Morgan Axe

PTA

Morgan Axe, PTA was born and raised in Delaware. She graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2007 with her Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree. During her career Morgan has primarily performed outpatient treatment of the upper extremity. Clinically, she has experience treating joint arthroplasty, brachial plexus injuries and upper extremity fractures among other post-traumatic and repetitive injuries. Morgan enjoys helping patients reach their goals and return to their daily activities.

When not working, Morgan enjoys spending time with her husband and children. You can find her cheering them on from the sidelines of soccer, field hockey and baseball fields. She’s also an avid reader, so when time allows, you will find her curled up with a good book.

Alexandria Bochanski

PTA

Alexandria Bochanski, PTA attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, graduating in 2017 Magna Cum Laude with an associate degree of Applied Science. Alex has been treating patients since 2018 with a focus on lower extremity and spine rehabilitation. She has expanded that interest to the treatment of hand and upper extremity diagnoses and has been mentored by the Certified Hand Therapists at Rise and has attended multiple conferences to further her education on upper extremity rehabilitation. Her greatest interest is in orthosis fabrication and treating the post-operative geriatric population. 

Phil Bruzga

PT/DPT

Phil Bruzga, PT/DPT has been working with an orthopedic population as a physical therapist since 2016. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2011 and from Widener University in 2016 with a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Since graduating, he has pursued continuing education leading to his board certification in orthopedics and certification in dry needling. Phil enjoys treating a wide variety of orthopedic populations, especially those who are looking to get back to an active lifestyle.


Outside of physical therapy, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, training with kettlebells, golfing and playing the guitar.

Kathy Callaway

Owner, PT, CHT

Kathy Callaway, PT, CHT graduated from University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1983. While at UD she played softball and volleyball. After graduation she began her career in outpatient physical therapy. She went on to further her education by earning a master’s degree of Health Science in Sports and Orthopedics from University of Indianapolis. She began working as an upper extremity specialist at Delaware Sportscare in 1989 and became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 1995.

Kathy moved on to become an owner of PRO Physical Therapy where she developed the most well-respected hand program in the area. When PRO PT became the national company ATI Physical Therapy, Kathy served as Vice President of Operations. She managed the East Coast hand program along with several other centers until December 2019.

In 2020 she joined Ralph Franceschini, MPT to fulfill their vision of outpatient physical therapy. The result is RISE Physical Therapy, a comprehensive company providing all disciplines of outpatient physical therapy.

Angie Dickerson-Schnatz

PT, MPT, OCS, CHT

Jen Eley

MPT, CHT

Jen Eley, MPT, CHT has been a practicing physical therapist for 24 years. She attended the University of Delaware for her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and then graduated with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware in 1996. Jen has lived in Delaware her whole life, and loves being able to interact with and help the community she lives in. After several years of working in a rehab setting and with general orthopedics, she started her path to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She became a CHT in 2002 and has since specialized in upper extremity therapy. She enjoys the challenge of upper extremity trauma and treating patients with thoracic outlet syndrome and brachial plexus injuries.

Jen connects with her patients, learning what their goals are, and what treatment methods work best to achieve their goals. This allows her to be able to diagnose an injury and determine what treatment plan will be the best path.

Working in a clinic with experienced clinicians exposes her to other approaches, skill sets, and the ability to consult with one another to find the best care for each patient. Jen is fulfilled when her patients reach their goals and are happy for the new independence they have gained!

Angelica Fernandez

PTA

Angelica Fernandez, PTA was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. She graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College with an applied science degree and obtained her license as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2022. From a young age she wanted to be involved with hands-on work and helping others. In 2018, she began working in the physical therapy field as a rehabilitation technician and was enamored by the work and progress made by patients which inspired her to pursue her PTA career. She looks forward to meeting all patients and helping them to reach their goals and get back to doing what they love to do. Angelica has experience with both inpatient and outpatient settings, taking a special interest in hand therapy and neurological conditions.

Outside of work Angelica enjoys playing with her dog, going on bike rides with her dad and running with friends.

Ralph Franceschini

Owner, MPT

Ralph graduated from Gettysburg College with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Psychology. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware in 1991.

He began his physical therapy career with Pat Croce’s Sports Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania. In 1994 he began working in Maryland as Director of Rehabilitation Services for Union Hospital of Cecil County. Ralph became the leader of many of the outpatient services departments including Imaging, Occupational Medicine, and Neurology. He then oversaw a partnership between Union Hospital and Physiotherapy Associates, a national rehabilitation company. In 2003 Ralph started his own practice in Maryland in conjunction with PRO Physical Therapy. In 2006 PRO Physical Therapy joined ATI Physical Therapy and Ralph became Senior Vice-President of Worker’s Compensation. In 2008 Ralph was promoted to Senior Vice-President of East Coast Operations for ATI Physical Therapy. In 2020 Ralph partnered with Kathy Callaway to form RISE Physical Therapy.

Mackenzie Franzone

PTA

Mackenzie Franzone, PTA graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College in Wilmington in May of 2022. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings treating many different diagnoses. She is passionate about helping others reach their goals and putting smiles on their faces. In high school Mackenzie enjoyed staying active by playing multiple sports including field hockey, basketball, and track & field. 

Shaun Hagelstein

PTA

Shaun Hagelstein, PTA was born and raised in Delaware. He graduated Summa Cum laude from Delaware Technical and Community College with an associate degree in applied science and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2022. He developed an interest in physical therapy after being injured while playing high soccer and track at Delaware Military Academy. He worked as a rehabilitation technician in an outpatient physical therapy clinic from 2017 to 2022 during which he gained extensive experience in exercise selection and technique for orthopedic injuries. His special interests include running gait and return to running after injury. He has taken continuing education courses in this field. Shaun has worked with student athletes for return to sport at a competitive level after various injuries and surgeries. He enjoys motivating all patients to achieve the best possible outcome no matter the condition or injury.

Shaun enjoys various hobbies including trail running, skiing, and weightlifting when not spending time with friends and family.

Eli Henninger

DPT, CHT

Eli Henninger, DPT, CHT has had the pleasure of serving her home state as a physical therapist since graduating from the University of Delaware's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in 2009. After several years of training and mentorship, Eli went on to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2014, and she continues to find joy in helping those with upper extremity injuries. Working in a specialized hand center for the past 11 years has given Eli the opportunity to sharpen her skills in treating post-operative, traumatic, and repetitive use hand injuries.  

When she is not working, Eli enjoys running, hiking, and planning the next adventure with her husband and children. 

 

Jennifer Hilliard

DPT, Cert. MDT, ATC

Jennifer Hilliard DPT, Cert. MDT, ATC has been a licensed physical therapist since 1995. Her academic and professional careers have been a continuing quest to improve her knowledge to provide the best patient care. Jennifer earned a BS in athletic training in 1993 from West Chester University of Pennsylvania as well as a minor in health sciences. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Delaware with a Master of Physical Therapy. Through Evidence in Motion Jennifer earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certificate in private practice management. In addition, she holds a certification in dry needling from NAIOMT, a certification in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine from the McKenzie Institute, and a certification in musculoskeletal imaging.

Jennifer’s enthusiasm for physical therapy has also given her a passion for clinical teaching and mentoring. She has been fortunate to host students from many different physical therapy programs as well as mentoring many younger clinicians. Educating patients to control their symptoms and manage their conditions is also a part of that passion. Every patient should leave with the knowledge of how much the therapist cares and how to care for themselves.

Jennifer is a native of Delaware and shares her home and life with her husband and their beagles. In their spare time, they can be found traveling by motorcycle, working with beagle rescue, attending veteran’s events, or curled up in front of a good mystery.

Eileen Kane

BS, MPT, CHT

Eileen Kane, BS, MPT, CHT received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tulane University in 1992 and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Medical College of VA of VCU in 1995. She went on to receive her certificate in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation from Drexel University in 2005 becoming a Certified Hand Therapist that same year. She was awarded a fellowship with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center and has considerable experience in the treatment of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries as well as the cervical and thoracic spine. She is certified in Dry Needling and has presented for the American Society of Hand Therapists as well as the South African Society of Hand Therapists in Johannesburg, Durbin, and Capetown, South Africa.

Eileen has enjoyed teaching Pilates for the last 10 years and is now training others to teach Pilates. She stays active with hiking, paddle boarding and training her rescue dogs, as well as traveling and scuba diving.

Karen Keegan

PT, Cert. MDT

Karen Keegan, PT, Cert. MDT has been a practicing physical therapist since 1992. She graduated from Villanova University where she played soccer and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then completed her physical therapy degree at the University of Connecticut.

Karen started her career at Temple University Hospital with a focus on trauma. Since moving to Delaware in 1995, she has been practicing in an outpatient environment with a focus on orthopedic and spine care. Karen became a Certified McKenzie clinician in 2004 and has enjoyed the problem solving and effectiveness of this method of diagnosing and treating back pain. She has seen great results in her patient’s ability to reduce their symptoms and prevent recurrence of pain, allowing them to return to a healthy lifestyle. Karen is excited to be part of the Rise team and practice with such an experienced group of clinicians, who all share the focus of helping patients to meet their goals.

When not in the clinic, Karen and her husband are usually cheering their four daughters on in their athletic endeavors or walking on the beach at the Jersey shore.

Joseph T. Laws

DPT

Joseph T. Laws, DPT (JT) is a 2011 graduate of the University of Delaware’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He is a 2008 graduate of the University of Delaware undergraduate program for Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Coaching Sciences. He accomplished all of this while playing football for the Blue Hens. During PT school, JT received additional training through affiliations with Champion Sports Medicine in Birmingham, AL and extensive time spent with local orthopedists. Other areas of expertise are Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and Manual Therapy.

JT is a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist with concentrations in shoulder, knee, and spine related injuries in the active population. He has lectured on topics ranging from ACL Rehabilitation, Return to Play, Overhead Athletes, as well as multiple others. JT has been a member of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the last 10 years, an executive committee member of the Delaware APTA, and has spent time as a local high school football and baseball coach. In addition to being a practicing therapist, JT also has lead a clinical excellence department to ensure high quality of care in the world of physical therapy.

J.T. enjoys spending time with his loving wife Samantha and their son Joe.

John Lemen

DPT

John Lemen, DPT has been a practicing physical therapist since 2005. He attended the University of Delaware for his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. He continued his education at Arcadia University and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. John grew up in Northwest New Jersey but has enjoyed his entire career treating in the state of Delaware in the outpatient setting. John currently lives in the Middletown area and has a passion for interacting and helping the community where he lives. His specialties include treating injuries of the upper and lower extremities and the spine in both the general and sports populations. He enjoys connecting with his patients while creating a fun and motivating environment allowing them to achieve their goals.

John enjoys spending his time with his two children, as well as his girlfriend and her children at the beach, at their sporting events and relaxing around the backyard fire pit.

Kimberly Lewis

PTA

Kimberly Lewis, PTA was born and raised in Frostburg, Maryland. She graduated from Allegany College of Maryland in 2006 with an applied science degree as a physical therapist assistant. She moved to Delaware in 2009 with her husband. She has worked in outpatient physical therapy for her entire career. Kim served as a professional member and secretary for the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainers from 2015-2021. Kim enjoys treating orthopedic injuries and has particular interest in sports related injuries in the young female athlete. When not working Kim enjoys watching her daughters play soccer or compete in gymnastics. Kim is avid in working out and enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 young daughters.

Aimee Lipstas

MPT

Aimee Lipstas, MPT has been working as a physical therapist for 20 years with the last 17 years of practice being in New Castle County Delaware. She is a graduate of Council Rock High School and went to Boston University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Aimee ran both track and cross country for the BU Terriers, where she specialized in the 800- and 1500-meter events. She began her career at Moss Rehab working in the stroke and brain injury units before moving to outpatient physical therapy. She specializes in treating concussions, vestibular disorders, post-operative spine care and general orthopedics.

Aimee lives in Chester County, PA with her husband and 2 daughters. When not working you can often find her cheering her girls along in field hockey or lacrosse. What she enjoys most about her job is helping people get back to things they no longer thought possible after an injury or illness. She is thrilled to see them return to those things that are most important to them.

Kristy Loose

DPT, OTR/L, CHT

Kristy Loose DPT, OTR/L, CHT began her career as an occupational therapist after graduating from Elizabethtown College in 2001 where she played field hockey and softball. She received her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005 from University of Delaware. Kristy loves treating the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2007. She is dry needling trained and certified.

Kristy is passionate about serving her community and strives to provide high quality care in an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere. Her main goal is that each patient feels individually cared for and achieves their personal goals.

When Kristy is not at work, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband, three children, and two Labrador retrievers.

Kaiti Marinangeli

PT, DPT, CHT

Kaiti Marinangeli PT, DPT, CHT grew up in Newark, DE attending Sanford School from childhood through high school. She left the area to obtain a dual bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Biology at McDaniel College, where she swam backstroke at the collegiate level. Kaiti then went on to pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Since moving back to the region, she has been treating in the Delaware and Maryland area. She became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2018. Additionally, Kaiti is dry needling certified through NAIOMT and has found this intervention to be beneficial for many conditions.

When she is not in the clinic she is usually weightlifting with her husband, enjoying time with her daughter, or taking her dog Bulleit on walks.

Grace Merritt

DPT

Grace Merritt, DPT is a graduate of DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She loves treating a variety of patients with a special interest in lower extremity conditions. Grace loves being a health care provider because it allows her to return patients to the activities that matter to them. She began her career as a Physical Therapist at Rise and loves continuing the commitment to service within her community.

When not treating in the clinic, Grace enjoys playing pickleball with friends, hiking and reading!

William Scott Mullin

PTA

William Mullin is a Delaware native, who graduated with an AS in Allied Health from Delaware Technical Community College and passed the boards in 2013 to become a physical therapist assistant. He is currently taking classes to advance his career and profession. His passion for physical therapy began while he was a patient rehabilitating from an injury during his years of playing ice hockey. Seeing first-hand the difference physical therapy can make, inspired him to pursue the profession and give back to the community. Now as a professional, William assists with patient care for those diagnosed with orthopedic and sports medicine ailments. He strives to provide an intensive, total body approach to fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness. 

Katie Newcomb-Heffer

DPT, CHT

Katie Newcomb-Heffer, DPT, CHT has been practicing hand and upper extremity therapy since 2007.  After graduating from Neumann College with a bachelor’s in Biology and minor in Chemistry, she graduated from Widener University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. While working as a physical therapist, Katie pursued the training and hours to become a Certified in Hand Therapist (CHT).

Katie chose a career in this field because she wants to help people. She thoroughly enjoys getting to know her patients as they go through the rehabilitation process. Katie is very fulfilled by helping people return to their daily life and desired activities.

Gregory Olkowski

PTA

Gregory Olkowski, PTA has been a practicing clinician in the state of Delaware for 15 years. He graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College with a Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree in 2009. Greg has lived in Delaware for his entire life and enjoys helping patients in the community recover from various injuries and surgeries. He specializes in treating both post-op and non-operative orthopedic pathologies involving the spine, shoulders, knees, and foot/ankle. He also enjoys treating patients who are recovering from hand injuries. Greg thrives on treating the patient from the start of their care and progressing them from limited functional mobility to regaining their function for safe return to work, sports or achieving their person goals.

While not working, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife at the Jersey shore and traveling. He is also on a mission to find the perfect island vacation.

Kevin O’Neill

PT, Cert-DN

Kevin O'Neill, MPT, Cert-DN has been a practicing physical therapist since 2003. He graduated from Lehigh University in 2000 where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and played Division I lacrosse. He received his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Delaware in 2003 where he was the recipient of the Faculty Award of his graduating class.

Kevin started his career in 2003 working in an outpatient center for ChristianaCare. He later went on to become an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). He then worked for ATI Physical Therapy, where he became a Clinic Director in the Kennett Square area and eventually a Regional Director in Chester County, PA. Kevin joined RISE Physical Therapy in 2021 to return to delivering hands-on patient care and he became certified in dry needling through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. He has developed an interest in working with joint replacements as well as extremity injuries within the sports population. Kevin enjoys connecting with his patients, creating a fun environment, and pushing his patients to achieve goals they thought were unobtainable.

Kevin lives in Pike Creek, Delaware with his wife Kim and their two children. He is a passionate Philadelphia sports fan and craft beer enthusiast. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family or cheering on one of his beloved Philadelphia sports teams.

Michelle Phillips

BS, ATC

Michelle Phillips, BS, ATC is a BOC certified and Delaware licensed Athletic Trainer. Born and raised in West Chester, PA, Michelle has spent the last 30 years in living in Wilmington, DE. She began her education at The University of Delaware and completed it at West Chester University receiving her bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine. Michelle has 29 years of experience providing emergency care, injury and illness prevention and therapeutic rehabilitation in both the clinic and field setting. Her special interests include athletes who perform overhead motions and the injured worker.

Michelle loves being a healthcare professional because every day it gives her the opportunity to help change patients’ lives for the better. It enables her to nurture her desire to serve while helping others return to prior level of physical function. She loves what she does and feels so grateful to be a part of such an amazing team at RISE PT!

Bryan Porter

DPT

Bryan Porter, DPT, has been practicing in his home state of Delaware since he graduated from the University of Delaware's Physical Therapy program in 2021. Bryan has family throughout the first state from Newark to the beaches and he enjoys providing care to those in and around the state capital. While Bryan treats a wide variety of conditions throughout the body, he has a special interest treating in both post-operative and non-operative issues related to the lower quarter (low back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet).

When Bryan is not at work, he spends time with his wife and two young daughters: enjoying his family pets, the outdoors, or whatever they decide to do on that day!

Alexis Shiller

BS, PTA

Alexis Shiller, BS, PTA has been working as a Physical Therapist Assistant for over 25 years. She obtained a Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree from Harcum College and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Temple University. Alexis began her career in 1994 at The Pennsylvania Hand Center working closely with a group of physicians and hand therapists providing care for patients with upper extremity conditions. She enjoyed gaining clinical experience with orthosis fabrication and work conditioning using the BTE Work Simulator. Alexis continued her career in Delaware practicing hand and upper extremity therapy in outpatient clinics. She acquired skills in neural mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and Kinesio taping. Alexis loves helping people improve function with their everyday activities. 

Susanne Stephens McGuire

AT, MPT, CHT

Susanne Stephens McGuire. AT, MPT, CHT was born and raised in Delaware. She graduated from University of Delaware in 1991 with a concentration in Athletic Training. While in school, Susanne worked with the University of Delaware football and men’s Lacrosse teams. Upon graduation she worked for 2 years as a certified Athletic Trainer in an outpatient clinic and covered local high school events.

Maureen Swiatek

MPT, CHT

Maureen Swiatek, MPT, CHT has been serving the out-patient physical therapy needs of patients in the Wilmington/Newark area for the past 23 years. Maureen graduated from College Misericordia in 1997 with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She went on to specialize in hand and upper extremity and became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2003. Maureen's clinical background includes treatment of brachial plexus injuries, traumatic hand injuries, tendon repairs, UE joint replacements, and fractures as well as orthosis fabrication. Maureen enjoys helping her patients recover from their injuries and return to a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Benjamin Wendle

DPT

Ben Wendle, DPT has been a therapist since 2013. He graduated from Avon Grove High School and went on to attend St. Joseph's University for his undergraduate degree, where he played Division I baseball. Ben then received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Widener University. His professional career began in Jennersville, PA, transitioned to Newark, DE, and he now practices in Wilmington, DE.

Amy Beemler

Amy Beemler has been a Delawarean since 1995. She graduated from Moon Sr. High School in Pittsburgh, PA and has 25+ years of customer service experience. She has over 15 years of experience as a patient advocate in the physical therapy/medical field. Her specialties include insurance verification and front office management.

Russell Gebaurr

Russell Gebaurr was born and raised in West Grove, PA with his mom, dad, 2 sisters and many animals. He has an interest in lacrosse and fitness. He also enjoys outside activities including skiing and snowboarding. Russell works at the front desk and enjoys meeting patients and learning about their injuries.

Mary Ellen Harrison

Mary Ellen Harrison graduated from William Penn High School in New Castle DE. She has 40 years of customer service experience and 10 years of experience in verification of insurance. Most recently, she has worked in a job that allowed her to move to various physical therapy clinics to cover the front desk throughout Delaware. Mary Ellen is a Delaware native who has been married 33 years. She has always loved helping people so a career in customer service/front desk is a perfect fit.

Aubray Kaczmarczyk

AS

Aubray Kaczmarczyk, AS, is a Delaware native with an associate degree in Human Services. She has over 20 years of experience in customer service. With 15 years of experience as a patient advocate in the physical therapy field, Aubray is a specialist in billing and insurance, and front office operations.

Tia Moore

BS

Tia recently relocated back to her home state of Delaware from Philadelphia. She is a 2003 graduate of St. Elizabeth’s High School in Wilmington, DE. Go Vikings! She holds a BS in Biology from the first HBCU, Lincoln University, where she graduated in 2007. She is a former EMT, who decided on a career change after COVID. She has over 10 years of experience in customer service, scheduling and collections.

When not being the face of Rise Dover she enjoys spending time with her family, hosting parties, eating and traveling. Her motto is “Eat well and travel often.”