DACULA
Chris Mallare, MSPT
Regional Manager, Dacula
Chris Mallare received his B.S. from Va Tech and his master's degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia. Chris has been practicing physical therapy in the orthopedic and sports medicine field for over 15 yrs and has been published in Sports Medicine Update for his work with golf related injuries. His extensive knowledge and expertise in sports related injuries have helped athletes of all competitive ranges, from adolescents to professionals, to achieve their peak level of performance. His professional services also include injury prevention clinics and educational seminars as well as sport specific strength and conditioning programs. Chris strives to provide expert care and personalized rehabilitation services to his clients while creating an enjoyable and fun atmosphere.
Chris currently resides in Hamilton Mill with his wife, Beth, and his children Cameron, Kayleigh and Morgan.
Lisa Feliz
Client Relations Specialist
Lisa has been a resident of Gwinnett County for the past 8 years and graduated from Norcross High School in 2007. She is currently attending college to pursue a career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. With several years of experience working with General Practitioners, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors both in front office and back office settings, she feels this is her ideal field. Lisa brings great qualities to our organization, including the ability to speak both English and Spanish. Lisa enjoys traveling to different countries, reading, and learning something new every day.
SUWANEE
Evan Blackburn, PT
Regional Manager, Suwanee
Evan Blackburn received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1988 and his Physical Therapy degree from Cleveland State University in 1990. Evan began his sports physical therapy career in Birmingham, Alabama, where he worked with the American Sports Medicine Institute and the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. He then moved to Auburn, Alabama, where he became the rehabilitation consultant for Auburn University athletics. In 1996, he moved to Georgia and began working closely with Delta Airlines and helped develop programs to prevent on the job injuries and to rehabilitate the injured employee.
Evan has worked in the Suwanee area since 2000, developing a strong sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation program. Currently, he is pursuing his certification in manual trigger point and dry needling therapy.
Jamie Dougherty
Manager, Client Relations & Operations
Jamie Dougherty has been with Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers since inception. She has over five years of extensive operations and health insurance experience in the physical therapy field. Jamie is responsible for providing excellent customer service and managing front end operations for AFPTC. She is also responsible for credentialing and training across all locations. Jamie also formerly worked for the government for fourteen years prior to working in healthcare. Jamie resides in Hoschton, GA with her husband John and is the proud parent of three sons, Lee, Nicholas and Zachary.
Leigh Anne Nash, PT, OCS
Physical Therapist, Suwanee
Leigh Anne attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she completed an advanced curriculum for the University Honors Program, and graduated with highest honors in Physical Therapy in 1999. While at UTC, she completed a case study that demonstrated a method for improving balance and gait in an individual with post-CVA hemiparesis.
Leigh Anne has worked as a physical therapist in Gwinnett county since 2000, with a strong focus in orthopedics and industrial rehabilitation. In 2004, she completed the Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification Program by Roy Matheson and Associates. In 2007, she earned certification as an orthopedic specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Her industrial rehabilitation experience includes implementing Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), work conditioning programs, on-site job safety training, and post-offer employment testing.
Leigh Anne joined the AFPTC team in 2008, working in the Suwanee location. Her plans for future professional development include completing the certification process for the Maitland-Australian approach for manual therapy and pursuing a certification in pilates for rehabilitation.
Shawn O'Connor, MA/ATC
Supervisor, Athletic Training Services, Suwanee
Shawn graduated from the University of South Florida in 1999 with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Wellness, and in 2001 with a masters degree in physical education with an emphasis in athletic training. From 2001 to 2006, he was the head athletic trainer at Jesuit High School in Tampa. While in Tampa, Shawn volunteered with NFL Europe, Tampa Bay Storm, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Lightning, and local colleges and high schools.
In 2006, Shawn moved to Suwanee, and has been working as the head athletic trainer for North Gwinnett High School. Shawn joined AFPTC in 2007, where he coordinates athletic training services between AFPTC and the community.
MARIETTA CENTRAL
Paul Marino PT, OCS, Cert MDT, CSCS
Regional Manager, Marietta Central
Paul received his Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Georgia State University in 1991 after serving in the United States Army as a combat medical specialist in Fort Bragg's 18th Airborne Corp. While completing his physical therapy training in Atlanta, Paul also served in the Georgia National Guard in Macon's 48th FSB supporting the 3rd Brigade.
His postgraduate certifications include Orthopaedic Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and credentialed provider of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine by the McKenzie Institute, U.S.A.
Paul has been featured locally providing continuing education to the physical therapy community and has been featured nationwide as an instructor for Exercise Etc. Inc., one of the country's largest providers of fitness education programs. His workshops have been attended by athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and various athletic coaches from around the country. He offers 17 years of rehabilitation experience in acute, long-term care, outpatient, and home health services.
MARIETTA EAST
Marcus M. Hutchinson, PT, MS, ATC, OCS, CSCS
Regional Manager, Marietta East
Marcus graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 1989 with a degree in exercise and sports science. He immediately was accepted into the physical therapy program at Georgia State University where he received his physical therapy degree and licensure in 1991. Returning to Georgia State two years later, he pursued his interest in athletics with a master's degree in sports medicine. Marcus volunteered as a Certified Athletic Trainer for Dunwoody, South Gwinnett, and Pope High Schools from 1993-1998.
His post-graduate certifications include Orthopaedic Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Certified Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Jessica L. Schwartz, MPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist, Marietta East
Jessica graduated from the University of Evansville in May of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Master of Physical Therapy. Jessica was a four year collegiate soccer player while at Tulane and Evansville where she was named All-Missouri Valley Conference/All-Conference USA three of four years and was the Missouri Valley Conference tournament MVP her senior season. In Evansville, Jessica began coaching youth soccer and received her USSF National “D” Coaching License. While completing her Master of Physical Therapy Jessica played a year of collegiate tennis.
Jessica has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2000. In 2006, Jessica became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Jessica is currently working for Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers since their purchase of Axiom where she had been since initially receiving her licensure. Jessica is currently the women's assistant varsity soccer coach at her Alma Mater, Walton High School.
Kristine E. Marinello, PT, DPT, CSCS, CCI
Physical Therapist, Marietta East
Krissy graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida with a Bachelor of Science in health science in 2002. She majored in rehabilitation counseling. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2005. At Emory, Krissy took advanced electives in orthopedics and the spine. Her research focus was patient perspectives in outpatient physical therapy settings. Since graduating, she has worked in orthopedics and sports medicine.
Currently, Krissy holds a Georgia physical therapy license and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has been an American Physical Therapy Association member since 2002, an American Physical Therapy Association Orthopedic Section member since 2002, and a National Strength and Conditioning Association member since 2006. Krissy is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association and she is actively pursuing certifications in orthopedics and manual therapy as well.
Neal R. Barot, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Marietta East
Neal is the newest member of the Marietta East clinic. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He also attended the University of Florida for undergraduate studies and received a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport sciences - athletic training.
Neal is excited to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to rehabilitation setting. His prior experience has included prevention and care of athletic injuries with the University of Florida football team, University of Florida track & field team, and Tampa Bay Rays baseball organization. He has also worked in numerous high school settings and sports clinics. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Athletic Trainer's Association.
Paige Hunt, OTR/L, CHT
Hand Therapist, Marietta East
Paige graduated in 1992 from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy. She has worked in different parts of the country including Arizona, Texas, and Nevada before moving to Atlanta in 2003. She brings with her 13 years of experience in hand and upper extremity therapy treating a wide variety of cumulative and traumatic injuries of the hand and arm. In Arizona, Paige worked for a group of hand surgeons and gained valuable experience in post-surgical treatment and traumatic injuries. She also served as clinical manager for a hand therapy clinic in Reno, Nevada where she managed daily clinic business and 6 hand therapists. She went on to obtain her Certification in Hand Therapy in 2001. She is a long standing member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and regularly attends society conferences and continuing education seminars. She enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with her children.