1 Market Place, Suite 33
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Meet the Staff
Estelle L. LeClair, MPT, PRC
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, Postural Restoration CertifiedDate: Since 1992Education:MS in Physical Therapy, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, 1992Professional Organizations/ Certifications:Member of American Physical Therapy AssociationCertified Postural Restoration 2007Professional Training:Craniosacral Therapy I & II, Somatoemotional Release, Visceral Release with the Upledger Institute.Total Body Balancing I & II, Myofascial Release with Kerry D'Ambrogio.Joint Balancing Upper and Lower Quadrant with Kerry D'Ambrogio.Joint Balancing I&II
Carolyn Weber, PT, PRC, CIDN
Education:
BS in Physical Therapy, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 1999
Professional Certification:
Integrative Dry Needling Certified 2019
Postural Restoration Certified 2015
Professional Training:
Carolyn Weber has over 24 years of experience in the outpatient orthopedic setting. She joined Essex PT in August of 2017. She has certifications in Postural Restoration™, Integrative Dry Needling, and Kinesio™ taping, as well as extensive experience in manual therapy including Craniosacral therapy, fascial work and joint balancing. Carolyn treats chronic and acute injuries, vertigo, and provides post-surgical rehab.
Hobbies and Interests:
Outside of her professional career Carolyn is very active and loves to travel, garden, hike, golf, cross country ski and snowshoe. She lives in Georgia, VT with her husband, three children and their dog Astro.
Katy Gamelin, PT
Certified in Dance Rehabilitation from West Side Dance P.T. in New York City
Yoga for exercise prescription, Advanced Assessment and Treatment of the Shoulder, Chronic Pain Management, Evidence Based Strength & Conditioning, Fundamental Concepts & Advanced Concepts/Connective Techniques in Kinesio Taping.
Katy’s experience includes acute and long -term care experience with a variety of age groups, Visiting Nurse Association, and sports & orthopedics.Katy is also Essex Physical Therapy's mobile physical therapist. She specializes in on-site physical therapy for residents and businesses throughout Chittenden County with her On The Move Mobile Physical Therapy service.
Danielle Sturgeon, DPT
BA in Biology, University of Vermont, 2008
Professional Training:
Boston Shoulder Institute: Surgical and Rehabilitation Management of the Unstable Shoulder
University of Vermont Primary Care Sports Medicine: 2011
D’Ambrogio Institute: Joint Balancing, Lower Quadrant
Kinetacore: Functional Dry Needling
Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars: MT 2: Essential Spinal Seminar
June 2018 - Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Institute: Level 1Myokinematic Restoration, Postural Respiration, Impingement & Instability, Cervical Revolution, Pelvic Floor Restoration- Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) Danielle feels every person is a puzzle, and her passion is finding all the right pieces to make them function at their best. She enjoys treating people with vertigo, orthopedic cases of all kinds, using dry needling as a method of pain relief or facilitating muscle use, rehabilitating post-surgical patients, and working with the elderly. She also has a passion for women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation (you should be able to sneeze without leaking!) and spent numerous hours in one-on-one training with a pelvic floor physical therapist, and will continue her formal pelvic floor training through live and online classes. She is a lifelong learner and is excited to work with her patients to give them tools for their fitness toolbox!Hobbies and Interests:
Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, whether they are playing baseball in the yard, skiing, reading, coaching a soccer team, baking a fresh loaf of bread, lounging on a beach, having an impromptu kitchen dance party, or going for a hike. She enjoys doing at home fitness programs, and keeps hoping that if she continues running, someday she will enjoy it.
Angie M. Montcalm, ATC, CSCS
Molly Roush, PT, DPT
Bachelor of Science, Major Biology, Minor Psychology at Saint Michael’s College, VT 2017
Professional Training:
Molly gained experience in the field of physical therapy in both the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation setting at New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland, ME and in an outpatient orthopedic clinic through the UVMMC network. During her education, Molly participated in research studying the impact of exercise prescription on adults with a cancer diagnosis undergoing chemotherapy. Following graduation, Molly participated in a mentorship program, The Level Up Initiative, which allowed her to fine tune her practice approach and communication skill set, as she believes communication is key to recovery. Molly has experience working with various patient populations and is excited to begin her career with Essex PT
To stay active and unwind, Molly enjoys running, playing soccer, and skiing. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Kimberly Ellsworth, PT, NTP
Kim has worked in a variety of settings covering including acute care, subacute care, outpatient orthopedics and aquatic based physical therapy. She has continued her education in many areas including but not limited to manual therapy techniques with Therapeutic Systems Inc. and manual therapy and exercise instruction with the Postural Restoration Institute as well as a variety of nutrition, holistic health and Pilates based courses. Kim enjoys using her knowledge and experience to assist patients and clients in self-discovery of their own physical abilities and potential in creating physical balance for general health and injury recovery as well as prevention.
Victoria Sukonnik, DPT
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, Boston University, Boston, MA, 2010Professional Training:
Postural Restoration Institute: Myokinematic Restoration, 2020.
IAOM: Clinical Examination and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine, 2019; Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine, 2019; Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the TOS/CTJ, 2019; Clinical Examination and Musculoskeletal Management of the Foot and Ankle, 2019.ODNS: Dry Needling Level I, 2019.
APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2019.
Maitland Seminars: MT-1 and MT-2, 2017.Professional Certification:
Tori received her doctorate degree from The George Washington University in 2018. During her graduate coursework, she spent time in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient rehabilitation at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD and outpatient orthopedics in Fairfax, VA and Sydney, Australia. After graduation, Tori worked as a staff physical therapist for the International Spine Pain and Performance Center in Washington, DC. This clinic allowed for the unique opportunity to work in an integrated pain management setting alongside a physician and a registered dietician, treating patients with complex chronic pain. In addition to treating clients with persistent pain, Tori also has an interest in treating patients with orthopedic and sport injuries.Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Tori was a high school math teacher in the Boston, MA area. After teaching for several years and not finding complete fulfillment, Tori decided to pursue her dream of becoming a physical therapist, allowing her to follow her passion of helping to empower others to optimize movement and promote overall health and well-being.
Birgit Eckstrom DPT
Postural Restoration Institute Myokinematics, Pelvis Restoration, Postural Restoration, Cervical Revolution, Impingement and Instability, Cranial Resolution
M1 Graston Technique
D'Ambrogio Institute Joint balancing Upper and Lower Quadrant
Trager Approach Level 1
Julie Wiebe Piston ScienceBirgit began her physical therapy career by moving to Vermont and fostering her passion to help people find ease and feel capable in their bodies. After several years working in an outpatient setting, she gained a greater appreciation for the need to consider lifestyle and environment as a home health physical therapist. Her training and experience have taught her that a good foundation is crucial to function. This idea led to her interest in evaluating and treating pelvic floor dysfunction as it relates to everything from incontinence to athletic performance. In addition to working with pelvic floor issues, Birgit employs this philosophy to the treatment of other orthopedic conditions and chronic pain.Hobbies and Interests:
Birgit is an aspiring Vermonter despite her Western New York roots. She prefers to be outside in all seasons, with a particular passion for running and hiking with her dog, backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and generally exploring what the wilds have to offer. If caught indoors, she enjoys baking, yoga/pilates, and testing out her green thumb.
Kelsey Doe, DPT
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 2014.Professional Training:
Postural Restoration Institute: Myokinematic Restoration, 2019
APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2019
M1 Graston Technique, 2018
International Manual Therapy Collaboration, 2018Kelsey received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT in May of 2019. Kelsey gained experience in the field of physical therapy in the acute setting at Albany Medical Center and in outpatient orthopedics at Adirondack Medical Center as well as here in Vermont. Throughout her education Kelsey participated in research on reducing fall risk behaviors in community-dwelling older adults. Following her academic career, Kelsey spent two weeks in New Zealand where she learned advanced manual therapy techniques as well as post professional evaluation and treatment of the spine and lower extremities. Kelsey enjoys sports medicine and treating a variety of orthopedic injuries.Hobbies and Interests: Kelsey enjoys running, hiking, paddle sports, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing. When she’s not outside she enjoys reading, spinning, listening to music, and baking.Publications:Karlsson, L., Doe, K., Gerry, M., Moore, B., Wingood, M., Renfro, M., & Gell, N. (2019). Outcomes of a Physical Therapist-Led, Statewide, Community-Based Fall Risk Screening. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2001), Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001), 15 March 2019. Karlsson, L., Doe, K., Gerry, M., Moore, B., Gell, N. (2018). Fall for It: DPT Student Engagement in Community-based Fall Risk Screening. GeriNotes. 2018;25(1):14-15.
Rachel Zajchowski, DPT, ATC
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 2016Professional Training:Postural Restoration: Myokinematic Restoration (2019), ACSM Conference Research Presenter (2019), Advanced Manual Therapy Treatment for the Cervical and Lumbar Spine and the Sacro-Iliac Joint (2019), Functional Mobilization with Institute of Physical Art (2018), Core First Strategies Institute of Physical Art (2018), NOLS Wilderness First Responder Certification (2014)Rachel received both her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from the University of Vermont. While in graduate school, Rachel gained experience working as an Athletic Trainer in a variety of settings and continued her passion for education by assisting in teaching courses in medical rehabilitation and emergency care management at the University of Vermont. Her Physical Therapy clinical experience led her around Vermont and included both outpatient and subacute rehab experiences. She also attended an Institute of Physical Art clinical internship in Steamboat, Colorado at the Johnson and Johnson clinic where she was able to learn extensive techniques in Functional Manual Therapy from the founders of the institute. She hopes to combine her passion for empowering individuals to move and do what they love with her experiences in education, exercise therapy, and functional manual techniques. Hobbies and Interests: Rachel’s friends and family always find her outside participating in whichever activity is available. She particularly enjoys hiking/backpacking, mountain biking, playing ice hockey on a local pond, and skiing. In her downtime, she can be found painting, cooking, or planning a trip somewhere to aid in her love for travel. Research:S Marchisio, M Mitchell-Ward, S Swindell, R Zajchowski, E Edwards, J Sibold (In Review). Suicidality, Physical Activity, and Sport Participation in US Middle and High School Students. American College of Sports Medicine.
Michaela Federspiel, PT, DPT
Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Washington, 2021
BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Dance, Northwestern University, 2010
Professional Training:
-Postural Restoration (PRI): Myokinematic Restoration (2022)
-Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Level I, APTA (2020)
Michaela Federspiel, PT, DPT recently returned back to her home state of Vermont after living in Chicago and Seattle for the past 16 years. She is excited to be back east as she pursues her career as an orthopedic physical therapist and is thrilled to be joining the team at Essex PT. Prior to completing her DPT, at the University of Washington, Michaela was a professional modern dancer performing with companies in Chicago and Seattle for 8 years, as well as teaching dance in public school programs and several private studios. Due to her background, she treats each patient holistically and focuses on functional movement patterns to assist her patients with an individualized comprehensive rehab plan. She believes in the great potential of the human body to move and it is her passion to help her patients achieve their movement goals and get back to the activities they love. Her clinical interests include dance medicine, pelvic floor therapy, and sports medicine.
Hobbies and Interests:
When she is out of the clinic Michaela enjoys dancing, cooking and gardening as well as all the outdoor activities! She can be found skiing, hiking, biking or climbing with her husband and friends as she explores the Northeast again.
Emily Vanzo, DPT
Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Vermont, 2017
B.S. in Exercise and Movements Science, University of Vermont, 2015
Professional Training:
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, 2021
Postural Restoration (PRI): Myokinematic Restoration
Institute of Physical Art (IPA): Core First Strategies, Functional Mobilization I
M1 Graston Technique
Emily grew up in Buffalo, New York playing soccer and lacrosse. She went to the University of Vermont for her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science and continued on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She spent the first 5 years of her career as a physical therapist in Seattle, Washington primarily in an outpatient orthopedic setting, and worked to gain her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification in 2021. She has experience working with a variety of postoperative patients and loves seeing the progress through an entire course of rehab. Emily’s treatment style is focused on treating each person as an individual. Through education and open discussions she creates a treatment plan that is patient centered. She works to correct movement patterns through manual techniques and targeted strengthening exercises to optimize function with all daily tasks and sport-specific activities.
Hobbies and Interests:
Emily enjoys staying active and spending time in nature, especially hiking/backpacking, skiing and paddleboarding. She is an avid knitter and Buffalo sports fan, go Bills! She loves exploring with her husband and dog Stu, and is excited to be back in Vermont.
Tori Lamphere, DPT
Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy – University of Vermont – May 2008
Bachelor of Science in Marine Fisheries Biology – Texas A&M University at Galveston – December 1999
Professional Training:
Tori has been practicing outpatient orthopedic physical therapy in Chittenden country since 2008, joining Essex Physical Therapy in 2023. Over the years, she has continued her education through a variety of courses, exploring different avenues of orthopedic examination and treatment, as well as multiple manual therapy strategies for patients on all levels of the activity spectrum. She enjoys treating patients through a holistic approach, combining both her manual therapy skills with specialized exercise programs for patients of all ages and diagnosis.
Prior to becoming a Physical Therapy, Tori studied Marine Biology and Fisheries in both the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Champlain. While she maintains a passion for the health of the aquatic ecosystem, being a Physical Therapist has allowed her to fulfill her dream of making a positive difference in the world by empowering her patients to achieve optimal health, function, and return to the activities that make them happiest.
Hobbies and Interests:
Tori finds enjoying outside of the Essex Physical Therapy practice through her passion for outdoor activity. Tori is an avid alpine and back country skier; she spends as much time as possible in the hills of Vermont. During the summer season, she enjoys time in the water swimming, boating, and surfing with her husband and daughter.
Eliana Leddy, DPT
Education:
Eliana Leddy graduated from Northeastern University in 2009 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. While originally from New Jersey, Eliana has lived and worked in several states before landing in Burlington, VT in 2015. Eliana has practiced physical therapy in a variety of settings, including inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, acute care, school-based pediatrics, and outpatient orthopedics.
Professional Training:
Eliana became a physical therapist because of her strong desire to help people. She believes that her extensive and wide ranging PT experience grants her a unique perspective, in which she can see a patient from all angles, not just based on their injury. She treats each patient as an individual and believes that no two injuries are the same. After beginning at VTPT, she began training with the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) and quickly noticed how much better her patients were getting with these interventions. Practicing PRI has allowed Eliana to assess, treat, and honor the asymmetries in people’s bodies. She uses these techniques as a way to incorporate a whole body approach into each and every session with a patient.
Eliana is the mother of 3 amazing children. After going through her own pregnancy and postpartum journeys, a passion began to grow for working with pre and post natal patients. She believes that every pregnant person and new parent deserves to feel the best that they can feel before, during, and in the many years after. Caring for a child does not have to mean a stop in caring for oneself! Eliana has begun trainings through Herman and Wallace and is now able to offer pelvic floor therapy to her patients. She is actively pursuing continued pelvic floor education so she can further her knowledge and experience in working with a wide array of pelvic floor needs.
Hobbies and Interests:
Outside of the clinic, Eliana can be found spending quality time with her kids, husband, and dog. When not with her family, she is likely found on the ice. She grew up a competitive figure skater and dancer and has now rediscovered this passion as an adult. She also enjoys yoga, walking, strength training, knitting, and reading.
Courses:
PRI:
Primary - Myokinematic Restoration, Pelvis Restoration, Postural Respiration
Secondary - Impingement and Instability, Cervical Revolution
Integrative Dry Needling Level 1
Herman and Wallace 1 and 2B
Samantha
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