Locations
Watertown, CT
Southbury, CT
Prospect, CT
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Phone: (959) 209-4318
Fax: (959) 209-4336
Voted "Best Physical Therapy"
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023
Maryann Mancini, DPT, OCS
Co-Owner, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
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Dr. Maryann Mancini has been practicing since January 2010. She graduated first in her 2007 undergraduate class at Quinnipiac University, with the highest scholastic standing of any of her peers. She received the Health Science Alumni Association Award and the President’s Scholarship Award. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in 2009. Maryann is also an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association. She is a Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner as well as an Impact Trained Physical Therapist. She has extensive experience in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Additionally, Maryann has been an adjunct professor of Human Anatomy to the Physician Assistant program at Quinnipiac University since 2015 and has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Hartford's Physical Therapy Program.
Maryann resides in Watertown and loves spending time with her family and friends. She is a sports enthusiast, thoroughly enjoys spending her summers at the Jersey shore with her family, and is always eager to learn and advance her orthopedic knowledge.
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Email: mm@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Amber Hayes, DPT
Co-Owner, Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Amber Hayes has been practicing since February 2013. She graduated first in her undergraduate class at Quinnipiac University in 2010, earning the Health Science Association Award, having the highest scholastic standing in her class. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in 2013. She has earned several advanced certifications, including being a Kinesiotaping, Graston and ImPact Trained provider. She has years of experience in both outpatient Orthopedic and subacute care. She provides exceptional care and has passion for the treatment of patients with chronic pain and osteopathic treatment techniques.
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Amber is a native to Connecticut and enjoys the New England life style. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She demonstrates enthusiasm about progressing her orthopedic knowledge, but when not learning she enjoys volleyball and running.
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Email: ah@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Cherie Stankus, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Cherie Stankus has been practicing since July 2016. Cherie first attended the University of Rhode Island where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Cherie then completed her graduate studies at Boston University receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016. Cherie spent her first few years practicing in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in the Boston area. During her time there, Cherie focused her continuing education on the spine, completing Part A of the McKenzie Method in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. She was also a volunteer with Boston Children's Hospital's program, the Adventure Challenge, which matches children with special health care needs and/or disabilities with trained volunteers to exercise in the community. In the summer of 2019, Cherie returned to her home state of Connecticut and began practicing at Connect Physical Therapy. Her leadership in the clinic and with patients has been impressive and she has served as clinic manager since January 2022.
Outside of the clinic, Cherie has been enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with family as well as explore the beautiful trails that Connecticut has to offer. She is looking forward to continuing her education of the spine through The McKenzie Institute education program in addition to expanding her general orthopedic knowledge.
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Email: cs@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Marisa Castiglia, DPT, AIB-VR/CON
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Marisa Castiglia graduated in December 2021 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Marisa first attended the University of Hartford where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. She then attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Marisa was inducted into the National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society which recognizes students who are in the top 25% of their graduating class and who demonstrate the core values of the physical therapy profession. She continues to advance her clinical knowledge, and is a certified vestibular specialist. Marisa was formerly a competitive cheerleader where she found her love for physical therapy from being a frequent patient where she saw first-hand how impactful physical therapists can be.
Marisa is originally from New Jersey and moved to Connecticut after graduating from Marist. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She also enjoys spending summer days at the Jersey shore and attending Yankees baseball games. Marisa is looking forward to expanding her orthopedic knowledge at Connect Physical Therapy.
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Email: mc@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Rachel Crosby, DPT, LAT, ATC
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Rachel Crosby earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in August 2023 from Quinnipiac University. Rachel was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society which recognizes students who are in the top 20% of their graduating class. She also attended Quinnipiac University for her undergraduate studies where she received her degree in Athletic Training, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While earning her doctorate degree Rachel enjoyed teaching as a graduate assistant in QU’s Athletic Training Program and providing emergency medical care at various high school sporting events.
Rachel is a Connecticut native. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, horseback riding and participating in CrossFit classes. Rachel was a physical therapy student at Connect Physical Therapy and is excited to officially become part of the team. She is eager to expand her orthopedic knowledge and to help others improve their quality of life.
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Email: rc@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Sarah Hale, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy​
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With 8 years of experience as an outpatient physical therapist, Dr. Sarah Hale has developed a deep expertise in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, with specialized training in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Holding both the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) designation, Sarah brings a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to patient care.
Dr. Hale is also certified in Dry Needling, utilizing this effective modality to address myofascial pain and promote healing. With additional training in McKenzie Method (MDT) for the treatment of back and neck pain, she is skilled in managing complex spinal conditions, providing individualized treatment plans to help patients regain mobility and reduce pain.
Her clinical interests include working with military personnel and athletes, especially those in track and field. Understanding the unique demands of these populations, Sarah uses a combination of hands-on therapy, strengthening protocols, and performance-focused rehabilitation to help individuals return to peak performance after injury or surgery.
Outside of the clinic, Sarah is passionate about cosplay, often spending time crafting intricate costumes and attending conventions. She also enjoys the company of three beloved cats, including a Maine Coon and two Sphynx, who keep her entertained and grounded after a busy day of treating patients.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or working to enhance your athletic performance, Dr. Sarah Hale is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with personalized, high-quality care.
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Email: hales@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Stephanie Genest, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Stephanie Genest graduated from MCPHS University in 2016 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Stephanie has continued her education with numerous certifications and educational courses including : Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Dry Needling Level 1, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, Selective Functional Movement Screen practitioner, Pre and Post-partum Strength and Conditioning Specialist, The Science of Running practitioner and USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach. Stephanie has a passion for weightlifting and strength sports and is experienced in working with a variety of high level athletes, which gives her unique insight into the mechanics of the human body. Her motivation as a Physical Therapist is to promote “good movement throughout life.” She has experience in various outpatient facilities and acute rehab.
Outside the office, Stephanie enjoys CrossFit, running, and exploring the mountains of New England. She hopes to share her passion for fitness and adventure with her daughters. A native of Torrington, Stephanie now lives in Prospect next to a Christmas tree farm with her family and is a lover of New Haven style pizza!
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Email: sg@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Stephanie Johnson, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
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Stephanie earned her Associate’s in Science from NVCC after graduating from the Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2018. Stephanie first attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science and Sport Performance. During her time at ECSU, she was a collegiate softball player receiving both conference and regional recognitions. Stephanie has strong interests working with athletes, post-operative patients, and orthopedic musculoskeletal conditions. Stephanie enjoys sharing her passion for movement and connecting with people of all backgrounds while helping to improve their quality of life.
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Stephanie is a Connecticut native. In her free time she enjoys staying active with weight training, softball and volleyball leagues, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Rocco. Stephanie is looking forward to expanding her orthopedic and clinical knowledge at Connect Physical Therapy.
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Email: sj@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Crystal Natalino, DPT, NASM-CPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Crystal Natalino, DPT, NASM-CPT is a licensed physical therapist and NASM certified personal trainer. Crystal graduated from Quinnipiac University with her doctorate in 2008, when she began her career in the outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine setting. In addition to 11 years experience working in the outpatient PT setting, Crystal also has 11 years home care experience, with a period of overlap working in both settings simultaneously. In 2020, Crystal became certified through NASM as a personal trainer and nutrition coach.
Crystal is a CT native who is now settled in Prospect with her husband and two sons. Crystal was a gymnast who discovered her love for PT while being treated for various musculoskeletal injuries in her senior year of high school. Crystal is a fitness enthusiast with a strong background in yoga, aerial fitness, and CrossFit. Crystal most enjoys walking outdoors during the warmer months, cooking, and spending time with her family.
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Email: cn@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Jaime Simard, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Email: simj@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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Evan Menze, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Evan Menze started his education at the University of Rhode Island earning his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology in 2017. He then went on to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UConn in 2020. He has been practicing in outpatient orthopedics since then and also in home care since 2021.Evan particularly enjoys working with athletes and post operative patients and making sure they feel heard and comfortable throughout their recovery. He has significant interest in treatment of the spine with certifications from the Mckenzie institute in both Lumbar and Cervical spine management. In addition he has taken multiple manual therapy courses including the use of dry needling for management of musculoskeletal issues. Evan prides himself in being able to work with patients of various backgrounds and spent much of his time while not at school working and volunteering with special needs populations.
Outside of the clinic Evan enjoys staying active and exploring the outdoors. He is an avid skier, and also enjoys playing ice hockey throughout the year. He enjoys sharing his passion for movement with patients and looks forward to expanding his knowledge and level of care while at Connect Physical therapy.
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Danielle McGuire, DPT, OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Dr. Danielle McGuire graduated in 2020 with her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Springfield College where she also obtained her undergraduate degree in Health Science with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders, graduating Summa Cum Laude. While in school, Danielle was inducted into the National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society which recognizes students who are in the top 25% of their graduating class and who demonstrate the core values of the physical therapy profession. Danielle began her first few years practicing in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Cromwell CT and then transitioned to working in an outpatient neurologic clinic in Wallingford CT. During her time there, Danielle obtained her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification as well as obtaining certifications in Dry Needling and further clinical education on Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMJ), Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, Graston Techniques and Vestibular and Concussion Management. Danielle has conducted research with Chronic Stroke patients as well as Chronic Pain patients with utilization of strength training as management.
Outside of the clinic, Danielle enjoys hiking throughout New England and traveling. She is looking forward to continuing her education of the spine through The McKenzie Institute education program in addition to expanding her orthopedic knowledge.
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Email: dm@connectphysicaltherapyllc.com
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