country, including those at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Physical therapy allows Stash to stay active in the world of sports while providing the essential service of helping people improve their lives through medicine. Stash gives 100% of himself when working with patients; genuinely caring about his patients helps him solidify causative relationships that are necessary for physical therapy to be successful.

You name a sport, and Stash plays and watches it; he even coaches his two kids in soccer and baseball, sharing his love for sports with them.

Shane Foley

"I empower people to live better by building relationships, collaboratively establishing a plan to help people accomplish their goals and leading people to optimize their performance."

Shane Foley, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is the clinical operations lead as well as an orthopedic specialist who is certified in strength and conditioning, dry needling, and the Schroth Method. He has a deep passion for building relationships, helping people accomplish their goals and leading people to optimize their performance. Shane combines his advanced research, knowledge and skills as an orthopedic specialist along with his background as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist to provide the optimal analysis for his patients: he analyzes and helps people across the full spectrum of health care, from injury to improved performance.

As a former DI lacrosse player, Shane is passionate about helping his patients return to sport following an injury, using a criterion-based series of tests to ensure that when an athlete is ready to resume play, they have a little risk of re-injury as possible with optimal performance.

When not in the clinic, you can find Shane in nature either hiking or seeking out good wind to kiteboard, fresh powder to snowboard or calm tides to paddle board.

Robert Mahlman

"Listening and understanding where patients come from lets me create a unique program that they will enjoy."

Robert Mahlman, PT, DPT, OCS, is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist and certified Schroth therapist who specializes in the treatment of various orthopedic injuries, along with scoliosis and concussion management. He serves as the site director lead, and works closely with the heads of other locations. Prior to joining Performance, Rob completed a clinical affiliation with the United States Air Force at Kessler Air Force Base and worked with top military and civilian physical therapists to provide evidence-based care to our active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.

Rob enjoys being able to use his hands to help people, talking them through their problems and experiencing something new every day. He provides his patients with the knowledge, guidance and tools they need to understand their body and achieve their goals. By listening to each person and learning what they need, Rob creates a unique program aimed to not only help his patients recover but enjoy the physical therapy as well.

When he is not helping people move, Rob is doing it himself, going on hikes, mountain biking and using his GoPro as much as he can.

Renee Lascarides

“Educating clients is the most powerful tool we can provide to give them more confidence and control over their progress or rehabilitation.”

Renee Lascarides, PT, DPT, OCS, is an orthopedic clinical specialist who serves as the Hamden Site Lead, as well as an adjunct faculty member at Sacred Heart University. As a youth athlete, Renee was constantly active and played soccer and participated in cheerleading and gymnastics. Facing an injury, Renee underwent physical therapy and fell in love with the practice.

Now, as a physical therapist herself, Renee is excited to be a part of the world of orthopedic and sports physical therapy. She is particularly interested in working with athletes, having done research on injury risk assessment in dancers and gymnasts during her time at Quinnipiac University. She is currently pursuing further education on the relationship between Pilates and physical therapy, so that she could apply its principles in her care.

Michael Beecher

"I empower people to live better by practicing what I preach."

Michael Beecher, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, is the transformation and integration lead for Performance, overseeing the growth of the company. He is also a Titleist Performance Institute medical professional, a Hospital for Special Surgery credentialed advanced hip clinician and a certified dry needling specialist. He enjoys working with patients to close the loop of injury and recovery, helping them on their journey to rehabilitation from start to finish.

After graduating Sacred Heart University where he played Division I soccer, Michael underwent an intensive sports residency program with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic, then returned to Sacred Heart as an adjunct professor. He has published his research on physical therapy in numerous publications and seeks to serve as an educator both in and out of the Performance clinic, where he serves as the Chief Operating Officer. He is currently a member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network Advisory Board.

Michael used to play Division I soccer for Sacred Heart, and continues to stay active and play recreational sports. In his downtime, Michael spends time with his family and friends and likes to go hiking and paddle boarding.

Publications:
Journal of Orthopaedic & Physical Sports Therapy

SportsHealth: A Multi-disciplinary Approach

Journal of Athletic Training

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Maddy Mazoue

“I really believe in the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and want to help people achieve their goals — whatever they may be.”

Maddy Mazoue, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist, pelvic floor specialist, pregnancy and postpartum performance and fitness specialist, strength and conditioning specialist who specializes in developing athletes’ return to sport programs, as well as torticollis treatment. She has implemented various injury prevention warm-up programs for middle and high school athletic teams. As a physical therapist, Maddy values collaboration and teamwork, and believes that patient care is always better when providers are open and willing to work with each other to best serve the patient.

Maddy enjoys working with people to find ways to stay active that they are passionate about, regardless of the activity. She strives to build relationships with the people she helps.

Outside of work, Maddy maintains a healthy lifestyle to ensure she has the energy to tackle each day with enthusiasm. She loves cooking shows, playing volleyball, and watching college football.

Larry Piretra

“I enjoy challenging my body physically and mentally, seeing what we are truly capable of when we set our mind to something. There's no better feeling than accomplishing goals you never thought were possible.”

Larry Piretra, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, TPI-M2, is a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist who serves as the Naples Site Lead. As a Titleist Medical and Fitness Professional, Larry also serves as the Golf Programming Lead for Performance.

His experience includes working at outpatient orthopedic-focused clinics, treating patients of all ages as well as clinic affiliations with veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and high-level athletes in Birmingham, Alabama. Larry has also worked with local high school sports teams to implement ACL injury prevention programs and with local senior citizens’ centers to screen for and reduce risk of falling.

As an athlete, Larry has always had tremendous respect for physical therapists that helped him overcome injuries and get back to playing collegiate basketball. Now, he is able to return the favor and help people get back to the sport they love. He particularly enjoys working with golfers, both on the physical therapy and fitness sides. As a TPI Professional, Larry bridges the gap between rehabilitation, staying pain-free, and improving strength, power, and performance.

Larry does not believe in a one-size-fits-all philosophy, and instead takes care to listen to his clients and alter his approach to meet their specific needs and goals. He is also a strong proponent of taking ownership, both as a therapist and as a client. Being proactive and taking ownership not only improves outcomes, but builds up those around you.

In his free time, you can either find him trying a new local restaurant or playing golf.

Kiera Klaum

"I am firm believer that mobility is medicine and being active can do a world of good."

Kiera Klaum, PT, DPT, is based out of the Darien office. She focuses on orthopedic physical therapy, has experience with post-operative and post-COVID care and has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds, including athletes.

While at the University of Hartford, Kiera worked with the Division I volleyball team, exploring how improving lower extremity power increases vertical jump height.

Having always been a runner, Kiera finds movement key in daily activities. She appreciates the body’s ability to heal and enjoys being the person who can guide that healing process. As a physical therapist, Kiera seeks to optimize the rehabilitation experience as much as possible, focusing on the details and consistently following up with her care.

In her off time, you can find Kiera running, on a hiking trail or spending time with her friends and family. She’s also an avid fan of the New York Islanders — but please don’t let Kevin know.

Kevin Cota

"I empower people to live better by encouraging wellness in all aspects of their lives."

Kevin Cota, PT, DPT, SCS, ART, CDN, is a board-certified sports clinical specialist, certified in active release therapy and a certified dry needling specialist. Growing up in a family with only brothers and playing three varsity sports throughout high school, he grew up constantly competing. Now, Kevin has found a new kind of competition: getting his clients back to what they love as quickly and safely as possible. He enjoys being able to diagnose and treat orthopedic and sports injuries due to the complex nature of human movement and demands that are placed on the body daily. Kevin specializes in adolescent injuries and return to sport interventions for athletes.

Kevin previously served as the physical therapist for the New York Rangers, and is currently consulting for the team. When he is not working, Kevin can be found on a boat, fishing, playing hockey or spending time with his family.

Jonathon Mendola

"It is hard to find the energy to push through and achieve your goals. I am here to help you navigate that experience."

Jonathon Mendola, PT, DPT, GCS, CSCS, CSPS, is a distinguished physical therapist board-certified geriatric specialist with a profound dedication to understanding the aging process and enhancing quality of life in older adults. His passion for the science of aging stems from a deep-seated belief in the resilience and potential for growth at every stage of life and from the passion for helping people live not just a long life, but an active, exciting one. He is is also interested in working with patients post-op, clients dealing with joint replacements, as well as weekend warriors.

In addition to his specialization in geriatrics, Jon holds dual certifications through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as both a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Special Populations Specialist (CSPS). These certifications uniquely equip him to cater not only to elite athletes but also to individuals of all ages and abilities who seek to improve their health and well-being, regardless of functional or medical barriers.

Practicing since 2014, Jon has earned a reputation for his compassionate care and comprehensive approach to health management. He combines his extensive medical expertise with personalized fitness strategies and optimal health approach to empower his patients to achieve their health goals effectively and safely.

Jon has completed a series of rigorous affiliations, including a rotation at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he worked with military cadets and retired military veterans. He also worked with top rehab physicians and therapists at Keller Army hospital.

Jon is committed to advancing the field of geriatrics and promoting active aging through his clinical practice and community outreach efforts. He continues to inspire and educate others on the importance of holistic health practices that encompass physical fitness, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and mental well-being.

As a leader in geriatric care and fitness, Jon exemplifies a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of his patients and advocating for healthy aging across generations.

Gloria Christiano

“I believe each patient requires unique individualized treatment plans centered around meaningful goals to help restore and optimize function.”

Gloria Christiano, PT, DPT, OCS, is a physical therapist who is passionate about elevating the healthcare experience through a holistic treatment approach and emphasis on creating a therapeutic alliance with patients. She utilizes education and patient empowerment to achieve the exceptional outcomes for everyone she treats. She believes having shared goals with her patients creates mutual accountability to help restore and optimize function.

Gloria is certified in the Graston technique, which allows her to perform instrument-based soft tissue mobilization techniques. She is also working toward other advanced specialties in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine.

Gloria treats a wide variety of sports-related injuries, general orthopedics, and has a clinical fondness for ACL rehabilitation and return to sport. She is motivated to help patients successfully reach their maximum potential through exceptional patient-centered care.

When not in the clinic, Gloria enjoys spending quality time with her family, watching sports, and traveling to National Parks.

Elisa LaBelle

“Movement is essential to life. I am passionate about empowering people to move mindfully, efficiently, and fearlessly.”

Elisa LaBelle, PT, MSPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy practicing in Greenwich, with a specialty in performing arts medicine. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from New York University as well as Pilates Mat and Equipment Certifications.

With over 20 years of experience, Elisa has worked in top-ranked teaching hospitals including New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Harkness Center for Dance Injuries/NYU Langone Health, as well as private practices across Connecticut and New York.

Elisa has lectured and co-presented on presentations covering injury prevention for the dancer and clinical perspectives on dance medicine. She also took part in creating and presenting NYU Langone Health continuing education content as a member of the dance medicine team at Harkness, in addition to providing backstage and onsite physical therapy services for the performing arts community in and around New York City.

Elisa is licensed to provide telehealth physical therapy in Florida.

Danielle Pasquale

“I am genuinely invested in each patient’s treatment plan and overall wellbeing to help optimize their full potential and achieve their goals.”

Danielle Pasquale, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist certified in dry needling, women's pelvic health, and pre/post-natal fitness. She has always had a passion for helping people, and decided to funnel that drive into physical therapy and teaching others how to live their healthiest life.

Danielle attended Ithaca College to obtain her doctorate in physical therapy where she led a biomechanics research team looking at ACL return to sport testing and worked with collegiate athletes to ensure proper progression back to their sport.

As someone who values living a healthy and active lifestyle, Danielle began her specialty in women’s health and pre/post-natal performance to give women the tools and training to safely continue to live an active life during and after pregnancy. Danielle believes that showing compassion and dedication builds trust between provider and patient, providing the motivation they need to achieve their goals.

In her free time, Danielle enjoys staying active attending new exercise classes, doing hot yoga, and playing with her dog Callie.

Chris Donato

“I strive to empower people to live a better life, optimize their function, and motivate them to achieve and exceed their goals.”

Chris Donato, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist based in New Canaan who enjoys working with all populations. He specializes in working with athletes, especially overhead athletes, drawing from his time playing five years of club baseball at Sacred Heart University.

Prior to joining Performance, Chris completed a 10-week clinical rotation with the San Francisco Giants, working with professional baseball players to help optimize their recovery and return to sport. At the same time, he pushed them to perform at the highest possible level while relying on sustainable improvements to enhance their athletic performance.

Chris carries over his athletic mindset to motivate all kinds of clients and problem solve efficiently, and he enjoys utilizing his hands-on clinical skills to improve client outcomes. His ability to listen and understand the client allows him to find salient ways to overcome all obstacles and enhance their recovery process.

In his off time, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching baseball and playing softball.

Carolyn Surgent

"I have a real commitment to life-long learning; I love what I do."

Carolyn Surgent, PT, DPT, FDN, is a mover by nature and loves to explore how the body works and moves. Though she started out in the field of architectural history, she danced professionally after obtaining her degree. Instead of studying the structure and function of buildings, she began to take an interest in the structure and function of the human body.

With an interest in orthopedics that runs in the family, Carolyn combined it with her love for the art of movement and obtained her DPT from New York University, a career choice that allows her to spend time and build relationships with her patients. She holds a deep curiosity on helping people and enjoys educating others on the importance of taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing.

Britt Gunsser

"I empower people by getting to know what they truly value and hold them accountable to achieving their goals."

Britt Gunsser, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, certified Schroth therapist and dry needling specialist. She has completed extensive coursework qualifying her to treat spinal deformities of all kinds, including scoliosis. Britt has completed multiple marathons and is a RRCA certified running coach. She has completed various coursework throughout the years to best help runners of all levels recover from injury and train to the best of their ability.

As a physical therapist and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, Britt takes a comprehensive approach to recovery, taking an in depth look at the causes of injury and conditions to provide the best treatment possible. Britt takes care to get to know all of her patients, including their goals and hobbies. This helps guide their treatment, as she can tailor to them in a way that will result the greatest success and achieve their goals.

A passion of Britt’s is education. As the lead of clinical education for Performance Optimal health, she mentors physical therapy students, ensures that her colleagues have access to and are familiar with the latest evidence-based practice, and has prepared colleagues with an Orthopedic Certified Specialist exam prep course with a 100% pass rate. Britt has taken on the role of director for Performance Optimal Health’s Orthopedic Residency program with the goal of educating and mentoring residents to become advanced-practicing, well-rounded physical therapists.

Brian Kuruc

"I have a passion for making people better, starting with educating them. I give them the tools they need to be effective in reaching their goals."

Brian Kuruc, PT, DPT, OCS, TPI-M2, is a physical therapist, dry needling specialist, and TPI certified medical golf professional. He has completed several advanced clinical rotations, including Spring Training with the San Francisco Giants. Brian enjoys working with athletes of all ages; he used to work with minor league players on injury rehabilitation programs and currently serves as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Westport PAL Youth Football League.

Brian makes it his mission to educate his patients. He helps them understand not only what he is working on, but why certain exercises and treatments help more than others. His clients are part of their own treatment every step of the way and enjoy a collaborative environment where everyone recognizes the importance of working as a team to achieve individual goals.

Anyone that is highly motivated and is looking to get better is a good match for Brian, who has a passion for helping others improve their lives, especially athletes. When Brian is not outside staying active through tennis, running and basketball, he enjoys mind puzzles, video games and fantasy sports.

Publications:
Reliability of elbow extension, sensory response, and structural differentiation of Upper Limb Tension Test A in a healthy, asymptomatic population (2019).

Ashley Moriarty

“I empower people to live better by finding out what is important to them so I can help them achieve their goals.”

Ashley Moriarty, PT, DPT, OCS, is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist who is certified in dry needling and pre- and post-natal fitness. She has a passion for helping people move better and stay active, especially new moms.

Ashley attended Boston University for both undergraduate and graduate studies and stayed to work in the Boston area for a number of years after she graduated. She joined Performance in the fall of 2019 and now works as the New Canaan Site Lead.

As a provider, Ashley understands the importance of actively listening to her clients, getting to know them as a whole person and not just their injury, and helping them get back to what's important to them.

Outside of work, you can find Ashley sitting on a beach, skiing a black diamond, or spending time with her husband, infant son, and golden retriever.

Pam Sbarra

Physical Therapist

Pam Sbarra

Greenwich

“'Care from the core' drives me to provide holistic care that makes a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of those I have the privilege to serve as a physical therapist.”

Care From The Core

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Kayleigh McComb

Physical Therapist

Kayleigh McComb

Greenwich

“I want to empower people to lead an active life without limitation and perform at their optimal level. My goal is to allow my clients the freedom to participate in activities that are meaningful to them in a sustainable way.”

Care From The Core

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Kayla Michalik

Physical Therapist

Kayla Michalik

Naples

“I treat my clients like they are my family — and I am their biggest cheerleader.”

Care From The Core

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Maresa Catenzaro

Physical Therapist

Maresa Catenzaro

Hamden

“I think what makes my care different is I try to talk to my patients and get to know them for more than just what their injury is.”

Care From The Core

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Stash Rutkowski

Physical Therapist

Stash Rutkowski

Westport

"Caring is genuine. In our field, it builds and solidifies relationships that are needed in physical therapy."

Care From The Core

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Shane Foley

Clinical Operations Lead

Shane Foley

Greenwich Site Lead

"I empower people to live better by building relationships, collaboratively establishing a plan to help people accomplish their goals and leading people to optimize their performance."

Care From The Core

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Robert Mahlman

Site Director Lead

Robert Mahlman

Westport

"Listening and understanding where patients come from lets me create a unique program that they will enjoy."

Teachers and Scholars

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Renee Lascarides

Physical Therapist

Renee Lascarides

Hamden Site Lead

“Educating clients is the most powerful tool we can provide to give them more confidence and control over their progress or rehabilitation.”

Teachers and Scholars

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Michael Beecher

Transformation/Integration Lead

Michael Beecher

Greenwich

"I empower people to live better by practicing what I preach."

Care From The Core

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Maddy Mazoue

Physical Therapist

Maddy Mazoue

Greenwich

“I really believe in the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and want to help people achieve their goals — whatever they may be.”

We Huddle

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Larry Piretra

Physical Therapist

Larry Piretra

Naples

“I enjoy challenging my body physically and mentally, seeing what we are truly capable of when we set our mind to something. There's no better feeling than accomplishing goals you never thought were possible.”

We Take Ownership

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Kiera Klaum

Physical Therapist

Kiera Klaum