Martlon's Top Physical Therapy Team

Matt began his education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick by completing his undergraduate degree in exercise science in 2012. He then continued his academic career at Drexel University in Philadelphia where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. During his last year of graduate school, Matt completed his final clinical affiliation at the Strive Burlington clinic where he continued to pursue his passion for outpatient orthopedics and sports-related care. Matt began his professional career working in the Strive Delran office for two years.

Matt treats a variety of orthopedic conditions. He has taken coursework in vestibular therapy, TMJ dysfunction, and trigger point dry needling. He is currently pursuing his certification in the McKenzie Method for treating neck and back pain. Matt is a member of the ATPA to keep up with all recent changes in evidence-based practice.

Pete attended Stockton University where he graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017. While in PT school, Pete was a graduate assistant where he was a teaching assistant for Gross Human Anatomy for first-year PT students as well as assisting Stockton faculty members in conducting research.

Pete is interested in treating a wide variety of diagnoses such as soft tissue tendinopathies, post-operative rehabilitation, and fall risk/balance retraining. His goal is to provide individualized treatment programs focusing on patient goals. He currently holds a certification in Astym, which is a soft tissue mobilization technique. Pete is excited to join the team at Strive where he plans to complete the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment as well as sitting for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist exam.

In his spare time, Pete enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He enjoys exercising and he is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports.

Colleen Bigley Gruici is a physical therapist who has been practicing in the South Jersey area since 2000. Her academic career started at the University of Delaware, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience in 1998. She followed that immediately with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Rutgers-Camden in 2000. After practicing for several years, she returned to Temple University and completed course work for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2009. She then completed an Advanced Practice Certificate in Hand and Upper Extremity from Drexel University in 2014, followed by earning the title of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

Colleen has worked in many different settings during her career, with the majority of her experience in the out-patient orthopedic setting. She has completed additional certifications over the years including Pilates based rehabilitation, wound care and industrial rehabilitation. Colleen has been an Astym certified provider since 2010, and finds this technique extremely helpful in managing soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis.

Colleen lives with her husband and son in Blackwood, NJ. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading in her spare time.

Sophia attended West Chester University where she graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in nutrition. She then attended Drexel University and graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021. Sophia completed her first clinical affiliation during graduate school at Strive Marlton clinic, where she developed her passion for treating in Outpatient Orthopedics.

Sophia is interested in treating a wide variety of diagnoses. Sophia is excited to join the team at Strive Marlton where she plans to complete coursework in vestibular therapy, and certifications in LSVT BIG and the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment. Sophia also plans to sit for the orthopedic clinical specialist exam.

In her spare time Sophia enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs. She also enjoys going to Philadelphia Eagles home games and is a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan.

Lindsey Welch completed her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She attended Quinnipiac University for undergraduate study, where she participated in Division I collegiate volleyball. Lindsey was the first full-time therapist to be hired at Strive, and has been with the company since 2008.

Lindsey enjoys helping patients with various diagnoses, and has extensive training in treating disorders associated with the spine, sports, and orthopedics. She is certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy practitioner and has been trained in and is thoroughly trained in the Maitland Australian Concept.

Lindsey is also the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education. She is responsible for coordinating the assignments and activities of Physical Therapy students during their clinical rotation as well as keeping the entire clinical staff up to date on evidence based research.

Lindsey lives in Mt. Laurel with her husband and three children.