Staff

Dr. Matthew Styf, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS - Clinic Manager

Dr. Matt, a native of Michigan, attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI graduating with a degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science. Matt pursued his degree in physical therapy at MCPHS University in Worcester, MA where he graduated from with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In 2020, Matt passed the Orthopedic Clinical specialty exam and is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).

In his spare time, Matt enjoys skiing, strength training, golfing, hiking and camping as well as sampling the local craft beer market. He can usually be found spending time with his wife and kids or doing the next house project on the list. He enjoys attending and watching sporting events, especially the Michigan Wolverines

He joined the staff at BVPTS in 2016. He has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA since 2012 and has been a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certified professional since 2017.

Clinical interests are:

• Middle School and High School Athletes
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Golfers
• Athletic Development
• Strength Training

Dr. Meaghan Young, PT, DPT - Staff Physical Therapist

Dr. Meaghan Young grew up on Long Island, was a collegiate volleyball athlete at Springfield College for 4 years and graduated from there with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014. She has been working at BVPTS since 2015 where she has developed a passion about helping women prepare and recover from birth, reduce pain and return to sport and daily activities strong and confident. She is a Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), Pre and Postnatal Coaching specialist and does online training for women in addition to Physical Therapy.

Meaghan treats patients with a multi-faceted, whole-person approach and helps empower patients to make changes to meet their goals. She believes that through proper nutrition, regular movement, proper recovery and self-care people can live a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.

Meaghan also enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her 2 kids, being outside, hiking, kayaking, visiting local breweries and strength training.

Clinical Interests:

• Pregnancy and Postpartum Rehab
• Female Athletes
• Orthopedics
• Functional Strength Training

Laurie Brenner, MSPT - Staff Physical Therapist

Laurie graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1997 with a Master's of Science in Physical Therapy and has been working in the region for the past 20 years and has a variety of clinical experiences. Laurie has worked in several outpatient orthopedics and rehabilitation settings with clients varying in age from 18 months to 95 years old. Laurie has provided treatment for people with pre- and post-operative orthopedic and sports injuries, traumatic injuries, and neurologic conditions. Laurie has attended numerous continuing education courses including the Female Athlete, Kinesiology Taping (KT), Neuromuscular Massage, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), Myofascial Release (MFR) and is a certified Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Graston Technique® practitioner. She focuses her treatments on manual therapy, functional strengthening and patient communication. When Laurie is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and their dogs doing anything outdoors.

Dr. Jen Steere, PT, DPT - Staff Physical Therapist

Jen grew up in Maine and attended Alfred University, earning a degree in Fine Arts in 2007 before returning to school at Simmons College in Boston, where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015. Jen has worked primarily in outpatient orthopedics and joined BVPTS in July of 2019.

Jen's array of continuing education reflects her personal interests and values, with courses ranging from the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete, as well as courses in prevention and health promotion. Her main goals are to keep healthy, active people doing what they love and to promote healthy lifestyle changes that improve longevity and wellbeing.

When not at work, Jen enjoys spending time outdoors camping and hiking, lifting weights, or working on various art projects and paintings.

Dr. Jessica Sorge, PT, DPT, COMT - STAFF PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Jess graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2016, and her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology with minors in Nutrition and Psychology in 2013. Since graduating, she has worked in outpatient physical therapy with a focus in orthopedics, sport injuries, vestibular issues, and concussions.

She is certified in Dry Needling levels I and II through KinetaCore. She uses dry needling to help the body recover, stimulate the neuromuscular connection, improve tissue density, and promote healing. Jess is a Certified Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapist (COMT). She earned this certification from the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). She is certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA).

When treating, Jess evaluates patients as a whole, looking at not only body mechanics, movement dysfunction, and weakness, etc, but also finding good self-management techniques for patients to take with them for long term health. Jess enjoys helping others achieve their goals in both physical therapy and overall fitness. She especially loves teaching yoga and explaining the benefits of exercise. Jess has 10+ years experience teaching yoga classes and has completed her Yoga (RYT) 200-hour certification.

In her free time, Jess enjoys hiking with her dog, Tucker, practicing yoga, painting, and playing board games.

Dr. Mitch Goldman, PT, DPT - Staff Physical Therapist

Dr. Goldman graduated from Springfield College with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2019. Mitch has been working in outpatient orthopedics for two years prior to joining the BVPT team. Through continuing education classes, he has pursued advanced knowledge in areas of Aquatic Physical Therapy, the Graston Technique, and the Postural Restoration Institute. As an Uxbridge High School alumnus, Mitch is eager to be back serving his community and help the familiar faces of Blackstone Valley meet their goals. Mitch has a particular interest in working with young athletes, golfers, and those with chronic overuse injuries. Addressing and treating the whole person is important to Mitch as he values sustainable results for optimal health and wellness. Mitch finds purpose and satisfaction in helping others reach their fullest functional potential through holistic, individualized care.

In his spare time, Mitch enjoys officiating baseball at all age levels - a sport he is very passionate about. Mitch has played for Northbridge Legion Baseball and pitched for Springfield College while pursuing his undergraduate degree. Mitch is a certified NCAA Division II/III Baseball Official. Some of his highlights from 2021 include being an official for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship and part of the officiating staff for several Cape Cod League baseball games this summer. You can also find Mitch out on the golf course, kayaking, or walking his family dog, Hazel, on his days off.

Dr. Allison Tupaj, PT, DPT – Staff Physical Therapist

Dr. Allison Tupaj grew up just over the border in Thompson, Connecticut before attending Springfield College in Massachusetts. At Springfield, Allie earned her undergraduate degree with minors in Deaf Studies and Healthcare Management and went on to graduate with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021. While on campus, she was heavily involved in Residence Life and Housing, Scientist Embracing Equality and Diversity (SEED), and volunteering in the local Springfield community. Seeking to expand her knowledge outside of the classroom, Allie attended multiple professional conferences, as well virtually presented for a Global Health conference with the United Kingdom in April. Prior to joining the BVPTS team as a licensed physical therapist, Allie successfully completed her final 10 week clinical rotation with Dr. Styf. She is looking forward to rejoining familiar faces and integrating the Humanics philosophy of spirit, mind, and body into her treatments of the patient as a whole.

After spending the summer in North Carolina, Allie is excited to settle explore the local area. She is hoping to quickly find ways to get involved in the community. On the weekends you can always find Allie seeking adventure, whether it be on foot hiking or in the water on a kayak. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, she likes to pass the time painting, crafting and reading.

David Gordon, PT– Staff Physical Therapist

David graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1999 with his Physical Therapy degree. He has worked in Massachusetts as well as Hawaii in his years as an orthopedic physical therapist. He played baseball collegiately and for many years after in MSBL and various leagues in central MA. David has held certifications as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Stott Pilates Instructor. He has attended a variety of continuing education courses including Dry Needling (from Kinetacore, the Integrative Dry Needling institute with Dr. Ma, and the American Spinal Manipulation institute), the Selective Functional Movement Screen and Functional Movement Screen (SFMS FMS), the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), Institute of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Champion Sports Specialist, Kinesio Taping Instrument assisted Soft Tissue Massage.

David grew up in Millbury and is the youngest of 7 children, an uncle to 11, and Aja to 4. He currently lives in Woonsocket, RI with a healthy obsession with local sports, board games and painting. David is a man of many talents and stories - He completed a 2 year course in professional screenwriting from Writers Boot Camp, attended film school through the Maine Media Workshops + College as well as the Hollywood film institute. He was executive producer and assistant director on the feature length film "20 Something".

Wendy Hodge, PT, MPT, ITPT – Staff Physical Therapist

Wendy is a native of Arizona, graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor's in International Relations and then a Master's of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 1997. She has worked in outpatient physical therapy in beautiful Flagstaff AZ, San Diego and Denver before moving to New England seven years ago.

She specializes in orthopedics and manual therapy and has worked with all ages of patient's from as young as 3 weeks old to 103! Wendy has worked with a large variety of patients, from elite and professional athletes, post- traumatic, post-surgical, pediatrics, concussion rehabilitation, geriatrics, as well as balance and vestibular patients. Certifications she has acquired are ImPACT Concussion Training, Dry Needling, Blood Flow Restriction Training as well as further studies in BPPV, IASTM, Cupping and Taping techniques.

In her free time, Wendy loves spending time with her husband, two children and dog! They love to spend family time enjoying hiking, traveling, skiing, and kayaking. Basically, anything outdoors!

Dr. Julia Ehranjian, DPT – Staff Physical Therapist

Julia grew up in Massachusetts, spending her time in soccer, dance, and outdoor activities. Julia went to Northeastern University, graduating from their direct-entry DPT program in 2015. Julia has experienced a variety of settings in her clinical career, from home-care to outpatient sports settings. She has worked with patients as young as 2 years old and patients well into their 90s. Julia loves to see when a patient is able to return to their prior activities without pain or limitation and knowing she had a part in their journey is always a privilege. Julia is always interested in learning more and as much as she can. She has special interests in athletes of all ages and the lower extremity. Julia has completed multiple continuing education courses including RockBlades levels 1 and 2, Functional Movement Assessment, Returning to Running, Long COVID rehabilitation, and Vertigo and Vestibular Rehabilitation.

When not in the clinic, you can find Julia with her dog usually out in nature. Julia loves to hike, mountain bike, snowboard, snorkel, swim, backpack, and camp.

Clinical Special Interests:

• Athletes of all levels
• Lower extremity, especially the knee and ankle/foot
• Vertigo and vestibular dysfunctions

Eric M. Connolly, PT, MSPT - President

Eric, a native of Salem, NH, graduated from Springfield College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree and again in 1999 with a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. After beginning his career in-home care, Eric joined Blackstone Valley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. in 2002 in the Church Street office. He became Vice President and co-owner in 2004 when the office moved back to Providence Road and took over as President in 2011 with a focus on growth that was achieved in 2012 with the move to the Linwood Mill and subsequent growth of the company.

Eric has taken many continuing education courses in cervical spine and lumbar spine, as well as courses on the knee and shoulder. He specializes in orthopedics and manual therapy. He became a Graston Technique Preferred Provider in 2011, Selective Functional Movement Assessment certified in 2014, Titleist Performance Institute Certified in 2017, and obtained his Functional Dry Needling Certification through EIM in 2022.

Eric finds the most satisfaction returning his patients back to their activities, whether that is as simple walking around the block or across the field, or returning to the gym or field, court or course.

Eric is an active member American Physical Therapy Association, and former Treasurer of the Private Practice Section of the MA APTA and former Central Massachusetts Representative. He also worked as a teaching assistant at Northeastern University in their Physical Therapy program.

Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children. In his spare time, you may be able to find Eric playing golf (ball or disc), at youth sports game, or working in his yard, listening to Jimmy Buffett.

Marcia Witkus, PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT/PERSONAL TRAINER

Marcia Is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with over 23 years of experience in the Outpatient, Inpatient and Sub-Acute settings. Her specialty is in the area of Aquatic Physical Therapy with over 19 years of experience working with all ages from pediatrics to the senior client. She is also a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer who has a strong interest in Post Rehab / Physical Therapy personal training in both the gym/clinic or aquatic setting.

Marcia holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting from Springfield Technical Community College. Along with her LPTA and NASM-Cert Personal Training she is a current certified AFAA group exercise instructor, MADD Dog spinning and TRX instructor. She currently teaches Group TRX here at Blackstone Valley Physical Therapy Services as well as Spin, TRX and aqua aerobics at the Whitin Community Center.

Maria Bravo, PERSONAL TRAINER

Maria Bravo is a certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach, currently pursuing a Precision Nutrition Coaching Certification. She competes as a powerlifter through the APO & is a mother of two children. She knows firsthand how hard it can be for people to achieve their fitness goals when life is busy and chaotic. Her journey with training began with the interest to become a healthier version of myself and it soon became a passion that she wanted to share with others. Over the past few years, she has helped clients find their inner strength to create healthier lifestyles and develop a better physical and emotional version of themselves.

"As a coach, my goal with every client, is to work hand in hand with them to provide a fitness plan that will be attainable, sustainable and provide the results the client wishes to see."

Jill Restagno - Office Manager

Jill Restagno grew up in Worcester, MA. Previous to joining the BVPTS team, Jill was a Manager in the Dental Field Industry for twenty years. Excited with the opportunity for change; Jill brings forth her managerial skills with attention to detail, problem-solving, and her warm patient rapport. She looks forward to establishing patient relationships and assisting to resolve any questions or concerns you may have.

When Jill isn't working at BVPTS, you may find her "Rockin' & Rollin' on stage as lead vocalist for her band, "BitterSuite." Jill also enjoys golf, the N.E. Patriots, and creating some of her gourmet recipes in the kitchen for her husband, family & friends. We mustn't forget her love for animals, especially her two kids with paws…Brady & Bruschi.