Our Team

Ryan Ackerman PT, DPT, CSCS, Cert. MDT

Ryan is a graduate of Drexel University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University-Camden. Prior to becoming director of our Mullica Hill office, Ryan began working with Strive in our Cherry Hill office. Over the past few years, Ryan has taken continuing education courses including those focused on advanced lumbar spine treatment, cervical, sub-occipital, and dry needling techniques. He is a Mckenzie certified clinician and frequently uses these methods to address spine conditions. He believes in the importance of continued learning and is currently an APTA credentialed clinical instructor for physical therapy students. He recently became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist to further improve his skills for working with athletic populations. Ryan exhibits a passion for physical therapy in his daily practice, and strives to provide the highest quality care to return his patients to full function.

Chris Agurkis PTA

Chris graduated from Temple University in 2015 with his Bachelors in Exercise Science and Physiology. While Chris was working towards his undergraduate degree he was hired in our Strive Delran location where he soon became the lead Physical Therapy Tech/Aide. Chris continued to work at our offices in Delran and in Marlton, either working on the floor with patients as an aide/tech or at the front desk helping patients with insurance questions or scheduling, while he continued his education. Chris then went on to enroll in Harcum College`s Physical Therapy Assistant Program in 2021 and graduated in 2023. Chris made this decision so that he could enter the PT workforce to help patients as soon as possible.

Chris’s interests in the field include orthopedics and manual therapy techniques. Chris plans on continuing his education in these fields by taking classes to be certified in the McKenzie Method, Active Release, and Graston Techniques. He is also an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

Deborah Alexander DPT, MED, AT-R

Nicole Andrews PT, DPT

Nicole completed her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of the Sciences in 2013. She went on to work at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation as a physical therapy aide, where she discovered her passion for the field. Nicole then pursued her degree in Physical Therapy at the University of the Sciences where she graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2017. Throughout her time in school, Nicole completed clinical affiliations in outpatient orthopedics and subacute rehabilitation, as well as in inpatient and outpatient pediatrics. Since graduating, Nicole has worked in a variety of settings, including sub-acute rehabilitation, aquatics, outpatient, and homecare services. Nicole believes her variety of experiences has helped her discover her love for outpatient orthopedics and sports related rehabilitation.

Nicole is certified in instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, kinesiotaping, myofascial cupping, and LSVT Big for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

She plans to continue developing her clinical skills by obtaining her hand therapy certification. Nicole is also a Certified Clinical Instructor through the APTA.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys golfing, running, cooking/baking, crocheting, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Stasia Bahring PT, DPT, LSVT BIG

Stasia graduated from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2009 with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. With undergraduate degrees, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Bachelor of Science in Biology, she has been dancing, performing and teaching throughout her scholastic studies. She has advanced teaching certifications through the Cecchetti Council of America in the Cecchetti method of ballet which gives her an intimate knowledge of the physical demands, injuries and pressures of performing artists. While continuing to blend passions for the physical therapy and dance professions, she is certified in Active Release Technique for the lower extremities and head of Strive’s Performing Arts Significant Interest group.

As a level II Clinical Instructor through the APTA, she continues to encourage and assist in student and staff development to foster the Physical Therapy profession. In the more recent years, Stasia has continued her personal educational journey with Herman and Wallace and become a Trained Pelvic Health provider. She hopes to become an advocate for those with pelvic health pain and dysfunction and provide inclusive treatment. She looks to take additional courses in chronic pain, post operative/ cancer treatment as well as pre and post natal care.

Jamie Bailey PT, DPT, OCS, LSVT BIG

Jamie is a graduate of Rutgers University where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2020. Prior to attending graduate school, Jamie received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Towson University. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Jamie obtained a job at Strive which. furthered her interest in becoming an outpatient physical therapist. Jamie enjoys treating a wide variety of patients including sports injuries, geriatric rehab, and post-operative rehab. In 2023, she became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist after completing an orthopedic residency through Evidence in Motion, in order to advance her practice of treating orthopedic conditions. She is also certified in LSVT Big Treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Jamie is passionate about using evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach in order to help each of her patients reach their full potential and meet their individual goals.

In her free time, Jamie enjoys watching Philadelphia sports, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Jessica Ball PT, DPT

Jessica N. Ball is a graduate of Rutgers University where she graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree in 2019. Prior to Rutgers, Jessica also previously attended Stockton University where she was awarded a B.S Degree in Health Sciences in 2016. Jessica is a proud South Jersey native and has had experience working with orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions, neurological conditions, cardiopulmonary conditions, pediatrics, geriatrics, and balance dysfunction. While Jessica specializes in pelvic floor conditions, she is actively working to pursue further education and enhance her knowledge for her interests in both pelvic floor rehabilitation and Mckenzie Method of Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine. Jessica also has ambition to pursue certification to become a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.

Melissa Banks PT, DPT

Melissa Banks received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2020 from the University of Pittsburgh. Since graduating, Melissa has been treating orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions in an outpatient orthopedic setting. Her continuing education has focused on treating pelvic floor dysfunctions, and she is currently working towards obtaining the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy through the APTA.

Melissa is experienced in treating men and women for conditions including urinary/fecal incontinence, GI dysfunction, overactive bladder, pelvic pain, pain during pregnancy, and post-partum care. Melissa utilizes manual therapy techniques, patient education, and individualized exercise programs to return patients to the activities they enjoy.

In her spare time Melissa enjoys staying active by playing tennis, soccer, and hiking

Caitlin Barnett PT, DPT

Caitlin is a 2013 graduate from Shenandoah University located in Winchester, VA. Between 2007-2011 she received her Bachelor’s Degree in University Studies while participating on the SU Women’s Basketball Team. She continued her education to successfully earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2013. Shortly after graduation, Caitlin returned to her Schuylkill County roots, pursuing her passion of practicing in the Outpatient/Private Practice setting. She began her career with Sosar Physical Therapy in October 2013 and has been proud to provide her community with the utmost of care! Caitlin has been accepting patients via Direct Access since 2019 and recently completed her LSVT BIG certification to more effectively treat various neurological disorders, such as, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders that can decrease one’s balance and function. Caitlin is certified by the APTA as a Credentialed Clinical Instructor and is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her areas of interest include: Orthopedics, Sports Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Vestibular Dysfunctions, Parkinson’s Disease and Neurological Disorders.

Amanda Bass PT, DPT, LSVT BIG

Amanda graduated from Stockton University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in neuroscience. She then attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia where she graduated with her Doctor in Physical Therapy in May 2020 after 3 clinical internships and evidence based research in knee osteoarthritis. She presented her research with her colleagues at the 2020 Combined Sections Meeting in Denver, CO. Her special interests in the PT field include treating an abundance of diagnoses in the orthopedic, neuro, and amputee populations. Amanda is currently working on her LSVT BIG certification for the Parkinson’s population. In the future, Amanda plans on obtaining her McKenzie certification and Certified Strength and Conditioning certification.

In her time away from work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, and exercising.

Kaitlyn Belger PT, DPT

Kaitlyn received her B.S. in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University in 2021. She continued her education at Sacred Heart University and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2024. She has gained experience in treating various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary diagnoses over her four clinical affiliations in practice settings such as outpatient, acute care, and subacute rehabilitation. Kaitlyn has special interest in treating the geriatric population particularly with balance and strength training.

In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, exercising, and watching movies.

Thomas Bertini PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, Cert. MDT, LSVT BIG

Tom graduated from West Chester University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and obtained his Athletic Training Certification. Also, during that time, he was a student athlete and ran cross country competitively for 2 years. He continued his education at West Chester University and earned his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology in 2008 while also working as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University. Tom then attended Physical Therapy School at Drexel University and achieved his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011. While in PT school, Tom’s second clinical affiliation was at Strive Physical Therapy at the Moorestown location. Also, while in PT school, Tom and five of his fellow classmates contributed to a textbook chapter involving upper extremity sports injuries in the 6th edition of Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity. Tom is currently a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and has also obtained certifications in Graston Technique for treating muscle/tendon/ligament injuries and McKenzie-Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for treating the spine and extremities. He is also certified in Vestibular and Concussion Rehabilitation through The American Institute of Balance and LSVT BIG certified to treat patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. Tom began as Area Director of the Northern Region in 2018 and currently is the Clinical Director for the Monroe and Balance Center clinics. Tom and his wife reside in Manalapan, NJ.

Umang “UB” Bhatt PTA

Meet Umang Bhatt, also known as “UB”, a friendly and dedicated member of our physical therapy team here at Strive Voorhees. With a deep-rooted commitment to improving the lives of our patients, UB brings a wealth of expertise to our practice.

UB earned his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from SUNY Orange Community College, New York; marking the beginning of his journey to making a positive impact on individuals seeking to regain their strength and mobility.

What sets UB apart is not just his professional expertise, but also, his ability to connect with a diverse range of patients. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, UB ensures that cultural diversity is never a barrier to receiving the best care possible. As a US Army Veteran, he intimately understands the challenges associated with a lack of independence and mobility, fostering a unique empathy that resonates with his patients.

Beyond the clinic, UB is a vibrant individual with a passion for cricket, both playing and watching. His downtime is filled with the joy of spending quality time with family and friends. UB’s warm personality and multifaceted interests make him not only an excellent Physical Therapist Assistant, but also, a valuable member of our close-knit community at Strive Voorhees.

David Bierly PT, DPT

David graduated from Stockton University with a degree in Health Sciences in 2016 and returned to Stockton University to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018. During his time at Stockton, David completed clinical rotations caring for patients with chronic pain and joint replacements, treating patients with neurological diagnoses, and worked with patients in the medical/surgical ICU. David first developed an interest in therapy when he helped his mother through rehab after surgery to repair her rotator cuff. He has also been completing rehabilitation programs for equine athletes since he was a sophomore in high school. His interest in physical therapy came about from these experiences and they have given him a unique perspective in his career as a physical therapist.

David and his wife own and operate a farm in Williamstown, NJ where he trains sport horses for equestrian events when he is not in the clinic.

David is currently working towards his Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) certification to assist patients with low back and neck pain. He is also continuing his education in the field of vestibular pathologies to better serve patients with conditions involving dizziness, concussion, and neurological limitations.

Andrew Blyler PTA

Now residing in Frackville, and a native of Hegins, Michael is proud to return to Schuylkill County to provide his community with outstanding physical therapy services. He graduated from College Misericordia in 2001 and completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and is certified by the APTA as a Credentialed Clinical Instructor. He is an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association, Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, and APTA Orthopeadic and Private Practice Sections. His areas of interest include Orthopaedics, Sports Rehab, Industrial Rehab, Vertigo, and Concussion Management.

Alexa Boone PT, DPT

Alexa graduated from Arcadia University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in September 2024, and received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance from Rider University in 2020. Her passion for dancing led her to pursue physical therapy as a career, as she aspires to promote and advocate for performing arts medicine. Throughout her pre-professional career, she has participated in the administration of dance injury prevention workshops and plans to continue educating to promote longevity in all sports. Additionally, she is interested in learning different manual therapy techniques such as Graston and cupping.

In her spare time, Alexa likes to spend time with family and friends, listen to music, watch movies, and read. She also enjoys teaching, choreographing, and performing various styles of dance such as ballet, jazz, and contemporary.