Meet Our Staff Members
Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Elkins, WV
Chad Shoemaker – Physical Therapy Assistant/Co-Owner
Chad Shoemaker began his career at Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic in 1996. He became a co-owner in January of 2012. He graduated from Elkins High School and earned his baccalaureate at Davis & Elkins College. He completed the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Fairmont State. Chad specializes in Orthopedic Rehabilitation and treating sports-related injuries. He serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA and is a proud member of the Tygart Valley Lodge 66 IOOF. He spends his free time with his wife, Christie, and his girls, Sara and Sophie.
John DiBacco – Physical Therapist/Co-Owner
In 1998, John DiBacco began his career at Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic. John became a co-owner in January of 2012. He is a proud Elkins High School graduate. He earned his baccalaureate at West Virginia University and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Slippery Rock University. John is certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), work conditioning, and ASTYM. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and specializes in Orthopedic Rehabilitation. John spends his free time with his wife, Erin, and his boys, Michael and Ryan, and is an active and involved Boy Scout Leader. He is a member of Saint Brendan Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Allison D’Angelo – Co-Owner
Allison D’Angelo began her career with Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic as a receptionist in 1999. She began working with us full-time in October of 2007. Allison is a graduate of Elkins High School and Regis College. She oversees the business office and fills in for Amy and Jane. Allison is a member of the Saint Brendan Catholic Church and enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Jacob, and their two children, Lauren and Lucas.
Gwen Kerns – Physical Therapist
Gwen Kerns has worked with Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic as a physical therapist since January of 2013. She is a graduate of the West Virginia University Physical Therapy Program and has over 30 years of experience in the field – primarily in Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Manual Therapy. Gwen is a professional Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling Therapist. Her patients have significantly benefited from her expertise in dry needling therapy. Gwen loves boating, as well as spending time with her family, including her husband, Gary, and children, Alissa and Jared.
Vanessa Bennett – Physical Therapist
Vanessa Bennett has been a physical therapist at Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic since 2009. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Shenandoah University. Vanessa is ASTYM certified. She specializes in providing manual therapy for post-operative patients, as well as treating a wide range of athletic injuries. Vanessa loves to spend her down time with her husband, Darren, and their two children, Claire and Delaney. She is an active member of the National Ski Patrol and spends most winter weekends at Timberline Four Seasons Resort.
Linda Mallow – Physical Therapy Assistant
Linda Mallow began her career at Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic in 1991 as a physical therapy aide. In 1998, she graduated with honors from Fairmont State University’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Linda loves working with her patients and helping them on their road to recovery.
Anita Thompson – Physical Therapy Assistant
Anita Thompson joined the Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic family in August of 2013. She is a 2002 graduate of the Fairmont State University’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program, where she also received her baccalaureate Psychology Degree in 2006. Anita’s career focus has been treating our orthopedic and geriatric patients. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two children. Anita is an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Coalton, as well as the Roaring Creek Lions Club.
Amy Knavenshue – Office Manager
Amy, our amazing receptionist, joined Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic in March of 2000. She is a wife, a mother to two children, and a grandmother, as well. Amy knows every patient’s name and keeps the office running smoothly.