Our Staff

Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates has physical therapists, occupational therapists and athletic trainers on staff to serve our patients.

Donald G. Miller, Jr, DPT, MSPT, BSPT, OCS, Cert SMT, CSCS
Company Owner and President

Dr. Miller graduated from The Chicago Medical School University of Health Sciences in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy. After completing his degree, he worked in the Chicago area as a physical therapist and in 1987 received his Certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. While in Chicago, Dr. Miller worked in an outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine clinic located in a large fitness center that served as the Chicago Bull's training complex. During this time, Dr. Miller also served as a strength and conditioning consultant to the Chicago Black Hawks of the NHL and provided physical therapy services for the general public, several Olympic athletes, and members of Chicago's NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL franchises.

1n 1990, Dr. Miller relocated to Menlo Park, CA., where he managed an out patient orthopedic physical therapy center and served as the team physical therapist for the San Jose Sharks of the NHL. While in Menlo Park he continued to work with many Olympic and professional athletes.

Dr. Miller moved to Shelby, North Carolina and founded Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates in 1994. His goal was to provide Cleveland County with the best rehabilitation services possible. To achieve this he set about developing a staff with an exceptional combination of education, clinical skill and heart for service. In addition, he reached out to the community by working closely with area high schools helping them to hire qualified athletic trainers and develop athletic training programs. Dr. Miller and his staff also work closely with the staff of Garner-Webb University's Athletic Training Program to assist in providing care for student athletes, clinical experience for students, an annual scholarship, and support for the Athletic Training Program. In 2001, the Cleveland County Board of Education commended Dr. Miller for his devoted service to and support of the welfare of student athletes stating that the lives he had touched are a tribute to the positive influence of high school athletics.

During the past 21 years, Dr. Miller has completed numerous continuing education courses in the area of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Sports Medicine, including a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Dr. Miller is Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association. Only 2 percent of physical therapists nationwide have earned the OCS distinction. To be a board certified specialist is recognition of advanced skill and knowledge relating to orthopedic physical therapy. In addition, Dr. Miller is also certified in Spinal Manipulative Therapy by the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy.

Education:

1. BS in Physical Therapy, The Chicago Medical School
2. MS in Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University
3. Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University
4. University of Southern Illinois

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, Inc., Shelby, NC
2. Rehab Concepts, Inc., Shelby NC
3. Baxter Health Care Corporation, Chicago, IL

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
2. American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Section
3. American Physical Therapy Association - Private Practice Section
4. National Strength & Conditioning Association, NSCA

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC
2. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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Anita Brennan, MPT

Anita earned her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Elon College, graduating in the Class of 2000. She has clinical experience treating orthopedic, neurological, and occupational dysfunctions.

Anita's background as a dance educator with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and as a fitness instructor gives her a well-rounded foundation in body mechanics and kinesthetic and postural awareness. Often she incorporates these in her patient's treatment plans. Since joining the CPTA staff, Anita has pursued numerous continuing education opportunities to further sharpen her manual therapy skills.

Education:

1. BA in Dance/Drama, East Carolina University
2. NC Teachers Licensure in Dance Education, University of North Carolina
3. MS in Physical Therapy, Elon College

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, Inc., Shelby, NC
2. Carolinas Physical Therapy Network, Charlotte, NC
3. Mercy Hospital, Acute Care, Charlotte, NC
4. Piedmont Hand Therapy and Rehab Center, Gastonia, NC
5. St. George Physical Therapy, Charlotte, NC
6. Mercy Center for Outpatient Rehab (PT Tech), Charlotte, NC

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association, APTA

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC

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April Cannon, MPT

A highly-motivated and skilled clinician, April joined the CPTA team in 2003. She has pursued many post-graduate educational opportunities, including coursework for Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) from the Institute of Physical Art in Steamboat Springs, CO and specialization in Pediatrics.

In addition to evaluating and treating dysfunctions of the pelvis, spine, and extremities, April is also Blankenship Certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations, or FCE. An FCE is a comprehensive test which involves a thorough musculoskeletal exam as well as an assessment of a person's ability to perform work simulation and functional tasks. This test helps to determine the level at which that person may return to work after an injury.

April is a former lifeguard, swim instructor, and Special Olympics Coach for snowshoeing, basketball, and swimming. In her free time, April enjoys competing in triathlons, swimming, cycling, and running.

Education:

1. BS in Biology, Western Carolina University
2. MS in Physical Therapy, Western Carolina University

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, Inc., Shelby, NC
2. Mountain Home Physical Therapy, Mountain Home, ID
3. St. Luke's Hospital, Boise, ID

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association, APTA

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC
2. Certified Blankenship Evaluator, Functional Capacity Evaluation

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Rhonda Cornwell, MPT, OCS

Rhonda has been a PT since 1998, working in the outpatient setting. She has attended numerous continuing education seminars to expand her clinical skills in treatment of the spine and extremities. In 2005, she became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association. Only 2 percent of physical therapists nationwide have earned this distinction. To be a board certified specialist is recognition of advanced skill and knowledge relating to orthopedic physical therapy.

Rhonda has a long history of commitment to service. At a young age, she discovered the relationship between helping others and contentment. Since that time, she has devoted many of her resources toward learning how to enhance lives. Whether it’s with groups of older adults, personal in-home care, wellness programs, or through physical therapy, Rhonda’s dedication to her patients is unmistakable.

Rhonda desires to further her education by earning additional certifications and plans to pass on her knowledge and experience one day through teaching.

Education:

1. BS in Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2. MS in Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, Shelby, NC
2. Caromont Rehab and Sports Medicine, Gastonia, NC
3. Optima Therapies, Lincolnton, NC

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC
2. Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, APTA

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Mark Miele, MPT, CSCS

Mark Miele is a full time physical therapist for CPTA. Upon graduation from UNC Chapel Hill, Mark worked for a regional hospital doing inpatient and outpatient orthopedic therapy. He also has experience in personal training and strength conditioning, helping patients achieve their maximum potential.

Mark is presently working toward board certification in orthopedics and is board eligible for certification in geriatrics through APTA. He plans to pursue his doctorate in physical therapy and has a desire to become a certified functional manual physical therapist.

Mark has made several professional presentations in the clinical, legal and educational settings, and has an ongoing interest in research and new technology. Understanding that physical intervention is only part of a patient's course of treatment, Mark seeks to encourage his patients with the love of Christ.

Education:

1. BA in Education, Florida Atlantic University
2. MS in Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates
2. Rehab Care Group, Gastonia, NC
3. Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia, NC
4. Various PRN experience in skilled nursing facilities

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
2. University of North Carolina Physical Therapy Alumni Association

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC
2. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
3. Credential Clinic Instructor
4. Certified Personal Trainer

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Mary Ann Rogers, PT, CSCS

Has been a member of the CPTA staff since 1997 and has more than 24 years of experience in the physical therapy field. She specializes at Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates in treating women's health issues such as pelvic floor dysfunctions and osteoporosis. In addition, Mary Ann has extensive knowledge of manual therapy and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

As an outdoor enthusiast, Mary Ann enjoys hiking, camping, running, and yard work. She is the mother of two active boys. She is also involved in teaching middle school Sunday School and volunteers as a tutor at Shelby Middle School.

Education:

1. BS in Physical Therapy, Medical College of Georgia
2. North Georgia College

Professional Experience:

1. Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates
2. Cleveland Regional Medical center, Shelby, NC

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association
2. National Strength & Conditioning Association, NSCA

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist, State of NC
2. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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Dr. Erik Vranesh, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC

Erik Vranesh works full time in outpatient physical therapy. After graduating from California State University Dominguez Hills with a BS in athletic training, he pursued a degree in physical therapy and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2003. Following graduation, he worked in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice and was the head athletic trainer for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in California. His interests lie in orthopedics and sports physical therapy as well as clinical instruction.

In 2007, Eric became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association. Only 2 percent of physical therapists nationwide have earned this distinction. To be a board certified specialist is recognition of advanced skill and knowledge relating to orthopedic physical therapy.

Education:

1. BS in Athletic Training, California State University at Dominguez Hills
2. Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California

Professional Experience:

1. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills, CA
2. Kern and Associates Physical Therapy, West Los Angeles, CA
3. Veterans Affairs Hospital, West Los Angeles, CA
4. Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance, CA
5. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
6. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA

Professional Affiliations:

1. American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
2. National Athletic Training Association, NATA

Licensure:

1. Licensed Physical Therapist
2. Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, APTA
3. Certified Emergency Medical Technician
4. Certified Athletic Trainer

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Laura Wellmon, MPT

After graduating from Western Carolina University and getting married in August 2004, Laura Wellmon began working full-time for Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates in September 2004. She has a passion for manual therapy and plans to become an Orthopedic Certified Specialist.

Education:

Professional Experience:

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Licensure:

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Michael Newton, PTA

A native of Cleveland County and graduate of Crest High School, Mike joined CPTA in 2001 as a Physical Therapy Technician. In 2006, he entered Central Piedmont Community College's Physical Therapy Assistant program while continuing to work at CPTA part-time. Upon graduation, Mike returned to CPTA full-time as a licensed PTA.

Education:

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Professional Affiliations:

Licensure:

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