Our Staff

Kelsey Harris, PT, DPT, CSRS, RPSFC

Owner and Physical Therapist

Kelsey achieved her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016 from Duquesne University. She achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences from Duquesne University in 2014. Kelsey has passionately spent the majority of her career treating the neurologic population, with a specialization in stroke and brain injury recovery. Kelsey is a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and is certified in NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment), which is a hands-on approach that allows clients to use the right muscles, at the right time, to make their daily tasks easier.

 

Kelsey firmly believes in treating the individual holistically and taking the time to listen to each client and their family to ensure an individualized treatment plan.  To Kelsey, you are more than just a client, you're family. 


In her free time, Kelsey enjoys cooking, fishing, watching the Steelers and spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Jax and Kora.  

Kat Schrock, PT, DPT, CSRS

Physical Therapist

Kat graduated from Duquesne University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Since graduating, she spent her first year working in a trauma hospital seeing patients with a variety of diagnoses. Kat has a very strong interest in working with the neurologic population and plans to pursue further certification in this field. 


Kat firmly believes in patient advocacy and ensuring patients receive the care and treatment they deserve. She wants to serve as a platform for patients, allowing them to achieve goals that are important to them. 


Outside of being a PT, Kat enjoys traveling, seeing live music, and spending time with her cat, Luna.


Amanda Varner,PT, DPT, NCS, CSRS

Physical Therapist

I graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2013. In 2018 I became a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. I am a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and am certified in treatment techniques specific to patients with Parkinson Disease. 


I have always had a passion for the neurologic population- each case is unique and allows me to use my critical thinking skills. I am committed to life long learning and am always seeking out educational opportunities. I also value teaching and mentoring aspiring neurologic physical therapists. 


Aside from physical therapy, my world revolves around spoiling my Bernese Mountain Dog, Riley. My fiancé and I also enjoy hiking, running, house projects, traveling and anything that keeps us outside. 

Lorra Barron, PT

Physical Therapist

Hi, my name is Lorra. I am a Physical Therapist who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh.  I have worked in a wide variety of settings including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation and home health. I am NDT certified for Adult Hemiplegia and LSVT certified for management of Parkinson’s Disease.  I also have over twenty years experience with wheelchair seating and evaluations. 


I have lived in the Pittsburgh area my entire life and enjoy spending time with the family, my golden retrievers and cheering on the Steelers and Penguins! 


Tyra Rojtas, PT, DPT, PHC

Physical Therapist

Tyra studied at Duquesne University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She received two B.S. degrees in Biology and Health Sciences before receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After obtaining her doctoral degree, Tyra pursued further education and went on to become a certified Pelvic Health Specialist. Tyra is specially trained in external and internal therapy and techniques to evaluate and treat the pelvis to address bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. 


In her free time, Tyra enjoys hiking, watching movies and playing pickleball with her husband, Ryan, and dog daughter, Maggie.


Brittany O'Toole, OTR/L, CSRS, CBIS

Occupational Therapist and Patient Liason 

Hello! My name is Brittany and I am an occupational therapist.  I love occupational therapy because it is a holistic approach that focuses on helping people regain function and independence in the areas of their lives that are most important to them.

Most of my clinical background has been in neurological rehabilitation, particularly working with individuals recovering from stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury.  I am also a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist and a certified brain injury specialist.  


Annelies Layton, OTR/L, CBIS

Occuptaional Therapist

Annelies has her masters in occupational therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a certified brain injury specialist with significant experience in neuro/stroke/brain injury rehab. Annelies enjoys helping people achieve their rehab goals and getting them to be more independent in their day to day life. 


Outside of work she loves being in nature and spending time with her significant other and dog, including traveling, hiking, biking, and whitewater kayaking.






Bryton Charles, OTR/L, MSCS

Occuptaional Therapist

Bryton achieved her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England in 2018. Since graduating, her career has focused on helping people with neurologic diagnoses achieve their rehab goals and reach their fullest potential. She received her Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Certification in 2020. She loves the opportunities occupational therapy provides her to learn about the most important aspects of her client’s lives and problem solve ways to make these things accessible to them again. 

A New Jersey native, Bryton loves spending time at the beach, hiking with her dogs, Bailey and Goose or trying new foods around the city.

Laurie Thompson, OTD, OTR/L

Occuptaional Therapist

Laurie is a Pittsburgh native and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Laurie has a passion for working with the neurologic population and loves to learn about clients’ unique stories to best support them during their recovery journeys. She hopes to pursue further certification in stroke rehabilitation in the future. 


In her free time, Laurie loves to read, cook, practice yoga, and spend time with friends and family.


Nicole Venturino Brown, OTD, OTR/L

Occuptaional Therapist

Hello there, my name is Nicole! I earned my Bachelors in Healthcare Administration and Management at Slippery Rock University and later went on to earn my Doctorate in Occupational therapy at Chatham University.  I love being an OT because occupational therapy looks at the whole person, allowing you to create a person-centered treatment plan utilizing meaningful occupations & daily activities as a means to achieve functional independence and improve a person’s quality of life! My clinical experience includes working in both the acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. I have a passion for working with those with neurological conditions and helping people reach their fullest potential! I am certified in Parkinson Wellness Recovery Moves (PWR! Moves), a program that focuses on the treatment of Parkinson’s disease through the use of large amplitude functional movements. My goal is to become a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) in the future. 


Outside of practicing occupational therapy, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, as I am recently a new mom! We also have 2 adorable fur babies. I am a coffee enthusiast who also enjoys trying out new recipes, exercising, and spending time outside! 

McKenzie Banas, OTR/L

Occuptaional Therapist

I graduated from Gannon University in 2016 with my masters in Occupational Therapy!  I have been working in the home health setting. My favorite part of home health is meeting people where they are functionally and helping them achieve their personal goals from the comfort of their homes! I have a passion for helping people and continue to strive for advocacy for treatment and living life to the fullest! 

Outside of work I love spending time with my husband, family and our French bulldog! I love listening to comedians, going to movies, baking, and getting outside whenever possible! 

Lea Heise, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Lea graduated with her Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2014 and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Penn State University in 2010. Lea is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life by communicating with their loved ones and by eating and drinking in the safest way possible. She has worked in inpatient rehab, acute care, skilled nursing, and travel therapy. By working across different settings, she understands the rehabilitation process all the way from the day after a stroke or neurological diagnosis, to years later. She is a fierce advocate for her patients and understands how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare world especially with the chronic issues that come along with a neurological disorder or stroke.


Outside of speech and swallow therapy, Lea likes to read, cook, dance, and spend time with her husband and rescue dog.


Lisa Bizon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP/L, RAC-CT

Speech Language Pathologist

Lisa is a Speech-Language Pathologist, who earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Pittsburgh, and Master's degree in Speech Pathology at The Pennsylvania State University. Lisa has over 30 years of experience working in rehabilitation and post-acute care. She has been instrumental in designing JCAHO accredited Acquired Brain Injury hospital programs that provide interdisciplinary assessment and treatment of patients with diagnoses such as TBI, ABI, and SDH. Lisa also partners with Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living communities to design and implement evidence-based cognitive, speech-language and dementia staging rehabilitation programs.  Lisa has expertise in working with the medically complex patient, including those with trach/vents, brain injury, stroke and head/neck cancer.  She provides treatment of neuro-cognitive disorders that impact an individual's attention, memory, problem solving and executive function skills. She also provides care for those with dysarthria, swallowing impairment and voice disorders. Lisa has a passion for improving the lives of her patients. In addition to working as a Speech Pathologist, Lisa also is a Healthcare Compliance Consultant. Growing-up in Pittsburgh, Lisa enjoys Steelers football, and exploring the many local parks, cultural and culinary offerings that the city has to offer. 

Alyse Royba, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist 

Hi, my name is Alyse! I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with my Masters in Speech and Language Pathology in 2018. Since then, I have worked in acute adult settings and pediatric based settings to assure patients are getting the functional care that they deserve. I have a special interest in neurologic populations and helping patients effectively communicate with the people that matter to them most. 


Outside of speech therapy, I enjoy running, cooking, traveling, and trying out new restaurants!

Sarah Barker, MS, NCC

Mental Health Counselor 

Hi there, I'm Sarah, a passionate and dedicated clinical mental health therapist with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pennsylvania Western University. In therapy, I am committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals seeking support and healing.


I create a warm and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Using an integrative approach tailored to each individual's needs, I draw from modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and other therapy models to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. Through collaborative goal-setting and personalized treatment plans, I empower clients to develop coping skills, increase self-awareness, and navigate challenges with resilience and strength.


I believe deeply in the power of the therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth. My goal is to build a strong rapport with each client, fostering trust and mutual respect as we work together towards positive change.


Outside of my clinical work, I love spending time with my friends and family and enjoy taking my 2 miniature dachshunds for walks at the park. I'm excited work with you! 


Miranda Boldman

Billing Specialist 

Hi! My name is Miranda and I am the Billing Specialist with NeuroAxis Rehab. I have 10 years of medical billing experience and I am happy to assist you with all your insurance and billing needs, along with anything else I can help with, remotely from southern Ohio. 


I am a full time mom to a very special boy, wife, and a small business owner. When not working you can find me enjoying Jeeping, spending time with family and friends, loving on my golden-doodles, shopping, spending time in my pool, and watching football, WHO DEY!