+ CHARLEY MEADE PT, DPT, COMT

Clinic Manager

Physical Therapist and Dry Needling Specialist

“I have wanted to have a career in sports medicine since I was 16 years old and was first introduced to the field. To be able to think critically and functionally about a patient’s condition and work WITH the patient to achieve their goals is why I love what I do. I get fulfillment out of each interaction I have with a patient or athlete and attempt to make a positive difference in their lives.”

Work Location:

• Independence
• Dry Ridge

Education:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, College of Mount St. Joseph
• BS, Athletic Training, College of Mount St. Joseph

Continuing Education: High School and Collegiate Sports Medicine Conference Advanced Concepts for the Rehabilitation Professional Integrated Rehabilitation of the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis Evidenced-Based Evaluation & Treatment of Common Running Injuries Manual Therapy Assessment & Treatment for the Spine, Ribs, and Pelvis

Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association (Orthopaedic Section)
• Kentucky Physical Therapy Association

Personal Interests:

• Sports: UK basketball & the Cincinnati Reds
• Running, biking, and hiking
• Spending time with family and friends

What is your favorite vacation you have ever taken? Why?: Our family vacation to Italy when I was a young boy. The cultural experiences and places I saw will stay with me forever.

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• Complete a Triathalon
• Travel the world- Australia, Alaska, and Europe
• Open a pizza restaurant

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why?: I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to switch places with anyone. I enjoy my life!

+ ANNE VANDERGRIFF PT

Physical Therapist

“There is a Tibetan proverb which states, "if you help someone to the top of the mountain, you reach the peak also". For over 30 years, I have had the privilege to work with my patients to help them reach their rehabilitation goals. I love getting to know my patients and helping them return to the activities they love.”

Work Location:

• Independence

Education:

• BS-Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

Personal Interests:

• Spending time with friends and family
• Reading
• Hiking
• Watching Sports, especially college basketball

What is your favorite vacation you have ever taken? Why?: My favorite vacation was hiking through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The views were breathtaking.

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• See the Northern Lights
• Go on an African Safari
• Travel to Australia

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why?: Mother Theresa. I always admired her humility, compassion, and charitable works

+ Carter Byrns PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Work Location:

• Independence

Education:

• Docgtorate of Physical Therapy, Mount Saint Joseph University
• BS, Exercise Physiology, Northern Kentucky University

Personal Interests:

• Outdoor Activities
• Hiking with my dog
• Spending weekends with friends

What is your favorite vacation you have ever taken? Why?: Arizona for one of my best friend’s weddings. It was the first time that I had gotten to spend time out West.

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• Moose hunt in Alaska.
• Travel to Europe.
• Eat at Charley’s pizza shop.

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why?: No one, I am happy with my life and who I am.

+ MEREDITH COOK PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

"As someone who has been through physical therapy for multiple knee injuries myself, I understand the profound effect it can have on your overall quality of life. I look forward to being able to make a positive change in all of my patients overall health and wellness. I strive to always treat my patients how I would want my family members or friend to be treated. I have had the unique opportunity to see many different aspects of physical therapy, all the way from a patient, to a PT aide for many years, and now as a PTA, and I look forward to using all of that experience to give my patients the best care possible."

Work Location:

• Independence

Education:

• Physical Therapy Assistant, University of Indianapolis
• Exercise Physiology, Northern Kentucky University

Personal Interests:

• Boating
• Traveling
• UK basketball
• Snow skiing
• Trying new restaurants/ exploring town

What is your favorite vacation you have ever taken? Why?: I took a western Caribbean cruise with some of my best friends. It was amazing to get to see four different islands in such a short period of time. During the trip I had the opportunity to swim with dolphins, go zip lining, cave tubing, and many other cool activities. It was an amazing experience!

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• Backpack through Europe
• Go sky diving
• Go skiing in Colorado

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why?: Ellen DeGeneres, she seems like such an awesome person. She is constantly going out of her way to help anyone who seems to be struggling at the time, as well as spot lights people who are doing alot of good for society. She is always a positive role model and really preaches kindness, which I think is amazing and something we all should do. Plus, she is hilarious and knows almost every celebrity.

+ BETH LOMBARDI PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

“I love helping people get back to doing the things they love. I have been a patient before and I know how much PT can change your life.”

Work Location:

• Chancellor
• Florence
• Independence

Education:

• Associates Degree- Physical Therapist Assistant, UC Clermont College
• Associates Degree- Medical Informtion Technology, Gateway Community and Technical College

Experience/Background:

• Harrison Physical Therapy, Harrison OH

Continuing Education:

• Kinesio Taping
• Balance and Fall Prevention
• Post-Op Management of Total Joint Replacement
• Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Techniques

Personal Interests:

• Reading
• StarTrek
• Spending time with my daughter

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• Visit New Zealand
• Swim with otters.
• Hike the Appalachain train.

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why?: Our cat. She spends her day napping, playing, eating, and cuddling. That sounds like an awesome way to spend 24 hrs.

+ DILLON BESSLER PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” -Mark Twain

Work Location:

• Florence
• Independence

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Western Kentucky University, 2022
• Associates Degree of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, University of Cincinnati, 2024

Experience/Background:

• · Rotations:
  • The Christ Hospital Joint and Spine Center, Cincinnati
  • Mercy West Acute Care Hospital, Monfort Heights
  • Oxford Physical Therapy, Florence

Personal Interests:

• Disc Golf
• Video games
• Social Gatherings

What is your favorite vacation you have ever taken and why?: I went to Cancun with the UC DPT’s, Medlab, and Audiology students to provide therapy and care to those in need in Mexico. Though busy, there was still time to have some fun and it was one of the most rewarding vacations I have been on.

My bucket list (three things I want to do before I die):

• Go to Oktoberfest in Germany
• Go Tuna Fishing
• Go to a Super Bowl

If you could trade places for a day with someone, who would it be and why? Christopher Nolan, I love his movies and want to see what kind of mind it takes to create a movie like he does.