ATLANTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Toms River & Monroe Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Freehold Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Shrewsbury Physical Therapist
Amy thought of being a teacher in high school but also wanted to have a physically active job. When visiting a friend at Kessler Institute in West Orange, NJ in the Physical Therapy Dept., she realized she could teach and be active as a Physical Therapist. She graduated from the Physical Therapy program at Quinnipiac University. She has had exposure to various settings the profession has to offer including acute care, home health, SNF, and finally settled into out-patient which she has found most enjoyment in the ever-changing patient population and treatment approaches. She has studied the Paris, McKenzie, and Mulligan techniques and she has been trained in and performed FCEs which she found to be a nice diversion to traditional patient care. Amy has a passion for proper posturing/body mechanics and designed a neck and back school which patients had to attend prior to discharge. She recently included vestibular therapy in her areas of interest as well. She relocated from Union County and has spent the better part of her career in Monmouth County. She currently resides in Oceanport with her husband and son, the other son recently married and resides in California. The beach is her happy place. Amy appreciates the warm welcome she has received since starting at Atlantic Physical Therapy Center's Shrewsbury location in early 2022.
After suffering an ACL tear, Beth spent several months in physical therapy rehabbing her knee. It was during these sessions that Beth made the decision to devote her career to physical therapy. Beth graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2005 with her Masters in Physical Therapy. She has continued her education receiving her certification in the Maitland Technique (Orthopedic Manual Therapy) and is currently pursuing a certification in the McKenzie Method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment). Beth is continually motivated to help her patients achieve their physical goals and make improvements in their quality of life.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist, Neuro - Specialist
- Occupational Therapist, Neuro - Specialist, LSVT BIG Certified, Manchester, NJ
Beth first became interested in Occupational Therapy in High School when she heard it referred to as "curing by doing". That really appealed to her as well as the opportunity to work in many different clinical settings.
She graduated from the University of Scranton with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She worked for over 21 years in inpatient rehabilitation and has always loved working with patients with neurological diagnoses.
Beth has completed extensive training in Neuro IFRAH technique that is a specific treatment for adults following a stroke or brain injury. She also has her LSVT BIG certification which is a program designed for those with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions.
In her free time Beth loves going to the beach, reading books and spending time with her family. Most of that free time is spent with her 4 kids bringing them to all their activities. You can usually find her on the soccer field on the weekends.
Bobby graduated from UMDNJ in 2013 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy turning his passion for health and exercise into motivation to help his patients get back to a more active and healthy lifestyle. His love of learning has enabled him to incorporate different manual techniques including taping, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and Myofascial Decompression (MFD - commonly known as cupping) into his treatments to further assist his patients in healing. He also has obtained his SFMA certification (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) that enables him to pin-point the root cause of pain and discomfort and target it successfully. Bobby is proud to be the director of the Wall location of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center and give back to his hometown, having grown up in Wall and now residing there with his wife, son, and daughters.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director of the Ocean
- Ocean Clinic Director and Physical Therapist
Brad Czaszynski, the Clinical Director of the Ocean location, has had an interest in physical therapy since injuring his own knee while training for a marathon. Thanks to physical therapy, Brad was able to complete the marathon. He now works to get all of his patients to reach their goals whether it be returning to sports or being able to walk down the aisle at their grandchildren's wedding. Brad has received certifications in SFMA, TPI, and RockTape. He utilizes these certifications along with his passion for hands on manual therapy techniques to get every patient back to what they love to do.
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director, LSVT BIG Certified
- Colts Neck Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Brick & Jackson Physical Therapist Assistant
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Colts Neck Physical Therapist
With advanced skills in examination, assessment and complex problem solving, Chris can identify biomechanical dysfunction underlying his patient's symptoms. In addition to manual therapy, he implements individualized corrective exercises and movement strategies. Education and self-help techniques are an important part of treatment.
Chris was credentialed as a Fellow of Applied Functional Science in 2007 from the Gray Institute. He was Certified in the McKenizie Method in 1999 and graduated from the University of Miami, FL with a MSPT.
Additionally, Chris remains an active athlete himself. He surfs, snowboards and mountain bikes. He is familiar with barbell-oriented strength training, Crossfit-style training, and even some yoga and gymnastics strength training. He has completed 12 marathons and 3 ironman triathlons, but still makes plenty of time for his wife and 2 children.
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director
- Clinic Director & Physical Therapist of Long Branch, NJ & C0 - Founder of Atlantic Performance Institute ( API )
- Long Branch Clinic Director, Area Director & Director of Atlantic Performance Institute
Ocean County born and raised, Chris MacIntosh has transformed a successful collegiate athletic career and love for human movement into a passion for helping his patients heal from injuries. Chris is well known for his ability to take his patients to the next level and help enable them to return to their movement passions.
Chris formed the Atlantic Performance Institute (API). API is well known for its ACL screening programs & injury prevention programs which are aimed at educating local schools and youth athletic programs. API also offers group, personal, and sports training with a PT minded approach. For more information on how API can help your school or youth program, please inquire with Chris: cmacintosh@atlanticptcenter.com
Job Titles:
- Lakewood Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Director of Development
- Professional Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director & Shrewsbury Physical Therapist
- Clinic Director, Physical Therapist & TPI Certified
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Shrewsbury Clinic Director, Physical Therapist & TPI Certified
Dave Garaffa is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Dave went to Northeastern University for his undergraduate in Music Industry before returning to graduate school for physical therapy at New York University. He has worked with a diverse range of patient/client populations - children with autism, NFL and other professional athletes, high school and college athletes, weekend warriors and older adults. Dave is certified by Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) for golf movement screens, Functional Range Release and RockTape. Dave's passion is for orthopedic and sports rehabilitation and he combines effective manual therapy techniques with functional movement and mobility exercises for injury recovery and prevention.
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist Assistant & Patient Care Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Toms River Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Lawrenceville Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy, ImPACT® Credentialed
Deepa earned her master's degree in physical therapy in 2003 from Thomas Jefferson University. Over the years she has taken many continuing education courses in manual therapy and has certifications in vestibular care, concussion management (Impact), myofascial decompression (cupping), IASTM, and SFMA. She has spent most of her career treating orthopedic and sports related injuries to help her clients return to their favorite activities. Her own experiences during pregnancy and in the post-partum period inspired her to learn more about rehabilitation for these clients. She has taken several courses in pregnancy rehabilitation, post-partum rehabilitation, abdominal wall care, and deep core activation with respiratory diaphragm. She feels deeply about helping women feel their best during this time in their lives. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, family bike rides, hiking with the dog, gardening, travelling and also coaches the local GOTR team. She also speaks medical Spanish, helping to break down the language barrier that exisists for some patients.
Physical Therapist, Deepa Salvi, in particular has taken prenatal and postpartum care courses to help women who may be suffering from typical pregnancy ailments. These include pelvic and girdle pain, low back pain, diastasis recti, recovery from c-section, extreme edema, postural changes, & plantar fasciitis.
Job Titles:
- Professional Staff Member
- Physician Liaision
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director & ImPACT® Credentialed
- Clinic Director & Physical Therapist of Howell & Jackson, NJ & Concussion Management Center, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy, ImPACT® Credentialed
- Howell & Jackson Clinic Director and Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy, ImPACT® Credentialed
Chris has always known that he wanted to go into the medical field. He went to the University of Virginia, majoring in Biology as it was his favorite subject. There he took all of the Pre-med courses. His decision to become a Physical Therapist was made while volunteering in an outpatient PT facility over winter break one semester. He loved the happy and supportive atmosphere and watching people get better. He could see that the physical therapists were really making a difference in their patients' lives
Graduating with a BS in Biology in 1999 from the University of Virginia, Chris was admitted to the Physical Therapy program at Temple University . He graduated in 2003 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He started working for Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in November of 2006 in the Freehold office. Since then he has treated in many of the offices. He currently is the Director of Operations for the Howell and Jackson locations.
He has a very diverse patient caseload in the Jackson & Howell offices, being able to confidently treat people of all ages, with a focus on musculoskeletal injuries. Chris personally has an interest in taping techniques and has a Facial Movement Taping Level 1 certification as well as certifications in Kinesio Taping, completing levels KT1, KT2, and KT3.
Chris can relate to all the physical and emotional pain that his patients are going through since he personally had to undergo physical therapy for his knee. He tore his ACL playing soccer and had reconstructive surgery, followed by months of physical therapy. He sees the experience as a blessing in disguise, allowing him to step into his patient's shoes and helping him grow as a therapist.
Getting to help all of his patients from the beginning of their journey all the way through to recovery is what motivates Chris. "We get to see people on their first day, when they are physically and mentally not where they want to be and then we get to watch them change and improve over the time that they spend with us. When they are able to do everything that they want and return to all their functional activities, and we see how happy they are that we helped them get there, that is the most rewarding feeling in the world."
Job Titles:
- Brick Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Toms River Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Howell Physical Therapist Assistant
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Lawrenceville Physical Therapy Assistant
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manchester Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Freehold Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Jennifer has had an interest in physical therapy since her participation in high school soccer and tennis. During her varied career in neurological and orthopedic therapy, she has earned certifications in Vestibular, Balance and Concussion Rehab; and Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the spine through the McKenzie Institute. Having completed several marathons, sprint triathlons, and a couple "Tough Mudder" events, Jen's passion is centered on great patient outcomes and empathizing with the effort needed to resume their lives to the fullest extent.
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Howell Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant in Howell, NJ
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2002 from St. John's University graduating Magna Cum Laude. After working as a Graphic Designer for two years, Jennifer decided to leave the corporate world to pursue a career in healthcare. Having been plagued by numerous knee injuries and surgeries, Jennifer developed an interest in physical therapy. She enrolled in Mercer County Community College and graduated with high honors from their Physical Therapist Assistant program. She has been practicing since 2006 and has spent her career working in outpatient facilities with her main interest in orthopedics and sports-related injuries. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their yellow labrador.
Job Titles:
- Freehold Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manalapan Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Jeremy got involved in PT when he was 15 years old. He began receiving physical therapy treatment for back pain, although was unable to avoid surgery for a ruptured disc.
He decided that wanted to be able to help others the way he was helped by his PT's. In 1994 he began schooling at Springfield College and graduated in 1999 with his Masters in PT.
Jeremy began his career in 2000 working in a multidisciplinary office just outside of Baltimore, MD. He continued his career in Maryland at various locations, progressing to a clinical and regional director of a local company.
Jeremy moved to New Jersey in late 2018 and now works for Atlantic Physical Therapy.
Along the way he has acquired many therapy skills including:
Muscle Energy Technique
Strain/Counterstrain
Graston Technique (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
Joint mobilization - Mobilization with movement
Dry Needling
Functional Strength training
Myofascial Release
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director & Physical Therapist of Mule Rd. Toms River, NJ, Certified Concussion & Vestibular Therapist
Jessica always had an interest in the medical field or teaching. When she witnessed her father suffer from chronic low back pain while she was in high school, she decided that becoming a PT would equip her with the tools to help him. Simultaneously, she realized she would get to educate her patients about their pain/injury and empower them with the knowledge they need to help their body recover.
Jessica attended Ithaca College where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Clinical Health Studies in 2012 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014. She began her career with Atlantic Physical Therapy Center soon after.
A few years ago, Jessica developed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV. This form of dizziness is very treatable, and luckily she was able to use her skills as a physical therapist to help herself make a full recovery. This experience allowed her to sympathize with patients who are suffering from similar types of vestibular diagnoses and provide a positive example that physical therapy can be an effective treatment course. She dove into continuing education courses to learn more, most recently obtaining a Vestibular and Concussion Certificate through the American Institute of Balance.
Jessica also realizes that dizziness, imbalance and even concussion after a fall are often overlooked, especially when people are taking multiple medications or are nervous to talk with their doctors. She feels passionately about working with all ages to find the root of the problem and address it quickly so that life doesn't have to stop. She developed the Fall Prevention Center inside the Mule Rd. location of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center to help as many people as possible.
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Jackson Physical Therapist
Jim credits his wonderful family upbringing in Jackson, NJ that taught him to help and respect others, for his inevitable entrance into the health field. As a high school student involved in many athletic activities, physical therapy just seemed like a natural fit for Jim. By the time he was a Junior in high school, he was pretty confident in his decision to pursue physical therapy as a career.
Jim earned his degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Scranton and started working for Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in 2004. He is currently the clinical director of the Little Egg Harbor location.
Jim's passion for helping every one of his patients reach their goals has fueled him to continue his education and obtain several certifications. He has an Ergonomics Assessment Specialist Certification which allows him to instruct people in learning proper body mechanics with different work activities and teach them how to move safer to avoid repetitive strain type injuries. This includes assisting people with proper workstation posture and set up as well as identifying possible risks with daily work activities that may be putting unnecessary strain on the back and neck.
He has a certification as a golf fitness instructor through the "Back to Golf" organization allowing him to take his love of the game and his skills and knowledge as a Physical Therapist and help his fellow golfers. His training allows him to identify golf swing faults that may be contributing to different musculoskeletal pain issues, help people with more appropriate and efficient setups and golf swings to reduce strain and improve performance as well as help set up proper golf fitness programs to help improve their game and prevent future injuries.
Jim also holds certifications from the International Weightlifting Association as a Certified Weight Trainer (CWT) and a Strength Training Specialist (STS). He is currently pursuing a Senior Fitness Certification to help the active adult community stay fit safely with proper strength training interventions.
Jim and his wife have three awesome children and an adorable and silly golden retriever named Murphy. They live near the Jersey Shore and Jim enjoys using his skills to help his children in their athletic endeavors, coaching them, helping them recover from minor injuries and keeping them involved in community events. He teaches them by example, with helping others being a common core family value. Jim and his four brothers run a charity organization called the "Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation" where they raise money for cancer research and support for local families in need of financial assistance as they battle cancer. The organization was set up in memory of their mother, who passed away after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma back in 1993 and they certainly honor her memory by giving back to local families in need.
His physical therapy career gives Jim the ability to help others on a daily basis. He loves the patient interaction and how his day is never boring. "I love being about to help people dealing with such a variety of issues and know that I have the knowledge to help them achieve their recovery goals."
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director
- Clinic Director & Physical Therapist of Manahawkin, NJ
- Manahawkin Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Jim did his undergraduate studies at Penn State University from 1990-1995 and received his B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science (Kinesiology). He followed up with his Masters in Physical Therapy from Stockton University graduating in 1999.
He specializes in manual therapy, spine (neck and back), and shoulder rehab having done extensive continuing education in each of those areas. He has also taken all McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT) spine courses and has sat for his certification in McKenzie/MDT.
Having been with Southern Ocean PT for 7 years already, Jim continued his role as clinic director and PT at the Lakewood location after Atlantic Physical Therapy Center merged with Southern Ocean in 2014.
Aside from being a physical therapist, he enjoys surfing, kayaking, paddling, and all water sports. He is an animal lover, has his 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwon-Do, loves playing golf, and is a former martial arts instructor.
Jim loves helping to improve his patients' quality of life and well being naturally. "To affect lasting changes in people's bodies using movement and positioning is truly empowering."
Job Titles:
- Manchester Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist & Clinic Director
Job Titles:
- Jackson & Little Egg Harbor Physical Therapist
- Jackson Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Joe graduated from Stockton University with a B.S in Biology in 2011. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2015. Upon graduation he worked for two years in a busy private out-patient facility where he got the opportunity to refine his skills treating a diverse patient population with diagnoses ranging from simple musculoskeletal impairments, to postoperative repairs, and various neurological conditions. Joe also spent some time working per-diem in a sub-acute skilled nursing facility.
Joe is now with Atlantic Physical Therapy and is currently the clinical director in the Jackson location. He is currently working on getting his strength and conditioning certification and is constantly seeking continuing education opportunities to improve his skills as a Physical Therapist to better serve the clientele he is treating.
When not at work, Joe is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He enjoys hiking with his dog, fishing, camping, kayaking, and wildlife/nature photography. He grew up playing sports and enjoys weight lifting and keeping in shape. Joe also enjoys family get-togethers and spending time with his three nephews and niece.
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- East Windsor Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Red Bank Physical Therapist
Julianne became interested in pursuing PT after rehabbing at Atlantic PT Center for a hip injury from running track in high school. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2018 where she took an Exercise Science major as well as Strength+Conditioning and Disabilities Studies minors.
Julianne graduated May 2021 from the Rutgers' DPT program. She is so excited to start her PT career with Atlantic since it is where it all started! She still loves running and being outdoors (especially by the beach) and is so excited to share my passion for movement with my patients.
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Red Bank Physical Therapist
Julie Real graduated from the University of Utah's Physical Therapy program in 1982. She is a Diplomate level Certified Craniosacral Therapist since 2019 and a Certified Teaching Assistant since 2006 through the Upledger Institute which is in association with the International Association of Health Care Educators/Practitioners ( IAHE, IAHP). She has specialized in Craniosacral Therapy (CST) since 1993.
Job Titles:
- Toms River Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Lacey Physical Therapist Assistant, Reiki Practitioner
- Lacey PTA and Founder of Positive Energy ( Reiki Offered in the Lacey Location )
- Physical Therapist Assistant & Reiki Practitioner
Katie's personal motto is to "leave people feeling better than they did before I got there." She is passionate about helping others and loves seeing people make steady progress towards their goals. One of her favorite things about PT is that she is constantly learning and evolving as a clinician. Nothing makes her happier than helping someone feel better.
Katie founded Positive Energy inside the Lacey location, where she performs Reiki sessions. Reiki is another amazing tool that allows her to help patients/clients feel their best!
Outside of work she enjoys the beach, yoga, reading, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Area Director
- COO
- Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- East Windsor Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Lacey Physical Therapist Assistant, Reiki Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist
Job Titles:
- Jackson Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Freehold Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
Job Titles:
- Manahawkin Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist & Certified Hand Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manchester Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Toms River Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Howell Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Professional Staff Member
- Physician Liaision
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Chief Clinical Officer
- Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Monroe Physical Therapist Assistant & Patient Care Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Professional Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Middletown Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Colts Neck Physical Therapist Assistant
Job Titles:
- Lakewood Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manchester Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Shrewsbury Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manchester Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Marlboro Clinic Director & Physical Therapis
Job Titles:
- Little Egg Harbor Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Area Director & Toms River Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Monroe Clinic Director & Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy, ImPACT® Credentialed, LSVT BIG® Certified for Parkinson's
Job Titles:
- Toms River Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
Job Titles:
- Ocean Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist & Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Job Titles:
- Shrewsbury Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director
- Lawrenceville Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- East Windsor Physical Therapist Assistant
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Hooper Ave. Clinic Director & Physical Therapist
- Mule Rd. Clinic Director and Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
- Toms River Occupational Therapist
- Toms River Physical Therapist, Certified in Concussion & Vestibular Therapy
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director & LSVT BIG® Certified
- Lacey Clinic Director and Physical Therapist, LSVT BIG® Certified for Parkinson's
Job Titles:
- Ocean Certified Hand Therapist
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Manchester Physical Therapist