SPORTS REHAB CENTER - Key Persons
Alison embarked on her academic journey at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor's of Science in Movement and Sports Science. She later pursued her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northwestern University in Chicago. As fate would have it, Alison's career path led her to orthopedics, where she found her calling in the world of sports medicine.
During her tenure in Chicago, Alison had the incredible opportunity to work with Team USA in Rhythmic Gymnastics, fostering her passion for sports medicine. This experience ignited a desire to specialize further in this field.
Motivated to enhance her skills, Alison was selected for a prestigious sport residency program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Throughout this intensive training, she spent more than 150 hours honing her craft by treating athletes across various sports. She excelled as the primary physical therapist for the Jackson State University Football Team and various other sports programs. Additionally, she gained invaluable experience through internships with the University of Mississippi and the New Orleans Saints.
Driven to be at the forefront of her profession, Alison pursued numerous special certifications, including Dry Needling, Graston, Vestibular, and Concussion Therapy. Recently, she achieved the distinction of becoming a board-certified sport specialist recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Brian Tovin received his Bachelors in Physical Therapy and certification in athletic training from Boston University in 1988 where he was a competitive swimmer. Dr. Tovin then received a Masters of Medical Science (MMSc) Degree in orthopedic Physical Therapy in 1992 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2002 from Emory University. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), and is a board certified sports physical therapist. Dr. Tovin completed a prestigious manual therapy residency under Geoffrey Maitland in South Australia. In 1995, he founded The Sports Rehabilitation Center and is the current owner with four sites in the metro-Atlanta area. Dr. Tovin has served as the director of rehabilitation for The Georgia Tech athletic teams and was selected as the head athletic trainer for the aquatics venue at the 1996 Olympic Games. He has been an athletic trainer with the United States Diving and Swimming team and was part of the United States medical staff for the previous five Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Dr. Tovin has written a textbook titled Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder: An integration of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice published by F.A. Davis. In addition, he has published research in peer reviewed journals, has authored numerous papers and book chapters, and has lectured nationally and internationally in the field of orthopedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Tovin is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation, Emory School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Athletic Association, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Outside of work, Dr. Tovin spends time with his wife Stacey and 3 boys, Alex, Jordan and Drew. He is involved in coaching his kid's sports, skiing, scuba diving, and competing in masters swimming.
Chris earned a Division I scholarship as a basketball player at the University of Miami (FL), where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in health sciences.
In addition to seeing many athletic injuries, Chris got a first-hand experience of rigorous physical therapy when she tore her ACL during her sophomore year. After eight months, she returned to the court to complete the final 2 years of her career. This experience solidified her desire to become a physical therapist and she stayed at the University to complete her Masters's in Physical Therapy.
Chris began working at Sports Rehabilitation Center in 2004 and is the Clinic Director at the Midtown Clinic. In addition, she is in charge of Physical therapy student affiliations as the Center Coordinator for Clinical Education (CCCE). She continues to engage in education and has completed advanced training in dry needling and manual therapy. Chris loves treating motivated patients regardless of their injuries and offers the best care, so they can reach their goals.
In addition to basketball, Chris has run a half marathon, biked 280-miles in three days for charity, kayaks often and rock climbs several times a week.
Job Titles:
- Member of Georgia Physical Therapy Association
Jason received his Masters in Physical Therapy degree from Emory University and has specialized in orthopedic and sports physical therapy since 2000. He later received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University. He has been a member of the Sports Rehabilitation Center team for over ten years, starting as a staff therapist at our midtown clinic. He then directed the opening of our Brookhaven clinic in 2003 and more recently opened the Sandy springs office as a partner / director in 2009. Jason is dedicated to providing exceptional care and creating an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable. Jason states that, "we work hard to provide an excellent experience for all of our patients. We spend one-on-one time with each patient and create a treatment plan that is individualized and specific to their needs and goals." He not only focuses on each patient's main concerns, but also emphasizes the patient's overall health and well-being.
Wanting to provide the highest quality patient care, Jason continuously works on enhancing his knowledge by participating in formal education and continuing education courses both as a participant and teacher. He has advanced training and certifications, including dry needling, mobilization and manipulation, therapeutic taping, and neurodynamics. Jason has been an adjunct assistant professor in Georgia State's DPT Program and currently serves as adjunct clinical assistant professor in Mercer University's Orthopedic Residency Program. He has published a book chapter in Physical Therapies in Sport and Exercise, focused on rehabilitation of athletes in multiple sports.
Jason is a member of Georgia Physical Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including the Private Practice, Sports, and Orthopedic sections. As a Board Certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS), he is recognized as a leading specialist in the treatment of orthopedic conditions.
Outside of work, Jason spends time with his wife, Aimee, and their four children, Tyler, Vincent, Cecelia, and Elena. He is involved with his kid's sports activities and enjoys running, swimming and hiking for enjoyment and exercise.
Katharine graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a BS in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. She received her Master of Physical Therapy from Georgia State University. She then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy through the University of Montana. Katharine is currently practicing at The Sports Rehabilitation Center of Sandy Springs and has been a member of this practice for the past 17 years specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. Her clinic specialties include treatment of pediatric clients, neurodynamics, manual therapy, and dry needling. Katharine's clinical interests include post-operative rehabilitation, postural dysfunctions for working professionals, and treatment and prevention of repetitive injuries common to active individuals, athletes, dancers, and gymnasts.
Katharine has been involved with Georgia State and Mercer's Physical Therapy programs as a consultant and adjunct clinical assistant professor. Katharine has pursued advanced training in dry needling and neurodynamics. She also has worked in pediatrics at Children's Health Care of Atlanta. Katharine is a member of the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - sports and orthopedic sections.
Outside of work, Katharine enjoys spending time with her husband and their children. She enjoys staying active, trying new restaurants in and around Atlanta, attending concerts, and cheering on her Georgia Bulldawgs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Physical Therapy Association
Kirsten received her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in Finance. She then went and received her doctorate in physical therapy from Mercer University - Atlanta where she was awarded the Professional Merit Award for involvement in the profession. Following graduation, Kirsten pursued a specialization in Orthopedics and completed an Orthopedic Residency through Mercer University in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirsten began working at the Sandy Springs location, excited for the opportunity to work alongside therapists she has admired throughout her career and with active and dedicated patients. Kirsten has received advanced training in trigger point dry needling and manual therapy and has a special interest in managing pain, sports-specific rehabilitation, and nerve-related dysfunction.
Kirsten is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Georgia Physical Therapy Association, and the American Association of Manual Physical Therapy. She has served as a co-chair for the Georgia Physical Therapy Political Action Committee and adjunct faculty at Mercer University for both entry-level Physical Therapy Students and Orthopedic residents.
Lori graduated from the University of Georgia in 2018 with her B.S.Ed in Exercise and Sports Science and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Georgia State University in 2022. Her clinical interests include orthopedic injuries/surgeries, strength and conditioning, and sports rehabilitation.
Lori enjoys working with her patients to determine the various factors that can be affecting their wellness, thoroughly educating them on their condition, and providing evidenced-based treatments to optimize their function. She aims to equip her patients with the tools for them to feel empowered in managing their health and achieving their ideal lifestyle. Her ultimate goal is to make physical therapy a fun, positive, and rewarding experience for all her patients.
In her free time, Lori enjoys strength training at the gym, devouring delicious foods at new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, sleeping, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs during football season.
The Sports Rehabilitation Center is pleased to welcome Max Sterenson, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC as part of the Brookhaven staff. Max is an accomplished sports physical therapist who will serve as the Director of Baseball Performance and Injury Prevention. He graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S in Athletic Training and received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. Max was selected to serve as an athletic trainer at the World Maccabiah Games in Israel and the Pan-Am Games in Santiago, Chile. He had the opportunity to work as part of the rehabilitation staff with the Cleveland Guardians organization. Through this experience, he learned the essential skills of arm care, injury prevention in the overhead athlete, and performance enhancement for the baseball player. In the clinical setting, Max worked at the Mamba Sports Academy, a sports medicine and performance center started in collaboration with Kobe Bryant. Prior to moving to Atlanta, Max worked at Elite Orthosport, where he continued to hone his rehabilitation skills treating baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer and football athletes. Max's attraction to the Sports Rehabilitation Center was to join a group of highly skilled sports and orthopedic physical therapists, in an environment that would give him access to treating baseball players and athletes of all ages and levels. He believes he can use his skillset to have an impact on treating and mitigating youth and elite sports.
Job Titles:
- Sports Physical Therapist
Rebecca Anderson is an accomplished orthopedic and sports physical therapist originally from Huntsville, AL, and now thriving in Atlanta. A graduate of Auburn University, she furthered her education and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from St. Augustine University at Austin.
With a passion for helping others, Rebecca brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice. Her compassionate and personalized approach to patient care has won her praise and trust from countless individuals seeking rehabilitation and improved physical well-being.
Throughout his remarkable career, Rob Schneider has been dedicated to the care of athletes across all age groups. His patient-centered approach and unwavering commitment to extra ordinary results have earned him a stellar reputation. Rob has worked with professional, collegiate, high school, and youth baseball athletes, serving as both a physical therapist and athletic trainer at various levels, including high school, Division I, and professional sports.
During his time at UNC-Chapel Hill, Rob collaborated with football, wrestling, men's lacrosse, and field hockey teams, while also supervising graduate students across all sports. His primary focus has been on the rehabilitation and prevention of shoulder injuries, an area in which he has authored and co-authored textbook chapters and contributed to scholarly research.
Rob's expertise extends beyond his clinical work. He participated as an evaluator in the first-ever MLB Draft Combine and continues to collaborate with fellow researchers to explore ways to prevent youth injuries in throwing sports. In his personal life, Rob is an avid fan of the Yankees and the FB Giants, and he enjoys spending his free time hiking, weightlifting, and supporting Tar Heel Sports. He shares his life with his wife, Anne Marie, and their two daughters: Alex, a meteorologist in Greensboro, NC, and Julianne, a GT BME graduate residing in Providence, RI. Accompanying him on his hiking adventures as an empty nester is his loyal companion, his dog Diesel.
Sarah received a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and sports science from the University of Georgia and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University. Since graduation, she has spent the past several years becoming an advanced clinician in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. Sarah is certified in Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling and is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Sarah has experience and heavy interest in sports-related injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and overuse pathologies. She also treats patients with balance disorders, helping to reduce their risk for falls in their homes and community. With a focus on manual treatment, movement assessments, and customized exercise prescription, Sarah strives to return her clients to their individual goals with a positive, upbeat attitude.
Outside of the clinic, Sarah loves everything outdoors including backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and kayaking. She has extensive experience in tennis and sand volleyball and continues to be actively involved in leagues throughout the year around the city of Atlanta.
Scott is an Atlanta native who received his BS in exercise science from Georgia State University and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Brenau University. He has an experienced background treating orthopedic and sports medicine related injuries, particularly in overhead athletes. Scott is recognized as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist and enjoys working with high school, college, and professional athletes and all active individuals. He was chosen to intern at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Scott strives to build trust through a personalized approach with each patient, focusing on getting everyone back to the activities they love in the safest and most efficient manner. Through this collaborative approach, he focuses on both injury treatment and injury prevention by integrating proper exercise prescription.
Scott has personal interest in treating the endurance athlete as he is a competitive age group triathlete in the 70.3 distance. To better help serve this population, he also holds a F.I.S.T. Bike Fit Certification from Slowtwitch and is able to make recommendations to prevent injuries and improve performance on the bike. In addition, Scott also holds certifications for Dry Needling, Concussion and Vestibular Rehab.
Outside the clinic he is a masters swimmer at Dynamo, enjoys traveling with his wife, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. DiCecco received her Bachelors in Special Education and a Pre-Physical Therapy certificate from Clemson University in 1997. Shelley taught elementary school special education resource classes prior to completing her Masters of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Augustine in 2000. Shelley became a Woman's Health Specialist for Pelvic Floor Disorders in 2000 and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2001. Dr. DiCecco has assisted with or been lead instructor in several continuing education courses and seminars, as well as presented at community events on Lymphedema, Pelvic Floor Disorders, and other Orthopedic conditions over the years. She has published articles in multiple journals on Lymphedema and Pelvic Floor Disorders. Dr. DiCecco received her PhD from Texas Woman's University in the Philosophy of Physical Therapy in 2012. She completed her Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Certification in 2013.
Dr. DiCecco is a Board Member for a non-profit organization, the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network(LLN). She is also the lead Grant Writer for the organization. Dr. DiCecco contributed a chapter in the LLN's book on Lymphedema, The Puzzle. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and it's Oncology, Women's Health, and Education Sections. Dr. DiCecco is a member of the Lymphology Association of North America, the Lymphoedema Association of Australia, and the Lymphedema Round Table for Therapists in Atlanta. Outside of work, Dr. DiCecco spends time with her husband Rob and their 2 Bengal Cats.
Tyler received his bachelor's degree in both Biology and Exercise and Sports Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then received his doctorate degree in physical therapy at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. Following graduation, Tyler chose to advance his education and is currently completing Mercer University's orthopedic residency program. He has experience treating patients in multiple outpatient and sports physical therapy settings. Tyler is currently a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Orthopedic Section.
Tyler understands that patients seeking physical therapy services often have more than just a physical component, so he implements a holistic treatment approach. When treating patients with orthopedic and sports conditions, he addresses the mental/emotional component needed for a full recovery. Tyler continues to advance his own knowledge and skills through research and hands-on experience. Through his comprehensive approach, is successful in returning patients to their previous level of function.