Clinical Staff

Michael Roberts

MPT, CSCS Owner, Group Fitness Instructor

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

Jacqueline Shakar

DPT, MSPT, OCS, CMT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Certified Specialist, Certified Manual Therapist

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

DPT, OMT, GTS Clinical Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Manual Therapist

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

MSPT, CSCS Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Specialist

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

PhD, MSPT Physical Therapist

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

PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

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

PT Physical Therapist

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

PT, DPT, CSCS Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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

PT, DPT, AIB-VRC Doctor of Physical Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Specialist

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

PT Physical Therapist

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 Dougherty

PT, DPT, CSCS, GTS Clinic Manager (Westborough), Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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

Eliza Poutenis

PT, DPT, ATC Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Athletic Trainer

Eliza earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Springfield College. She received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and is also a licensed athletic trainer in Massachusetts with clinical experience working with collegiate wrestlers. While at Springfield College, Eliza served as a graduate teaching fellow in the Clinical Human Anatomy lab where she worked closely mentoring other students and growing a deep appreciation for the human body. Eliza’s interests include working with young athletes, orthopedic injuries, pelvic floor, and women’s health. Outside of the clinic, Eliza enjoys hiking, kayaking, golfing, and spending time outdoors.

Shay Gallagher

PT, DPT. CSCS Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Shay received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Shay also is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Shay has developed a strong appreciation for taking a holistic approach to physical therapy and a desire for bridging the gap between rehab and higher level performance training. Shay has also researched and created an inservice based on Considerations for Training in Females which is a topic she is extremely passionate about. In her free time, Shay enjoys strength training, riding the Peloton bike, hiking, playing with her dog, trying out new places to eat, and spending time with family and friends especially at their summer home in Wells, ME.

Donna Layman

PTA Physical Therapist Assistant

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

CSCS Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Personal Trainer, Exercise Specialist

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

PTA, GTS Physical Therapist Assistant

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

PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

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

Kaitie Naughton

Kaitie Naughton

PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

Kaitie graduated from Fitchburg State University with her Bachelors degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. She then went on to receive her Physical Therapy Assistant degree at Mount Wachusett Community College in 2020. Kaitie loves treating patients of all ages and diagnoses. More recently, Kaitie has become passionate about treating those with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder/Jaw pain). Kaitie also has additional training in the Graston Technique and is a certified personal trainer. When Kaitie isn’t working, she enjoys lifting weights, kayaking, hiking and spending quality time with her two dogs.

TJ

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

FRONT OFFICE STAFF

Meredith Kiritsy

Front Office Manager

Meridith 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

Karen Murphy

Billing Manager

Karen 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 Manager

Kristen 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

Tara Lynch

Front Office Administrative Assistant

Tara 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.

Sarah Maino

Front Office Administrative Assistant

Sarah currently has a Associates Degree and will be completing her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology in May of 2022 from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She will then be pursuing law school in the fall. Sarah has been a part of the CMPT family since beginning as a highschool intern in 2018. She enjoys playing basketball, spending time with family, and being Jayson Tatum’s #1 fan.

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Barbara Kampersal

Front Office Administrative Assistant

Barbara 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 Assistant

Liz 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.

Lexi Palmer

Front Office Administrative Assistance

Lexi 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.

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.