Our Staff

Natalie is an outpatient physical therapist that emphasizes on a hands-on approach to rehabilitation to ensure a quick recovery and return to a fully functional, pain-free lifestyle.

She graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Natalie received a doctorate in physical therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University in spring 2012. She completed post-graduate independent research on core strengthening to improve golf performance, and pursued golf-related rehabilitation as a specialty.

 

Natalie has attained certifications through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), K-Vest 3D Technology, Gray Cook's Functional Movement Screening, and has taken numerous other continuing education courses to further her manual therapy skills. Since attaining TPI certification in 2013, Natalie has been working with golf clients of all ages and capabilities to improve their overall performance and reduce risk for injury. 

 

In her free time, Natalie enjoys staying active by running, crossfit classes, yoga, snowboarding, and golfing. She competes in the West Virginia Women’s State Amateur each year as well as representing Parkersburg in the statewide golf team matches.

 

 

Specialist Areas / Certifications

Melissa (Billy) Stavrakis is a physical therapist with more than 14 years experience. She provides treatment for people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. These treatments may include therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, cardiovascular endurance training, and functional exercises.

Melissa is a Parkersburg native and 1993 graduate of Parkersburg South High School. She attended Alderson Broaddus College where she was a member of the volleyball and softball teams. Melissa graduated with a bachelor of science in sports medicine in 1998. She decided to further her education at West Virginia University receiving a bachelor of arts degree in human performance and health in 2002. 

 

In 2003, Melissa obtained her masters degree in physical therapy from West Virginia University. She complete the Evidence In Motion Orthopaedic Residency Program in 2009. In 2010, she obtained certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Melissa also received her doctorate in physical therapy from Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professions in July 2010. 

 

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hiking with her dogs, skiing, and spending time with her family. 

 

 

Specialist Areas

Brittany Vass is a physical therapist with 8 years of experience specializing in orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, post-surgical patients, and pediatrics.

Brittany graduated summa cum laude from Alderson Broaddus College in 2007 with a major in Athletic Training. She then graduated with her doctorate in Physical Therapy from West Virginia University in 2010. Immediately following graduation, Brittany completed an orthopedic residency through Evidence in Motion while maintaining a full outpatient physical therapy case load.  

 

Brittany’s emphasis has been on manual hands on interventions and functional movement restoration. She is certified in ASTYM, Trigger Point Dry Needling, SFMA, FMS, and various taping techniques. She has also served Wood County Schools over the past 4 years. Brittany performs physical therapy evaluations, provides treatment, and documents in the individualized educational plan for the children in need of physical therapy services within the school environment.

 

Brittany enjoys volleyball, CrossFit, yoga, and walking her dog. She is currently a volunteer volleyball coach at the local high school.

 

 

Specialist Areas / Certifications

Tanya Cancade is a physical therapist with 20 years of experience specializing in women’s health, lymphedema, pediatrics, and orthopedics.

Tanya was born in Minnesota and grew up in North Dakota. She graduated from Williston High School in 1991. Tanya graduated from the University of Mary in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Studies. She completed her Masters in Physical Therapy in 1998 also from the University of Mary.  

 

Tanya’s background is in outpatient rehabilitation which has allowed her to treat patients throughout their lifespan. She has a special interest in women’s health and lymphedema. Tanya completed coursework through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She attended the Lymphedema Management Seminar through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Tanya also treats pediatric patients through the Wood County School system. She is certified in ASTYM, FMS, SFMA, trigger point dry needling, sEMG, and various taping techniques.

 

When not working, Tanya can be found supporting her children at various sporting events, walking, and reading.

 

 

Specialist Areas / Certifications

Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a physical therapist assistant with background in outpatient orthopedics, post-op care working in the hospital, and birth to three helping children with developmental delay.

 

Her energy and enthusiasm for learning has been a perfect fit for our office!

 

Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing outside with her three children, watching Mountaineer sports, and gardening at her home in Doddridge.

 

 

Specialist Areas / Certifications

Mistie is a physical therapist assistant with several years of experience in the outpatient setting working with patients of all ages.

Mistie is trained in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, wound care, orthopedics, and pediatrics. In addition, she has furthered her education with training in ASTYM treatment, taping techniques, and working with patients with neurological conditions. 

 

Mistie is also passionate about lymphedema management, wrapping techniques for lymphedema, and prescribing compression garments to address swelling issues 

 

 

 

Specialist Areas