Our Team

Brie Rondeau PT, DPT, ATC

Brie holds the titles of Doctor of Physical Therapy, Licensed Athletic Trainer, and Coach for the Barrington High School girl’s hockey team. Additionally, she is certified in Functional Dry Needling and completed an Orthopedic Residency Program through Evidence in Motion to specialize as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

Her educational background includes a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Plymouth State University and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Castleton University.

Brie’s professional interests lie in treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and providing balance and fall prevention training. She will be actively pursuing additional certifications in Pain Neuroscience Education and Vestibular/Concussion Management in the next year.

Lucas Ackerman PT, DPT

Lucas is a passionate and dedicated physical therapist, having graduated from Northeastern University in 2023. With a strong foundation in the principles of physical therapy, Lucas is currently furthering their expertise through an orthopedic residency program, aiming to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

Having a genuine interest in helping people of all ages achieve their optimal physical health, Lucas finds fulfillment in working closely with patients, providing personalized care and rehabilitation plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Beyond the clinic, Lucas leads an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities such as playng soccer, hiking, and cycling.

Elizabeth Albro PT

Elizabeth Graduated from Quinnipiac college – Now Quinnipiac University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Over the span of her career, she has had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of Physical therapy. She began in acute care at Rhode Island Hospital and form there has worked in a variety of settings including impairment and subacute rehab, home care and long-term care, all of which has giver her a wide range of experience with a variety of patients. She then decided to pursue a career in Outpatient physical therapy and this where her interest lies. She is educated in the treatment and management of general medicine and neurological diagnoses, as well as also having an extensive orthopedic background after having worked specifically in orthopedics for fifteen years. Her passion is to educate patients about their condition and to enable them to take charge of their own care and well-being to promote return to their full potential.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys volunteering, the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Rachel Almonte PT, DPT, OCS, AIB-VRC

Rachel has been a part of the Pappas OPT team since 2018, starting as a rehabilitation technician after earning her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Springfield College. She continued her education to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from South College in 2021. She is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties after completing an Evidence in Motion Orthopedic Residency, which was a year long program for specialized skills to treat patients with orthopedic disorders and injuries, that included continuing education and mentorship. Rachel is also Functional Dry Needling certified in level 1 and 2 and is a Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Certified Specialist through the American Institute of Balance. Rachel’s clinical experience lies in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, treating a wide variety of general musculoskeletal conditions with additional focus on external pelvic floor and vestibular dysfunction.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys the beach, traveling, spending time with family and friends and snuggling with her cats.

Kristen Baxter PT, CHT

Kristen Baxter earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of New England. She has been treating general orthopedics for over 30 years and has been a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) for 20 years. In her free time, Kristen enjoys biking and hiking.

Having honed her expertise through rigorous education and hands-on experience, Kristen has developed a profound understanding of the intricate mechanics of the human hand. Her dedication led her to specialize in hand therapy with a special interest in upper extremity prosthetics, where she meticulously craft tailored treatment plans to address a wide range of hand-related conditions, from injuries to post-operative rehabilitation.

Beyond her proficiency in hand therapy, Kristen also treats work-related injuries with work hardening. She recognizes that the road to full recovery often involves bridging the gap between rehabilitation and the demands of the workplace. Through her work conditioning programs, Kristen guides patients through targeted exercises and simulations of their job that help them regain the strength, endurance, and functional skills required to return to their job.

Additionally, Kristen possesses a profound skill set in general orthopedic physical therapy. Her comprehensive approach extends beyond specific areas of the body, catering to individuals seeking rehabilitation for various musculoskeletal issues. She provides patients with the tools to regain strength, flexibility, and movement across all orthopedic concerns.

Furthermore, Kristen is trained in dry needling—a technique that enhances pain relief and muscle function through the precise insertion of needles into trigger points. Her proficiency in this modern approach showcases her commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in physical therapy.

With an unwavering commitment to her patients’ well-being, Kristen has demonstrated time and again the transformative power of personalized care. Through her expertise in hand therapy, work hardening, general orthopedics, and dry-needling, she empowers individuals to reclaim their independence, redefine their capabilities, and embrace a future of mobility and vitality.

Involved in the Providence VA Medical Center, Kristen does research using the AM-ULA / Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees. She has been published in the Journal of Hand Therapy October / December 2013 Vol 26 No 4 “Is the UNB Test Reliable for Use With Upper Limb Amputations?”

Shawn Baxter M.S., OTR/L, CIE

Shawn is an Occupational Therapist and Board-Certified Industrial Ergonomist/Loss Prevention Specialist. He is also Certified in OSHA Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals. Prior to earning these certifications, Shawn graduated Cum Laude from University of New England in 1988, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. After UNE, he graduated from Salve Regina University with a Master of Science in Health Administration in 1993.

Shawn’s specializes in Workers’ Compensation involving both the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience in industrial rehabilitation including providing Functional Capacity Evaluations, work conditioning/job simulation, pre and post offer physical/functional assessments, ergonomic assessments, job hazard/risk analysis, injury prevention/mitigation and providing injury prevention safety training.

During his free time, Shawn enjoys spending time by the ocean time with family and friends, as well as exercising and biking.

Ashlie Beaulieu PTA

Ashlie is a Community College of Rhode Island graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Health Science degree. She enjoys watching her patients achieve their goals and impacting the lives of the Woonsocket community.

In her free time, Ashlie enjoys running, reading, traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with her cat Lily.

Jodi Bergeron OT, CHT

Jodi Bergeron earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State University.

Jodi has been a HTCC Certified Hand Therapist since 2008 and is most interested in treating sports injuries.

In her free time, Jodi enjoys travelling with family and friends and anything in the sunshine.

Ryan Birchall PT, DPT, ATC, CIDN

Ryan graduated from Boston University with a dual degree in Athletic Training and his Doctor of Physical therapy degree. He has worked in the outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine setting (with collegiate and professional athletes) ever since and has worked to advance his skills in manual therapy, dry needling and functional rehabilitation. Ryan also has worked as an educator at both Boston University and Northeastern University in their Physical Therapy programs helping to grow the next generation of great Physical Therapists. He also works with the 2 time national champion Major League Rugby team: The New England Freejacks as an AT/PT. Ryan enjoys working with motivated patients of all ages and backgrounds, and seeks to provide patient centered and functional treatments in order to restore the patient’s functional capacity and eliminate pain. Ryan is excited to set down roots here in Providence, and in his spare time enjoys being outside, hanging out at the beach, attempting to “golf”, and spending quality time with his partner and cats.

Michael Bisconti PT, DPT

Mike graduated from Lasell College in 2014 with a BS in Exercise Science. He earned his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 and joined Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy that same year. Mike is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist whose clinical focus is in orthopedics. He is also certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations for patients returning to work. He is a member of the APTA. His personal interests include powerlifting, cooking, woodworking and large bowls of pasta.

Brad Borsay DPT, ATC, CSCS

Brad recently received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at MCPHS University in 2019. Before pursuing his degree in PT, Brad received his Bachelors in Athletic Training at Sacred Heart University in 2014. Brad has past experience working in the high school setting as an Athletic Trainer for 2 years as well as being a NCAA Division 1 Volleyball player for Sacred Heart. Brad has a passion for working with the active community, high school, and college setting to assist them in achieving their physical goals. He holds specialized certifications in The Graston Technique, Blood flow restriction, and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). After working in Central MA for the first few years of his PT profession, Brad joined Pappas OPT in 2023.

Chloe Campellone PT, DPT

Chloe earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and Bachelor of Health Science degree from Springfield College.

Chloe has experience treating patients of all age ranges with orthopedic and neurological conditions. She enjoys helping her patients get back to their passions by incorporating individualized, functional activities into their treatment sessions.

In her free time, Chloe loves exploring the hiking trails around Rhode Island and relishing in the beauty of native birds.

John Can Yavas DPT

Can (John) graduated from URI for both Cell and Molecular Biology – Biochemistry, BS in 2019 and Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2024. He has a certification in Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) and strives to get his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) to broaden his exercise knowledge.

In his free time, he enjoys working out, walking by the water, learning about new scientific findings and discussing them into depth, going out to different restaurants and binge-watching a TV series as soon as it comes out.

Elizabeth Carey MS, OTR/L, CHT

An Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist, Liz joined Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy in 2011. She graduated from the University of New England in 2001 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy and has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 2011. In 2016 she received her certification in Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy from Evidence in Motion. Her specialties include hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, including orthopedic and neurological injuries, wound care, work-related injuries and custom splinting. Her interests include spending time with her husband and two boys and volunteering in the schools.

Sarah Carrington MOT, OTR/L

Sarah Carrington earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University. Prior to that, Sarah obtained her Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island.

Sarah specializes in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and is most interested in treating fractures and splinting of the wrist and hand.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.

Jhonatan Castro Garcia PTA

Jhonatan (he/him/his) earned his Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree from the Community College of Rhode Island. Prior to that, he was an exchange student from Brazil at the University of Rhode Island and earned his Bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Brasilia. Other than English he speaks fluent Portuguese and basic Spanish.

Jhonatan thrives with helping patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life

through physical therapy, creativity, empathy and motivation. He has a passion for therapeutic exercises, sports and body mechanics.

In his free time, he likes watching movies and tv shows with his wife, playing soccer, running, listening to good music, and traveling.