Clinical Staff
Michael Roberts
Michael Roberts holds a Bachelors in Movement Science from Westfield State College 1997 and a Masters of Physical Therapy from American International College in 2000. He has been a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association for over 15 yrs. Mike is Graston certified and has had advanced training in SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment), FMS (Functional Movement Screen), DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular System), and PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) treatment principles and practices. He has coached hundreds of runners and triathletes of all ability levels for many of the last 15+ years. Mike believes each athlete and patient has individual needs and has grown to really appreciate and preach the importance of mindfulness and attitude as it relates to competing and overcoming injury. He enjoys being with his family and his kids sports/activities as much as anything, but when he gets free time he will be out running, cycling, or hiking Mount Wachusett. Mike is married with a teenage daughter, a pre teen son and Doodle Libby.
Jacqueline Shakar
Jackie has been a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer for over 38 years. She has been on staff at CMPT since its first year of operation. Her clinical specialties include the treatment of persistent pain pelvic health (both male and female), treatment strategies for older adults, osteoporosis and manual therapy for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Jackie received her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1983 and she completed a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute Of Health Professions in 2010. She is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association and she completed a certificate in Massage Therapy from the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2011. Jackie prides herself on staying current in her field and takes numerous continuing education courses that compliment her clinical specialties each year.
Teaching and mentoring others is one of Jackie’s passions. She is a tenured full time professor at Mount Wachusett Community College and has been instructing in the Physical Therapist Assistance Program for over 25 years. Jackie is a Senior Clinical Advisor and Lead Instructor for the Graston Technique, LLC. In her roles with this internationally known company, she develops educational courses and has taught throughout the United States, Italy, Taiwan and Canada.
When Jackie is not treating patients, teaching or taking a course, she can be found running through the hills of Central Massachusetts. The Mount Washington Road Race is one of her favorites and she has completed it 28 times.
Michael Racette
Mike is a licensed Physical Therapist working full-time at Central Mass Physical Therapy and Wellness. Mike received his Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College and then his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Sacred Heart University. After graduating, Mike enrolled in a two year fellowship with the Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Through continued training Mike has become specialized in the evaluation and treatment of the spine as well as other orthopedic conditions. Mike believes in a holistic, well-rounded approach with his patients through a mix of manual therapy, exercise and patient education. By conducting a thorough evaluation, Mike will identify mechanical stressors and educate the patient on how to reduce pain quickly whether it be sleeping, driving, sitting, or performing higher level activity. Mike is also trained in Dry Needling, Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and the Graston Technique. Mike enjoys playing golf, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. Mike currently resides in Pawtucket, RI.
Michael Curnen
Mike received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Simmons College in 1999 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of the Holy Cross. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, is a certified Graston Technician and has been practicing outpatient physical therapy for 22 years. He recently completed a vestibular therapy and concussion treatment training and is excited to add this skillset to his practice. He is a strong proponent of functional exercise, manual therapy and healthy lifestyles, and is an avid cyclist and weight lifter. He lives in Auburn with his wife and daughter.
Dawn Roberts
Dawn has been a PT for over 16 years, and has both orthopedic and pediatric experience. She has a PhD in Kinesiology from UMass Amherst and a Masters in Physical Therapy from UMass Lowell. She is a full time professor in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program at Springfield College. She is currently performing research in the area of physical activity and health outcomes. Dawn has presented multiple times at both nationally for the American College of Sports Medicine and regionally for the Massachusetts APTA. She also lectures frequently to local running and triathlon clubs. She is published in a variety of physical therapy and medical publications. She is actively involved in many different research projects. Dawn is a certified Graston Technician. In her spare time Dawn is a very accomplished runner and cyclist. She has won many regional road races and was runner-up in the 2009 New England Mountain running series. Dawn resides in West Springfield.
Mark Howard
Mark is a licensed Physical Therapist working full time at CMPT. He received his Doctorate degree from Northeastern University in 2015, completing his undergraduate degree in Communications at Westfield State in 2004. Mark is Level 2 certified in both the Graston Technique and SFMA and has taken courses in pain science and PRI. Mark believes in a holistic, individualized approach for each patient. As an undergraduate, Mark was a member of the Westfield State football team and was also a 3x conference champion hammer thrower for the track team. He spent several years competing in the Highland Games and continues to be active in the strength sport community. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children.
Laura Kidman
Laura has been a physical therapist for over 25 years joining the staff at CMPT in 2012. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1993 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy. Laura prides herself in working with patients of all ages and she takes GREAT pride when she helps a patient achieve an outcome that they did not see possible. Her clinical specialties include treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the spine and extremities, manual therapy and designing challenging exercise programs. She has certifications in the Graston Technique, Functional Dry Needling and cupping, and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to name a few.
Laura is known by her patients and the CMPT staff for her sense of humor and she enjoys a good hug to go along with her love for people. Her kindness exudes as soon as you meet her. Laura appreciates health and exercise. She is a lifelong athlete (including hiking, swimming, biking, running, triathlons) competing in numerous local events each year including the Pan Mass Challenge and the Jimmy Fund Walk. Laura prides herself in helping her patients return to a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise for a lifetime. She is married with 2 children, Nicholas and Julia, all of whom love to camp and hike and be outdoors.
Ben Gatlin
Ben is a Doctor of Physical Therapy graduating from Springfield College in 2021. He completed his undergraduate education at UMass Amherst studying kinesiology. As a student, Ben completed a clinical affiliation with CMPT and enjoyed the whole body and integrated approach that CMPT offers. He has a background as a strength and conditioning coach working with recreational rowers in the Springfield area. In addition, Ben is a black belt in Taekwondo which he enjoys practicing in his spare time along with hiking and searching for the best chocolate chip cookie.
Connor McLaughlin
Connor is a licensed physical therapist with a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from MCPHS University in Worcester, MA. He received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Endicott College. While at Endicott, Connor played 4 years of collegiate baseball and served as co-captain of the baseball team. He has a strong appreciation for taking a holistic approach to physical therapy and has been certified by the American Institute of Balance in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation.
Beth McKenna Reinach
Beth is a licensed Physical Therapist with a Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in Athletic Training from Penn State University. She was a certified athletic trainer for 20 years and has worked as a physical therapist in multiple settings. She has 23 years of clinical physical therapy experience in orthopedics, oncology and home care; she brings invaluable experience to the outpatient setting. Beth is a certified Graston Technician and former Senior Physical Therapist at Georgetown University Medical Center. She also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. Beth enjoys reading, exercising and traveling. She resides in Westborough with her husband and two children.
Connor Dougherty
Connor is a licensed physical therapist who received his Doctoral degree from MCPHS University in 2018 and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2014. Connor is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has worked in the strength and conditioning/ sports performance field since 2013. After graduating Physical Therapy School, Connor worked at a sports based outpatient physical therapy practice in Seattle, Washington developing a holistic approach to care in treating everything from general orthopedics, to professional athletics, to even post concussive rehabilitation. Connor possesses additional certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation (AMSI), Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (ORS), Applied Functional Sciences (CAFS) and Graston Technique Therapy (GTS). He has also taken additional continuing education courses in Spinal Manipulative Techniques (SMT), Postural Restoration (PRI), Dry Needling, ACL Rehabilitation and advanced weightlifting techniques. Connor is also currently an adjunct faculty member of the MCPHS University School of Physical Therapy in the DPT program here in Worcester, MA. Outside of the clinic, Connor enjoys weightlifting, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends
Connor is a licensed physical therapist who received his Doctoral degree from MCPHS University in 2018 and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2014. Connor is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has worked in the strength and conditioning/ sports performance field since 2013. After graduating Physical Therapy School, Connor worked at a sports based outpatient physical therapy practice in Seattle, Washington developing a holistic approach to care in treating everything from general orthopedics, to professional athletics, to even post concussive rehabilitation. Connor possesses additional certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation (AMSI), Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (ORS), Applied Functional Sciences (CAFS) and Graston Technique Therapy (GTS). He has also taken additional continuing education courses in Spinal Manipulative Techniques (SMT), Postural Restoration (PRI), Dry Needling, ACL Rehabilitation and advanced weightlifting techniques. Connor is also currently an adjunct faculty member of the MCPHS University School of Physical Therapy in the DPT program here in Worcester, MA. Outside of the clinic, Connor enjoys weightlifting, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends
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Looking for our other Team Members
Donna Layman
Donna is a licensed physical therapist assistant working full time at CMPT. Donna brings a high level of energy and caring personality to the patients she treats. She has a Bachelors degree from Clark University and an Associate degree from Becker College as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Donna has 23 plus years of outpatient orthopedic clinical experience in treating a diverse patient population in both Massachusetts and California. She is a certified Graston technician. She likes to focus her treatments on using manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, body mechanics and postural training. She was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts and currently resides in Millbury, MA with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include playing golf, basketball, going to the beach, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Matthew McLeod
Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater State University in 2016 with a major in Health & Exercise Science. He is Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association where he attained his Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification. Matt specializes in training individuals discharged from physical therapy rehabilitation and rotational athletes. He has trained local championship winning athletes and teams during his time at CMPT. He believes that optimal physical and mental health come from high quality sleep, diverse nutrition and progressive strength training. Matt was a former T&G All Star in Central MA and a collegiate athlete. He enjoys lifting weights, tennis, golf and loves to listen to 80’s rock music!
Robyn Hillard
Robyn graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College with a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2019. Since then, Robyn has continued her education, becoming specialized in the Graston Technique, Postural Restoration and Pelvic Floor Therapy.
Previous to this career change, Robyn worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the YMCA for 13 years. Robyn also volunteered as the race director for the Holland 5K for 10 years working very closely with the Team Hoyt Foundation and Team Hoyt chapters from around the world to raise money for the elementary school.
Robyn is an avid runner with marathons and Ragnar’s being some of her favorite events. She also enjoys hiking, camping and yoga. Above all, Robyn loves spending time with her husband and 3 children and is always ready for a new adventure with them.
Brian Crowe
Brian is a licensed Physical Therapist with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Arizona School of Health Sciences and a Bachelors in Psychology from Arizona State University. He has worked as a physical therapist for 21 years in multiple settings including pediatrics, adult disabled, outpatient orthopedic, and in a rehabilitation setting. He encompases a hollistic approach to therapy and feels that functional movement is key and there is always more to learn. Brian is a certified Graston Technician and has taken courses within the Postural Restoration Institute, SFMA, Mulligan Mobilization with Movement, and LSVT BIG. Prior to and during work as a PT, Brian coached competitive women’s gymnastics in Arizona and Massachusetts and has been a part of multiple state, regional, and national level champions. He enjoys Crossfit, motorcycling, being outdoors, and traveling. Brian resides in Worcester with his fiance
Tarandeep Jaidka (TJ)
TJ is a licensed physical therapist who received his Doctorate degree from MCPHS University in 2020. Preceding this, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University at Buffalo in 2016. In addition, he has completed two Strength & Conditioning Internships in Buffalo and Boston working with athletes ranging from high school to the professional level.
After graduating from Physical Therapy school, TJ worked at a sports medicine clinic at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He had the opportunity to be a part of the Sports & Orthopedic Residency while working as a staff therapist. TJ also served as the Head Strength Coach for a local high school, assisting young athletes achieve their fitness/performance goals. He has been a part of many research projects, updating return to sport protocols for the shoulder and knee using best available evidence. TJ also led a research team to develop a post-op shoulder protocol.
TJ has a special interest in working with athletes/individuals who want the most out of their body. He has taken several courses for lower extremity return to sport, many of which in ACL rehabilitation. Above all, TJ has an intense desire to learn! He has taken numerous continuing education courses each year to complement his interests and to ultimately give his patients the best possible outcomes.
Outside of the clinic, TJ enjoys weightlifting, trying new places to eat, and spending time with family/friends.
Megan McGuinness
Megan completed her undergraduate degree at UMass Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2013 and then continued on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in 2017. She has spent the majority of her career in outpatient orthopedic clinical settings, treating a diverse patient population. Megan enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones holds a doctorate degree in Physical therapy from Columbia University in New York City. She is board certified physical therapist by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Allied Health Professionals. She earned a Bachelors in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from UMASS Amherst. She has been a practicing therapist in outpatient orthopedic clinics where she has treated a diverse patient population. She started her career in San Diego California and has recently relocated back to MA to be closer to family. She is currently pursuing a geriatric clinical specialist certification due to her desire to have everyone age successfully. Outside of physical therapy you can find her swimming, biking, running, and hiking.
Margret DiPilato
Margret graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College. She has over 15 plus years of experience working in Sports Orthopedic Outpatient setting with concentration of manual therapy, exercises and postural training. She is certified in Active Release Technique (full body), Graston Technique and Kinesio Tape. She has taken multiple courses including PRI. Margret is bilingual in English and Polish. In her spare time she enjoys traveling , weight lifting, DIY projects, as well as spending time with her family
Morgan Bronk
Morgan graduated from Springfield College with her bachelors degree in Health Sciences and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She was a member of the field hockey team as an undergraduate and stepped into a co-captain role as a junior. Throughout her years as an athlete, Morgan learned the importance of regular movement and uses her experience to help others return to a healthy lifestyle. She takes pride in her ability to provide individualized care to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her main goal is to help people move with confidence and ease through a mixture of manual therapy and functional exercise.
In her spare time Morgan enjoys being outdoors, lifting, dancing, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.
David Urella
Dave was born, raised and currently resides in Worcester, MA. He received his undergraduate degree from Worcester State University in Criminal Justice in 2011 where he also was an active member on the golf team. Dave then went on to graduate from Mount Wachusett Community College in 2022 where he received his Physical Therapy Assistant Degree. Since then he has completed multiple continuing education courses including becoming Graston Level 2 Certified. In his spare time Dave enjoys staying active by working out, golfing and spending time with friends and family.
Madlyn Kelly
Madlyn graduated from Lesley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2018. Her degree along with being a collegiate athlete offers her a deep understanding of the importance of mental and physical health. She began working in physical therapy clinics and fitness facilities after graduation. Following this path she became a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2023. She is looking to encourage those of all ages and abilities to achieve their goals and lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. She enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, strength training, playing soccer and reading.
Amanda Gauvin-Valenta
Amanda is a licensed Physical Therapist with and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from MCPHS university in 2018. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin Pierce University. While at Franklin Pierce, she played four years of collegiate lacrosse. She is Graston Technique certified (GTS) and she believes in an integrated, whole body approach. In her free time, she likes to play lacrosse, hike, read and spend time with her wife and dog.
Carly Jones
Carly is a licensed physical therapist receiving her Doctoral degree from MCPHS University in 2022 and Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Emmanuel College in 2019. Carly is a lifelong competitive figure skater and track and field athlete, still competing to this day. From this, she has learned the value of teaching the body to move functionally and efficiently to do the things we love longer into our lives. Carly enjoys working with people of all ages and athleticism. Carly is certified in Graston 1 technique and utilizes additional manual therapy techniques to aid in symptom reduction and takes a holistic approach to addressing patients’ individual needs. In her free time, Carly is a certified US figure skating coach teaching locally in Worcester and loves to lift at the gym.
FRONT OFFICE STAFF
Meredith Kiritsy
Front Office ManagerMeridith joined the CMPT team in 2016 after several years in insurance and education. She graduated from Worcester State University with a BS in Health Studies. Meridith is married with three daughters and lives in Worcester. In her spare time, Meridith enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Karen Murphy
Billing ManagerKaren joined the CMPT team in 2016 in the billing and collections area. She worked for a large, regional physical therapy practice from 1990 to 2001 as the Administrative Assistant and Regional Billing Supervisor and then as the Office Manager for a smaller PT practice from 2006 to 2020. Karen is a graduate of Providence College. She enjoys supporting her 3 kids in all of their work, school and various sports and activities while fitting in running, hiking, exercising, drawing and spending time with her close-knit family and friends.
Kristen Jachimczyk
Billing ManagerKristen joined CMPT in 2021 upon relocating to Massachusetts after residing in South Florida for the past 11 years. She graduated from Elon University in Elon, North Carolina with a BA in Psychology, and joins CMPT with 10 years of medical office and management experience in Primary Care, Wound Care, and Vascular Surgery. She is currently pursuing a certificate in Human Resources from Cornell University. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and various volunteer activities.
Tara Lynch
Front Office Administrative AssistantTara joined the CMPT team with a medical background and has many years of customer service, office and secretarial experience. She is a graduate of Mount Wachusett Community College with an Associate Degree in Human Services.
Tara has three sons and two grandsons. When she is not spending time with her family and friends she enjoys snowshoeing, trips to the beach, listening to true crime podcasts and is a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.
Barbara Kampersal
Front Office Administrative AssistantBarbara joined the CMPT team in 2013 after several years of secretarial and EMR experience. She worked for five years in the imaging departments at the Metro West Medical Center and spent many years assisting the elderly and disabled. She attended the Bancroft School of Massage and became a licensed massage therapist after passing the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. When not working Barbara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, nature, traveling, and homemaking.
Liz Parker
Front Office Administrative AssistantLiz joined the CMPT team in 2016. She is a graduate of Saint Peter Marian High School and Worcester State University where she majored in communications. Liz lives in Paxton with her husband and twin daughters. In her spare time Liz enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, watching bravo and visiting Cape Cod.
Kim Barton
Front Office Administrator (Westborough)Kim joined the CMPT team in 2022. Her background is secretarial and customer service, primarily in the education and medical field. She graduated from Becker College. Kim is married with two sons and daughter-in-laws. She enjoys camping, travel, nature, reading & spending time with family & friends.
Lexi Palmer
Front Office Administrative AssistanceLexi is currently attending Worcester State University where she majors in Business Administration. In her free time, Lexi enjoys hanging out with friends, family and spending time with her dog outdoors.
Arianna Mandella
Front OfficeArianna joined the CMPT team in 2022. Arianna is currently attending Worcester State University for Public Health. In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends. She also loves to be outdoors with her dogs and going to the beach.
Elizabeth Gallery
Front OfficeElizabeth earned her Bachelor’s degree from The College of William & Mary in 2019 with a degree in psychology and public health. While there, she loved her courses in physiology of marathon running, exercise prescription, and nutrition. Her passion for health and fitness led her to later become a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2021, and she is planning to pursue her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy next year. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and levels of fitness. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys strength training, running, hiking, and reading.