Physical Therapists
Kristen White, PT, Clinical Director
Kristen graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in 1996. Kristen is a specially trained therapist who has been dedicated to treating patients with neck/back pain and headaches for over 10 years. She utilizes manual therapy skills that include joint mobilization, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, and muscle energy, as well incorporating postural education and core stabilization exercises. She developed our Back School and participated in the development of the FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) Program. Kristen enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing, boating, hiking, and walking her black lab.
Andrea Hrynchuk, PT
Andrea graduated from the University of Vermont with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in 1984. During her many years of practice, Andrea has acquired valuable additional therapeutic skills, including certification as a personal fitness instructor and as a resource in the field of sports nutrition. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast active in running, cycling, kayaking, hiking, downhill and XC skiing. She participates in events from 5Ks to marathons and sprint distance triathlons and volunteers time at the Boston Marathon medical tent, coaching youth sports and refereeing hockey. Andrea lives in Barrington with her two children.
Jennifer Halstead, MS, PT
Jen completed both her undergraduate and graduate training at Northeastern University in Boston. She earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. Jen has been a therapist with the Access team since 2001. In addition to working in sports medicine, Jen has brought her knowledge and experience from working as a part-time homecare Physical Therapist since 2004 to our clinic. Her background working with cancer, heart surgery, stroke, transplant, and total joint replacement patients greatly vary her knowledge base. Jen’s experience makes her a very well rounded PT; however she does have a special interest in treating shoulders, knees, and correcting deviations in gait. She particularly enjoys working with runners and athletes returning to sport. In her free time, Jen stays busy traveling, boating, snowmobiling, and running.
Annie Ruffus, PT, DPT, CSCS
Annie graduated from the Physical Therapy Doctorate program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2007. Prior to her PT education, Annie completed MS coursework in exercise physiology at Springfield College and received her BS from Tufts University. In addition, Annie is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine. Her interests in physical therapy lie in shoulder and knee rehabilitation and research. Outside of the clinic Annie is a passionate skier, cyclist, windsurfer and runner who understands the important role that sports play in people’s lives and is dedicated to returning athletes of all ages back to their game.
Maura McQuillen, MPT
Maura graduated from Notre Dame College in 2001 with her Masters degree in Physical Therapy. Maura has focused her time as a physical therapist evaluating and treating patients in the orthopedic practice setting with her concentration on addressing mechanical disorders of the spine. She enjoys continuing her education with courses focusing on manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, as well as, treatment and evaluation of complex spines to help restore patients to maximum function. Maura also spent time in the academic setting as a teaching assistant at the MGH Institute of Health Professions for the first year students enrolled in the doctoral program for semester course work during 2005-2007. She is certified by the APTA as a clinical instructor for students preparing to enter the profession with their internships. She enjoys hiking and skiing outside of work.
Lucas Martin, MSPT
Lucas obtained his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Husson University in Bangor, Maine. His thesis work dealt with improving the quality of gait in patients with Parkinson’s Disease and was published in the journal of Physical Therapy (Febuary, 06). Upon graduating in 2003, Lucas embarked on a seven year span of traveling physical therapy jobs across the U.S. He worked in all areas of patient care and specifically enjoyed his time in the Pacific Northwest. He has experience in manual therapy, specifically the New Zealand Mulligan approach. He has joined other therapists at Access in his training to perform FCE’s (work evaluations) for patients eager to return to work following an injury. During his free time Lucas enjoys tennis, running, backpacking and snowboarding.
Rick Madden, PTA
Rick is a graduate from Becker College. He assisted in the development of our Back School and teaches the class the 4th Wednesday of every month where educates patients on the anatomy of the spine, proper body mechanics and corrective posture. He is educated and experienced with myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, kenesio taping, Mcconnell taping, along with other treatment techniques. He has 7+ years experience here at Access treating post-operative and sports related injuries. He enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Michelle R Higgins, PTA
Michelle graduated from Becker College in 1994 as a Physical Therapy Assistant & has worked in a wide range of settings. She has experience in pediatrics, aquatics, neurological rehabilitation, and specializes in general orthopaedics and sports medicine. Michelle earned a Personal Trainer Certification through ACE in 1999 & obtained her Graston Technique Certification in 2010. Her hobbies include triathlons, mountain biking, downhill skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and roller-blading.
Tyler Swett, ATC
Tyler graduated from Plymouth State University in 2006 where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. While at Plymouth, Tyler had the opportunity to work with a variety of athletic teams including football, wrestling, field hockey, and lacrosse. He also has two years experience working in a high school setting with numerous high school athletes.
Russell Wheeler, DPT
Russ graduated from Columbia University in 2010, receiving a Doctorate of Physical Therapy with his clinical specialty in Orthopedics. During his graduate education, Russ received supplementary training in the areas of Mulligan manual techniques, cervicogenic pain, rehabilitation of sport injuries, and management of foot & ankle disorders. As a student, he performed extensive research in the areas of lateral epicondylalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy and adhesive capsulitis. Russ completed his undergraduate studies at the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 2006 with his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology. During his time there, he participated in several internships for strength and conditioning, sport performance and cardiac rehabilitation. In his personal time, Russ enjoys weightlifting, racquetball, football and ultimate frisbee.
Andrea Murray, DPT
Andrea graduated from the Physical Therapy Doctorate program at Husson University in Bangor, Maine in 2008. Prior to working at Access Sports Medicine she worked in a small hospital setting located in Maine where she gained experience in orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation, sports medicine and wound care. Andrea has a special interest in treating shoulder, knee and ankle injuries. During her free time Andrea is a volunteer firefighter and enjoys playing soccer, running, fishing and spending time outdoors.
