Rehabilitation & Fitness Staff

	Jana C Watts, MD Dr Watts graduated from Boston University and then received her medical degree from East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine in 2000. She then came to Asheville to complete her Family Medicine Residency and sports medicine training at Mountain Area Health Education Center MAHEC. She serves as one of the team physicians for UNCA athletics. She enjoys taking care of both student and recreational athletes.

	Mike Heilig, PT, OCS, Manager Mike graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1991 with a BS in Physical Therapy. He earned certification as a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2001 and was recertified in 2011. This certification recognizes advanced proficiency in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Mike enjoys helping athletes and active people of every age to continue doing the things they love.

	Jessa Brown, PT, WCS, CLT Jessa is certified as a Women's Health Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is a lymphedema specialist through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. She completed the Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency program at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC (2009/2010). She attained her Masters in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC (2008). She specializes in men and women's health, providing rehabilitation services for pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain), prenatal and postpartum concerns, oncologic issues/lymphedema, and osteoporosis. She also provides pediatric rehabilitation services for pelvic floor dysfunction. She is a member of the following organizations: American Physical Therapy Association's Oncology and Women's Health sections, National Vulvodynia Association, and the International Children's Continence Society.

	Krista Kelly, PT Krista graduated from Andrews University in 1989. Her areas of interest include sports medicine and biomechanics of the lower extremity. Krista makes custom orthotics to improve the function of all patients whether elite athlete or casual walker.
	Eric Lahue, PT Eric received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University in 2004 where he also became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and began working with clients developing and implementing sport specific strength and conditioning programs. He utilizes a variety of manual therapy techniques that he has been exposed to through continuing education courses and his diverse years of experience as a traveling contract therapist. Eric enjoys helping people, from high level athletes to seniors, return to activity at their maximum potential.
	Steve Mendelson, PT Steve graduated from Western Carolina University in 2000 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. Steve has taken numerous continuing education courses with an emphasis on the utilization of manual therapy techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries.

	Thomas Minton, PT, Cert. MDT, C.E.E.S Thomas graduated from Indiana University in 1997. He is a USA Cycling Level II Coach, certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) though the McKenzie Institute, and a Certified Ergonomics Evaluation Specialist (C.E.E.S.). Thomas specializes in sports-related injuries and performance improvement specific to endurance athletes including cyclists and runners.

	Emily Sansbury, PT Emily graduated from Emory University in 1989 with a Masters of Physical Therapy degree. Emily is a certified Lymphadema therapist specializing in Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy, and is nationally certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). Emily is currently pursuing advanced certification in pelvic physical therapy, the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, including the areas of urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

	Glenna Sears-Brinker, PT, WCS Glenna graduated from Western Carolina University in 2000 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. With the distinction of Magna Cum Laude she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from University of North Carolina in Asheville in 1998. As an out-patient physical therapist she treats orthopedic issues of the upper extremities, the lower extremities and the spine. However, she specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the pelvis for men and women by providing rehabilitation service for incontinence, pelvic pain, prenatal/postpartum issues, scar tissue impairments associated with abdominal, urologic or gynecologic surgery and dysfunctions associated with osteoporosis. She earned recognition for this specialization as a Women's Health Certified Specialist in 2011 from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Glenna's professional memberships include the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTA Section of Women's Health, the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women's Health, the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, and the International Pelvic Pain Society.

	Rachael Shoffner, PT Rachael graduated from Western Carolina University in 2009 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She has an interest in manual therapy techniques to assist with recovery from pain and injury. She is also an avid cyclist, reader, and gardener and enjoys traveling. Rachael loves adventure, be it big or small, and is passionate about helping people recover so they can move on to undertake their own adventures.

	Melanie Sutton, PT, DPT, MHS, GCS, CLT Melanie graduated from the University of Tennessee -Chattanooga with her B.S. in Physical Therapy in 1994. She earned her Masters in Health Sciences from Western Carolina University in 2000 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2004. She was certified as a Geriatric Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and as a lymphedema therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2007. She specializes in the practice areas of geriatrics, lymphedema and women's health. Melanie is currently pursuing advanced practice certification in Pelvic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association's Section on Women's Health.