Team Archive - Performance Optimal Health

Claire Petri

“I love working with people and helping them get stronger and more comfortable moving their body — and watching that strength and confidence affect other parts of their life!”

Claire Petri, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Greenwich and Darien who specializes in strength training and functional fitness.

She enjoys working with both athletes and general population clients, and has experience with Pilates techniques, weight loss and pain management, helping clients overcome gym anxieties and learning proper movement patterns. Claire is currently pursuing continuing education on corrective exercise as well as pre/post-natal fitness.

Claire always takes into consideration the whole picture when working with a client. Life can be demanding enough, so Claire believes in programming that is sustainable and appropriate so that her clients can reach goals and feel good doing so.

Jennifer Fier

Kristen Chacho

Angela Leite

“I am always calm in my work and 100% focused on the work I am doing. I effectively listen to my clients’ input and adapt my care to their needs.”

Angela Leite, LMT, is a massage therapist based in Hamden with over two decades of experience as a massage therapist and physical therapist. She specializes in a variety of massage techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, pre-natal, cupping massage, and sports massage, among others. She is currently pursuing continuing education in a few different fields, including myofascial release therapy, stretching, and Pilates.

Angela’s previous experience includes working as a physical therapist, rehabilitation aid, caregiver, event chair massage therapist, and pain management massage therapist.

When she’s not working, Angela enjoys going to the gym, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

John McGeorge

“Teaching and learning are the basis for a lot of what we do. And nothing is more rewarding than giving people new tools and watching them forge a new life for themselves.”

John McGeorge, PT, DPT, OCS, is a physical therapist, board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, and dry needling specialist in the Hamden office. His specialties include lower extremity therapy with a focus on arthroscopic surgeries (including ACL, multi-ligamentous knee injuries, and arthroscopy), cervical spine injuries and conditions, as well as soccer, basketball, and weightlifting athletes.

John is currently pursuing a sports physical therapy specialization certification to enable him to increase coverage of athletic events and attend international conferences related to knee injury.

His previous experience includes a residency training at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Orthopedics where he specialized in orthopedics, which enhanced his examination and treatment skills with respect to each individual’s movement system.

Additionally, teaching in the hospital’s residency programs which included orthopedics, sports, and athletic training allowed John to refine his teaching abilities and mastery of different topics. This experience allowed him to treat clients of all ages and activity levels with the goal of getting them back to their usual activities faster.

As a physical therapist, John takes into consideration where everyone is in their recovery with respect to their current status and other medical conditions and incorporates concepts from his training as well as new evidence for how it will best expedite everyone's recovery.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with family and playing pick-up soccer or basketball with friends, or collecting vinyl from local flea markets and thrift stores.

Natasha Neitzell

Karen Mitchell

Lexanne Ford

Lexanne Ford is a practice manager at Performance Optimal Health, overseeing the front desk operations in Greenwich, CT, New York, and Florida, as well as spearheading the efforts of the client success team across all locations.

With a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, Lexanne continuously strives to elevate the client experience, aiming to make it not only seamless but also truly memorable. She is always seeking ways to blend efficiency with a personal touch and ensure that each interaction with Performance Optimal Health is nothing short of exceptional.

Outside of work, she spends her time at the local library and exploring new cuisines and restaurants.

Linda Velazco

Linda Velazco is the senior practice manager for Performance Optimal Health, bridging the gap between efficient healthcare operations and exceptional client experiences. Her expertise in healthcare administration and resource management ensures the seamless day-to-day functioning of the facility. Linda fosters a collaborative environment, motivating the team to deliver their best care while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and optimizing the facility's performance.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting new places and spending time outdoors.

Johanna Clement

Johanna Clement, MBA, is the business development manager and healthcare partner liaison for Performance, with over a decade of experience working in the health and wellness space. She currently oversees various business development initiatives across the organization.

Johanna's core responsibilities include developing and nurturing community partnerships consistent with the Performance mission, core values, and target market, sourcing new business opportunities to fuel future growth, and supporting the clinical team in showcasing their roles as subject matter experts with key stakeholders and community leaders through educational events.

Julia Greco

Andrew Chruscicki

Andrew Chruscicki is a project manager and assistant to the CEO, Todd Wilkowski. He is responsible for a variety of strategic operational and growth projects, such as developing end-to-end standard operating procedures and process maps for a variety of departments, from on-boarding new clients through accounts receivables.

Andrew has created Performance's business intelligence platforms and oversees the design and production of all analytics and reports for managing and improving operations. In addition, he works closely with the CEO on growth strategies and plans, and he directly oversaw the creation of the North Naples office, from site selection through opening.

In his free time, he enjoys cycling and swimming.

Grant Gulino

Jennifer Bohn

Pilates Instructor

BS in Political Science, University of Central Florida
MS in Textiles & Merchandising, Florida State University

Comprehensive Pilates Certification for: Mat, Reformer, Springboard, Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel Spine Corrector & Magic Circle
Bodybar Pilates Certified
Completed Club Pilates Teacher Training Program
Completed Balanced Body Anatomy in 3D & Movement: The Core Like Never Before
Completed The Movement Tour (Balanced Body & Bosu) ACE, AFAA, NASM, PTA Global (CEU’s)

"I love working with clients and watching them attain their goals and grow. I am their biggest fan! I believe in exercise and moving your body; nothing makes you feel better than movement."

Jennifer Bohn, CPT, is a Pilates Instructor based in North Naples who is certified in a variety of Pilates disciplines, including mat, Reformer, Cadillac, and more. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, especially young athletes, and has been teaching Pilates since 2018.

After spending the beginning of her career in the fashion industry, Jennifer decided to make a career change for her physical and mental health. Formerly an avid runner, Jennifer traded in her running shoes for a Pilates Trapeze Reformer & took a year off to focus on obtaining her Pilates certification & healing her body. Now, Jen enjoys working with people of all ages & teaching them about body awareness, flexibility, core strength, balance & coordination.

Jennifer particularly enjoys working with clients coming off an injury or transitioning from physical therapy. And as an avid pickleball player herself, Jennifer always takes the opportunity to chat about the sport with her clients, many of whom are fans of the sport as well.

Natalia Wiater

Natalia Wiater is the Marketing Coordinator for Performance Optimal Health, overseeing digital marketing and content creation for the company. She optimizes the website to not just provide a user-friendly experience, but a resource with educational articles on a variety of health and wellness topics. Natalia is also responsible for all collateral, content creation, and signage, as well as email and newsletter campaigns.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, playing tennis and volleyball in the summer months.

Winnie Victor

"I try to make myself a better person every day, not just for me, but for those I encounter and work with. I always deliver 100%. I lead by example, not just talking the talk but walking it. I empower people to live better by being their own personal cheerleader: If I can believe in them, they can believe in themselves.”

Winnie Victor, ATC, NREMT, recently completed an MS in Exercise Science and Nutrition at Sacred Heart University, while serving as a graduate assistant at Sacred Heart’s Fit Health and Wellness Center.

As an athletic trainer, she combines her love for sports with her love for helping people. Winnie works with diverse populations, caring for all kinds of people and athletes before, during and after injury. She treats patients and clients as if they are her own family, because that’s what Performance is — a family.

Winnie loves staying active and taking various avenues to achieve that. She dances to mainly hip-hop, contemporary and African genres. She also enjoys and Olympic Lifting, kickboxing, yoga and hiking. When she isn’t being active, she has a passion for books (and an unnatural obsession with anything true crime related.)

William Manzi

“I chose this path because this is what I love to do. Being able to shape the body and mind of individuals and have their lifestyle change is a reward in itself.”

William Manzi, CEP, is an exercise physiologist who specializes in the ability to take care of any individual, regardless of any limitations. Over the past ten years, he has trained a variety of different individuals for over ten years, including US Navy SEALs, heart attack patients, and more. Through this, Will has been able to build his expertise, and add an arsenal of exercises to his toolkit that can be progressed or digressed depending upon the individual.

Having worked with cardiac patients for the past 5 years, Will has developed a speciality in cardiac training and rehabilitation, as well as reading EKGs. Currently, he is currently studying to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

As an exercise physiologist, Will loves being able to show his clients that there is a way to get better, no matter what the issue is, and enjoys being with his clients every step of the way. He feels rewarded when helping others shape their mind and body and changing their lifestyle overall for the better.

He enjoys working out in his free time along with going on hikes with his dog Jackson. Will also plays semi pro football for the Connecticut Panthers.

Todd Wilkowski

"I empower people to live better by living by our core values. As an educator, I teach people what they need to know to take accountability for their own health and achieve a balanced life."

Todd Wilkowski, PT, SCS, has a life-long commitment to helping his clients live better lives in pursuit of Optimal Health. He founded Performance in 2002 and has expanded it from one office in Manhattan to a network of facilities throughout Connecticut and most recently in southwest Florida. His visionary perspective on the healthcare marketplace, as well as his tenacious approach to service innovation, continues to expand the boundaries of what is possible with Performance.

Todd took the burgeoning physical therapy practice and transformed it into a company rooted in a holistic approach to health and founded on his own core values. He expanded Performance’s mission from its original focus on recovery to one of finding balance in all aspects of one’s health: sleep, exercise, recovery and nutrition. Each are equally important and necessary to maintain Optimal Health. In an ever-evolving world, Todd strives to keep Performance one step ahead, anticipating people’s needs and challenges and empowering them to live better.

Todd is a board-certified sports clinical specialist, and has served as an adjunct professor at New York University, and sits on several advisory boards: Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network Advisory Board, Greenwich Youth Lacrosse Medical Advisory Board and the Ithaca College Athletic Advisory Council, of which he is the chairman.

When he is off the clock, you can find Todd playing golf, training and spending time with his family. He especially enjoys watching his four daughters participate in athletics themselves (three are rowers, one a soccer player) and teaching them lessons about life through sports.

Svitlana Panzarino

"I like to inspire people by living a healthy lifestyle. I’m enjoying helping clients to become stronger and see them succeed.”

Svitlana Panzarino, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Naples. Svitlana specializes in training both youth and older populations, as well as training with the intention of weight loss. She also has an interest in corrective exercises and working closely with physical therapists to provide the best possible outcomes for her clients. Svitlana prioritizes continued education, aiming to specialize in a new area every few years.

Svitlana pays close attention to details and strives to create enjoyable and progressive training regimens so her clients feel safe and cared for in a respectful and friendly environment.

Stephanie Soete

“The foundation of a successful workout program is educating the clients on the why behind everything they do.”

Stephanie Soete, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Westport. Her approach to her clients revolves around setting goals. She underscores the fact that not all goals have to be big, just attainable. By empowering her clients to be goal-driven, Stephanie empowers them to achieve victories every day, no matter how big or small.

Stephanie has experience working with youth athletes, but loves working with anyone. Her goal as a personal trainer is to help her clients achieve their own goals. Stephanie is a firm believer that fitness has a major impact on people both in and out of the gym, and it can make a positive impact on their lives, both physically and mentally.

In her off time, you can find Stephanie on the slopes, at the beach or traveling.

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 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.

Roza Murphy

“I care about every client I have; I care about their goals and expectations, and I will do everything I can to design their program and set achievable goals, as well as help with their diet, stress management and recovery.”

Roza Murphy, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Westport. She started out as a registered dietitian in Poland, then transitioned to a career in personal training in the United States. As a former athlete herself (she used to swim and run), Roza believes that everyone can benefit from exercise. Whether it’s working out, doing Pilates, going on a walk or meditating, she underscores the importance of people having an escape from their hectic lives.

As a trainer, Roza seeks to educate her client on the “why” behind everything they do. Once they do, they can take better care of their health and lead a healthier lifestyle. By teaching her clients about their nutrition, recovery and managing their stress, Roza can help them achieve their goals and bring that knowledge home.

On the side, Roza likes to volunteer as a trainer for her son’s soccer team and daughter’s tennis team. And drawing on her high school days, she is determined to keep running — she’s been able to complete a marathon and three half marathons, a success she attributes to plenty of strength training.

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 Westport Site Lead. 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, is a physical therapist in the Hamden office, 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.

Rebecca Deeley

“Every single human body is unique, so I treat each one as an individual: no matter how many bodies I’ve seen in the last 20+ years, I take into account the similarities between us all but realize we each experience ourselves and the world differently, so I try to steer clear of preconceptions.”

Rebecca Deeley is a Pilates instructor who specializes in exercises for low back pain, pre- and post- natal fitness, Scoliosis athletic conditioning, Pilates for golfers, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, post-rehab recovery, and more.

In 2001, Rebecca had the desire for a complete 180° career change. With a background in classical ballet and modern dance, prior exposure to Pilates as a young dancer, and a passion for educating others, Rebecca decided to pursue becoming a Pilates Instructor. After successfully completing her certification, she spent time in Hawaii and Doha, Qatar teaching Pilates.

Each year, Rebecca completes continuing education to maintain her Stott Pilates Certifications, and she has completed 60 workshops to date. She has also recently completed Module 2 of Scolio Pilates, and aims to complete the Scolio Pilates Certification soon, which would allow her to prescribe Scoliosis-specific exercises for her clients.

Rebecca loves to spend her spare time focusing on her own optimal health by hiking, mountain biking, chanting mantra, cooking, gardening, singing, and traveling.

Patrick Vierengel

“I put my clients needs and goals first, most importantly I listen carefully. I believe in honest communication and transparency as we work together to reach a goal.”

Patrick Vierengel, CPT, TPI-F1, is a certified personal trainer and golf trainer who trains clients out of Greenwich and New Canaan. He specializes in functional training, weight loss, core/stability training, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning, and has been training clients for over a decade. Patrick also specializes in working with golfers, using his golf knowledge as a golf trainer and Titleist Professional Institute Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Professional. He is currently studying to achieve the TPI Level 2 Fitness certification.

After Patrick suffered a hip injury and underwent compartment syndrome surgery due to playing sports in college, he realized how expansive and important the world of health and fitness is. It wasn’t enough to exercise or go to the gym to stay health and injury-free, but one’s recovery, sleep quality, dietary habits and stress management all play a role in feeling good and energetic in one’s day-to-day life.

Outside of work, you can find Patrick spending time with family or on the golf course as a third-generation member of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck. He also enjoys going on the boat/water sports or going to the beach with his dog in the summer, but in the winter, you can find him in the rink playing ice hockey.

Nicholas DiMeglio

“Nothing is more powerful than belief. Showing people that I have full confidence in them allows them to become confident in themselves and their abilities.”

Nicholas DiMeglio, CSCS, is a strength and conditioning specialist whose primary area of expertise is athletic development for both youth and adult populations. He is a firm believer in building a proper foundation of movement, especially in youth athletes, so they can achieve their maximum athletic potential with the lowest risk of injury.

Nicholas has a passion for sports and played Division III baseball at Springfield College. Once he discovered the impact he could have on people’s lives through athletics, there was no going back. Building those relationships with his clients and other trainers is at the core of his philosophy. By being mindful of how his actions affect others and vice versa, Nicholas is able to communicate more clearly, keep himself and his clients accountable, and provide better support as a trainer.

Nicholas recently finished certifications, Rethinking the Big Patterns Level 1 (a biomechanics based course on teaching and training movements), and The Art and Science of Speed Training (a course on running mechanics and program design for sprinting). He is currently working on completing a Metabolic Nutrition Certification, so that he can help athletes optimize their performance with nutrition on top of their training program.

In his off time, Nicholas competes in powerlifting and enjoys hiking with his dog, Baloo.

Monika Jarosz

“I want my clients to offer the world the best they have, and continuously work on themselves spiritually, physically, and mentally. I believe in a therapeutic touch that is purposeful, professional, and says that I care."

Monika Jarosz, LMT, is a massage therapist who specializes in lymphatic drainage and sports massage based in Naples, Florida. She started out as an esthetician in 2012, but her passion for wanting others to feel their best caused her to evolve her practice, so she become a licensed massage therapist in 2019. Monika has had the opportunity with working in high-end luxury spas, training other massage therapists and creating stretch programs at a recovery clinic.

Monika’s goal is to create a higher quality of life through therapeutic touch and education to provide purposeful and unique treatment plans. She attends continuing education courses every year to maintain her licenses and certifications and to ensure that she is up to date on the latest massage techniques.

Michele Tenney

“I love being creative as a team and seeing things from different vantage points to best support the person we are working with.”

Michele Tenney, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Hamden who enjoys working with all populations. As a trainer, Michele takes care to talk about the importance of nutrition in achieving goals. She also believes that proper nutrition is medicine for the body, and that one’s food intake needs to adapt to support the person’s current goals, age and limitations.

Though she started off in the financial industry, she decided to try a new path when she saw the foreclosure boom coming in 2006. Seeking something that didn’t feel like “work,” Michele discovered a passion for health and wellness, and proceeded to receive certifications as a personal trainer and nutritionist.

She has coached youth squash at the New Haven Lawn Club for over 15 years, and has served as the Chair of the Healthy Lifestyle Committee for the elementary schools in the town of Orange for the past six years. Michele is also a columnist for The Milford-Orange Times, and is the author of her own book, “The Passion of My Heart.”

Michele Elliman

“Creativity and curiosity define me: I learn from each body I have the honor to work with. I embrace being in a dynamic community of colleagues in which we can learn from each other and appreciate this opportunity to offer clients a true physical education.”

Michele Elliman has been practicing and teaching contemporary Pilates for over 30 years. Michele’s teaching is informed by her professional career as a principal dancer on the concert stage and as a noted choreographer and rehearsal coach for both national and international contemporary dance companies.

Michele continues to expand her knowledge and appreciation of the body in motion through everyday practice and continued study of anatomy and biomechanics with the renowned teacher, Irene Dowd. Michele has focused her practice on guiding each individual toward deepening their own understanding of their unique alignment and physical choices, leading clients towards a strong, informed and balanced body that moves efficiently and with ease. She has a particular affinity for people with lower back issues, postural concerns (such as kyphosis, lordosis) or undertaking pre/post natal care.

Michele’s love for the arts extends far past dance: she enjoys visiting museums, cultural events and art shows. And above all, she enjoys the arc of parenting.

Michael Semancik

"I empower people to live better by giving them the tools and motivation to do so. I believe that teaching someone and expanding their knowledge is the best way to help them achieve their goals and live a better life."

Michael Semancik, PT, DPT, OCS, TPI-M2, specializes in working with young athletes, specifically with rowers, hockey players and football players. Michael also brings this passion with him outside of the clinic: He formerly served as the physical therapist for various teams at Princeton University, including men’s hockey and football as well as women’s lightweight crew and volleyball.

As an athlete his entire life, Michael has always had a natural inclination towards the field of sports medicine and was fascinated by the rehabilitation process. He played Division I football at Sacred Heart University, but when he tore his ACL, Michael was introduced to the rehab process, reinforcing his decision to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Michael believes that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools people have at their disposal, and he considers himself to be a lifelong learner. Whether this is through teaching patients, learning from colleagues or staying up to date on the newest research, Michael is constantly trying to learn something new each day, which allows me to be the best clinician he can possibly be and empower his patients to live better. Currently, he is working on his TPI Medical Professional level 2 certification.

When he is off the clock, Michael enjoys going to the beach, taking his dog for a swim, watching football and playing golf.

Michael Beecher

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

Michael Beecher, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, is 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.

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

Meghan Dietz

“I love being part of the process that helps people return to activity and achieve performance goals – it’s an ongoing joy and privilege to be part of that process with my patients.”

Meghan Dietz, DPT, is a physical therapist, women's health specialist, and chief operating officer at Performance Optimal Health. Having started practicing in 2008, she has years of experience both as a physical therapist at several major hospitals and an operations director, making her the perfect fit for Performance. Meghan was excited to join the operations team, seeing a great opportunity to work in another multidisciplinary group that works to empower patients and provide holistic care.

As a physical therapist, Meghan enjoys working with all kinds of clients and cases, but she specializes in running performance and injury rehab (with an emphasis on distance running), as well as women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy.

Meghan has always been interested in health care as a profession, and found that physical therapy was a great combination of scientific processes, educating people, and empowerment of patients on an individual level. Meghan had always enjoyed playing sports and being active as a young kid, and physical therapy was a natural career path for her to stay active. Being a therapist enabled Meghan to work with many people with diverse interests in activity and movement, and it brings her joy to see people be active and empowered to do what they love.

Marc Feda

"I have a soft spot for seeing people heal, recover and improve. I have a servant's heart for people."

Marc Feda, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, TPI-MP2, is a concussion management specialist who is also certified in trigger point dry needling and a functional range release of upper extremity. Marc has also taken advanced coursework on treating TMJ pain, and is a Level 1 USA Weightlifting and Sports Performance coach.

Adding value to people’s lives is Marc’s passion, along with helping active adults achieve and maintain optimal health and rehabilitating injured youth and adolescent athletes to return to their highest level of performance. He adheres to the adage of “knowledge is power,” and sees his role at Performance as an educator. The more knowledge he can accrue is more knowledge he can share with his patients, helping them sharpen their own minds and habits.

Marc played Division I Ice Hockey at Sacred Heart University, where he then became the head strength and conditioning coach and assistant coach for the same team while earning his physical therapist degree.

When he is not with his patients, Marc is an avid golfer and hockey player who enjoys training via CrossFit, taking hikes and participating in adventure races.

Makena Mckain

"When I listen to a client and address their body’s needs, we develop trust. That trust is what gives my clients the motivation to strive for better self-care and work on their recovery.”

Makena Mckain, LMT, BCTMB, believes that massage therapy is a necessity, not a luxury. The connection between mind, body and spirit drew to massage, and she enjoys seeing her clients’ bodies relax and breathe while the tension and negative energy leave their bodies.

Being part of a wellness team and collaborating with her fellow members is an important aspect of providing clients with optimal care for . She specializes in pre/post-natal massage, MyoFascial Release Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy (Levels I – III) as well as Neuromuscular Therapy, especially in the lower body, neck and shoulders. is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and New York Medical Massage Society.

On her off time, loves playing tennis with her 10-year old and row at the Row House, which is her new obsession (and a great full-body workout). She also likes to take painting classes as a form of meditation and is currently pursuing a certification as an Herbalist.

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 and 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.

Liza Tuck

"My love for therapeutic touch brings joy to me and all of my clients I help."

Liza Tuck, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue massage, sports massage, acupressure, Swedish massage, and full body stretch therapy. Liza's passion for massage therapy led her to teach full time at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Westport, CT, now called Cortiva Institute for 5 years. After three years of working as a massage therapist, Liza started her own private practice in 2017, and she was a traveling therapist for two years.

Outside of work, Liza enjoys yoga, reading, hiking, and 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.

Koren Bradshaw

“I truly love teaching clients about nutrition and the impact food has on our wellness; I love empowering people to feel their best by making the best choices to fuel their bodies.”

Koren Bradshaw, MS, CDN, CLC, is a nutritionist who specializes in working with new/expecting mothers and women’s health, as well as in autoimmune and thyroid issues, food allergies and sensitivities, celiac disease and anti-aging. Her previous experience includes working as a nutritionist and lactation consultant, as well as starting her own practice.

A previous stint in the corporate office of a well-known quick-serve restaurant chain known for its treats, opened Koren’s eyes to hidden ingredients and just how damaging these commonly consumed treats really are. Around the same time, her oldest child was born with life-threatening food allergies, leading Koren to throw herself into research on how the food we eat impacts our bodies. These events, combined with a lifelong passion for wellness and healthy eating, motivated Koren to change the trajectory of her career path and become a nutritionist in order to help others on their own paths to wellness.

Koren believes everyone has the power to feel and look their best, and much of that power lies in the food we choose to put in our bodies as fuel and the activities we choose to use that fuel for. By educating her clients and simplifying concepts, Koren helps her clients understand which foods work best with their individual biochemistry and lifestyle, as well as how to make diet and lifestyle choices that will help them to feel their best, boost their energy and feel comfortable in their skin without restrictive eating or dieting.

Koren is a mom of two and lives in Fairfield with her husband, kids and pup. She loves to cook and stay active and heads to the beach as often as she can.

Kirsten deBiasi

“I value ownership and accountability because I know no one can do things for me. Results come from a consistent exercise work ethic and healthy choices.”

Kirsten deBiasi, CPT, TPI-F2, is a TPI certified golf trainer at Performance based in New Canaan at Halo Fitness. She specializes in golf corrective exercises that are based on balance stability and mobility, as they are crucial foundations to speed, strength and power in the game of golf.

As a personal trainer, Kirsten came to realize that she could apply her skills in a specific niche: golf. This married her love for sports fitness and the game of golf. As a golf trainer, Kirsten is passionate about motivating people to move better, perform to their best ability and use proper form. This is important not just for achieving results, but for preventing future injuries, as well.

Kirsten sets up her clients for success with personalized fitness plans include proper nutrition, adequate sleep and sufficient recovery — it’s the quality, not quantity that makes the biggest difference.

In her free time, Kirsten is all about competitive rowing (she’s a sculler). But in her actual free time, she likes to snowboard, bike, play golf (of course), do some gardening and bake sourdough bread.

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 Whelan

Kevin Whelan, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, is a board-certified sports clinical specialist and strength and conditioning specialist based in Westport. He has experience working in private outpatient settings, as well as with sports teams such as the San Francisco Giants and Driveline Baseball. Kevin also participated in a Sports Physical Therapy Residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

While Kevin works with clients of all backgrounds, he particularly enjoys working with overhead and field sport athletes. Having played multiple sports growing up himself, including rugby in college, Kevin has dealt with his own injuries and as a result has a particular interest in athletics and exercise science.

As a physical therapist, Kevin seeks to go above and beyond with his care in order to provide a positive experience and the best clinical outcomes. He also takes care to promote living an active and healthy lifestyle outside of doing physical therapy and offers suggestions to his clients on ways to be advocates for their own health.

In his free time, Kevin maintains an active lifestyle through weightlifting and playing hockey. He also carves out plenty of time to stay up to date on the latest clinical research in order to constantly improve his practice to provide the best care and outcomes for his clients.

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.

Keaton Mangi

“I strive to do my best with each and every client or athlete that I work with. I want them to continue to go out and perform in their daily lives to the fullest of abilities.”

Keaton Mangi, MS, is an athletic trainer who specializes in upper extremity throwing mechanics and rehabilitation.

Keaton has experience working with both collegiate Division I athletes and high school students, supporting 21 different sports teams over three years. Keaton was a physical therapy aide prior to getting his degree in athletic training, an experience that provided him with early insight into biomechanics as well as injury rehabilitation and prevention.

When working, he develops personal bonds with his clients and athletes, as he believes that developing trust and comfort is one of the best ways to enhance his clients’ outcomes.

Outside of his work, Keaton is an avid runner and overall loves being active in any way possible.

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, CSCS, is a detail-oriented physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is particularly interested in working with patients post-op, clients dealing with joint replacements, as well as weekend warriors.

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 currently pursuing further education on sleep and pain science to continue building out his knowledge of the human body.

Jon's holistic, empathetic and caring approach is built around the client as a whole; he takes into account his clients' experience and pain journey, utilizing multiple facets of their health to help get them to their goals.

Working with his hands is Jonathon’s passion. From providing physical therapy to taking care of cars and wood working, Jonathon thrives on creativity and his ability to problem solve. He also enjoyed playing intramural soccer in college.

Jessica Klecki

“Every client should feel that their healthcare provider really takes the time to listen to them and treats them as an individual, not as a diagnosis or body part. That all starts with caring.”

Jessica Klecki, PT, DPT, is a pelvic health specialist who works with female and male clients alike. She works with clients to create a comprehensive treatment plan for pelvic health issues that goes beyond kegels. Instead, Jessica takes a unique approach to pelvic health by incorporating various exercises, breathing techniques and stretching methods in her care.

Jessica chose to work in the field of physical therapy to instill a sense of resiliency in her clients. Having been injured herself, Jessica faced a lack of support during her healing process. Now, she wants to ensure others get the encouragement and guidance they need and deserve to return to all the activities they love.

As a native Floridian, Jessica is a huge fan of Tampa Bay Lightning, but is willing to give the New York Rangers a shot. In her free time, she likes to stay active by hiking, rock climbing, traveling, running and going to Disney Land.

Jennifer Hoogstra

Jennifer Hoogstra serves as the Head of Wellness Operations. In this role, she oversees the operational components of personal training, massage, Pilates, and recovery services. A former business owner, "sweating the small stuff" is what drives her to ensure the client experience is superior and the wellness service offerings are best in class.

Health and fitness are personal passions for Jennifer and inspire her to continue to advance her skills as an equestrian, weightlifter, and competitive trail and road runner. As a lifelong learner, she thrives in an environment where she’s challenged and can continue to learn from health and fitness experts.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys competing in athletic events, listening to podcasts about health and science, and spending time with her family. She approaches her job at Performance with the same philosophy as her mindset in the gym; no matter how hard you train, you’ve always got one more rep.

Jeffrey Purtell

"You cannot teach someone intention. No amount of education, no degree, can teach you how to engage with a person.”

Jeffrey Purtell, LMT, CPT, is a massage therapist based in Hamden. He is NASM certified in corrective exercises and personal training. He is also experienced in Thai massage, stretching, percussion therapy, Rocktape and Rockblades.

Jeffrey is a staunch supporter of practicing massage with intention, believing that clients can tell when someone is fully engaged, as it comes across in the results. Part of Jeffrey’s process includes educating clients on the type of work he is doing for them. By giving them the knowledge they need to improve and decrease pain, he can empower clients to live better.

He started off in the world of massage by giving his brother-in-law massages to decrease his leg pain. Once Jeffrey saw the impact he could make on people’s lives, he wanted to carry that forward for others. His passion is visible in his work, and his clients can tell.

Jaxon Sasala

“Medicine can be very black and white, whereas each case is always blurred in the area of grey. With each injury I take all accounts of your life into perspective to help you bounce back the quickest and safest way possible.”

Jaxon Sasala, ATC, CES, CSS, is a full-time certified athletic trainer and middle school PE teacher who specializes in corrective exercise. He is an NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Speed Specialist, and is CPR Certified.

While navigating his earlier years in college, Jaxon came across athletic training and knew this was his calling. Given his athletic career abruptly ended from a traumatic shoulder injury, he knew this would be a great way to “stay in the game” while helping others achieve their dreams.

After receiving his master’s degree in rehabilitative science, Jaxon had the opportunity of working alongside top physicians at both Emory Healthcare and Columbia University Hospital. At Columbia, he was submerged in all the up-and-coming techniques for both treatment and diagnostic testing with both the athletic and lay population, while also working hand in hand with the university’s team physicians and D1 athletes.

Jaxon is currently continuing his education and working toward his certifications in cupping and kinesiotaping techniques.

Harrison Ranscht

“I empower people to live better by pushing them to do their best and helping them with their struggles.”

Harrison Ranscht, ATC, is an athletic trainer deeply embedded in his community. He serves as the assistant athletic trainer for the University of Bridgeport’s women’s lacrosse and men’s soccer teams, athletic trainer for New Canaan Youth Football and assistant athletic trainer at the Danbury Ice Arena.

As an athletic trainer, Harrison looks at every detail in an athletes’ routine to determine the cause of an injury. An injury can be cause by a minor factor that can throw of the whole system and finding that factor and treating it with modalities and rehabilitation can work wonders for the athletes’ performance — and overall confidence in their sport.

In his free time, Harrison enjoys playing golf, going to professional sporting events, and watching football, soccer and basketball.

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.

Francine Blinten

"I empower people by connecting with them, discovering their motivations, gaining their trust and listening to them."

Francine Blinten, MBA, MS, CCN, CNS, has worn many hats: she started out in the finance sector, and later transitioned into the world of nutrition after having children. She looked for a new project to focus her energy on and drew on her childhood upbringing that was full of healthy eating habits. Francine specializes in disease prevention, management of chronic disease, weight management, gastrointestinal disorders and bone support. She also has a subspecialty in oncology nutrition.

Francine is a firm believer of listening to what your body needs and creating a unique, comprehensive diet that meets those specific goals, steering away from a quick fix. She uses laboratory results, medical history and the client's background to customize an eating plan appropriate for the their age, gender and lifestyle.

Outside her role at Performance, Francine is a lecturer at the Yale School of Medicine and consults for the Connecticut Mental Health Center, a partnership between Yale University and State of Connecticut.

Publications:
Better Eating and Recovery: Addressing Food Insecurity at an Urban Community Mental Health Center, International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (2016).

Hunger is a Health Issue, Health Progress (2019).

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.

Deirdre Otto

"I work with my hands, but it comes from my heart."

Deirdre Otto, LMT, is a massage therapist who specializes in stress management and pain reduction. She works with a variety of clients, but is passionate about working with people who are seeking to reduce their pain.

Working closely with physical therapists allows Deirdre to be an integral part in the treatment process of many physical therapy clients, both during the treatment and after they are discharged. Deirdre's goal is to help her clients feel better and return to the things and activities they love, as soon as possible.

Deirdre started out as a recreational therapist, and has worked with patients on their recovery of physical and mental function. She brings this knowledge into her approach as a massage therapist, maintaining an adaptive approach that helps her to tailor each massage for the client's specific needs.

Deirdre is an excellent resource for her clients, providing them with self-care tips and ways to manage stress.

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.

Christopher Nolan

"My goal is to make hard work an enjoyable experience, and I am here to provide the framework and take you through the steps necessary to help you achieve optimal health.”

Christopher Nolan, CSCS, is a firm believer that nothing should be taken for granted and no small detail overlooked. As a former athlete, Chris has always been driven to make his body perform at an optimal level. Becoming a personal trainer was the perfect opportunity to funnel that same passion to other areas of his life.

Chris worked in an athletic training facility at the University of Connecticut with a variety of athletes, including men's and women's track and field, softball, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse and field hockey. Chris also worked at New Canaan High School as a strength and conditioning coach for the school's men’s basketball and hockey teams.

Chris is passionate about expanding his knowledge in exercise science and sport-specific training. He aims to obtain a certification as a Functional Strength Coach, as well as several other certifications down the line to further improve his skill set.

When he is not learning about exercise science and the body, Chris enjoys watching and playing a variety of sports, including boxing, MMA, football and basketball. He will never turn down an offer to try new restaurants and breweries or spend time with his friends.

Christina Merrill

"I am always rooting for people. When they feel cared for, they achieve more."

Christina Merrill is a lifelong dancer who channels her passion for movement into Pilates. She is particularly skilled in the contemporary technique, which emphasizes a whole body, anatomical approach to Pilates. Christina has always been interested in quality of movement, and she focuses on flexibility, strength, coordination and body/spatial awareness.

Christina believes that Pilates creates a strong foundation to do other things in life, especially through reconnecting you when you are pulled in many different directions.

When she is not practicing Pilates, Christina taps into her dance background, having concentrated in jazz in college. She currently teaches and performs in Fairfield County.

Christina Chirco

“I am someone who is very passionate about my career and I put my whole heart and soul in wanting to make others feel better about themselves.”

Christina Chirco, CPT, ATC, is a certified personal and athletic trainer with a combined 20 years of experience who specializes in sports medicine and health fitness.

Christina grew up playing sports and knew that she wanted to make a career out of her passion. She started her journey as an athletic trainer at Gulf Coast High School and a personal trainer at nearby wellness centers, which led to her current position as the high school medical academy director at Gulf Coast High School. Christina’s drive is fueled by building new relationships and earning trust in her athlete’s and patients while helping them come back stronger after an injury.

In her free time, Christina enjoys being active by working out or playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and continuing her education within all aspects of health and wellness.

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.

Chad Gallant

"I like to inspire people by living a healthy lifestyle. I’m enjoying helping clients to become stronger and see them succeed.”

Chad Gallant, PTA, is a physical therapist assistant and United States Air Force veteran based in North Naples. Chad specializes in sports-specific therapy, acute care post-surgery due to chronic pain, balance training, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and Muscle Energy Techniques. He is also Level 1 Certified in Essential Training in the Graston Technique. His past experience includes working in both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy centers and skilled nursing facilities, as well as providing in-home services.

While stationed in Europe with the Air Force, Chad took a fellow trooper to the hospital for eye surgery. While he waited, Chad explored the hospital and found a physical therapist applying a prothetic leg to a soldier. When they got the soldier to stand and take a few steps, the soldier started to cry, which was an eye opener for Chad and turning point in his career. He decided he wanted to help people get back to their daily lives after surgeries, injuries, and other musculoskeletal issues they may face.

Carter Bushway

"Even though exercise can be a 'chore,' I'm here to make it fun and comfortable while giving people confidence."

Carter Bushway, CPT, has channeled his passion for exercise into everything he does. He seeks to be a resource both in and out of the gym for his clients and tries to get to know them and getter a better perspective on what they are working towards.

Originally interested in athletic training, Carter realized he wanted to work with all types of people, not just athletes. Now, giving people confidence and making them comfortable in an uncomfortable environment is his specialty. He writes personalized fitness programs for each client so that they can achieve their own Optimal Health goals their own way and at their own pace. Carter is also the instructor for all Forever Fit classes at Greenwich, and enjoys creating fun and functional exercise routines for those who want to keep their bodies moving as the years go on.

At Ithaca College, Carter worked with gymnasts, football players and women’s lacrosse athletes while working on a research project that examined college endurance athletes. His research team looked at which running modality — ground, treadmill or non-motorized treadmill — for training was better, a study he is currently working to get published.

Carter has a passion for basketball, balance and stability training, group fitness classes and working with older adults. On the side, he likes to cook, write poetry, go kayaking and play fetch with his dog.

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 work on running rehabilitation and is an RRCA Running Coach. 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 has a passion for helping people in need, and physical therapy allows her to be a resource and teacher for them. She related to her clients, having grown up with a special-needs family member who also worked with a physical therapist, and having herself gone through physical therapy twice.

As a physical therapist, 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.

When she is not running through Central Park, Britt is exploring the city’s best pizza places and watching New York Giants games.

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-M1, 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).

Brendan Copley

“My goal is to help foster connections that lead to a deeper understanding of the patient's injury and goals.”

Brendan Copley, CSCS, ATC, is a personal trainer who specializes in working with endurance athletes and post-rehab clients.

Brendan previously worked at a physical therapy cooperative where he performed athletic training outreach to University of Vermont club sports, corporate wellness programs, local organizations, and group fitness classes. He has also worked as an athletic trainer for the Washington State University rowing team and for Quinnipiac University’s cross-country and track teams.

With his background as an athletic trainer, Brendan is able to look at personal training through a lens of injury prevention in conjunction with sports performance. His background allows him to facilitate effective communication with the care team and more consistent training.

Brendan was a cross-country athlete at Quinnipiac University, which led to his interest in personal training. He had many positive experiences with healthcare and sports performance professionals throughout his time as an athlete and wants to be able to help others in the same way.

Outside of work, Brendan loves outdoor activities. Some of his favorites are running, rock climbing, snowboarding, and hiking.

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.

Ashley Jerry

“I pride myself on providing motivation, support and accountability to clients. Because eating is so personal and often requires behavior change, I ensure my clients know that I am there for them every step of the way.”

Ashley Jerry, MS, is a nutritionist who specializes in a variety of fields, including food sensitivities, medical conditions, and sports nutrition. Her expertise includes gut health issues, weight loss, self-image and an overall understanding of nutrition, as well as treating a diverse range of medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood glucose levels, obesity, pregnancy, gastrointestinal function, anxiety, depression, and overall health. Ashley also specializes in sports-specific nutrition guidance, including for sports such as powerlifting, running, bodybuilding, crew, football, and more.

One of Ashley’s fortes is designing customized nutrition protocols to include meal plans, grocery lists, health tips, and supplement recommendations. Having the ability and knowledge to assess lab results helps Ashley to create a comprehensive eating guide to keep her clients on track and improve overall health.

Ashley is a strong advocate of having a strong knowledge of nutrition, which makes all the difference in a person’s mental and physical strength. Childhood obesity is something that she is also very passionate about, as educating children on how to take care of their bodies is the start to implementing preventative care long term.

Ashley provides telehealth services to clients based in Florida and New York, as well as telehealth and onsite services in Connecticut, with the exception of Greenwich. Outside of work, Ashley is very involved in the bodybuilding world, as competing and training is a huge part of her life. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as spending time with her French bulldog, Leo.

Arianna Martignetti

“I empower people to live better by helping them increase their self-awareness and recognize that they have the ability within themselves to create change in their life.”

Arianna Martignetti, Ed.D., is a mental performance consultant who works with individual athletes, weekend warriors and teams at all levels, including competitive youth, high school, and collegiate levels, as well as recreational athletes.

As a lifelong learner, Arianna is motivated by connecting with others and engaging in activities or conversations that fuel her natural curiosity. Having experienced injuries and mental barriers as an athlete herself, Arianna wants to be the mental performance consultant for her clients that she was not able to have when she needed one.

Combined with her passion for educating others, Arianna works with her clients to fine-tune their mental skills or increase their self-awareness to create the change that they want and achieve their goals— and more. Arianna takes a person-centered and collaborative approach with her clients and does her best to meet them where they are at in their journey.

Arianna was an undergraduate instructor at Manhattanville College for four years, as well as a faculty advisor and research coordinator. Arianna’s work has been published in the Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education and her research areas focus primarily on burnout and sport psychology professional quality of life.

She has also been a peer reviewer for several journals as well as a guest lecturer and presenter at universities and conferences. She is a member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.

On a personal note, Arianna enjoys spending time with her family, as well as hiking, camping, and spending as much time as possible in nature with her partner, Alexander.

Publication:
The Relationship Between Burnout and Depression in Intercollegiate Athletes: An Examination of Gender and Sport-Type, Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education (2020)

Anne Triano

"I care for each of my clients. I love empowering people and having the opportunity to see them progress on their journey to Optimal Health."

Anne Triano, LMT, is both a mother and mentor. After raising her three sons with her husband Chuck, she completed the Massage Program at Cortiva Institute and now helps her clients on the road to wellness. Anne loves having the opportunity to see people progress and improve their conditions through massage therapy. She focuses on the best treatment for her clients and utilizes various massage techniques such as trigger point therapy, sports and deep tissue, Swedish and relaxation.

Having herself gone through many injuries and physical therapy, Anne knows how hard it can be to recover without a helping hand. Anne is interested in physiology and anatomy and is always willing to learn more about the body and mind to provide the best massage experience possible. She even continues to participate in Massage Therapy Continuing Education courses.

Anne continues to stay active through yoga, tennis, golf, long walks and biking. Books also capture her attention — especially historical fiction, psychological thrillers and memoirs.

Allyson Yandow

“It’s the little things that can make a world of a difference. When it comes to form during exercise, healthy habits, and celebrating little victories, these seemingly small details may not make a huge difference on their own, but the sum can make a difference in performance and healthy living.”

Ally Yandow, CPT, is a certified personal trainer who specializes in corrective exercises, post-rehab training, and working with clients who have injuries or limitations, and she became nutrition certified in the fall of 2021.

As a trainer, Ally seeks to be empathetic, patient and understanding. She pays attention to detail and stresses the importance of the role safety plays in helping her clients achieve their goals. Having herself been injured, she understands the added stress injury recovery places on an individual.

Ally has a passion for helping people of all ages and abilities get healthier and gain strength, especially in order to prevent future injuries and to build productive habits to create a longer, healthier and happier life.

In her off time, you can find Ally staying active through hiking, biking, swimming, and playing basketball and soccer.

Alex DeMoura

“Sweating the small stuff can be the difference for someone’s circumstances. No detail is too little, and there is no reason to not be thorough.”

Alex DeMoura, ATC, is a personal trainer, certified athletic trainer, and corrective exercise specialist based in Westport. He specializes in working with athletes, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Alex previously worked as an injury prevention specialist and ergonomics specialist, as well as an athletic trainer at local high schools.

Having always been interested in sports and movement, primarily injury prevention, Alex quickly fell into the realm of athletic training. Alex recognizes that every person has different goals and comes from different starting points. But no matter the style of training or the length of the journey, each of Alex’s clients will receive personalized training based on their goals and capabilities, respect and encouragement to keep passion and focus in sight.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys outdoor activities, walks, biking, and snowboarding.

Adam Wright

“I am driven by a model of servant leadership. I aspire to share power, put the needs of others first, and help people develop and perform as highly as possible by leveraging their strengths and honoring what is unique about each individual.”

Adam Wright, M.Ed., Ph.D., is a mental performance consultant who has worked with athletes at all levels, business executives, and medical professionals, among others.

A published, peer-reviewed author, college instructor in sport psychology, and speaker on optimal human performance, Adam has made an impact not just in the classroom, but in the NFL, the European PGA, MLS, and Wall Street. He is also currently the director of mental performance for the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball Team.

Adam sees the field of applied sport and performance psychology as intellectually engaging and personally fulfilling, as it requires an intense curiosity for lifelong cross-disciplinary learning that is not limited to a research lab. Rather, it is an opportunity to engage with clients directly to creatively and artfully apply the science of performance to help them thrive in their life and craft.

As a lifelong learner, Adam continues his education in counseling and psychotherapy at St. Bonaventure University and the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis.

He currently resides with his wife, son, and Goldendoodle. After spending the last decade volunteering his time as a youth coach across multiple sports, Adam now spends his spare time obsessively digesting books and listening to podcasts related to optimal performance while running, lifting, obstacle course racing, golfing, mountain biking, skiing, and sometimes discussing philosophy, wine, microbrews, and 911s.

Claire Petri

Personal Trainer

Claire Petri

Greenwich, Darien

“I love working with people and helping them get stronger and more comfortable moving their body — and watching that strength and confidence affect other parts of their life!”

Care From The Core

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Jennifer Fier

Finance Associate

Jennifer Fier

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Kristen Chacho

Clinical Operations Assistant

Kristen Chacho

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Angela Leite

Massage Therapist

Angela Leite

Hamden

“I am always calm in my work and 100% focused on the work I am doing. I effectively listen to my clients’ input and adapt my care to their needs.”

Care From The Core

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John McGeorge

Physical Therapist

John McGeorge

Hamden

“Teaching and learning are the basis for a lot of what we do. And nothing is more rewarding than giving people new tools and watching them forge a new life for themselves.”

Teachers And Scholars

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Natasha Neitzell

Operations Assistant

Natasha Neitzell

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Karen Mitchell

Billing Manager

Karen Mitchell

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Lexanne Ford

Practice Manager

Lexanne Ford

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Linda Velazco

Senior Practice Manager

Linda Velazco

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Johanna Clement

Business Development / Healthcare Partner Liaison

Johanna Clement

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Sweat The Small Stuff

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Julia Greco

Human Resources Generalist

Julia Greco

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Sweat The Small Stuff

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Andrew Chruscicki

Project Manager and Assistant to the CEO

Andrew Chruscicki

Naples

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Grant Gulino

Operations Assistant

Grant Gulino

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Jennifer Bohn