About Us

Lacey Cline, MPT, OCS, COMT, DAC is a 2006 graduate of West Virginia University, where she received her master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She has since maintained a career specializing in outpatient sports and orthopedic physical therapy. She received her certification in orthopedic manual therapy (COMT) and direct access certification (DAC) through the Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy.

In her continued pursuit of education, Lacey became a board-certified orthopedic specialist (OCS) in 2015 through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She is currently completing her fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), with an emphasis on medical screening of direct access patients, advanced manual therapy and movement sciences.

She has continued to practice with a focus on identifying and treating underlying movement/biomechanical dysfunction in addition to patient’s symptoms and functional limitations to optimize patient outcomes.

Lacey integrates orthopedic manual therapy, current research and evidenced-based practice into her individualized patient care. She is the director of Nxt Gen Institute’s Orthopedic Residency program and remains active as a Clinical Instructor.

• Board-certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS)
• Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT)
• Direct Access Certification (DAC)
• Certified in Functional Dry Needling (Kinetacore)
• Certified in Functional Movement Screen (Functional Movement Systems)
• Certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (Functional Movement Systems)
• Member of the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Maria Beth Didiano, DPT, received her B.S. in Biology and B.S. in Health Science from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. She started her career at Summit Physical Therapy in March of 2014 and works in the Weirton, WV, and McMurray, PA clinics.

She was inspired to become a physical therapist after being a patient herself, having experienced several sports injuries when she was younger. Additionally, she worked as a rehab aide in an outpatient clinic for five years, spanning through her high school and college educations.

Maria Beth listens to her patients and creates treatment plans to meet their individual needs and goals. She emphasizes manual treatments and the positive results hands-on therapy can have for them.

“I take pride in the care I give to my patients. I provide an environment where they can openly communicate their concerns and hopes for achieving their goals. Seeing my patients improve is one of the best parts of being a physical therapist and my bosses, Mark and Nick, have been a great combination of guidance and support, while also allowing me the freedom to develop my own style and approach to physical therapy.”

In her personal time, Maria Beth enjoys family, friends, and her favorite bulldog, Erma. She also enjoys cooking, the outdoors, and all things Disney.

Cody D. Wells, DPT, received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2018 from West Virginia University. He began his career in the summer of 2018 at Summit Physical Therapy, following a clinical rotation in the Chester clinic.

While working at Summit Physical Therapy, Cody has engaged in career development under the mentorship of Lacey Cline, PT, and through continuing education courses involving optimization of human performance and hands-on, manual treatments of musculoskeletal conditions and dysfunctions.

“I really enjoy working with a wide variety of patients and getting to know them on a personal level. I believe understanding the patient, not just their area of injury, is very important because they spend more time with us as physical therapists than in any other medical profession. This allows me to discover what is important to them and helps me personalize their care to achieve their fullest potential.”

Cody enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a below average golfer, a weightlifter and true fan of all WVU and Pittsburgh area professional sports teams.

Holly Baird, PTA, is a 2005 graduate from Kent State University. She began working as an outpatient physical therapist assistant in Akron, working for two years in skilled rehabilitation before returning to outpatient therapy for the past 10 years. She has treated variety of age demographics and conditions, including Lymphedema, post-operative rehab/joint replacement and working under McKenzie Method therapists.

She started at Summit Physical Therapy in April of 2018 and primarily works in the New Cumberland clinic.

Holly is originally from the New Cumberland area where she now lives with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being active outdoors, and participating in thoroughbred horse racing.

Kathy Duco, PTA, earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology from Kent State University in 2011. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from West Liberty State College. Upon graduation, she joined the team at Summit Physical Therapy as a licensed PTA. Kathy completed her first clinical rotation at Summit in 2010 and was asked to stay on as an aide thru the summer before returning to school.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with and helping people. Being a member of the Summit team gives me the opportunity to meet many different people and play a role in their rehabilitation journey. It’s always fulfilling to see the progress each patient makes towards achieving their individual goals.”

In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and cats. She is an animal lover who also enjoys hiking and reading. She is an avid Ohio State Buckeye, Pittsburgh Steeler, and New York Yankee fan.

Joseph M. Pease received his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Kent State University’s East Liverpool, Ohio, campus in 2015. Along with his PTA degree, Joseph has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Jefferson Community College in Steubenville, Ohio and has worked in a wide variety of jobs before pursuing his career in physical therapy, including construction, table gaming and high school football officiating.

Joseph joined Summit Physical Therapy in October 2015 and has been a valuable part of Summit’s ability to provide specialized, hands-on care to every patient. Joey spends most of his workdays in the Weirton, WV, clinic and also doubles as the employee scheduler for the company.

Joseph has been married to his wife, Kristen, for eight years and they have two daughters, Lucy and Molly. In his free time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and coaching his daughter’s soccer team.

“When I was in middle school, the first assignment I was given was to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had recently gone through physical therapy for tendonitis in my elbow and was amazed at the quality of care I received. So, while I wrote physical therapy, all of my friends wrote astronaut or professional football player. Needless to say, I don’t have any friends in the NFL, nor do I know any who work for NASA. Now, I can honestly say working at Summit Physical Therapy has offered me the opportunity to pursue a career path I’ve been interested in since I was 11 years old in the sixth grade and I feel blessed to be here. I enjoy working with all of the patients and look forward to providing the best possible care to everyone who walks through our door.”

Elisha Plesich received her B.S. in Exercise Science in 2002 from Mount Union College and her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2004 from West Virginia University. She worked as a chiropractic assistant for more than two years before pursuing her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting. She joined Summit Physical Therapy in 2010 as a PTA student in the Follansbee office and has been working at the Weirton clinic for the past eight years.

“My interest in physical therapy began when I was undergoing rehab for a high school athletics injury. I saw such a benefit from physical therapy and chose this career to help others and see their lives transformed. It is a blessing to work in a family-oriented and casual, yet professional, environment at Summit Physical Therapy.”

Elisha spends her personal time with her husband of 11 years, Andrew, and daughter, Olivia. She is an advocate for fitness and wellness with her dedication to running and weight lifting.

Sara Soubie began her physical therapy career as an aide before earning her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from the Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus in 2015. She was the vice president, and one of the top graduates, in her class.

She has been working in the field for close to eight years in a variety of physical therapy settings including acute care and inpatient hospital rehab, along with skilled care and outpatient orthopedic rehab. She has also worked with a variety of patients from pediatrics to seniors.

Sara joined the Summit Physical Therapy team in March 2018 and works in the McMurray, PA, and Weirton, WV, clinics. Sara knows how it feels to be on the patient side after having two surgeries on her right knee, which resulted in extensive physical therapy. From this experience she feels she truly understands and cares for her patients and enjoys helping them feel their best and seeing their improvements along the way.

In Sara’s free time, she loves to stay active. She enjoys all areas of fitness and spending quality time with her black lab, Tucker.

Kelly Ates graduated cosmetology school in 2008 from Beaver Falls Beauty Academy. She worked in a salon for five years while also taking front office/receptionist classes. After having her second child, and working many late shifts, she decided to take some time off to raise her children.

She joined Summit Physical Therapy in the spring of 2014 and began as a receptionist/aide, working in the Weirton, Chester and New Cumberland clinics. She is now manages the front office in New Cumberland.

Kelly is married and has two children. She is a sports mom, participating in all of her kids activities and also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Melissa Bowlen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Liberty University in 2004. Upon graduation Melissa gained many years of work experience in the Administrative field.

Melissa is one of our newest team members at Summit Physical Therapy, joining our staff in September 2018.  She works in the Weirton, WV, clinic as an Administrative Assistant.

Some of her main job functions include greeting patients, verifying insurance benefits, general customer service support. In her spare time Melissa enjoys spending time with her son Beau, walking her dog, Aspen, and watching West Virginia University football games.

Britt Fresa received her B.S. in Public Relations in 1994 from West Virginia University and moved to the Pittsburgh area shortly thereafter. She has worked in large healthcare/health insurance companies for the majority of her 25-year career as a communications specialist, writer, website designer, event planner and administrative professional.

She joined Summit Physical Therapy in 2011 as an aide and then moved into the role of receptionist and finally, office manager. Her role includes communications, front office work, reporting, account follow up and web content management.

“I have worked in many different environments throughout my career and can finally say I am at home at Summit Physical Therapy. While I do not physically treat the patients who walk through our door, I do consider them my patients from an administrative perspective and do my best to answer their questions about insurance benefits, billing and general knowledge about our company. It’s a joy getting to know them and their families as they relax into their treatment routine. I’m happy to be a part of their journey with us.”

In Britt’s personal time she is a freelance writer for INCommunity Magazines. She has interviewed and written more than 60 articles on residents in and around the Pittsburgh area and enjoys helping them tell their stories of triumph, perseverance and community engagement.

Diana Mays has worked in the business sector in Chester, WV, for many years. She has held several receptionist positions while her children were young but began working permanently as front office staff at Summit Physical therapy in November 2014.

She is adept at handling many administrative skills, including benefit verification, and A/R follow up, as well as helping in the gym when needed.

“I really like the atmosphere at Summit and especially the patient interaction. It’s so nice to see everyone with a smile on their face, when the walk in and when they leave. That’s how I know they’re getting excellent care with us.”

Her spare time is spent with her husband, family and friends.

Sarah Nett began working at Summit Physical Therapy in 2017. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying middle childhood education. Previous to joining Summit, she worked for 10 years with a large pediatrics practice where she trained new office employees, managed the employee schedule, and assisted in billing and accounts.

Sarah currently assists the Summit billing manager in the Weirton office on insurance payments and denials, as well as working aged accounts. Sarah is enjoying the new challenge of learning the ins and outs of insurance contracting.

Sarah is a married mother of three active children ages 13, 11, and 10. In her spare time she enjoys vacations to the beach with her family and friends and volunteering with the local youth sports and cheerleading organizations. Sarah is currently the head middle school cheerleading adviser in her home town.

“Working at Summit has been a wonderful experience. From the second I stepped through the doors every employee made me feel as if I had known them my entire life. The past year has flown by and I look forward to spending many more years with the Summit family.”

Chelsea Stevens received her B.S. in Fashion Merchandising/Business Administration from West Virginia University in May 2011. Upon graduation, she worked in the billing department for a large company specializing in workers comp injuries and rehab services.

Chelsea began working at Summit Physical Therapy in October of 2014 as the Administrative Service Manager in business office in Weirton, WV. Some of her main job functions include: credentialing, accounts payable/receivable, preparing payroll, and providing general support to staff and patients at all five Summit locations.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her Pomeranian, Connor, her two nephews; Jaxson and Miles, attending WVU football/basketball games, biking and exercise.

Michael Mitchell joined Summit Physical Therapy as an intern in the spring of 2014.  After completing his internship and receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from West Liberty University that same spring, Michael joined the Summit staff as a physical therapy aide. Michael’s positive attitude and friendly nature, combined with his experience and education with exercise performance, make him an invaluable team member as well as a patient favorite.

Since he began working for Summit, Michael has developed a passion for physical therapy.  He has completed all of his prerequisite courses, and hopes to enroll in graduate school for physical therapy next fall.

In his free time, Michael enjoys working out at the gym and spending time with his girlfriend and their puppy, Arlo.

Brian Wolfe attended Marietta College in Ohio and obtained his degree in Allied Health, Sports Medicine as well as a Certificate in Leadership and Business. After graduating, Brian worked for one of his college professors in an off-campus sports medicine clinic for about a year.  He later moved to Cambridge, Ohio, where he worked with the late James, D. Chlovechok, M.D., and his amazing staff at Ohio Sports Medicine Institute for approximately six years.

While in Ohio, he also worked for a Level 3 lockdown behavioral health facility for minors at Pomegranate Health Care Systems as a Residential Counselor and initiated a physical fitness program for the residents to be able to achieve the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Brian moved back to Western PA in 2007 to be closer to family and continue working in the outpatient medical/therapy setting. He joined Summit Physical Therapy in 2018 and works primarily in the Chester clinic.

Brian has been training athletes, and non-athletes, for roughly eight years in individual settings, as well as team and group class settings. He enjoys family, friends, sports, working out, reading, playing cards, and music of all types. He’s even trained the winner of a Toughman Competition (amateur boxing) in Parkersburg, WV.