Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center

Ashley Abraham, OT, MSOT, CLT-UE

Ashley is a Colorado native but grew up in Hampton Roads. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 and received secondary certification in lymphedema therapy in 2018. Ashley has special interest in working with cancer survivors and is the clinical lead for oncology rehabilitation with Riverside's outpatient clinics. In her free time Ashley enjoys traveling, writing, and photography.

Samera Ahmed, CHT

Samera is a certified hand therapist (CHT) who joined the Riverside team in 2021. She is originally from New York and obtained a Master's of Science degree from CUNY York College. Samera has a special interest in treating conservative and post-operative orthopedic injuries. Her evaluation and treatments include: custom orthoses fabrication, individualized exercise programs, manual therapy, neuromuscular reeducation, and physical agent modalities. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, home décor, painting, and traveling. 

Madison Armstrong, PT, DPT

Madi graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and received her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Hampton University. She joined the Riverside Team in 2019 where she enjoys working with both the orthopedic and neurologic population. Madi is LSVT BIG certified and provides therapy to those with Parkinson ’s disease to improve their balance, walking and ability to perform activities of daily living. She has also completed a vestibular certification to treat patients who suffer from dizziness and impaired balance. Outside of clinic she enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Traven Britt, PTA

Traven Britt is a physical therapist assistant at Riverside Physical Therapy. He works on all cases and diagnosis but has certifications in spine/ neck/back issues, vestibular, and high/low level neurologically affected. I enjoy working with all my patients to get the best overall results possible with a smile.

Jessica Campbell, PT

Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Methodist University. She enjoys working with diverse patient populations promoting long-term success and improved quality of life. With the majority of her experience focused on care in the outpatient setting, Jessica excels with providing personalized treatment plans that facilitate healing and restored function. Her expertise extends beyond the outpatient setting as she has also gained invaluable experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and sideline coverage for local sports teams. With a passionate and patient-centered approach, she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients, helping them to optimize functional independence and mobility.

Reva Christian, LPTA, CLT

Reva is an Ohio native who graduated from Hocking College in 2007 and has been working with Riverside since 2012. In 2013, Reva assisted in spearheading Riverside College's program for LPTAs and served as an instructor. She returned to an outpatient clinical setting in 2014. In 2017, Reva earned her certification as a lymphedema therapist in order to help those with cancer-related lymphedema. She is also well-versed with the McKenzie method for treating spinal diagnoses. Past clinical settings include home health care as well as other outpatient settings.

Christina Clark, OT

Christina is a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist who enjoys helping patients regain their independence with daily tasks as well as their leisure activities without pain. Christina graduated from James Madison University with her undergraduate degree in Health Science and her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in multiple treatment settings but has found her passion treating diagnosis in the outpatient therapy setting. She is also PWR certified to specifically help patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with focus on fine motor control. Christina also enjoys helping patients recovering from both orthopedic injuries and neurologic injuries with a special focus on re-learning how to read after a stroke due to visual changes. Christina is the mother of two energetic boys and enjoys spending time at the beach and pool, going camping, and keeping her kids active in sports.

Ann Cyptar, MS, CCC-SLP

Ms. Cyptar is a Voice Pathologist who received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She is a member of various professional organizations including ASHA's special interest division on Voice and Voice Disorders. She has over 20 years of experience and presents regionally on vocal health issues and on various types of voice problems. She specializes in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of the injured voice in singers, actors, teachers, and others who use their voice for their occupation. Her voice patients also include those with Spasmodic Dysphonia and vocal fold paralysis/immobility. She is a classically trained singer and enjoys singing with local singing groups.

Ms. Cyptar also specializes in rehabilitating speech and swallowing function in patients with head/neck cancer. This includes voice prosthesis placement and management of inpatients who have undergone total laryngectomies. She presents regionally on speech rehabilitation in the head/neck cancer population and has appeared in several cancer-related publications.

Alexis Gathers, COTAVL

As a recent summa cum laude graduate from Tidewater Community College's Occupational Therapy Assistant program, further receiving her Associate of Applied Science, and National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. Alexis Gathers, born and raised Floridian and military spouse, is a dynamic and compassionate professional ready to embark on a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry at Riverside. Equipped with comprehensive training and hands-on experience, Alexis is eager to apply her knowledge to improve the lives of patients.

With a passion for helping others, Alexis is committed to providing personalized care and support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She has honed her skills in therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and assisting patients in achieving their maximum functional potential with a passion for a holistic approach to patient care and continuing education.

Driven by a desire to make a difference in the community, Alexis actively seeks opportunities for professional growth and staying updated with the latest advancements in occupational therapy.

She believes in the transformative power of occupational therapy and is excited to contribute her skills and expertise to help clients lead more fulfilling lives.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys anything art with a passion for creative design including 3D art and acrylic painting, finding inspiration and balance while spending time with her husband and son, exploring any and all new adventures that Hampton roads has to offer.

Kayla Emile, MA, CCC-SLP

Kayla was born in Boston and came to the Hampton Roads area to attend school. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degree from Hampton University in the field of Communicative Sciences and Disorders in 2011. She specializes in the neurological population to address speech, language, cognitive and swallowing deficits. When not at work, she enjoys attending concerts, dancing and traveling.

Lesile Loop, PT, DPT, CLT

Leslie graduated with a Bachelors in Sport and Exercise Science, Master’s in Physical Therapy, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Gannon University in 2006. A native of Pennsylvania and a former professional ballet/modern dancer, Leslie has a wide range of physical therapy experience in outpatient, home health, skilled nursing, and school-based pediatrics settings. She began working for Riverside in 2016 at Riverside at Home and returned to an outpatient setting in 2024 as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to focus on helping patients diagnosed with lymphedema and lipedema manage their conditions. Outside of the clinic, Leslie also works as a barre instructor helping people in all stages fitness find their passion for exercise and movement to improve their overall health and quality of life.  

Timothy K Lawrence MS.PT

Tim grew up in suburb of Philadelphia and attended West Chester State College. A 1988 Graduate of Long Island University Brooklyn Campus with Masters in Physical Therapy He has worked in out-patient orthopedic / sports medicine for 36 years. Enjoys making therapy fun and education. Works to motivate patient to more active lifestyle Joined Riverside in 2023. Spends his time away from work with his wife, at church, the beach and traveling.

Ryan Maitland, DPT

Ryan grew up in Newport News, VA and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University 2018. He then received his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 2022. He joined the Riverside Team in 2022 as a new graduate. Ryan enjoys working with multiple patient populations to include: Orthopedics, sports, geriatric, and neurologic populations. Ryan has also been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA since 2018. Outside of physical therapy Ryan enjoys being outdoors as much as possible whether that is hunting, fishing, playing sports, or hiking with his dog.

Desmonee' Mitchell, PTA

A native of Suffolk, Desmoneé decided to pursue a career in physical therapy after a shoulder injury, playing softball. She obtained a B.S. in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University in 2017, followed by a PTA License in 2019. Desmoneé has an interest in orthopedic conditions and manual therapy. She is passionate about helping others and providing quality patient care. Outside of the clinic, Desmoneé enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Tonya Murphy, PTA

A Virginia native, Tonya grew up all over the world as an Army Brat before landing in Newport News. She earned her PTA degree from Riverside’s College of Health Careers and spent several years working in a small outpatient PT clinic before joining the Riverside team. Tonya is passionate about always learning and improving both in her career and in her personal life. In her travels, she loves to learn about different cultures and experience the local foods. In her free time, she values spending quality time with her family, usually around the dinner table or playing games.

Chelsea Pelletier, LPTA

Chelsea Pelletier graduated from The University of Maine in Presque Isle in 2014 with an Associates in Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistants. Chelsea has obtained skills and experience working in Outpatient Therapy Clinics in Maine, Southern California, and now here at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Chelsea is passionate about helping return her patients to healthy, pain free functional lives, and educating her patients on how to manage chronic and long term conditions. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Zeus, and working on creative projects like mosaics and embroidery.

Jaleesha Philbert, DPT, CSRS

Jaleesha Philbert, DPT, CSRS received her Bachelor’s of Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. In 2016, she graduated with a Doctorate degree from Howard University. She has been a licensed physical therapist for 7 years and have experience in inpatient rehab, acute care, skilled nursing, and home health. She joined the Riverside Outpatient team in 2023 where she works with the orthopedic, neurologic, and pelvic floor population. She has completed a Stoke Rehab certification to treat patients who suffer from weakness or instability after their stroke diagnosis. Outside of the clinic she enjoys to workout and spend time her family.

Jason Sartorius, PT

Jason earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. Previously a NY native who grew up playing Ice hockey. He graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Exercise science. Currently Jason enjoys working with a wide range of patients in order to help them return to activities that they enjoy. Outside of the clinic you can find Jason enjoying time with his wife and son, biking, working in the yard and exercising.

Amanda Scott, PT, DPT, CLT-UE

Amanda graduated with a Bachelors in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Michigan State University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016 from Hampton University. She has a wide range of experience from acute care, home health and outpatient physical therapy treating orthopedics, lymphedema, breast cancer rehab, and pelvic floor therapy.

Amanda’s professional philosophy is that an empowered therapist can drive patient empowerment. Her goal as a pelvic floor therapist is to provide a direct, nonjudgmental, trauma informed safe space to educate patients to restore function and improve quality of life. She is passionate about helping post-partum mothers by assisting them back on their feet, and by helping patients to navigate their sexual health and address their pelvic floor concerns.

Patrick Singleton, PTA

Patrick Singleton graduated from Lake Superior college in Duluth Minnesota in 2013 and have practiced in many settings ranging from; Inpatient rehab, transitional care, skilled nursing facilities, home health care and outpatient physical therapy.

Professionally I enjoy working with a wide array of diagnosis. I work toward finding that appropriate challenge every session to enhance my patients' capabilities to achieve their goals and to get them back to the hobbies that they love. I also enjoy and am expanding my skills and knowledge on amputee rehab and prosthetic training. Teaching a patient how to trust a foreign piece of technology to help them get back a task as essential as walking I find very intriguing and fulfilling.

When I'm not at in the clinic I enjoy more relaxed activities such as; Walking my two rescue husky's, camping or sitting around a table playing card or board games with friends and family.

Jessica Smith, PT, CLT, ASTYM

Jessica grew up in the great state of Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish, her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and her physical therapy residency in Orthopedics. She worked for a health care system in Madison, WI for 10 years before moving to Hampton Roads to take on the Coordinator role for the MOB clinic.

Jessica is board certified by the American Physical Therapy Association in Orthopedics, is a certified lymphedema therapist, is a certified ASTYM practitioner and has done extensive training in the treatment of chronic pain. Jessica has also undergone education in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic pain. She enjoys making a meaningful difference in her patient’s lives and mentoring other therapists as they grow as clinicians. In her free time, Jessica enjoys running and competitive horseback riding in the sport of 3 day eventing.

Caylee Williams, PTA

Born and raised in Newport News Virginia, Caylee Williams graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Riverside College of Health Careers in 2019. She received her PTA license in April 2019 and has been practicing since then. Initially, she worked with the geriatric population in multiple nursing homes in the Hampton Roads area. Caylee enjoyed her time serving there, but left in December after giving birth to her first daughter. In 2020, Caylee was delighted to begin working for Riverside in their outpatient therapy department. Since starting her career, she has treated in multiple settings and has seen patients with various complaints; from orthopedic and neurological conditions to aquatic therapy. She is looking forward to continuing her education in the following years and achieving specializations regarding manual therapy and the LSVT program. She spends much of her free time with her young daughter and husband and is excited about the future.