Meet Our Staff

Physical Therapists

Michael Pappas, PT, MS

Michael Pappas is the owner and founder of Pappas Physical Therapy. Mike graduated from Quinnipiac University in 1998 where he later earned his advanced Masters degree in orthopedics. Mike has also served as an adjunct professor of physical therapy at Quinnipiac University and the Community College of Rhode Island. Growing up, Mike was very involved in sports and athletics. He was introduced to physical therapy when he had to rehabilitate various injuries that he had sustained. Now as a physical therapist, Mike enjoys treating patients of all ages and helping to decrease their pain and reach their goals. In addition to treating orthopedic/sports and neurological conditions, Mike also specializes in vestibular rehabilitation (balance, dizziness, vertigo).

Yelena Jenkins, DPT

Yelena graduate from Northeastern University with an Undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Science in 2006. She continued her education at Northeastern University with Doctorate Program in Physical Therapy concluding in May 2007. Her areas of clinical expertise are manual therapy and orthopedics, especially low back pain and knee dysfunctions. Yelena is also Certified Personal Trainer, and her experience in fitness helps her promote the importance of health and wellness to her patients. She joined the Pappas Physical Therapy team as a graduate student during her last orthopedic clinical rotation and returned to Pappas PT as a full time Physical Therapist in May 2007.

Scott Hannouch, MSPT

Scott earned his Master's degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Hartford in 2004. While at the University of Hartford, Scott played on the soccer team. He has practiced for over five years and also has experience in the pediatric and home care setting. Scott entered the field after participating in PT after various injuries suffered growing up playing sports. Scott has attended various orthopedic continuing education courses emphasizing manual techniques. He enjoys assisting patients in returning to their daily activities pain free. Scott's other interests include running and participating in local soccer and softball leagues.

Katie Lacroix, DPT

Katie Lacroix graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2002 and then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2009. Katie is also a certified personal trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness. She has experience with orthopedics, strength/conditioning, chronic pain, work related injuries, sports related injuries, and manual therapy. In her free time, Katie enjoys snowboarding, playing soccer, hiking, fitness and spending time with her family.

Heidi O'Grady, DPT

Heidi received her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in May of 2009. She graduated from Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2004. Heidi became interested in PT as a child after multiple injuries resulting in attending PT. She enjoys helping others and improving a patient's quality of life. Heidi enjoys assisting patients to return to their prior level of function. Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and her English Mastiff. She also likes spending time at the beach, hiking, and traveling.

Paul Lydeard, MPT

Director of the Center for Occupational Rehabilitation and Hand Therapy Site

Paul graduated from American International College with an Undergraduate degree in Interdepartmental Science in 2004. He continued at AIC to obtain his Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2005. Paul has spent the majority of his career in an outpatient setting and is experienced in treating patients with a variety of diagnoses including orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions such as strokes and multiple sclerosis, and patients who have had amputations. Paul is also certified to perform functional capacity evaluations and has worked in occupational medicine programs where he has helped the injured worker return to work. Paul joined Pappas Physical Therapy in June 2010. He is the clinical director of our Westerly office and also treats patients in our Johnston location and homecare division.

Glen Vitullo, PTA

Glen received his Associate in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant Program from the Community College of Rhode Island in 1999. He has worked in a variety of settings which include Skilled Nursing Facilities, Outpatient Physical Therapy and Acute Rehabilitation. Glen joined Pappas Physical Therapy in June 2010 and is employed in our Homecare division treating patients with a variety of diagnoses. Glen is an active member of American Physical Therapy Association and is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. In addition, Glen recently received the certification of Advanced Proficiency in the musculoskeletal category from the A.P.T.A. In his spare time, Glen enjoys boating and is an avid salt water fisherman.

Jenna Winnegge, DPT, COMT

Jenna graduated from Northeastern University with an Undergraduate Degree in Rehabilitation Science in 2006. She continued her education at Northeastern and received a Graduate Degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy in May 2007. Jenna has always been interested in health and fitness and enjoys helping people return to their daily activities. She has taken a special interest in manual therapy. Jenna recently went through a year long advanced training through the Ola Grimsby Instiute where she earned her certificate as a Certified Orthopedic Manual (COMT). In her free time Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing and shopping.

Jonathan Walker, MS, PT

Deb Balassone, PT

Occupational Therapists

Jacalyn Pappas, OTR/L, CHT

Jacalyn received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State College in 1997. She has 13+ years of experience in hand and upper extremity care. In May 2010 Jacalyn became certified by Hand Therapy Certification Commision as a certified hand therapist (CHT). Jacalyn has worked with orthopaedic and neurological diagnoses with patients of all ages. She has performed functional capacity evaluations and treated various work related injuries. She is skilled in static and dynamic splinting techniques. Jacalyn has also participated in research to increase movement in the arm following stroke. Jacalyn is Pappas Physical Therapy's hand and upper extremity specialist. She enjoys treating patients of all ages with both post operative and non operative diagnoses.

Elizabeth Carey, OTR/L, CHT

Liz graduated from the University of New England with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2001. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation as well as acute care and industrial rehabilitation. Liz obtained her hand therapy certification (CHT) in May of 2011 and is also certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) in the Matheson Method. Liz enjoys treating all upper extremity injuries including post-operative and non-operative shoulders, elbows, and hands. Liz works out of Pappas Center for Hand Therapy and Occupational Rehabilitation as well as in our home care division.

Beth Peterson, OTR/L, CHT

Beth graduated from Quinnipiac University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She also obtained a Post-Professional Certificate in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University in 2004. In November 2006 Beth was recognized by the Hand Therapy Commission as a Certified Hand Therapist, (CHT). She is also a certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner. She is experienced in treating and splinting for a variety of pre and post-surgical diagnoses including tendonitis, tendon repairs, wounds, fractures and multi-traumatic injuries. She enjoys working hands on with her patients and tailoring the treatment plan to meet their specific needs. Outside of the hand therapy world Beth enjoys running, kick-boxing, traveling and spending time with her husband and their two young children.

Kelly Mayer, OTR/L

Kelly graduated from Quinnipiac University and has been in practice for more than 10 years. While she has experience with home care, acute rehab, mental health, and group home programming, her passion is working in pediatrics. Kelly has worked across the country in various early intervention programs, school systems, and private clinics. Her areas of clinical expertise include child development, sensory integration, and feeding/swallowing disorders. In addition, she is certified to administer the Sensory Integration and Practice Test (SIPT), Therapeutic Listening, and Aquatic Therapy (Certified Shallow Water Attendant/CPR/First Aid). In her free time, Kelly enjoys having fun with her two young children, traveling, and dancing.