Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Team

Neuro Rehab Institute

Victoria Wilson, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Neurological Specialist
Dr. Victoria Wilson graduated from MUSC in 2017 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She went on to complete her residency in Neurology at MUSC in 2018 and earned her board certification. She specializes in Neurologic physical therapy, with her areas of interest including: Stroke, Brain injury, Movement disorders, and ataxia. She is also the coordinator for the MUSC Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Program.

Amber Karren, PT, DPT
Dr. Amber Karren graduated from MUSC in 2021 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Areas of Interest: Neurology-based diagnosis, pain Science and management, dry needling, and geriatrics. She also holds a massage therapy license (AMTA) and health coach certification (ACE) with advanced certifications in functional movement. Her life motto: “Aging gracefully with self-efficacy through positive behaviors harvested to habits.”

Jill Monger, PT, MS, ATP
Jill Monger is a Physical Therapist with more than 37 years of experience working with people with disabilities of all ages. She is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional, has experience as a coach for wheelchair sports, and is an advocate for people with disabilities in her local community, and nationally. She has practiced in the Charleston area since 1987 and has had the unique opportunity of working with clients and families throughout their lives beginning as young children and into their adulthood, as well as with those who acquire disability later in life. As the coordinator of the MUSC wheelchair and rehabilitation technology clinic, Jill works with teams recommending and designing specialty equipment used by people with mobility impairments across all ages.

Mount Pleasant (Chuck Dawley)

Susan Keim, PT, DPT
Dr. Susan Keim graduated in 2018 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Belmont University. She earned advanced certification in Trigger Point Dry Needling. She treats orthopedic conditions and athletes of all ages with a special interest in cheerleading, volleyball, and gymnastics. She enjoys traveling, spending time at Sullivan's Island with her dog, sunsets, boating/kayaking, instructing barre and other group fitness classes, and playing sand volleyball.

Ashley Vaughn, OTR/R, Certified Hand Therapist
Ashley Vaughn graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from MUSC in 2011. She became a Board-certified hand therapist in 2016 and a certified manual therapist in 2021. Her specialty areas include the elbow, wrist, and hand. She enjoys riding her horse, traveling, and spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.

Jodie Rush, PT, DPT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Board-certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Jodie Rush graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2008 from Duke University. She has worked in a variety of settings including skilled nursing and acute care, before finding her passion in outpatient orthopedics. She has an advanced certification as an orthopedic manual therapist and is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She is the Director of the MUSC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency and serves students as an Adjunct Instructor in the College of Health Professions. In her spare time, she loves being on Sullivan’s Island and traveling with her family.

Aaron Brown, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS
Dr. Aaron Brown graduated from MUSC in 2021 with his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Aaron specializes in treating both surgical and non-surgical sports injuries as well as working with general orthopedic conditions. Aaron is also an Athletic Trainer with MUSC Health Sports Medicine, providing sports coverage for many local high schools, the College of Charleston, and various local tournaments. In his free time, Aaron enjoys playing pickup basketball, boating, backpacking, sports performance training, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and rescue pup "Elba."

Ashley Avenue

Rebecca Janney PT, DPT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Dr. Rebecca Janney attended MUSC and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She treats a variety of patients with diagnoses including TMJ dysfunction, Musculoskeletal impairments, and Neurological diagnoses. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her husband, son, and their dog, Addie.

Michelle Mills, MSPT, Orthopedic Manual Therapist-Certified
Michelle Mills graduated with a Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2004 from The Ohio State University. She obtained an advanced certification in orthopedic manual therapy in 2017. She utilizes her manual therapy as well as dry needling skills in her outpatient therapy practice. She enjoys working with sports medicine and general orthopedic patients and is a clinical instructor for physical therapy students. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, hiking, and going to the gym.

Patricia Bennett, PT, DPT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Patricia Bennett graduated with her Doctor in Physical Therapy Degree in 2015 from MUSC. She has further specialized in orthopedics with a Board Certification in Orthopedics and Orthopedic Manual Therapy. She participates as a mentor in the MUSC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency and is a Teaching Assistant for the College of Health Professions. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, cooking and discovering new Charleston restaurants.

Laura Baird, PT, MHS, Board-Certified Neurological Specialist, Board-Certified Geriatric Specialist
Laura Baird graduated from MUSC with her Physical Therapy Degree in 1999, along with a Masters of Health Science. She is double board certified in both neurological and geriatric physical therapy. She has more than 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. She loves spending time with her three fur babies, family, and friends.

Rebecca English, PT, DPT, MSR
Dr. Rebecca English graduated from MUSC with dual degrees in both Occupational and Physical therapy, in addition to a Masters in Rehabilitation Science. In 2009, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Stills University. She has advanced training from Emory University in Vestibular Rehabilitation, and treatment of complex balance disorders.

Sarah K Murphy, PT, DPT, Orthopedic Manual Therapist-Certified
Dr. Sarah K Murphy completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from MUSC in 2012. She has further specialized in orthopedics and has achieved advanced certification as an orthopedic manual therapist. She also specializes in facial nerve rehabilitation in which she has completed advanced training with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She was a founding member of the Interdisciplinary Movement Disorders Clinic that is now certified by the Parkinson's Foundation. In addition to specializing in facial nerve rehabilitation, she enjoys working with sports medicine and general orthopedic patients and is a clinical instructor for physical therapy students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and discovering new Charleston restaurants.

Jon Mayer, PT, DPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Dr. Jon Mayer graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2017 from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and enjoys helping patients of all ages achieve optimal function. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog and staying active with exercise.

Danielle Belcher, PTA
Danielle Belcher graduated with her B.S. from College of Charleston in 2013. She went on to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Trident Technical College in 2017. She enjoys working with sports medicine and general orthopedic patients and is a clinical instructor. In her free time, Danielle enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and family, hanging out with her dogs, and traveling to clear blue water.

Miranda Carter, PTA
Miranda Carter graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Trident Technical College in 2017. She completed her B.S. in Biology at Clemson in 2010. She is certified in LSVT Big and specializes in working with patients with both neurological disorders as well as orthopedic dysfunction.

Garrett Drumheller, PT, DPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Dr. Garrett Drumheller joined MUSC as a physical therapist in 2021. He graduated with a B.S. in Health care management in 2016 from Misericordia University. He went on to obtain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018 from the Misericordia university as well. Following school, he completed a sports residency working in D1 athletics at St. Francis University. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with advanced training in blood flow restriction training. His professional interests include sports related injuries and helping individuals get back to active lifestyles. Garrett holds a leadership position in the college and professional athlete sig within the AASPT and enjoys education on BFR and strength and conditioning principles. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and dog, playing spike ball and finding new restaurants in Charleston.

North Charleston

Kalynne Ballares, PT, Board-Certified Neurological Specialist, ATP
Kalynne Ballares graduated from MUSC with her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2003. She completed MUSC’s Neurological Physical Therapy Residency Program in 2015 and is now double board certified as a Neurology Certified Specialist and an Assistive Technology Professional. She currently serves as the Mentor Coordinator for the MUSC Neurological PT program. She is also Parkinson Wellness Recovery Certified (PWR! Moves trained therapist 2017.) She serves as a committee member for SCAPTA Research and Education Committee, and as committee member for the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas Chapter Mission Outreach committee, specifically Underserved Committee Outreach. She also works with the Cane Bay Family YMCA with their PWR! Moves Wellness program. She enjoys spending time with her family, and gardening.

Natalie Perez, OTR/L, CLT
Natalie is an Occupational Therapist who joined the MUSC outpatient therapy team in October 2022. She graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va with a Masters of Occupational Therapy in December 2016. Following graduation, she provided skilled occupational therapy at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for children with various developmental conditions and delays. Subsequently, she treated patients in the Acute Care setting at the University of Virginia Medical Center (now Health System). Populations included the following: orthopedic surgery/trauma, polytrauma, general medicine, cardiovascular post-op, neurology/neurosurgery, and ICU for each service line. She obtained her Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) certificate via Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) February 2022.Currently, Natalie treats adults with various neurological conditions and upper extremity injuries/conditions at the Elms center at North Charleston. During her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, painting, and walks on the beach with her future husband.

Rachel Wyllie, PT, DPT
Dr. Rachel Wyllie graduated from the University of Florida with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2021. She joined the MUSC team after graduation. Her areas of special interest are: orthopedics, oncology, and lymphedema. She loves going to the teach, spending time with friends, family, dog, and exploring Charleston.

Robyn Hast, PT, DPT, CSCS
Dr. Robyn Hast, PT, DPT, CSCS graduated with a B.S. in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2012 and went on to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2015 from the University of Pittsburgh. Industrial rehabilitation has been woven into most of her career and has participated in most aspects of work-related injury care since the beginning of her career. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer. Over the last few years, she has enjoyed working in the MUSC outpatient clinics and diversifying her treatment techniques even further. Outside of work, Robyn enjoys cheering on her Pittsburgh sports teams and working on home renovation projects with her husband.

Rod Tyler, OTR/L, Certified Hand Therapist, CSFA
Rod Tyler has over 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. His clinical specialty is hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. He achieved his Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential in 2005. He is also a Certified Specialist in Functional Assessment (CSFA), performing Functional Capacity Evaluations, worksite evaluations, ergonomic assessments, and pre/post-employment screenings. He enjoys all aspects of hand therapy and has a clinical interest in flexor tendon repair/reconstruction, custom orthosis fabrication, thumb CMC arthroplasties/reconstruction, burn rehabilitation, and elbow injuries. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, international travel/mission trips, and backpacking.

Vaughn Pyles, PTA,
Vaughn Pyles graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Greenville Technical College in 2005 and completed his Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Studies from MUSC in 2019He has experience in a variety of PT settings, but outpatient is his area expertise. He has an advanced certification in MUSC’s only BTE machine, used in the athletic and return to specific function patient populations. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering with his congregation, and playing and watching multiple sports and sporting activities including golf.

Health West

Bruce Reeves, PT
Bruce Reeves graduated from MUSC in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy. He enjoys treating a wide variety of diagnosis including orthopedics. He received advanced training in manual therapy. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and 2 dogs, traveling, and playing music around town with his band.

Andrue Bergmooser, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Andrue Bergmooser graduated from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2014. He completed an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency in Bethlehem, PA at St. Luke’s University Health Network. Additionally, he is a certified Spinal Manual Therapist and Therapeutic Pain Specialist through the International Spine and Pain Institute. His specialty areas include: chronic pain and spinal conditions. He enjoys golf, soccer, gardening, and fishing.

John Austin, OTR/L, Certified Hand Therapist
John Austin is a Certified Hand Therapist with more than 38 years’ experience in the treatment of upper extremity injuries and disorders. A Charleston native, he is a graduate of the MUSC with a degree in Occupational Therapy. He received his advanced Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) in 1991 with the first national certification of CHT’s by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. Undertaking his initial clinical training at the Chattanooga Hand Rehabilitation Center, Inc., he eventually served as the companies Chief Operating Officer for 10 years before returning to MUSC in 1998 to become part of an expanding Hand Therapy team. He is active in his national association, the American Society of Hand Therapists, having served as Chairs of the Professional Relations Committee and Website and Technology Committee and Executive Board Member at Large.

Margaret Gee, PT, MS, DPT
Dr. Margaret Gee graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy from MUSC in 1991. She then went on to complete a Master’s in Orthopedic Physical Therapy at Georgia State University in 1996, and ultimately graduated from Marymount University in 2007 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is certified in dry needling as well as McKenzie manual therapy techniques. She has a personal interest in treating orthopedic spinal issues, but enjoys problem solving and treating all types of orthopedic pain and dysfunction.

Andrea Word, PT, DPT
Dr. Andrea Word received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Scranton in 2014. She is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and has taken various courses in myofascial, manual and mobilization techniques. Andrea has a special interest in treating orthopedic injuries related to running and weightlifting. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband & dog as well as participating in her fitness regime that includes weightlifting, HIIT, yoga and running.

Tina Johnson, PTA
Tina Johnson attended Iowa Western and graduated with honors with her Associate’s Degree Physical Therapy Assistant in 2016. She enjoys treating patients of all ages but is especially fond of the geriatric population. When not working, Tina enjoys watching sports and spending time with her family and 2 dogs.

Travis Gomes, PTA
Travis Gomes graduated in 2016 with his Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Bay State College. He focuses on treating general orthopedics, post-operative, shoulder injuries, sports rehab. He is originally from Boston, MA and has been in Charleston since 2019. He enjoys biking, kayaking, traveling and being a foodie with all the Charleston restaurants!

Mount Pleasant (Hospital Drive)

Renée Garrison, PT, Manual Therapist Certified, Certified Lymphedema Therapist-LANA
Renée Garrison has been working at MUSC as a Physical Therapist since 1998, treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal and circulatory issues. She attended Clemson University for undergrad and then transferred to MUSC to complete her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy degree. Renée received her Manual Therapy Certification through Kaiser Permanente in 2004 and her lymphedema certification in 2011 through the Norton School of Lymphology. She is also LANA certified, indicating a higher level of expertise in treating patients with lymphedema. Her areas of interest are women’s health, lymphedema, sports medicine, and spine health.

Cristopher DeLuna, OTR/L, Certified Hand Therapist
Cristopher graduated from MUSC in 2010 with his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Since graduating, he has been working in a hand therapy setting and is a certified hand therapist. His concentration of treatment is elbow, wrist, and hand. Cris enjoys traveling, exploring the food scene in Charleston, and spending time with friends and family.

Amy Maurer PT, MSR
Amy Mauer graduated from MUSC in 2000 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. She joined the MUSC team in 2003. Her areas of special interest include orthopedics and manual therapy. In her free time, Amy spends time with her family, is an avid runner, and practices yoga.

Laurie Woods, PT, MHS
Laurie Woods joined the MUSC Physical Therapy department in 1995. She completed her Physical Therapy degree and her Master’s in Health Science at MUSC. She is both NDT and LSVT BIG certified. Laurie provides comprehensive Physical Therapy services, and her special interests include neurological therapy, vestibular rehab, movement disorder.

Angela Works, PT
Angela Works graduated from MUSC with Master’s of Health Sciences and a BS in Physical Therapy in 1992 MUSC. She joined MUSC in 1998. She received her NDT certification in 1995 and has advanced training/certification from Emory University in Vestibular Rehabilitation. She treats a variety of neurological and complex vestibular and balance disorders. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, their cat, volunteering at their schools, going to the beach and traveling.

Erin Leger, PT, DPT
Dr. Erin Leger graduated from Duke University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2019. She is passionate about women’s health and specializes in pelvic floor Physical Therapy while also treating orthopedic conditions. She loves dancing, cooking, and spending time at the beach

Jennifer Kirlin, PTA
Jennifer Kirlin has over 28 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant and has been a part of the MUSC team since 2018. She graduated in 1994 from the PTA program at Harcum college in Bryn Mawr, PA. She started her career in sports medicine. She has experience in treating all patient populations from pediatrics to geriatrics with a focus on manual skills. At MUSC, she enjoys collaborating with fellow colleagues to provide care to the orthopedic and neurologic patient populations with a goal to make patients enjoy coming to therapy.

Chris Ellis, PT, DPT, Orthopedic Manual Therapist-Certified
Dr. Chris Ellis graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Emory and Henry College in 2019. He completed the MUSC Physical Therapy Orthopedic Residency Program in 2020. He has advanced certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy. He enjoys playing sports and reading in his off time.

Brendon Murray, PTA
Brendon Murray graduated in 2019 as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Bremerton College in Washington State. He and his wife recently moved to Charleston from Okinawa, Japan on military orders but plan on making Charleston their forever home. Brendon enjoys treating various orthopedic diagnoses and continuously learning. In his free time, he enjoys Crossfitting, the beach and being a cat dad.

Summerville (Springview)

Rebecka Murga, PT, DPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Orthopedic Manual Therapist-Certified
Dr. Rebecka Murga graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Duke University. She treats a variety of patients including vestibular disorders, musculoskeletal pain, headaches and concussions. Rebecka has advanced vestibular training through Emory University and completed her Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapy training in 2019. Becka enjoys volunteering with local and international organizations to provide physical therapy to those who are underinsured. In her free time, she enjoys international travel, attending concerts, camping, and playing soccer.

Leeds Avenue Pediatric Clinic

Stacey Grey, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
Dr. Stacey Grey completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Shenandoah University in 2009. She attained her Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2016. Stacey has worked as a pediatric Physical Therapist throughout her career, initially at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in Fredericksburg, VA prior to moving to Charleston. Stacey has worked at the outpatient pediatric therapy clinic for MUSC since 2015. She has special interests in the treatment of concussions and mentors in the Pediatric Residency Program. She also participates in the multidisciplinary clinics: Pediatric Concussion and Spina Bifida.

Lori Bartleson, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
Dr. Lori Bartleson graduated with a Physical Therapy Degree from MUSC in 1995. She received her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in 2012. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy and is actively involved in the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pediatrics as the chair of the Adolescents and Adults with Diverse Abilities Special Interest Group. She is also the Program Coordinator for the MUSC Physical Therapy Pediatric Residency.

Kaitie Burke, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
Dr. Kaitie Burke graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2016 from MUSC. She became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2021. Kaitie enjoys working with children and families with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, neuromuscular diseases, genetic diagnosis, and patients undergoing treatment of pediatric cancers. Kaitie provides serial casting services to children with orthopedic and neuromuscular diagnoses as well as serves as the physical therapist for the multidisciplinary Brain Tumor and Medically Complex Foster Care clinics.

Shelby R Allen, MSOT, OTR/L
Shelby Allen graduated with a Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from MUSC in 2020. After graduation, she worked as a therapist in a privately-owned pediatric clinic, treating children in the community, home, and clinic. Shelby transitioned to MUSC to pursue her passion of working with medically complex children in the outpatient pediatric setting. She treats children of all ages across a variety of diagnoses, including those with neurological deficits, pediatric cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, sensory processing difficulties and more, working collaboratively with her patients and families to emphasize patient centered goals with compassionate based care. So far, Shelby has completed training in Handwriting Without Tears and Darkness to Light. She has also served as a therapist in the Sunshine Clinic, a grant based pro-bono clinic treating pediatric patients, while also educating physical and occupational therapy students in the College of Health Professions at MUSC.

Shannon Hemberger, Occupational Therapist
Shannon Hemberger, OTR/L has been working as a pediatric occupational therapist since graduating from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2013. She previously worked at a privately owned pediatric outpatient clinic in Charleston before joining the MUSC team in 2016. Shannon works at our outpatient therapy facility with children of all ages with neuromuscular diagnoses, genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, strokes, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing difficulties, and patients with pediatric cancer in assisting them to maximize independence in daily living skills, play/leisure, and school activities. Shannon also assists with the interdisciplinary team for the International Adoption Clinic and Spasticity Clinic. She currently has her certification in Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist and is trained in kinesiotaping, therapeutic listening, Handwriting Without Tears, and the Alert Program

Ashley Romito, Occupational Therapist
Ashley Romito, OTR/L graduated with her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from West Virginia University in 2014. She has been with MUSC since 2016. She has worked in a variety of settings, but is passionate about working in the outpatient pediatric setting to collaborate with families in assisting children to obtain the highest level of independence possible. Ashley is trained in Handwriting Without Tears. She coordinates with the pet therapy teams to provide Animal Assisted Therapy at the Leeds Ave clinic. Ashley also assists with the interdisciplinary Down syndrome clinic. She enjoys staying involved in the community through activities such as the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry Buddy Walk.