ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
JOHN PION
Licensed Physical Therapist, DPT, Co-Founder
John graduated from Penn State University in 2010 with a B.S. in Kinesiology before continuing his education at Saint Francis University and earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2014. His clinical experiences include orthopedic sports medicine, post-surgical rehabilitation and geriatric rehabilitation.
CARLA HEY
B.S. Ed, LPTA, CCS, Co-Founder
Carla graduated from South University in 2000 and has been practicing Physical Therapy in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Carla specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.
BRENDA COONS
Office Manager, COTA
Brenda came to Hilton Head Island in 2014 and had been a Rehab Director for 10 years. She joined Hilton Head Physical Therapy as the office manager in March of 2020. She loves the New England Patriots and the University of Tennessee Vols!
ELAINE RYAN
Physical Therapist, BSPT
Originally from South Africa, Elaine and her family moved to Hilton Head Island in 1997. She has over 30 years of clinical experience in Orthopedic Rehabilitation. Specializes in orthopaedic sports medicine, has extensive experience in multiple manual therapy techniques, and is certified in Dry Needling.
ERIN WADE
Physical Therapist, MPT, ATC
Erin joins our team with over 25 years experience to provide out-patient physical therapy in the home, as well as our Hilton Head Island locations. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Erin graduated in 1993 with her Bachelor of Science in Sportsmedicine from Mercyhurst University, and in 1995 with a Master of Physical Therapy from Gannon University.
She is the mother of two boys, and an avid Buffalo Bills fan!
KRISTA TOMBLIN
Licensed Physical Therapist, DPT
Krista earned her Doctorate from the University at Buffalo in 2015. She moved to Hilton Head Island in 2016 and has practiced in multiple therapy settings. Krista is also certified to perform Dry Needling. She is also LSVT Big certified.
MEGHAN O’MALLEY
Licensed Physical Therapist, DPT
Meghan is a physical therapist with a focus on orthopedic and sports medicine rehabilitation. She received her doctorate of physical therapy from Northeastern University in 2016 and bachelor of science in Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011. As an accomplished athlete in soccer and basketball she is passionate about helping others get back to the activities they enjoy. Meghan focuses on providing comprehensive care through manual therapy, myofascial release techniques and therapeutic exercise in order to restore musculoskeletal function and maximize performance. Meghan is a certified Graston technique specialist and is certified in Dry Needling.
LILLIAN GRACE
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, APT
Lily earned her degree from the University of Indianapolis and moved from Cincinnati to Beaufort in October of 2021. She became interested in physical therapy after her own experiences in rehab from injuries from playing soccer. She is interested in orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric rehabilitation. She is also LSVT Big certified.
EMMA MCCLENDON
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, APT
Emma is originally from Spartanburg, SC and recently moved to the low country to pursue her career in physical therapy after graduating from Greenville Technical College. Emma is an avid Crossfitter – a Crossfitter, more than anything, means to embody a particular mindset—one that refuses to settle, that refuses to be mediocre, and refuses to accept what “conventional wisdom” says about health, fitness and athleticism. She believes in a holistic approach to staying healthy. She was a high school athlete and graduated with her CNA license, which directed her into furthering her education in rehabilitation.
MIKE DeMARIA
Exercise Physiologist, CSCS, ACSM
Athletes First Elite Sports Training: athletesfirsthhi.com
Contact Mike for an athletic assessment and private training – mike@athletesfirst.com
I am currently the owner of Athletes First Sports, Inc. We provide the sports performance, athletic training and rehabilitation coordination for a number of world class organizations, iconic coaches, and sport academies including adidas/ tennis icon Stan Smith at the Sea Pines Resort. I have been in Sport Management for more than twenty years and served a Vice President of Operations for MVP Sports Clubs in Orlando, General Manager of Impact Athletics, travelled on LPGA/PGA tour with world’s #1 player (Suzanne Pettersen), and served as Director of McLeod Regional Medical Centers. I also served as National Team coach for the USTA Player Development Program and currently consult internationally in China, India, Japan, and the Caribbean.
DIANE COLLINS
PT, CHT
Diane has over 30 years of rehab experience and she is a Certified Hand Therapist. She moved to Hilton Head Island in 2023.
MAVIS LEPPER
PT, DPT
Mavis moved to the lowcountry in January of 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and the College of Mount St. Joseph. Mavis is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. And she is also Certified in LSVT Big, and Dry Needling.
TIFFANY HILDERBRAND
Assistant Office Manager
Tiffany recently moved to Hilton Head Island (2023). She has 7 years of Medical Office Administrative experience. She enjoys spending her time with her family and watching her son compete in collegiate golf. She is an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.
-unknown