Susan Leger, PT, MS, PhD, ND, IMDc, DPTc

Dr. Leger is a physical therapist with a neuroscience specialty and is the director of First Step Physical Therapy located in Fayetteville, GA.  Susan received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (1979) from the University of Florida, and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (1985) from Louisiana State University publishing her thesis Exercise Risks and Benefits for Diabetic Individuals: A Review.  Susan attained a Doctor of Science in Health Science and Nutrition (Westbrook University, 2004) completing a dissertation on The Effects of Integrative Manual Therapy on Spinal Cord Injury Recovery. Dr. Leger was awarded a Doctor of Naturopathy (Westbrook University, 2011) with a focus on Toxicity, Dietary and Supplemental Considerations for Autoimmune Disorders.  Dr. Leger is scheduled to complete a Doctor of Integrative Medicine (Westbrook University, 2012 pending) currently studying Holistic Natural Healing for Central Nervous Systems Disorders.  Dr. Leger has also begun a Doctor of Physical Therapy through Arcadia University with proposed research on Physical Therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

Along with extensive university education, Dr. Leger holds numerous certifications and has received in-depth training in many areas; including, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (Certified), Acupressure, Cranial Sacral, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Motor Control and Learning, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Sensory Integration and Praxis, Mechanical Link, Visceral Manipulation, Manual Perception, Biomechanical and Fascial Regulators, Integrative Manual Therapy (Certified), Manual Pattern Recognition, Women’s Health (Certified), Autism (Certified), Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.

Dr. Leger has taught over 250 continuing education workshops.  Her teaching focus began on biomechanical and neurological assessment, handling and movement, lower extremity biomechanics, gait, and the fabrication and function of lower extremity serial casts, splints and orthoses.  She has been a speaker at numerous state, regional, and national conferences.  Susan has been on the faculty for The Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT) and Dialogues in Contemporary Rehabilitation (DCR), teaching advanced courses in IMT since 2002.   She is a co-developer, with Dr. Sharon (Weiselfish) Giammatteo, of manual therapy courses on stroke, a pediatric-neuro series, as well a series of courses on the ankle and foot certified through the University of Tennessee.

Susan’s publications include: Exercise Risks and Benefits for Diabetic Individuals: A Review, Significant Functional Gains Using Integrative Manual Therapy With a Patient Diagnosed With Cerebellar Ataxia and Peripheral Demyelination, Lower Extremity Biomechanical Checklist for the Neurologically Involved, and Taping Applications for the Neurologically Involved. Dr. Leger is currently working on a series titled A Guide For Never Evers:  A Symptom Recovery Model.  Volume One:  Phases and Stages will be introduced and videotaped in a weekend workshop October, 2012.  Subsequent courses are scheduled every few months and the release of the initial nine volume set is anticipated in the very near future.

Josh Davis, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS, IMT

Josh graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in exercise and sport science from The University of Georgia in 2002. In 2005 he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine. Josh received his Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) in 2007 from the University of St. Augustine and his certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from The National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2008.

Josh graduated from the Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy in 2011. He acts as the Practice Manager, Director of Men’s Health, and the Director of Facial Paralysis Center of Atlanta. Josh is currently the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE) for First Step Physical Therapy. This position allows Josh to be in constant contact with Physical Therapy (PT) and Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools and students who are interested in gaining experience through clinical rotations at First Step Physical Therapy.

Josh currently resides in Peachtree City, GA. In his spare time he enjoys weight training, playing golf, running his dogs, bocce, going to University of Georgia football games, and traveling with his wife Laura.

Linda Holmes PT, IMTc

Linda is a Physical Therapy graduate from the University of Alberta, Canada, and has a Masters of Science from CT school of Integrative Manual Therapy, and is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner in Self Regulation Therapy (Canada). She has also completed courses in visceral manipulation, cranio-sacral therapy, and lymph drainage from the Upleger Institute. She brings over twenty years experience in the field of rehabilitation and wellness. Her unique integration of physical therapy, movement therapy and self regulation therapies bring a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

In her leisure time, Linda enjoys socializing, walking on the beach, and traveling all over, especially back to Canada to visit her sons, Matthew and Paul.

Pam Wellons, PTA, IMTc

Pam, a Physical Therapist Assistant, received her degree from Green River Community College in 1997 and has been a practicing Physical Therapist Assistant for 11 years. She has excellent perceptive skills with her hands along with outstanding treatment skills. Pam completed her Certification at the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMTc) in Bloomfield, Connecticut in July of 2009.

Pam and her husband live in Fayetteville, and are kept very busy being the parents of two children (boy and girl twins).

Daniel Draper, PTA, IMT

Daniel is a Physical Therapy Assistant. He received his degree from South University in Montgomery, AL in 2010. For his second clinical rotation, he was sent to First Step Physical Therapy for 6 weeks to work, train and learn from the staff. His clinical instructor for that time was Josh Davis, PT. After graduation and subsequent completion of the National Board Exam, Daniel was honored to be offered and accept a position at First Step PT.

On November 12, 2011 he married his beautiful wife Meredith. They live in Newnan, GA. They have a dog named Paisley and a cat named Emily. In his spare time Daniel enjoys rock climbing, exercising, and playing pool.

Sheila D. Ford, ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, IMT, SPTA

Sheila is the Personal Training Manager for First Step Physical Therapy. She has been a personal trainer for over 18 years. Her dedication to maintaining a fit lifestyle is derived from the satisfaction that she has gained both mentally and physically during her years of training. Sheila is both actively enrolled in a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program and intensely pursuing her Certification in Integrative Manual Therapy at the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT).

Loretta Johnson, ISSA, AFAA & AEA Certified Fitness Trainer

Loretta brings focus with laughter to First Step Physical Therapy. Her extensive experience as a personal trainer, stimulated with a true joy in motivating patients, creates an amazing realm of rehabilitation and recovery. Loretta shines in the area of strength and fitness and has an amazing gift in producing changes with persons with spinal cord injury.

She and her husband have one son, two labs, and enjoy swimming, kayaking, running, and doing elaborate children’s parties for special occasions.

Kelly Bowman, Office Manager

With over ten years experience in the medical field, and serving her country in the Navy, as an airplane mechanic, Kelly is truly a ‘jack of all trades’. Her job description is vast. She may be answering the phone, giving directions, creating therapy forms, ordering supplies, filing and editing pictures and video, repairing equipment, or sewing an abdominal binder, (all at the same time!).

Kelly has two daughters and one adorable granddaughter. She has enjoyed living in Fayette County since 1995. When not working, Kelly spends time with family and friends; playing golf and watching her Tennessee Vols play football! (Go Vols!)

Jenny Parrot, Office Administrator

Jenny is the smile you hear on the phone, and she will warmly greet you when you walk into First Step Physical Therapy. Her previous experience includes managerial responsibilities and a corporate background. Not only does she help manage the functional needs at First Step Physical Therapy, but she will make paperwork and scheduling a breeze for you. She will do whatever she can to accommodate your scheduling needs. Being a multi-tasker, she will take care of your needs with efficiency, ease and laughter.

Jenny has one grown daughter, 2 dogs, a cat and a horse. In her leisure, Jenny enjoys traveling and R & R time with her friends, family, and pets.

Rose Kempton, Accounts Manager

Rose brings with her the discipline of being a helicopter pilot in the Army, as well as over twenty years experience with medical accounting. She effectively and efficiently handles the vital responsibility of Accounts Manager. Rose will work closely with you and your insurance provider. Her door is always open, so stop by!

Rose and her husband enjoy running, and golfing. They have four daughters. Rose is highly active in her youngest daughter’s high school in cross country, and track and field athletics.

Cheryl Hartsell, Administrative Assistant / HWH Manager

Cheryl joined the team in July 2003 as the Manager of the First Step Physical Therapy’s Homework Helper program. She enjoys leading the Homework Helpers, and getting to know the patients they assist with the Neurofascial Process or Synchronizer work assigned for homework. Cheryl is also an Administrative Assistant, timely typing all evaluations and progress notes. She is a tremendous asset for the multiple on-going special projects here at First Step Physical Therapy.

Cheryl and her husband have been married for over 20 years and have 2 grown children, a daughter and a son. She enjoys spending her leisure time writing, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.