CAO SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Staff Physical Therapist Assistant

Allison "Allie" McLane is a physical therapist assistant (PTA) based out of the Southern Maryland area where she was also born and raised. As Allie grew up, she had the opportunity to participate in competitive fastpitch softball through a variety of levels ranging from travel, collegiate, high school, and recreational teams. Through the observation of her fellow and opposing team members who experienced various injuries and her family members who experienced their own injuries/discomforts over the years she found herself wishing she was able to help them heal or prevent their injuries in some way; this is where her passion for the field of physical therapy (PT) was grown. Education Allie McLane attended Mount Aloysius College (MAC) in Cresson, PA where she achieved and associate degree completing the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Prior to attending MAC she earned an associate degree in Exercise Science from the College of Southern Maryland. She is currently excited to continue her career education through completion of a personal training certification and further continuing education courses. Experience In 2018 Allie began working at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics - Southern Maryland Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine division as a Medical Assistant float where she was able to learn what the patient experiences as they met with surgeons and clinicians from the othopaedic side of the treatment process prior to and after their PT experience. In the same year the division opened their first PT clinic in Waldorf, MD where she transferred over to work as a PT Tech. Here she was able to gain valuable experience communicating with and learning from patients, very well experienced/knowledgeable PT's/PTA's, and PT front desk staff. She then attended PTA school at MAC where she gained further experience as a student PTA in the outpatient and inpatient PT settings during three clinical education rotations. Her final rotation was at CAO PT's California, MD location where she gained valuable guidance and knowledge from clinical Instructor Dee Kelly, PTA and all other staff. Allie is now excited for the opportunity to join CAO once again in 2023 to continue gaining experience and knowledge in the PT field, this time as a licensed PTA at the Waldorf, MD location.

Job Titles:

• Staff Physical Therapist

Caitlyn Schaeffer was born and raised in Southern Maryland where she was homeschooled along with her 3 sisters. She has lived an active lifestyle caring for farm animals, riding horses, making her own Ninja Warrior courses, swimming, and helping out with the family business. After working small jobs until age 15, she soon made her way to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and worked as a lifeguard and pool operator at the La Plata campus. It was there that she met her now husband, Noah, and fell in love with therapeutic exercise after becoming a certified water aerobics instructor. Caitlyn instructed water aerobics classes for several years while she attended dual-enrollment college courses to meet the prerequisites of the local Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Education Caitlyn is a recent graduate of the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education (CACHE) Physical Therapist Assistant Program. During her time in the program, she obtained experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, where she treated complex orthopedic conditions of the shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and ankles. One of her four clinical rotations was with CAO where she learned hands-on orthopedic skills and treatment techniques from Deanna Kelly, one of CAO's PTAs. Experience Before joining the CAO team, Caitlyn worked as a PTA for Medstar NRH. During this time she gained experience treating neurological conditions such as guillain barre, multiple sclerosis, CVA, ALS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and TBIs. She also grew a love and interest for treating patients with amputations, which included prosthetic training and proper care of residual limb.

Job Titles:

• Staff Physical Therapist Assistant

Deanna "Dee" Kelly was born and raised in Madison, CT and she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Villanova University in 1991; she then worked in the Publishing Field for several years before taking time off from the workforce to start and raise a family. She has lived in many different states throughout the country due to her husband's 20 year career with the Marine Corps. During this time she earned her certifications and worked as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. When she and her family arrived at NAS Pax River, she was accepted in to the CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant program and she completed her Associate's Degree in Applied Science from the College of Southern Maryland in 2011. She then started her career as a PTA. Experience Dee worked for MedStar, National Rehabilitation Hospital at their Outpatient Clinic in Hollywood MD for eight years before she joined the CAO Team two years ago. She has experience treating patients in joint replacement, back/neck/spine, post-concussion syndrome, TMD, balance/vestibular training, running injuries and return to sport. She also has experience with Strain Counter Strain, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Kinesiotaping and Graston techniques. Dee enjoys mentoring others and she is a four-time Clinical Instructor for student PTAs. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and in 2018, she was awarded the MedStar NRH Everyday Hero Award; this is presented to four employees each quarter, from over 50 locations, who embody the values of Service, Patient-first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork.

Job Titles:

• Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Staff Physical Therapist Assistant

Emilson "Em" Hilario is a physical therapist assistant born and raised locally in the Waldorf, Maryland area. With a passion for and focus in treating sports-related injuries, Em wants his patients to return to the highest functionality possible to pursue their physical goals. Education Em Hilario graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences with a focus in Physiology and Neurobiology. Later, he completed the CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant Program through the College of Southern Maryland and achieved PTA licensure. Em has taken additional courses and is also a Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the APTA, a Certified ClinicalAthlete Powerlifting Coach, and a FMT Kinesiology Tape Practitioner. To further his education, Em plans to pursue his CSCS certification as well. Experience Em started his footsteps in the world of physical therapy as an aide in both inpatient and outpatient settings prior to enrolling the CACHE PTA Program. Concurrently, Em has worked as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and martial arts coach. Since becoming a licensed PTA, Em has worked primarily in the outpatient setting and has helped in the rehab of many Southern Maryland residents including many Charles County student athletes as well as the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Staff Physical Therapist

Gillian "Gill" Kania has been a Physical Therapist for over 10 years in a variety of settings. She has been living and working on Southern Maryland for the last 5+ years. She joined CAO in early 2021, and is excited to be a part of the team! Education Gill completed her undergraduate degree with a Bachelors in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2007 from the University of Pittsburgh, in you guessed it, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She then went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has completed additional training in instrument assisted soft tissue massage, manual therapy, and functional based assessment and treatment techniques. She has been certified in Dry Needling and was educated through Kineticore starting in 2016. Experience Gill has worked in a variety of settings over her career including at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, in the home health setting, a skilled nursing facility, and for the past 5+ years in the outpatient setting including previously holding a clinic management position. As a Physical Therapist, Gill has worked with patients with conditions ranging from Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, and other neurologic conditions as well as wide range of post-surgical and orthopedic conditions. Gill also is able to offer her expertise for wheelchair assessments to help patients be custom fitted for the appropriate seating and positioning system.

Job Titles:

• Assistant
• Physical Therapist
• Sports Performance Manager and Staff Physical Therapist Assistant

Jason Blakey is a physical therapist assistant (PTA) who joined the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (CAO) to develop CAO's first ever sports facility located in California MD. He acts as the inaugural Sports Performance Manager, a role that he is excited to grow and develop. As a PTA he brings his vast experience in the treatment of surgical and non-surgical injuries. Jason has lived and worked in the Southern Maryland area for the past 16 years with his wife and two children. Education Jason is a local Southern Marylander attending McDonough high school and graduating in 2000. He then attended the CACHE Physical Therapy Assistant program at Anne Arundel Community College. He graduated in 2005 with an Associate's degree in Applied Science. Jason has since developed into a well-respected clinician over the span of his 16-year career. In addition, he has taken numerous continuing education courses with a focus on manual therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, kinesotape, targeted rehabilitative exercise progression, and aquatic therapy. Not only does Jason care about his patients, but also about fostering the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. Jason has taken 14 students over the years and is an APTA certified clinical instructor. Experience After graduating, Jason worked as a staff therapist in Waldorf for 11 years then went on to manage a successful clinic in Clinton for the past 5 years. In 2021, seeking to develop his career further and work closer to his family, Jason accepted the challenging dual position as a staff PTA and Sports Performance Manger with the industry leading surgeons at CAO.

Job Titles:

• Staff Physical Therapist

Jennifer (Jen) Jones is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in the post-operative and non-operative rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions involving the shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and ankle. Jen is currently a physical therapist at the California and Leonardtown CAO physical therapy offices. Education Jen attended Towson University for her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, earned in 2012. She then went on to graduate school at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2015. Jen has completed multiple courses following her schooling with a focus on pain management, sports rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises, blood flow restriction therapy (certified), and vestibular rehabilitation. Experience Since receiving her degree Jen has worked in different settings, treating a multitude of different diagnoses. She started out providing inpatient and outpatient care in the hospital setting. She then went on to become director at a local outpatient clinic for a few years. In 2019, Jen joined the outstanding CAO team, providing physical therapy in the Leonardtown location. Philosophy

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist

Kiara is a dedicated physical therapist serving the Southern Maryland (SOMD) area. She enjoys helping patients of all ages with various diagnosis, including shoulder, knee, and hip injuries. Kiara has a keen interest in sports-related injuries, and is also considering certification in pelvic health physical therapy as well. Education Kiara earned a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree in Kinesiology from Towson University in December 2017. She later committed to furthering her education in PT school, and earned Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University in May 2023. Experience Over the past three years, Kiara has thrived in diverse settings, including the acute care setting, outpatient surgical centers, and a pediatric physical therapy setting. Notably, Kiara's commitment extends beyond borders, having provided care in Guatemalan communities during a service trip for two weeks in the beginning of 2023. Her favorite domain remains the outpatient orthopedic physical therapy setting, where she practices applying therapeutic treatments for optimal patient outcomes.

Job Titles:

• Clinic Manager

Job Titles:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Staff Physical Therapist

Monica Lohmann is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedic and sports-related injury rehabilitation. She works out of the CAO California office, recently relocating to southern Maryland from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Education Monica received her Bachelor of Health Science with a minor in Movement Science from Saint Francis University in 2020. She then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Francis. Experience As a recent graduate, Monica gained experience in primarily outpatient settings. She worked with patients with diagnoses involving the spine, hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder as well as athletes recovering from injury. She hopes to pursue her passion for treating runners and helping them return to their previous level of activity. She is excited to be a part of the CAO team.

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Staff Physical Therapist

Nathan Elliott is a physical therapist located in Waldorf who specializes in treating sports injuries, ankle, shoulder, knee, back, hip, neck stiffness, dysfunction and pain. In addition, he has served as a member of the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman achieving the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer initially spending 1-1/2 years at the Naval National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and 2-1/2 years as a Field Medical Specialist at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. He also has worked full time and more recently prn at Montgomery Village Education Nathan initially received his medical training as a Hospital Corpsman while in the U.S. Navy. HE graduated Howard University where he received in 1992 his Bachelors of Science In Physical Therapy. Nathan has completed continuing education courses in various orthopedic areas. Experience Since graduation, Nathan has worked in various rehabilitation settings, inpatient hospital, short term rehabilitation, long term care, skilled nursing, pediatrics, adult day treatment as well as outpatient settings. In August 2022, he joined The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics.

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Leonardtown Clinic Manager

Tara Esler is an energetic physical therapist who began practicing in 1998. She grew up in Northern New Jersey, spent time in several locations along the east coast, choosing Southern Maryland as home in 2010. Tara joined CAO in 2018 to assist renowned and respected Southern Maryland CAO Orthopedic Surgeons expand their practice into rehabilitative medicine. She was instrumental in opening CAO Physical Therapy offices in Waldorf and Leonardtown. Tara currently serves as Clinical Manager at our Leonardtown location. Education Tara graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in 1997 and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1998. Tara has continued to actively expand her clinical skill set through Continuing Education with focus on improving function and performance through variety manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription. Tara is a Certified Clinical Instructor (CI) by the APTA, and holds additional certifications in Blood Flow Restriction, Kinesiology Taping and IASTM. She is also an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Experience Since beginning practice in 1998, Tara has worked in a variety of settings to include Orthopedics, Pediatrics and Neurological Rehab. She has had the opportunity to practice at prestigious institutions of John Hopkins and Easter Seals. Tara has management experience serving as the Director of Rehab for Easter Seals - Greater Baltimore Washington Region overseeing home, community and center-based programs. Tara has worked with clients of all ages and diagnoses from all walks of life. Treatment experience includes, but is not limited to return to sports, pre and post - surgical rehabilitation, post traumatic injury, overuse syndrome, peripheral joint and spinal dysfunction to include the SI joint. Tara loves guiding and motivating patients back to healthy lifestyle. She believes in treating the patient and not just their injury. She recognizes that each patient has different comfort level with exercise and their body. She wants each patient to feel comfortable and enjoy their PT experience. Tara strives to empower each patient to manage their dysfunction to achieve their desired lifestyle. Tara believes in balanced active lifestyle. In her time away from clinic, she loves time with her family, friends and dog. She is an avid fan of her children's sports teams. She enjoys working out, outdoor activities, cooking and time at the beach.

Job Titles:

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Personal Trainer
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Staff Physical Therapy Assistant

Tracey Webster is a Personal Trainer who joined the Centers for Advanced Orthopedics to help develop the company's Sports Performance program. With 12 years under her belt as a certified trainer, and 5 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Tracey is eager to bridge the gap for athletes that have graduated from physical therapy, but are not quite ready to get back on the playing field. She is additionally excited to help healthy athletes take their performance to the next level. Education Tracey was born and raised in Southern Maryland, graduating from La Plata High School in 2005. In 2009, she graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science - Health Fitness Specialist. Tracey decided to expand her education, obtaining an Associate's Degree in Applied Science through the CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant program at College of Southern Maryland/Anne Arundel Community College, becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2016. Experience Immediately following graduation in 2009, Tracey became a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has been diligently pushing her clients ever since to reach their highest potential. In addition to training clients in-home, Tracey spent a couple of years working as a Rehabilitation Technician at a local outpatient Physical Therapy clinic in which she assisted patient's through their rehab exercise program. Tracey later went on to become a Recreation Assistant at Naval Base Indian Head where she was in charge of leading fitness classes and screening military and civilian patrons. With these screenings, she further developed exercise programs to not only improve their fitness, but various orthopedic conditions as well. For 5 years, Tracey has been working and expanding her skills as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Southern Maryland in outpatient clinical settings. This allows her to use her knowledge of the physical body and apply it to healing and to stage progressive improvements in her patients' daily lives and well-being. It has been here that she recognizes the opportunity to take her original passion for exercise and fitness and expand it with a more hands-on approach. In 2019, Tracey was asked to develop and lead the personal training program for the SMECO employees as part of their healthcare incentive program which she continues to do now. Through this program, she creates individual fitness plans to help employees develop healthy habits which further promotes increased productivity and decreased absences in the workplace. Tracey strongly believes that one must crawl, before they can walk, before they can run. She feels as though often times athletes, and people in general, engage in activities that their bodies simply are not ready for. Building the basics and fundamentals is an integral approach that Tracey takes with individuals of all fitness levels to avoid risk of injury and further potential setbacks. Health and fitness has always been her true passion and she strives to instill this in others. "We have one life to live so we should live it well." When Tracey is not busy at work, she thoroughly enjoys staying active and being outdoors. You may find her flipping 300lb tractor tires, or slinging sledge hammers, but she has a true passion for snowboarding, paddle boarding, slow-pitch softball, traveling, and engaging in anything near the water.