Everything we do at Active Life is aimed at the highest level of patient care. A common thread linking all of our staff is a sincere concern for the well-being of others and a commitment to go the extra mile for them.
Michael Wah
PT, DPT, OCS
"I've treated patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders. There's so much about physical therapy that I enjoy, particularly getting to know patients, figuring out how to solve their physical problems and getting them back to their favorite activities."
Education: BS, Physical Therapy, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy
tDPT, Evidence in Motion Institute, Louisville, KY
Board Certification: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, 1990 (recertified in 2010)
Advanced Training: Herdman Competency (Intensive course in Vestibular Rehabilitation, treating vertigo and balance disorders.)
"Creating and Sustaining a Service Culture", The Disney Institute
"Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy" for spinal disorders, The McKenzie Institute
"Spinal Manipulation", Neuro Orthopaedic Institute
"Vestibular Rehabilitation: An Advanced Course and Update", University of Pittsburgh
"Explain Pain", Neuro Orthopaedic Institute
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA), Joint Task Force on Injured Workers
Lecturer and Presenter: University of Maryland and Shenandoah University physical therapy programs, GBMC medical staff meetings (vertigo, balance and falls among the elderly), GBMC osteoporosis meeting for physicians and allied health professionals, speaker and moderator at Joint Task Force for Injured Workers meetings.
Christina Penny
DPT, OMPT, CMTPT
"It is very rewarding to help patients return their normal activities. Every patient is unique, and I enjoy working side by side with each patient in order to accomplish his or her goals. I believe physical therapy is not solely for rehabilitation of injury, but to provide others with tools for prevention and generalized health."
Christina's special interests include vestibular rehabilitation, balance and falls, return to sport, return to running, and orthopedics. She is an avid athlete still playing soccer, football, short and long distance running. She completed the Boston Marathon in 2017.
Education: University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Towson University, Towson, MD, Department of Kinesiology, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Summa Cum Laude
Certification:
Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Evidence In Motion
Certified Trigger Point Dry Needling; Myopain Seminars
Healthy Running Continuing Education; Anne Arundel Medical Center
Fall and Prevention for Older Adults; American Physical Therapy Association
Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Dizziness and Balance Disorders: A Comprehensive Approach Through Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy,
Professional Membership:
American Physical Therapy Association: Orthopedic section member
Vestibular Disorders Association
John J. Nietubicz
PT, OCS, MTC, CMTPT
“I have never considered my career as a Physical Therapist a job, but a vocation! I believe strongly in the healing touch. This involves not only a hands-on approach to evaluation and treatment but helping the patient understand the cause of their injury or impairments. I enjoy building lifelong relationships with patients and empowering them with the tools they need to live an active life.”
John has been a successful Physical Therapist since 1985. He has worked in private practice, hospital settings, as well as in the home health care environment, giving him a well-rounded perspective on patient care and patient communication. Not only is John a Certified Manual Therapist, but he also holds the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (dry needling). Additionally, he is a certified Clinical Instructor for the American Physical Therapy Association. John has a strong interest in manual therapy, postural training, dry needling, and individualized exercise prescription. He particularly enjoys helping patients safely return to golf.
University of Maryland Physical Therapy Alumni Board, Board Member and President
Christina Bowden
PT, MPT
“I believe that one of the most important things I can do as a clinician is to be a good listener. I want to know how a patient’s quality of life is affected by the impairment that they are seeking treatment for. Then we can figure out as a team how to best treat that impairment to maximize their activity level so they can return to the activities they enjoy.”
Master of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, Summa Cum Laude, Towson University, Towson, MD
Advanced Training
Treatment of the Lumbar Complex, Great Lakes Seminars
Bio-Mechanics of the Foot/Ankle Complex and Lower Quarter, Frederick Memorial Hospital
Donatelli’s Pathophysiology and Mechanics of the Shoulder, Robert Donatelli, Ph.D., P
Professional Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association: Member Maryland Physical Therapy Association
Priya Joshi
PT, MHS, DPT
“I find much happiness in making my patients smile every day. I believe the most important factor is to engage with them and work together to achieve their end goals. Being a physical therapist, I feel privileged in being able to make a difference in their lives and assisting them to return to their prior functional level. My special interests include generalized orthopedic conditions, manual therapy, balance and falls, and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders. “
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Touro College, School of Health Sciences – Jan 2021
Master’s in Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Krannert School of Physical Therapy
Bachelor of Physical Therapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India
Advanced Training:
Certified Clinical Instructor, APTA, 2019
Professional Associations:
American Physical therapy Association (APTA) Maryland Physical Therapy Association
Kristin Beil
PT, DPT
" I find great pleasure in my job watching patient's achieve their goals. One of my jobs as a physical therapist is to provide guidance to help patients succeed in physical therapy and help them return to their prior level of function. I enjoy getting to know my patients and working with them to help establish goals for physical therapy. I enjoy working with patients that include generalized orthopedic conditions, post-operative patients, and balance/fall prevention training."
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
McDaniel College, Westminster, MD. Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science & Physical Education, Magna Cum Laude
Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
James Hicks
PT, DPT
"The ability to work with people to alleviate pain and dysfunction in every day life is very rewarding. I take it as a personal challenge to make physical therapy the most pleasant and meaningful experience possible. "
James' special interests include generalized outpatient orthopedics, return to sport and injury prevention. James enjoys remaining as active as possible, with participation in multiple recreational sports, strength training and hiking.
Education: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD. Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD. Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Summa Cum Laude
Advanced Training:
Treatment of the Lumbar Complex, Great Lake Seminars
Joshua Haffner
PT, DPT
“Instead of restrictions, patients deserve solutions that allow them to safely continue performing the activities that are most important to them. Every patient has unique goals that he/she is hoping to achieve in physical therapy, and reaching these goals requires a unique and customized regimen. This starts with the physical therapist asking the right questions and listening to the patient closely. I am passionate about working with patients to learn what is important to them, and giving them the tools to take an active role in their recovery. I take pride in collaborating with patients throughout this process, beginning with a hands-on approach, and ultimately progressing to training healthy movement patterns to minimize injury risk in the future.”
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
Bachelor of Arts, College of Charleston Honors College
Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association
Maryland Physical Therapy Association
Joe Palmer
PT, DPT, OMPT, CSCS, CMTPT
"I find great satisfaction in helping someone take control of their situation. I believe that your physical therapist should be your teammate, and working together, you can achieve your goals. Seeing people improve and return to life without pain is very rewarding."
Joe grew up in Perry Hall and is excited to serve the community that gave him so much support during his education. Joe enjoys outpatient orthopedics because he is able to use a hands-on approach to evaluate and treat a variety of patient conditions. In additional to being a Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist, Joseph is a Certified Myofasical Trigger Point Therapist, which allows him to perform a specialized manual technique used to relieve muscular pain and increase range of motion. (Dry Needling)
Being an athlete himself, he is particularly interested in the rehabilitation and prevention of athletic injuries. He believes that education is the most important step in the prevention of athletic injuries and he has spent time educating coaches and parents with presentations through local community organizations.
*Feel free to contact Joe if you have a group that may benefit from strength training and injury prevention education.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Maryland School of Medicine-Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Advanced Training:
Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Association
Certified Myofasical Trigger Point Therapist
Professional Association: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Orthopedic and Sports Section Member
Mick Foley
PT, DPT, CMTPT, PPCS
"It is important to help people reach their potential. My goal is to help every patient realize their body is strong and resilient. I believe physical therapy should not just be prescribed after an injury but can be a valuable tool to help people live their life the way they want to. From my own past athletic injuries, I understand what it takes to get back to both sports and an active lifestyle.”
Dr. Mick received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Neumann University in Aston, PA. Prior to Physical Therapy school he received his B.S. in Community Health from George Mason University while playing Division I baseball.
Since graduating, he has taken multiple continuing education courses to further improve his clinical expertise. They have included; Titleist Performance Institute Medical 2, Myopain Seminars Dry Needling courses, Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification, and Mulligan Manual therapy courses.
TPI courses have furthered his ability to examine, rehab, and train golfers with a focus on improving their body- swing connection, swing efficiency, and training performance. Mick enjoys challenging his patients to reach their potential on and off the course.
He is also a Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist and Certified Dry Needler. He utilizes this technique to manage myofascial pain caused by trigger points.
Mick blends manual therapy, exercise based strengthening, and movement science in his rehabilitation approach. His expertise includes; golfers, fitness athletes, post op rehab, overhead athletes, balance and falls.
When not treating in the clinic, Mick enjoys golfing, exercising, watching Philadelphia sports, and spending time at the beach.
Neumann University, Aston, PA, Department of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Global and Community Health, Bachelor of Science in Community Health
Certification:
Medical 2 Certified, Titleist Performance Institute
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member
Maryland Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member
Ellen Hangen
PT, OCS
"I take great satisfaction in treating my patients with empathy and understanding, especially in the case of acute conditions. Truly caring for my patients has made a difference in patient compliance and improvements in their conditions. It's great to see my patients enjoying therapy."
Ellen enjoys outpatient orthopedics and has a special interest in treating foot and ankle conditions as well as pediatric orthopedic patients.
Advanced Training: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute: A-The Lumbar Spine, B - The Cervical Spine, C- Problem Solving Practical Workshop; A Practical Approach to the Lower Extremity Biomechanics
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Ian Sikora
PT, DPT, GCS
"Having experienced multiple orthopedic surgeries, I know firsthand the frustration of living in discomfort. I take pride in helping people regain the health needed to sit, stand, sleep, walk, work and play without debilitating pain."
Ian’s journey to Physical Therapy started with four knee surgeries. These operations disrupted not only his hobbies but his career as well. He is therefore passionate about helping patients regain the ability to do what they want and need to do.
He has great enthusiasm for patient education and self-management. Following an appointment with Ian, you should feel that you have an improved understanding of both your condition and the skills needed to address your limitations.
Ian is a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist. By immersing himself in the research and techniques that ensure optimal aging for older patients, he can provide insights into improving and maintaining function across the lifespan.
He lives in Towson with his wife and two children. His hobbies include running, swimming, and playing the drums.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Maryland School of Medicine-Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
Bachelor of Arts, Music, University of Maryland, College Park
Advanced Training:
Dermoneuromodulation, American Institute of Alternative Medicine Differential Diagnosis Modules 1-3,
Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Stephanie Alderson
PT, DPT
“To me, the best part of my job is meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning what is important to them in order to best help them reach their goals. I enjoy working together with my patients to provide them with an active role in their recovery.”
Stephanie’s special interests include orthopedics, especially the lower extremity, return to sport and return to running. Stephanie continues to stay active with running and yoga.
Education: Arcadia University, Glenside, PA, Department of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, School of Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Advanced Training: Functional Dry Needling Level I, Evidence in Motion; Functional Therapeutics: Applications for Dry Needling, Evidence in Motion; Functional Dry Needling Level II, Evidence in Motion;
Blood Flow Restriction Training, Smart Tools
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Alexandra (Ali) Chaney
PTA
"As a dancer who has overcome a myriad of injuries, I understand the frustration that comes with pain and the inability to participate in activities you enjoy. I believe that movement is imperative not only for a healthy body, but also a healthy mind. It gives me great joy to assist others in returning to their everyday lives without dysfunction and more importantly the activities they love."
Wilmington University, New Castle, DE. Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Cecil College, North East, MD. Associate of Applied Science, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Harford Community College, Associate of Science
Goucher College, Dance Studies
Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association: Orthopedic & Research Sections Member Maryland Physical Therapy Association
Mariah Torbit
DPT
“use my knowledge, skills, and compassion to help others live their best life possible by providing the greatest care and kindness I can give”.
Mariah Torbit, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at the Perry Hall, MD office. As a former athlete, Mariah spent some time herself as patient in physical therapy, which set her on this career path. Mariah is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland Baltimore and is excited to begin her career. Mariah believes in creating individualized treatment plans for each patient to help her patients achieve their goals. Mariah has clinical experience in general outpatient orthopedics, but also looks forward to treating patients with balance deficits and neurological disorders. When not working, Mariah enjoys taking day trips with her husband, spending time with family, playing soccer, and taking her golden retriever, Mabel out for walks.
Doctorate of Physical Therapy: University of Maryland, Baltimore 2022
Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association: Orthopedic & Research Sections Member Maryland Physical Therapy Association
Christopher Gilbert
PT, DPT
"The opportunity to be able to aid patients in pain relief or returning to functional activities following an injury with minimal to no limitation is what drives me the most."
Chris has a strong interest in treating musculosketal disroders. While he enjoes working with all musculosketal injurries, he has specific interests in treating runners and baseball players.
Being a former athlete and an occasional runner, Chris takes pleasure in working with the athletic population to assist individuals with safely participating in their specific activities. He focuses on functional impairments not only to assist with injury rehabilitation, but also injury prevention.
When Chris is not treating patients in the clinic, he is spending time lifting weights in the gym and getting his steps in with his kids.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Maryland Baltimore
Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Urban Studies, Morgan State University
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Connor McCormick
PT, DPT, MS
“What I enjoy about physical therapy is helping patients to return to the things they love to do and building strong interpersonal relationships. Each patient is unique in their own way, and they deserve to have the individualized attention to help get them back to where they want to be.”
Connor received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware. Prior to Physical Therapy school he received his B.S. in Exercise Science from University of North Carolina Wilmington where he participated in club wrestling.
Connor has a strong passion for treating orthopedic conditions in order to help patients return to their daily activities, hobbies, and participate in sports. He is a big proponent for empowering patients through patient education and using active listening to ensure that each patient’s goals are prioritized throughout their plan of care.
When he is not treating in the clinic, his hobbies include working out, fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Delaware Master of Science, University of Delaware Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Sarah Robbins
“I find immense joy in helping patients achieve their goals and experience happiness through exercise. My compassion, clinical knowledge, and understanding of movement are the pillars of the therapeutic process that enable me to build a strong rapport with my patients. As their physical therapist assistant, I believe in being their cheerleader, source of knowledge, and added support throughout their journey. ”
Sarah Robbins, physical therapist assistant, PTA, BRM, has a diverse range of special interests, including geriatric care, orthopedic conditions, balance and fall prevention, barbell athletes, and the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions. Sarah enjoys having the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages, but her true passion lies in helping older adults. She finds great joy in assisting them in achieving the highest possible quality of life. She finds it is truly inspiring to witness their determination and progress towards their health goals.
Sarah, a former competitive gymnast, continues to participate in athletics through powerlifting, CrossFit, and general strength training to maintain her our physical and mental wellness.
Education: Carroll Community College, Westmister, MD. Associates of Applied Science.
Certifications
LSVT Big
Barbell Rehab Method (BRM)
Geriatric Certification
Professional Associations: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Michael Wah
"I've treated patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders. There's so much about physical therapy that I enjoy, particularly getting to know patients, figuring out how to solve their physical problems and getting them back to their favorite activities.".
Education: BS, Physical Therapy, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy
tDPT, Evidence in Motion Institute, Louisville, KY
Board Certification: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, 1990 (recertifi...
Christina Penny
"It is very rewarding to help patients return their normal activities. Every patient is unique, and I enjoy working side by side with each patient in order to accomplish his or her goals. I believe physical therapy is not solely for rehabilitation of injury, but to provide others with tools for prevention and generalized health.".
Christina's special interests include vestibular rehabilitation, balance and falls, return to sport, return to running, and orthopedics. She is an avid athlete still ...
John J. Nietubicz
“I have never considered my career as a Physical Therapist a job, but a vocation! I believe strongly in the healing touch. This involves not only a hands-on approach to evaluation and treatment but helping the patient understand the cause of their injury or impairments. I enjoy building lifelong relationships with patients and empowering them with the tools they need to live an active life.”.
John has been a successful Physical Therapist since 1985. He has worked in private practice, hospit...
Christina Bowden
“I believe that one of the most important things I can do as a clinician is to be a good listener. I want to know how a patient’s quality of life is affected by the impairment that they are seeking treatment for. Then we can figure out as a team how to best treat that impairment to maximize their activity level so they can return to the activities they enjoy.”.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________...
Priya Joshi
“I find much happiness in making my patients smile every day. I believe the most important factor is to engage with them and work together to achieve their end goals. Being a physical therapist, I feel privileged in being able to make a difference in their lives and assisting them to return to their prior functional level. My special interests include generalized orthopedic conditions, manual therapy, balance and falls, and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders. “.
________...
Kristin Beil
" I find great pleasure in my job watching patient's achieve their goals. One of my jobs as a physical therapist is to provide guidance to help patients succeed in physical therapy and help them return to their prior level of function. I enjoy getting to know my patients and working with them to help establish goals for physical therapy. I enjoy working with patients that include generalized orthopedic conditions, post-operative patients, and balance/fall prevention training.".
______________...
James Hicks
"The ability to work with people to alleviate pain and dysfunction in every day life is very rewarding. I take it as a personal challenge to make physical therapy the most pleasant and meaningful experience possible. ".
James' special interests include generalized outpatient orthopedics, return to sport and injury prevention. James enjoys remaining as active as possible, with participation in multiple recreational sports, strength training and hiking.
__________________________...
Joshua Haffner
“Instead of restrictions, patients deserve solutions that allow them to safely continue performing the activities that are most important to them. Every patient has unique goals that he/she is hoping to achieve in physical therapy, and reaching these goals requires a unique and customized regimen. This starts with the physical therapist asking the right questions and listening to the patient closely. I am passionate about working with patients to learn what is important to them, and giving the...
Joe Palmer
"I find great satisfaction in helping someone take control of their situation. I believe that your physical therapist should be your teammate, and working together, you can achieve your goals. Seeing people improve and return to life without pain is very rewarding.".
Joe grew up in Perry Hall and is excited to serve the community that gave him so much support during his education. Joe enjoys outpatient orthopedics because he is able to use a hands-on approach to evaluate and treat a variety o...
Mick Foley
"It is important to help people reach their potential. My goal is to help every patient realize their body is strong and resilient. I believe physical therapy should not just be prescribed after an injury but can be a valuable tool to help people live their life the way they want to. From my own past athletic injuries, I understand what it takes to get back to both sports and an active lifestyle.” .
Dr. Mick received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Neumann University in Aston, P...
Ellen Hangen
"I take great satisfaction in treating my patients with empathy and understanding, especially in the case of acute conditions. Truly caring for my patients has made a difference in patient compliance and improvements in their conditions. It's great to see my patients enjoying therapy.".
Ellen enjoys outpatient orthopedics and has a special interest in treating foot and ankle conditions as well as pediatric orthopedic patients.
___________________________________________________________________...
Ian Sikora
"Having experienced multiple orthopedic surgeries, I know firsthand the frustration of living in discomfort. I take pride in helping people regain the health needed to sit, stand, sleep, walk, work and play without debilitating pain.".
Ian’s journey to Physical Therapy started with four knee surgeries. These operations disrupted not only his hobbies but his career as well. He is therefore passionate about helping patients regain the ability to do what they want and need to do.
He has gre...
Stephanie Alderson
“To me, the best part of my job is meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning what isimportant to them in order to best help them reach their goals. I enjoy working together with mypatients to provide them with an active role in their recovery.”.
Stephanie’s special interests include orthopedics, especially the lower extremity, return to sport and return to running. Stephanie continues to stay active with running and yoga.
____________________________________________________...
Alexandra (Ali) Chaney
"As a dancer who has overcome a myriad of injuries, I understand the frustration that comes with pain and the inability to participate in activities you enjoy. I believe that movement is imperative not only for a healthy body, but also a healthy mind. It gives me great joy to assist others in returning to their everyday lives without dysfunction and more importantly the activities they love." .
____________________________________________________________________________________________________...
Mariah Torbit
“use my knowledge, skills, and compassion to help others live their best life possible by providing the greatest care and kindness I can give”. .
Mariah Torbit, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at the Perry Hall, MD office. As a former athlete, Mariah spent some time herself as patient in physical therapy, which set her on this career path. Mariah is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland Baltimore and is excited to begin her career. Mariah believes in creating individualized trea...
Christopher Gilbert
"The opportunity to be able to aid patients in pain relief or returning to functional activities following an injury with minimal to no limitation is what drives me the most.".
Chris has a strong interest in treating musculosketal disroders. While he enjoes working with all musculosketal injurries, he has specific interests in treating runners and baseball players.
Being a former athlete and an occasional runner, Chris takes pleasure in working with the athletic population to assist indivi...
Connor McCormick
“What I enjoy about physical therapy is helping patients to return to the things they love to doand building strong interpersonal relationships. Each patient is unique in their own way, andthey deserve to have the individualized attention to help get them back to where they want tobe.”.
Connor received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware. Prior to Physical Therapy school he received his B.S. in Exercise Science from University of North Carolina Wilmington where he ...
Sarah Robbins
“I find immense joy in helping patients achieve their goals and experience happiness through exercise. My compassion, clinical knowledge, and understanding of movement are the pillars of the therapeutic process that enable me to build a strong rapport with my patients. As their physical therapist assistant, I believe in being their cheerleader, source of knowledge, and added support throughout their journey. ”.
Sarah Robbins, physical therapist assistant, PTA, BRM, has a diverse ran...