Angela Wilson Pennisi, PT, DPT, MS, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, founded PhysioPartners in 2000 and is the president and director.
Dr. Pennisi graduated from the Program for Physical Therapy at Columbia University in New York, New York in 1997. She completed her transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021 with Arcadia University. She has completed extensive continuing clinical education in manual therapy and movement reeducation, is board certified in orthopedic physical therapy and a credentialed clinical instructor for physical therapists in training. She has served as an expert consultant in physical therapy-related litigation.
Dr. Pennisi has served on several professional boards, is the recent past Vice President of the APTA Private Practice. In 2022, she received the Robert G. Dicus Award for exceptional service to APTA Private Practice.
Dr. Pennisi was recently elected Secretary to the International Private Physiotherapy Association, a global association promoting advancement of physical therapist practice around the world.
Dr. Pennisi also serves the American Physical Therapy Association as a member of the Finance Committee and represents APTA to a committee of the American Medical Association.
Dr. Joseph Ascher, PT, DPT, is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and is Director of the Glenview clinic. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 and was board certified in orthopedic physical therapy in 2019. Dr. Ascher has clinical interests in orthopedics, sports medicine, manual therapy, chronic pain management, and post-operative rehabilitation. He is certified in dry needling and is a credentialed clinical instructor who enjoys developing the next generation of physical therapists to excellence.
Dr. Ascher has previously certified in Active Release Technique® for the lower extremity and synthesizes his knowledge of these techniques, along with other evidence-based interventions, to develop meaningful treatment plans focused on empowering his patients to return to, and improve upon, their previous lifestyle.
Dr. Ascher was a captain of his NCAA Division 1 volleyball team during his undergraduate years at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, and continues to play both indoor and beach volleyball at a competitive level. When he is not playing volleyball or cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks, Joe enjoys cooking, fitness activities, and being outdoors.
Jon Artus, PT, DPT, received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago in 2020. Dr. Artus has clinical interests in chronic pain management, orthopedics, spinal rehabilitation, and a special interest in treating golfers. He has completed the Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 certification, which provided foundational knowledge in identifying physical impairments that can impact swing efficiency and pain. He has a true passion for developing meaningful treatment plans focused on helping patients achieve their goals. Dr. Artus strives to foster a welcoming therapy environment in which patients feel supported and comfortable.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Artus enjoys biking along the lake shore, golfing, and playing tennis. He also enjoys exploring all the different restaurants that Chicago has to offer.
Danielle Gurevich, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021 from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She has experience treating patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in the outpatient setting. She has completed her certification for Dry Needling of the lower body through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy and has completed level 1 of the Schroth Method for Scoliosis through International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy and is pursuing full certification.
Her favorite aspects of being a physical therapist are learning about the human body and helping patients achieve their highest potential!
Outside the clinic, Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating art, staying active and traveling.
Danielle practices in our Lakeview and Glenview locations.
Sarah Naeher, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University in Medford, Massachussets. She has experience treating patients with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions in the outpatient setting. She enjoys working with patients at a differing levels of function, from injury recovery to performamnce, as well continually learning new techniques that allow patients to participate in activities that mean the most to them.
Dr. Naeher is planning to complete training in the Schroth Method to meet the needs of patients with scoliosis. She values providing patients with a wholistic, team-based approach to improve their quality of life.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys painting, reading, being outside, and spending time with family and friends.
Staff Physical Therapist & Coordinator of Clinical Education
PT, DPT
Maureen O’Connell, PT, DPT, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove in 2012. She has a true passion for physical therapy and enjoys working with patients to help them achieve their goals. Her clinical interests include pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as chronic pain management. She also treats upper and lower extremity lymphedema. She has completed additional coursework through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute for pelvic floor physical therapy and courses through the Institute for Physical Art for manual therapy and motor control training.
Dr. O'Connell has been a runner for over 20 years and participating in triathlons for 10 years. She enjoys working with endurance athletes as she can apply both her physical therapy knowledge and endurance training knowledge to maximize each patient’s ability to participate and perform.
Outside of work, Dr. O'Connell enjoys staying active with running and yoga, as well as spending time with family. She sees patients in our Lakeview location.
Jeneé Trujillo, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2022. She enjoys treating patients with varying levels of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Her favorite aspect of being a physical therapist is watching her patients achieve their full potential so they can return to participating in the activities they love. Dr. Trujillo will be pursuing certification in the Schroth Method in order to help patients with scoliosis improve their posture and overall functionality.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Trujillo enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, traveling, and finding new coffee shops around the city. She is also a fan of Chicago sports and enjoys attending Cubs and Blackhawks games.
Imelda McGettigan, PT, (formerly Harper) Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Graston, has been practicing with PhysioPartners, PC, since 2004. She earned her degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland in 1990.
She is certified in the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment, a treatment approach that utilizes specific patient-based exercises and education to accelerate recovery. She has also completed level 1 certification in the Schroth Method for Scoliosis through International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy.
Imelda has experience across a broad range of patient populations. Her primary areas of specialty include manual therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, spinal rehabilitation, management of osteoporosis, and the treatment of headaches. Imelda is an active member of both the American Physical Therapy Association and the Irish Physiotherapy Association.
When not working with patients, Imelda enjoys playing tennis, traveling to Ireland, reading and navigating raising her two teenage children.
* This provider's participation in insurance networks is limited. Please contact us for information regarding your insurance policy.
Members of PhysioPartner's professional staff may or may not be employees of the organization. Please ask if you wish to clarify your therapist's practice arrangement.
Angela Wilson Pennisi, PT, DPT, MS, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, founded PhysioPartners in 2000 and is the president and director.
Dr. Pennisi graduated from the Program for Physical Therapy at Columbia University in New York, New York in 1997. She completed her transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021 with Arcadia University. She has completed extensive continuing clinical education in manual therapy and movement reeducation, is board...
Dr. Joseph Ascher, PT, DPT, is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and is Director of the Glenview clinic. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 and was board certified in orthopedic physical therapy in 2019. Dr. Ascher has clinical interests in orthopedics, sports medicine, manual therapy, chronic pain management, and post-operative rehabilitation. He is certified in dry needling and is a creden...
Jon Artus, PT, DPT, received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago in 2020. Dr. Artus has clinical interests in chronic pain management, orthopedics, spinal rehabilitation, and a special interest in treating golfers. He has completed the Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 certification, which provided foundational knowledge in identifying physical impairments that can impact swing efficiency and pain. He has a true passion for developing m...
Danielle Gurevich, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021 from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She has experience treating patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in the outpatient setting. She has completed her certification for Dry Needling of the lower body through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy and has completed level 1 of the Schroth Method for Scoliosis through International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy and is pursuing full ce...
Sarah Naeher, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University in Medford, Massachussets. She has experience treating patients with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions in the outpatient setting. She enjoys working with patients at a differing levels of function, from injury recovery to performamnce, as well continually learning new techniques that allow patients to participate in activities that mean the most to them.
Dr. Naeher is planning to complete t...
Staff Physical Therapist & Coordinator of Clinical Education
Maureen O’Connell, PT, DPT, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove in 2012. She has a true passion for physical therapy and enjoys working with patients to help them achieve their goals. Her clinical interests include pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as chronic pain management. She also treats upper and lower extremity lymphedema. She has completed additional coursework through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute for pelvic floor phys...
Jeneé Trujillo, PT, DPT, received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2022. She enjoys treating patients with varying levels of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Her favorite aspect of being a physical therapist is watching her patients achieve their full potential so they can return to participating in the activities they love. Dr. Trujillo will be pursuing certification in the Schroth Method in order to help patients with...
Imelda McGettigan, PT, (formerly Harper) Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Graston, has been practicing with PhysioPartners, PC, since 2004. She earned her degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland in 1990.
She is certified in the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment, a treatment approach that utilizes specific patient-based exercises and education to accelerate recovery. She has also completed level 1 certification in the Schrot...
Rachel Philipp, OTD, OTR/L, received her doctorate degree in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Dr. Philipp enjoys partnering with patients to facilitate their abilities to complete activities that are meaningful to them. Her clinical interests include pelvic floor dysfunction, disorders of the upper body, and managing pain through a mental and physical health approach. She uses a trauma-informed approach when working with patients.
Dr. Philipp has completed extensive training in pelvic health through the Herman and Wallace Institute, Core Exercise Solutions, and The Functional Pelvis. She holds additional certifications in pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise and pelvic health treatment for individuals with eating disorders. She is also a certified evaluator for the Ergoscience Physical Work Performance Evaluation.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, running, and singing.
Dr. Philipp treats patients in both our Loop and Lakeview locations.
Debbie Victor, OTD, OTR/L, (she/her) received her doctorate of occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2008. Dr. Victor specializes in pelvic health, and she enjoys supporting people of all ages who experience bladder issues, bowel issues, and pelvic pain.
She has extensive experience in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation settings, including working with individuals with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, brachial plexus injury, and those in need of upper extremity rehabilitation. Dr. Victor is committed to providing a welcoming and healing environment for all her clients, and she is an affirming provider for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
When not at work, Debbie enjoys reading, traveling, theater, and riding her bike around the city.
Rachel Philipp, OTD, OTR/L, received her doctorate degree in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Dr. Philipp enjoys partnering with patients to facilitate their abilities to complete activities that are meaningful to them. Her clinical interests include pelvic floor dysfunction, disorders of the upper body, and managing pain through a mental and physical health approach. She uses a trauma-informed approach when working with patients....
Debbie Victor, OTD, OTR/L, (she/her) received her doctorate of occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2008. Dr. Victor specializes in pelvic health, and she enjoys supporting people of all ages who experience bladder issues, bowel issues, and pelvic pain.
She has extensive experience in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation settings, including working with individuals with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, brachial plexus injury, and those in need of upper extr...
Certified Pilates Instructor Oksana Kuzma received her Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and loves to share her love of the human body and movement.
Oksana trained and performed as a modern dancer at which time she recognized Pilates' potential for organizing the body anatomically. She currently teaches across the Chicago-land area.
In addition to Pilates, Oksana works as an Arts Integrated Dance Teacher, bringing lessons that are kinesthetically stimulating into schools for children. Oksana is passionate about helping others reach their highest and healthiest potential through Pilates and uses vivid imagery and a keen awareness of one’s body in order to create a unique Pilates program that is functional, rewarding, and creative.
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Oksana has a great love of the outdoors!
Director of Wellness Services & Fitness Instructor
Certified Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer
Sarah Breedlove is a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer and has supported individuals and groups in creating joyful ease in posture and all types of physical activity since 1995. She serves as Director of Wellness Services.
As a personal trainer and body awareness educator, including the Franklin Method, Sarah believes that all individuals are worthy and capable of finding freedom through movement and confidence in their bodies. Sarah’s coaching style emphasizes the mind-body connection through simple guided imagery and practical humor, while helping clients develop personal accountability to achieve their personal goals. Outside of Pilates, Sarah enjoys teaching dance and exploring her new home of Chicago!
Certified Pilates Instructor Valerie Cortier began dancing at age 3 and hasn’t stopped moving since! After graduation from Webster University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, she moved to New York City to pursue her dance career. She danced professionally with several companies, projects, and festivals. While performing, she also taught at a the world-renowned ballet school, Ballet Academy East. During this time, she started to study Pilates from masters in their field including Pilates Elder, Phoebe Higgins and Teacher Trainer, Erin King. Studying multiple times a week, Valerie never felt stronger. She noticed a change in her body inside and out and injuries vanished, hooking her on Pilates for life and building her desire to share this knowledge.
Valerie earned a Pilates mat certification in 2014 and then was awarded a full scholarship as an apprentice at Power Pilates in New York City, an internationally recognized certification program and leading educator of classical Pilates from which she graduated in 2017. She is fully certified to work with clients ranging from novices to athletes and has studied special cases including injuries, pregnancy, seniors for clients of all fitness levels. Valerie's positive and supportive approach to movement gives clients the self confidence they need to achieve the physical results they seek, and she enjoys empowering her clients to feel their best inside and out.
When not participating in Pilates or taking a dance class, you will find Valerie with her adorable son and daughter, husband, and pet kitty.
Certified Pilates Instructor Oksana Kuzma received her Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and loves to share her love of the human body and movement.
Oksana trained and performed as a modern dancer at which time she recognized Pilates' potential for organizing the body anatomically. She currently teaches across the Chicago-land area.
In addition to Pilates, Oksana works as an Arts Integrated Dance Teacher, bringing lessons that are kinestheti...
Director of Wellness Services & Fitness Instructor
Sarah Breedlove is a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer and has supported individuals and groups in creating joyful ease in posture and all types of physical activity since 1995. She serves as Director of Wellness Services.
As a personal trainer and body awareness educator, including the Franklin Method, Sarah believes that all individuals are worthy and capable of finding freedom through movement and confidence in their bodies. Sarah’s coaching style emphasizes the m...
Certified Pilates Instructor Valerie Cortier began dancing at age 3 and hasn’t stopped moving since! After graduation from Webster University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, she moved to New York City to pursue her dance career. She danced professionally with several companies, projects, and festivals. While performing, she also taught at a the world-renowned ballet school, Ballet Academy East. During this time, she started to study Pilates from masters in their f...
Jesus Alfredo Jimenez-Jimenez, LMT, NASM-CPT, is a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer specializing in integrating bodywork and movement. He is a graduate of the Soma Institute, where he completed the 700-hour training program in Clinical Massage Therapy and a National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer.
Alfredo is passionate about bringing massage and exercise into the context of everyday life, tailoring each session to meet his clients' specific needs. His background as an operatic tenor brought him to massage therapy, where he discovered just how much wellness positively impacts performance. Alfredo brings this awareness to his clients, which range from performers to office workers, offering treatment for repetitive stress injuries, chronic tension, and relaxation. His anatomically-informed work is centered on using techniques such as trigger point therapy, muscle activation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and joint mobilization to restore bodies to their optimum function.
Alfredo balances a busy performing schedule with his work in wellness, singing with groups such as Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Grant Park Symphony Chorus. Recreationally, Alfredo enjoys swimming, dancing, and seeing live performances - let's talk art!
Alfredo sees clients at our Lakeview and Loop location. Schedule online or call (773) 665-9950 for more information.
Members of PhysioPartner's professional staff may or may not be employees of the organization. Please ask if you wish to clarify your therapist's practice arrangement.
Telly Papakosta is a compassionate Licensed Massage Therapist with over 10 years of experience in spa and therapeutic massage. He enjoys supporting others to improve their quality of life in recreation or recover from injuries.
Telly’s background includes years of martial arts as a student, eventually acquiring his 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He also served as a teacher at the Taekwondo school. With an interest in computers and design, Telly acquired a degree in Graphic Design and stayed to maintain the computer lab and support students for 9 years at Oakton College in Des Plains, IL.
“I became a massage therapist I wanted to help people be pain-free.” -Telly Papakostas
Telly sees clients at our Glenview location. Schedule online or call (773) 665-9950 for more information.
Members of PhysioPartner's professional staff may or may not be employees of the organization. Please ask if you wish to clarify your therapist's practice arrangement.
Jesus Alfredo Jimenez-Jimenez, LMT, NASM-CPT, is a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer specializing in integrating bodywork and movement. He is a graduate of the Soma Institute, where he completed the 700-hour training program in Clinical Massage Therapy and a National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer.
Alfredo is passionate about bringing massage and exercise into the context of everyday life, tailoring each session to meet his clients' specific ...
Telly Papakosta is a compassionate Licensed Massage Therapist with over 10 years of experience in spa and therapeutic massage. He enjoys supporting others to improve their quality of life in recreation or recover from injuries.
Telly’s background includes years of martial arts as a student, eventually acquiring his 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He also served as a teacher at the Taekwondo school. With an interest in computers and design, Telly acquired a degree in Graphic Design and...