Albany Staff
Our specially trained therapists have advanced, hands-on skills that can help relieve your patient’s pain and get their injured muscles, tissues, and spinal structures moving again. Location Info
|
Jay Peacock, PT, ATC, CSCS
Physical Therapy Supervisor, Senior Physical Therapist jpeacock@nicollatherapy.com Jay joined our staff at Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy in 2000. He is a graduate of Utica College and the University of Buffalo with degrees in physical therapy and athletic training. Jay interned under the respected orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, MD at Health South in Birmingham, Alabama. Jay is the supervisor of our Albany clinic and has brought vast experience to our practice. For over two decades, he has specialized in sports medicine and orthopedics in the capital region. Over the years, he has worked with institutions such as University at Albany, College of St. Rose, Siena, and HVCC, and continues to this day to contribute to the sports medicine needs at these fine schools. He has also been an active part of local professional and amateur teams. Jay specializes in rehabilitation of the overhead athlete and has strong affiliations with programs at all levels. He has presented and lectured on sports injuries throughout our community and continues to consult with many different programs. His vast knowledge and experience with sports and orthopedic injuries is widely recognized and respected by his peers and throughout the medical community. This knowledge and sincere, caring attitude has made him an excellent mentor and clinician. In his spare time, Jay loves to spend time with his family and friends, especially his two daughters and his son. |
|
Alyssa Lee, PT, DPT
Physical Therapy Supervisor, Physical Therapist aingegni@nicollatherapy.com Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from Skidmore College with a BS in Psychology and Exercise Science in 2009. She went on to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy program from Sage Graduate School, finishing first in her class and receiving several awards from the American Physical Therapy Association for outstanding service. She has collaborated on a manuscript with several colleagues from her graduate school that was published in Clinical Kinesiology as a research study. Alyssa spent three years of graduate school working with high-functioning patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and retraining these individuals to run. Alyssa joined the Thomas Nicolla of Albany staff in 2012. She is certified in Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and has taken continuing education courses in cervical and pelvic alignment and mobilization. In addition to patient care, Alyssa also researches and applies the ever-changing Medicare compliance and insurance guidelines within the organization. In her free time she enjoys hiking and generally being active with her french bulldogs and her husband. |
|
Ryan Pezzano, PT
Senior Physical Therapist rpezzano@nicollatherapy.com Ryan graduated cum laude in 2000 from Daemen College with a BS in Physical Therapy and a minor in Biology. While in PT school he worked as a clinic aide in the patient PT department at St. Joseph's hospital in Cheektowaga, NY. He started with Thomas Nicolla Consulting in June 2000 and was soon promoted to clinic supervisor at our Clifton Park location. Ryan has taken numerous continuing education courses in multiple subjects. He developed and currently runs an orthotics program, which has thrived since its inception over 10 years ago. Ryan has fabricated orthotics for a wide array of individuals including college and professional athletes. He has also lectured on the ankle/foot in seminars given by AMC geared towards educating primary care physicians on the ankle/foot region. Ryan also specializes in the treatment of the spine in affiliation with Capital Region Spine. He has appeared on Benita Zhan's Health Link as part of a panel to discuss back pain. When not at work, Ryan enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with his family. |
|
Michele L’Hommedieu, PT
Senior Physical Therapist mlhommedieu@nicollatherapy.com Michele received a BS in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College is 1991. Her specialty is in orthopedics with an emphasis on Functional Capacity Evaluation, Work Assessment Programs and Ergonomic Evaluations. She has received certificates in Functional Capacity Evaluations and Work Hardening Programs via the Matheson System. Michele provides Ergonomic services for many types of settings including manufacturing, office settings and school settings identifying risk factors for potential injury as well as correction of problem workstations. She also gives seminars for back care and proper lifting, repetitive use syndrome and workstation analysis. |
|
Trisha Mackenzie, MSPT
Physical Therapist tmackenzie@nicollatherapy.com Trisha graduated with her masters in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 2001. She is certified in Aquatic therapy and specializes in all types of orthopedic conditions. Trisha currently works in the Washington Ave pool as an aquatic therapist. Her experience also includes per diem coverage at our many outpatient clinics as well as Our Lady of Hope, Wesley and even one year in pediatrics via the Hudson City School district. When not treating, Trisha is busy keeping house with her husband and caring for her three small children. She enjoys scrapbooking, reading, cooking and exercising. |
|
Kelly Bartosik, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist kbartosik@nicollatherapy.com Kelly graduated from Marist College in 2011 with a BS in Biology. She then continued her education and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. She joined our Albany staff in 2015. Kelly has experience working with both orthopedic and neurological injuries which is important in her differential diagnostic skills. She has a background in dance with a resume that includes international competition. Kelly has worked with dancers and athletes alike while sharing her techniques for the rehabilitation process. |
|
Nicole Willard, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist nwillard@nicollatherapy.com Nicki attended the University at Buffalo, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science 2015, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. Nicki joined the Thomas Nicolla team shortly after graduation, and has enjoyed her time here ever since. She specializes in orthopedic injuries and surgical rehabilitation, as well as vestibular conditions and balance training. You may even see her treating patients in the pool on occasion. Nicki loves to have fun in the PT clinic, and is often seen posting the “riddle of the week” near the balance pads. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, crafting, dining out, and spending time with her husband and puppy. |
|
Briana McQueen, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist bmcqueen@nicollatherapy.com Briana attended SUNY New Paltz where she received her B.A in Biology with a minor in psychology. For her graduate education, she went to Sage Graduate School and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. During her time at Sage, Briana gained experience working with people of various ages and diagnoses which ranged from orthopedic to neurological-based disorders. Briana uses her knowledge and compassion to help her patients meet their goals to further improve quality of life. Outside of work, you can find her hanging out with her sister who is also a physical therapist or going to the dog park with her dog. |
|
|
Kate Van Alstyne, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant kvanalstyne@nicollatherapy.com Kate earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in 2003 and lived and worked as an actress and dancer in NYC for 8 years. She then returned to school to pursue a lifelong interest in anatomy and healing, graduating with high honors in 2019 with an AS from Berkshire Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. Kate spent the majority of her student clinical experience in orthopedics, focusing on various types of manual therapy. Kate is dedicated to the healing of patients of all ages and conditions. She spent 2 years working in school-based therapy with students aged 3-21 and is thrilled to have joined the Nicolla team in May 2021, returning to the setting that originally inspired her to pursue a career in PT. When not at work, Kate loves spending time with family and enjoying her quiet home in the woods with her husband and yellow lab. |
|
Stephen VanGelder, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant svangelder@nicollatherapy.com Stephen is an Albany native and graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Herkimer Community College’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program in 2019. He has been a member of the Nicolla Therapy Team since that time, working between both the Washington Ave and Delmar locations, where he enjoys collaborating with his coworkers and helping patients reach their goals. When not at work, Stephen can be found playing pick-up basketball with some high school buddies. |
|
|
Carol Lampman OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist clampman@nicollatherapy.com Carol Graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo in 1987 with a BS in Occupational Therapy. Following graduation, she was employed at St. Peter's Hospital Rehabilitation where she became the Manager of the Occupational Therapy department until 2000. While there, Carol developed her skills working with orthopedic and neurological disorders and was part of the ALS team to provide OT services for ALS patients. She developed a program for OT in the NICU including pediatric orthotic fabrication, worked with anesthesiologists treating CRPS patients and developed the OP program to include Hand Therapy patients. Carol was actively involved with NYSOTA in various positions including newsletter Editor and Vice chairperson. Carol has loved and participated in global outreach programs with medical mission work in Guatemala and Jamaica where she provided OT services. In 2000, Carol came on board with Thomas Nicolla Consulting Services where she became the Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic. She is a Certified Hand Therapist and has been working in Hand Therapy/Orthopedics and Rehabilitation for over 34 years. She has a passion for helping people recover from complicated hand related injuries and is considered a specialist in orthotic fabrication and pain related syndromes. Carol feels very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing hand therapy team. |
|
Dana Barsalow, OTR/L, CHT
Senior Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist dbarsalow@nicollatherapy.com Dana graduated with her BS and MS in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage Colleges in 1999. In addition, Dana graduated with a BA in marketing from Texas Christian Univeristy prior to attending Sage Colleges. She began working for Thomas Nicolla PT associates in 2000 at the Hand and Upper Extremitiy Clinic of Norhteast and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2006. She enjoys working with orthopaedic and neurological conditions, fabricating static and dynamic orthosis, attending conferences for ongoing education, and observing surgical procedures. Dana believes close communication with patient's physicians is important and is beneficial in the patient's recovery process. |
|
Taylor Medici, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist tmedici@nicollatherapy.com Taylor attended the Occupational Therapy program at Touro College Health and sciences. An exemplary leader, Taylor acted as the president of her schools Student OT Association and received numerous leadership awards. After specializing in hand therapy and adult rehabilitation, she graduated with an MS in Occupational Therapy in 2021. Taylor is pursuing a career in hand therapy, actively working towards becoming a Certified Hand Therapist. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. |
|
|
Chris Mulligan OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist cmulligan@nicollatherapy.com Chris joined the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic in August of 2009. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The Sage Colleges in 2002. She then obtained her hand therapy certification by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission in 2013. Chris has a diverse background in occupational therapy, having previous experience working in acute care at Level 1 and 2 hospital facilities in addition to pediatrics, early intervention and previous outpatient hand therapy clinics. Chris is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists. |
|
|
Heather Palmer
Patient Care Coordinator hreinigne@nicollatherapy.com Heather, her bubbly personality and fun hair color have been at the Washington Ave office since 2014. When not at work, Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter, and checking out the newest horror movies. |