Meet our amazing team!
Michelle Biele and Leo, OTR/L, Founder and CEO Occupational Therapist
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Michelle Biele and Leo, OTR/L, Founder and CEO Occupational Therapist
Michelle Biele graduated with honors from The Ohio State University's School of Allied Medical Professions in 1990, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She has over 32 years of experience in a variety of diversified settings, from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to Psychiatry. She utilizes her wealth of knowle
Michelle Biele graduated with honors from The Ohio State University's School of Allied Medical Professions in 1990, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She has over 32 years of experience in a variety of diversified settings, from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to Psychiatry. She utilizes her wealth of knowledge to assist her clients with conventional, and integrative methods of holistic healing, treating the symptom AND the problem.
Michelle specializes in Upper Extremity Quadrant Disorders, Splinting, Sports Medicine, Myofascial Release, Joint Mobilization, and Mental Health. She believes that an integrative approach to holistic healing is the key to wellness and is therefore able to assist/guide clients in areas such as pain management, coping skills, and healing of the Mind/Bod/Spirit. Michelle loves educating her clients so that they become part of the sol
Rich Ferriggi PT, DPT Director of Operations
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Michelle Biele and Leo, OTR/L, Founder and CEO Occupational Therapist
Rich has 17 years of experience as an outpatient orthopedic Physical Therapist. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Sacred Heart University in Exercise Science in 2001, while playing D1 Baseball as a 3 year starter. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York Institute of Technology in 2005. During his ti
Rich has 17 years of experience as an outpatient orthopedic Physical Therapist. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Sacred Heart University in Exercise Science in 2001, while playing D1 Baseball as a 3 year starter. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York Institute of Technology in 2005. During his time at NYIT, he coached baseball at both the High School and College level.
Rich began his career at Gold Coast PT on Long Island, NY, and was quickly made Partner in 2007. While growing his practice, he specialized in treating High School and Collegiate athletes, and was the head PT for Stony Brook University Men's Hockey Team. Living in the same town as his practice, he made it an emphasis to create a family atmosphere in his offices. He had the privilege to work with several NFL and NHL athletes, but took as much pride in treating the people of his community. His basis of treatment is utilization of NKT, while also being trained in McKenzie, Maitland, and several other methods of treatment. He is certified in Blood Flow Restriction, and was a CSCS throughout most of his career.
He and his wife, Kristin, are proud parents of Jenna, Elle, and RJ, and recently moved to North Carolina in 2020. His passions include all things sports, and continues to play Ice Hockey and Golf. He also coaches Pee Wee Football. He looks forward to creating the same atmosphere at Raise The Bar Therapy Services!
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Alison graduated from Radford University in 2016 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Prior to obtaining her DPT, Alison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine, specifically concentrated in Athletic Training, also from Radford University. She has a passion for pediatric physical therapy and has also spent several y
Alison graduated from Radford University in 2016 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Prior to obtaining her DPT, Alison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine, specifically concentrated in Athletic Training, also from Radford University. She has a passion for pediatric physical therapy and has also spent several years providing physical therapy services for the adult ad geriatric population. She has experience in pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, home health therapy, geriatrics, memory care, and short term rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. Alison grew up in Hampton, Virginia and moved to Hampstead, North Carolina in 2018. She can be found spending most of her free time on the beach with her husband, Mike, her baby boy, Leo, and her golden retriever, Knox.
Alison Baskeyfield, DPT/ Director of Physical Therapy and Pediatrics
Rachel Presti, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy
Rachel comes to Raise The Bar with more than 25 years of experience in Occupational Therapy. She has an extremely diverse background in therapy, specializing in multiple areas including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, stroke rehabilitation and neurologic impairments including
Rachel Presti, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy
Rachel comes to Raise The Bar with more than 25 years of experience in Occupational Therapy. She has an extremely diverse background in therapy, specializing in multiple areas including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, stroke rehabilitation and neurologic impairments including Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and vestibular deficits. Rachel is also proficient in treating acute orthopedic injuries and degenerative diseases. Rachel is passionate about supporting patients and families in the community that have been affected by a stroke, and she has been instrumental in creating multiple stroke support groups and committees throughout Mecklenberg County and most recently in Pender County. When Rachel is not working she enjoys swimming, biking, running and spending time with her family in beautiful Topsail Island. Rachel is thrilled to be part of the Raise The Bar team as the organization’s mission statement and treatment philosophy embodies an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to wellness, which ultimately equates to quality of life and empowerment for patients and their caregivers!
Diana Matthews, COTA/L,
Licensed Massage Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Diana has been a practicing COTA for over 27 years, and is also a licensed massage therapist, and Certified Healthcare Coach. She specializes in hands on manual therapy, energy work, neuromuscular reeducation, guided imagery, pain management, and PTSD. As a retired mi
Diana Matthews, COTA/L,
Licensed Massage Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Diana has been a practicing COTA for over 27 years, and is also a licensed massage therapist, and Certified Healthcare Coach. She specializes in hands on manual therapy, energy work, neuromuscular reeducation, guided imagery, pain management, and PTSD. As a retired military wife with 22 years of service, she innately realizes all that the military life entails and she loves treating our Veterans! Diana recently relocated from FL to assist in building the RTB Holistic Healing Program, and to live her dream of healing as many people as she can. Watch out for her Wellness Education Series she will be providing to the community , and certified Healthcare Coaching!
Rachel Howard, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Rachel is a wonderful COTA from Mooresville NC with years of experience in Pediatrics. She loves her kids and they love her! She finds innovative ways of connecting with both the children and their families to provide the best possible care, while successfully setting boundaries and assisting in
Rachel Howard, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Rachel is a wonderful COTA from Mooresville NC with years of experience in Pediatrics. She loves her kids and they love her! She finds innovative ways of connecting with both the children and their families to provide the best possible care, while successfully setting boundaries and assisting in their social development. Rachel has been an awesome addition to the team and deals extremely well with
behavioral challenges. She is also our media guru and can often be found 'out and about' taking pictures and shooting videos for our Facebook and Instagram page. Her Corgi's Ryder and Titan are famous on Instagram! If you are a dog lover check them out!
Sheena Cannady, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Sheena has been a COTA for over 12 years, she is from Asheville, NC, but moved to the Wilmington area in 2006. She graduated from Cape Fear Community College in 2010 with her certification in occupational therapy assistance (COTA). Sheena has years of experience in various setting including skille
Sheena Cannady, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Sheena has been a COTA for over 12 years, she is from Asheville, NC, but moved to the Wilmington area in 2006. She graduated from Cape Fear Community College in 2010 with her certification in occupational therapy assistance (COTA). Sheena has years of experience in various setting including skilled nursing, short term rehab, outpatient, pediatrics, and independent living. She loves being a COTA, especially in the pediatric population. "I truly feel like I was called to do this job to help others grow! I moved to Hampstead in 2018 and absolutely love this little beach town! I have been married to a wonderful man for 12 years and have two boys 5 and 8." In her free time Sheena enjoys going to the beach with her family, running, kayaking and volunteering at her church.
Conner Grindstaff OTR/L
Occupational Therapy
Conner graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2020 with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Prior to obtaining her MOT, Conner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science from Longwood University. Conner grew up in Martinsville, Virginia before movi
Conner Grindstaff OTR/L
Occupational Therapy
Conner graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2020 with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Prior to obtaining her MOT, Conner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science from Longwood University. Conner grew up in Martinsville, Virginia before moving to Hampstead, NC in 2022. She has a passion for pediatric occupational therapy but has also enjoyed her time with the adult and geriatric populations. She has experience in pediatrics, lymphedema, and home health therapy. Conner can be found spending most of her free time kayaking, shopping, at the beach and/or pool, watching tv shows and movies, and with her boyfriend Gabe and lab, Lucy
Jeanette Bullard COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Jeanette Bullard graduated from Cape Fear Community College Allied Health OTA program in 2019 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. She has been working in the field of Occupational Therapy for the last 3 years with a background in Upper Extremity rehabilitation, Neuromuscular rehabilita
Jeanette Bullard COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Jeanette Bullard graduated from Cape Fear Community College Allied Health OTA program in 2019 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. She has been working in the field of Occupational Therapy for the last 3 years with a background in Upper Extremity rehabilitation, Neuromuscular rehabilitation, Geriatric rehabilitation, functional independence and Hand
Therapy. She is passionate about practicing a holistic approach to OT and expanding her proficiency into Manual Therapy and Pediatrics. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and dog. She enjoys, cooking, swimming at the beach and tending her rose garden. She is an active leader in her son's Boy Scout Troop and also a member of the local Rose Society.
Courtney Kessler COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Courtney has been a COTA for over 9 years, she is from Greensboro, NC, and moved to the Topsail Beach area in 2014. She graduated from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in 2014 with her certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and is currently back in school to receive her Ma
Courtney Kessler COTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Courtney has been a COTA for over 9 years, she is from Greensboro, NC, and moved to the Topsail Beach area in 2014. She graduated from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in 2014 with her certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and is currently back in school to receive her Master of Occupational Therapy (OTR/L). She has a passion for treating pediatrics (especially with early intervention!), focused on feeding and sensory therapy with holistic care in natural alternatives and gut health. In 2017 she became a Certified Educator of Infant Massage. She is expanding her specialty and education to encompass maternal wellness to help empower mothers in their journey. She has experience with skilled nursing, home health, and independent living as well. Courtney can be found spending her free time paddle-boarding, homesteading, going to the beach, exercising, and playing with her daughter Emerson and their chickens.
Olivia Lafrenz OTR/L, Occupational Therapy
Olivia Lafrenz graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2020 with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She was the recipient of the Suzanne Floyd Endowment Scholarship Student Leadership Award and was an accepted speaker for a poster presentation at the AOTAAnnual Conference in 2020. Olivia has experience working with pediatrics in the outpatient setting and completed her Level II Fieldwork rotations in the school setting and with adult patients in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Olivia was a professional ballerina dancing with various companies including Dayton Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Charlottesville Ballet. She attended the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance in 2014. Olivia has a passion for pediatric occupational therapy, but is also interested in working with adults in hand therapy. Although originally from Elgin, Illinois, Olivia has lived and traveled to many different states and countries training for ballet. She recently moved to this area and enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Zach, and their dog Finn. She is thrilled to join the team at Raise The Bar Therapy Services and it is her hope that patients and their families feel valued, understood, and a part of the goal-setting and therapy process.
Alison Slomba MSOT, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy
Ali is an occupational therapist with a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges to achieve the best quality of life possible. While Ali has the most experience and a passion for working with children, she enjoys working with all populations. She has experience working as a daycare teacher, a nanny, an after school teacher, and a preschool teacher assistant, working with children ages 7 months to 16 years. Ali has experience with the holistic, mind/body/spirit approach as well as with the geriatric population, gained while working in the chiropractic and skilled nursing settings. Ali was born in snowy Buffalo, NY and moved around a lot throughout her life, making her adaptable and ready for any new challenge. In her free time, Ali enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the Wilmington area, and taking care of her cat, Olive.
Jonathan Noble, PTA
Physical Therapy
Jonathan graduated from NASHCC PTA Program in 2014. His experience ranges from sports medicine to balance disorders, and he loves working with those who have suffered from neurological diagnoses and orthopedics. Jonathan also loves to work out and take care of his body and is knowledgeable in exercise physiology and nutrition. Jonathan and Alison often work together to provide quality hands on care to their clients. He can often be found on the elliptical or using the TheraBand in between patients. He is an educator as well as an exemplary PTA! Check him out on the Facebook page as he provides weekly tips for back pain, shoulder pain and ergonomics.
Julia Robinette, PTA
Physical Therapy
Julia, AKA, “Jules” graduated from Guilford Technical Community College in 2009 with a Physical Therapy Assistant degree. She also obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Liberty University in 2007 with a focus on Exercise Science and Fitness Programming. Jules has spent the past 12 years serving our community in the hospital setting, outpatient pediatrics, outpatient geriatrics, and short-term rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. She is a North Carolinian native and is excited to be able to do what she loves where she loves. When not at work Julie can be found spending time with her family and serving at Scotts Hill Baptist Church.
MacKenna Hanley PTA,
Physical Therapy
MacKenna is a dedicated and passionate healthcare worker who graduated in 2021 from Madisonville Community College with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She has accomplished clinical experience in the hospital setting, long-term acute care, and outpatient setting during her education. After completing her degree, she moved back here to her hometown with her family, which includes her husband and young son, so they could be closer to family and friends. Mackenna is proud and honored to be giving back to this lovely community that she grew up in. She looks forward to helping people maximize their movement, minimize their pain, and improve their quality of life while creating friendships along the way.
April Lowe, C-SLP Assistant
Speech Therapy
April has been married since 1997 and has 3 grown children. April's middle child was diagnosed with Autism which is how her love of speech therapy began. April went back to school when her youngest started pre-school and graduated from CCC & TI with her SLP Assistant in May of 2009. She has put most of her focus towards pediatrics while incorporating simple sign language when working with the children. April dedicates a lot of her time to autism research and has recently started exploring cognitive linguistic deficits in adults. April took the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certification exam in April of 2021 and passed, making her one of the first in the state of North Carolina to become a C-SLP Assistant!
Erin Regan
CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist
Erin has recently moved to the Wilmington area after being born and raised in Dutchess County, New York. Erin attended a 5-year Speech Language Pathology Master’s Program at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She graduated with her master’s degree of Science in Speech Language Pathology in 2018. Erin has experience with early intervention in a home setting as well as preschool and elementary students in a school setting. From her experience, she has become passionate about her work with the pediatric population. She is excited to take her northern roots to this beautiful southern beach town and be a part of the team at Raise the Bar! Start date 8/29/22 for full-time employment.
Annmarie Wood
CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist
Annemarie graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City NY with a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has been a licensed therapist through ASHA certified in Speech in NY, NC, and CA, and for the past 20 years! She has worked in the Farmingdale School District for much of that time, until her family relocated to Hampstead in 2021. She now works for Pender County Schools and will be assisting us with our after-school programming, Annemarie is married and has a 13-year-old son. She loves her family and spending time on the water boating and on the beach relaxing. Start date 8/22/22 for part time after school employment.
Kelly Ipock
MS-CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist
Kelly obtained her Bachelor’s and Masters degree in speech/language and auditory pathology at East Carolina University in 1990 and 1992. Kelly comes to Raise The Bar Therapy Services with 30 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist. Kelly has a wide range of experience with both children and adults. Her experience includes working in the school system with elementary age children, working in a hospital setting with acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation, in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings. Kelly’s experience includes working with adults and preschool age children with diagnosis’ of speech/language delays, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, mild to moderate TBI, oral/pharyngeal/laryngeal cancer, Multiple Sclerosis for evaluation and treatment of speech/language disorders, aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive impairments, swallowing impairments, voice disorders and swallowing disorders. Kelly performed Modified Barium Swallow studies for 13 years. Additionally, Kelly has certification with Vital Stim swallowing therapy. Kelly is from New Bern, N.C. She has a 25 year old son who lives and works in the Raleigh area with his wife Stevie. Her hobbies include spending time with family and her two dogs, listening to music and going to the beach.
Selena Biele
Administrative Executive
Intake Specialist
Selena is a former collegiate athlete, and an honor student.. We are lucky to have her as our Administrative Executive at the front desk. She assists all clients with scheduling, insurance processing, and greets everyone with a smile! Selena works closely with our HR and Insurance Specialist so that our patients can be confident with their coverage and frequency and duration of treatment. Alongside her twin sister, Selena is currently attending management education programs throughout the coming months in preparation to take full ownership of the practice in the near future. Aside from therapy, Selena finds her passion in volleyball, hiking, shooting pool, and spending quality time with her friends and family!
Angelica Biele
Executive Assistant
Angelica is a former collegiate athlete, a musician, and an honor student. We are lucky to have her as a leader in our company. She assists all therapies with quality treatment, assists Selena at the front desk, and is able to provide valuable support for each and every patient. In regard to the more challenging Autistic population, you can often find her in the ball pit with her guitar singing to them and assisting them to strum and sing along with her. Alongside her twin sister, Angelica is currently attending management education programs throughout the coming months in preparation to take full ownership of the practice in the near future. Her passion for therapy assistance and devotion to delivering quality care to all of her patients has also led her into attending an accelerated Massage Therapy program, projected to be licensed by August of 2023!
Colton Profic
Rehabilitation Technician
Colton recently moved to the area from Boise, Idaho. As a Rehab Tech, Colton works to provide support for all therapists, clients, and support staff. Helping instruct patients with the proper exercises, setting up modalities, and general cleaning are just a few of the things Colton does to keep our clinic running smoothly. Colton spent three years as the Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Capitol High School where he trained hundreds of high school athletes in group and individual settings, focusing on sports specific technical training, strengthening, and injury prevention. Outside of work, Colton loves to stay active with his family; doing anything from golfing to jet-skiing! He also enjoys bonding with his friends over sports games, movies, and the great outdoors! We are so thankful to welcome such a wonderful tech into our family!
Julia Savini
Receptionist
Julia recently relocated from Pittsburgh, PA, where she worked as a patient care technician assisting multiple patients daily with activities of daily living, and providing staff support. We are so happy to welcome her as our newest receptionist; helping Selena at the front with taking phone calls, scheduling/rescheduling appointments, taking co-pays, and greeting every one of our patients with a smile! Julia spends her free time baking speciality cakes, pastries, and cupcakes! Julia also volunteered at a farm caring for surrendered horses. She plans on attending college in the near future to become a registered nurse, specializing in Neo-natal care. We are blessed to be part of Julia's journey in the healthcare field!
Jewel Lowe
Office Administrator
Insurance Specialist
Jewel has been an EMT and an integral part of the Fire Department for over 20 years. She comes to us from Pender EMS as Administrative Assistant is responsible for all intake, medical records processing, and coordination with the billing agent. She is also the Human Resources Specialist! If you need help with any questions about your insurance, getting approved visits, or run into an issue she is your girl! Jewel serves the patients at Raise The Bar Therapy Services with a smile!
Robin Gregory
ADHS-Medical Assisting/CCMA certified by NHA
Robin is a native of North Carolina and is a wonderful addition to RTBTS as our Patient Care Coordinator. Robin has over 20 years of experience working in the physician'soffice as a certified medical assistant and nurse. She now works as a liaison between the patients and the physicians as well as addressing any needs in the community. She has a background in marketing and was an outstanding professional in radio broadcasting, social media management and public relations . Robin has been hard at work since she started getting the Raise The Bar name out into the community. We are so excited to have her!
Courtney Colon
Insurance Specialist
Courtney comes to us after 20 years working in various medical facilities as an assistant admissions coordinator, activities coordinator, and insurance processing specialist for a physician's office. She specializes in INTAKE, and assists patients in completion of the paperwork necessary to provide insurance verification and authorization.