Advanced Center for Physical Therapy


We are proud to offer same day appointments! Pain doesn't wait. Why should you or your patient have to?

“Please help us
raise money to
build a well in
Africa, which
will provide
people with clean,
safe drinking
water. Thank you
for your help!”

*Jim Schmidt, PT, MBA, CEO*	I earned my BS in PT from the University of Florida in 1987 and my MBA from James Madison University in 2002. I have over 20 years of PT experience. I’ve worked in Sports Medicine with professionals and collegiate athletes in Boca Raton, FL. I was also the Sports Medicine Director for the Lewis Gale Hospital in Roanoke, VA. I worked for the Scandia Centrum Spine Center in C-ville, Martha Jefferson Home Care, and I was the Administrator for Atlantic Sports & Rehab. I really enjoy working with spine related problems and sports injuries or orthopaedic problems. Melissa and I opened our clinic almost 3 years ago. My mission is to glorify God in all I do and with all I have. Physical Therapy is an extension of this mission to help everyone who comes to me for relief from pain and improved functioning on a level that satisfies their goals and life’s enjoyments. I was born in Waukegan, IL and lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL for 12 years. Melissa and I have two boys (4 & 8). Because of my four back surgeries I feel I can empathize with my patients and understand the pain they are feeling. I can therefore prescribe the type of exercise and manual treatment that meets their needs, takes away their pain and restores their function.
Melissa Schmidt, PT, President	I’m a University of Florida graduate (1988) with a Bachelor in Physical Therapy. Go Gators! I have 6 years experience in out patient orthopaedics, 10 years in home care (Martha Jefferson) and 2 years in rehabilitation. I enjoy working with patients who suffer with low back pain. I have a strong background in neurological disorders. I became a physical therapist in order to assist people to regain their functional mobility and to be able to enjoy life again! Jim and I opened our clinic because we wanted to provide a service to our community by creating an environment where patients feel that they are listened to and cared for by the entire staff. I’m a native Floridian who is happy to now be living in VA! I’ve been married to Jim since 1988. I love college football (esp. UF Gators). We have 2 children, Derek and Patrick. I love hiking, being with my family and shopping at BMoss. We have a black lab named Harley. Working with our young staff keeps me on my toes.
Cheryl Marchiarullo, DPT	I graduated from Drexel University with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I love getting to know my patients and helping them return to the things they enjoy doing as quickly as possible after injury. I decided to go into physical therapy after a family experience showed me how significantly it can affect an individual’s life. I also believe very strongly (and research supports!) that physical activity positively impacts many areas of health and quality of life. At Drexel, I took elective coursework in management of low back pain and geriatric physical therapy, and I developed an interest in prevention and public health promotion. On a different note, I’m originally from NJ. Two of my years at Rutgers for undergrad the football team only won 3 games total. Now they’re nationally ranked! Go Scarlet Knights!
Karen Kupelian, DPT	I graduated from James Madison University with a BS in Exercise Science and a Minor in Nutrition. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University. I consider my specialties as a therapist to include feet and ankles, thoracic spine and pelvic disorders. My goal is to, as a former patient commented, be “both personable and professional” as I teach my patients to regain function and prevent further injury or injury recurrence. I relocated to Charlottesville from North Bethesda, MD. In my spare time I love to be outside hiking along skyline Drive. I’m also a semi-professional photographer. I love the Washington Redskins & Nationals and talking sports. “Did you see the game?”
Kristin McKillip, PTA	I grew up in Hurt, VA. I graduated from Tidewater Community College with my A.S.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant. I attended Virginia Tech and earned my B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Science. Before working at Advanced I worked for two years in Newport News at Mary Immaculate Hospital in outpatient rehab with a concentration in neurological disorders. Here at Advanced I’m currently building my interests and specialties in spine and pelvic disorders. I became a PTA to improve my patients’ quality of life and to help them return to their everyday activities as soon as possible. At Virginia Tech I played volleyball (I’m 6’2”), and met my husband, Ryan. We graduated together and have been happily married for 6 years. I love football season, especially VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL! GO HOKIES!
Carl Zovko, DPT	I graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a BA in Economics. I like helping people and I didn’t want to work behind a desk. As far as I was concerned it was either Physical Therapist or Firefighter and I’m not a fan of ladders so…. At Virginia Commonwealth University I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy. I am very interested in sports medicine, and working at ACPT is my first fulltime PT job. My wife Lindsey and I moved from Richmond to Charlottesville with our dog Phoebe. I enjoy hiking, basketball and golf. I’m a Redskins football and Duke basketball fanatic.
Alexandra Goehrig, Accounts Manager	I majored in Education at West Virginia University for two years. I am currently studying to earn my Bachelors in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix online. Before I came to Advanced I worked for two years as a retail/customer service employee for Gabriel Brothers and two years for Whitman Augusta as a property manager while at the same time working for Psychological Resources, Inc. as a front desk receptionist. I enjoy working at Advanced because I get to meet new patients and help them experience a smooth transition from the beginning of their treatment program to their full recovery. I am originally from Frederick, MD. My boyfriend, who graduated in May with a Masters in Social Studies Education, and I love living in Charlottesville. One day I hope to work with the police department and own a potbelly pig. Cosmo magazines, M&MS, and shoes are my weaknesses. GO MOUNTAINEERS! GO STEELERS!
Caroline Kirkman, Front Desk Receptionist	Hi I’m Caroline! I was born and raised in Glen Falls, NY. When I was 13 my family moved to Waynesboro where I attended Buffalo Gap high school and we’ve lived here ever since. Before working for Advanced I was in charge of payroll and billing for PD Interiors. I love the people at Advanced Center for PT—both the staff and the patients. This is a fun environment to work in—everyone is super fabulous! I have three wonderful kids: Brittany, Andrew and Brianna. We have an adopted dog named Brady, he’s a picapom. I like playing softball, I’m interested in photography and I love to cook with my kids.
Rachel Bean, Front Desk Receptionist	Hi I'm Rachel. I earned my A.A.S. in legal studies from Hagerstown Business College in Hagerstown, M.D.. I am currently getting my BA in Legal Studies through Kaplan University online. Before working with ACPT I worked for 2.5 years in a law office as a legal assistant. I really enjoy my job here. The whole staff is very friendly and our patients are great. I enjoy riding four wheelers, spending time with my boyfriend, Chris, and shopping. I love the color pink and my dog, Duke, who is an overweight beagle. I love the VT Hokies!
Pam Holden, Patient Representative	Hello, I’m Pam! Before I joined the Advanced team I was an RN for the Children’s Hospital bone marrow transplant unit and Nurse Manager for the medical-surgery floor at NE Baptist Hospital. I also worked as a Home Care nurse for 10 years, a Health Fair Coordinator at Martha Jefferson Hospital and I was Volunteer Coordinator for the Charlottesville SPCA. There are many things I enjoy about my job at ACPT. I love the great team spirit among our staff and I enjoy working for my good friends, Jim & Melissa. As a former patient, I’m able to meet new patients and share with them the great results that I experienced at ACPT. I’m here to encourage patients to meet their goals and complete their treatment programs. Personal trivia: I was born in Maine. I love lobster and the ocean. I clocked in a fastball at Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame at 25mph! I once babysat Conan O’Brien.
Anthony Gregoria, PT Aide	Although I was born in Tampa, FL—Go Buccaneers—most of my life has been spent in Charlottesville. I graduated from Bridgewater College in 2002 with a B.S. in Economics and Business. Currently, I am working on my Masters of Religion at Reformed Theological Seminary. I have never worked for a place that is as enthusiastic about their patients, or interested in friendships and the well-being of people as the staff here at Advanced Center for Physical Therapy. Fun Anthony facts? My identity, personality and facsimile have been stolen by the Walt Disney Worlds Corp on two occasions: 1) the creation of Buzz Light-year and 2) as my more commonly known alias—Mr. Incredible. It’s the Italian chin, baby! Besides my super-hero status, I am a self-proclaimed coffee, beer and wine snob… I mean aficionado.
Eric Pietryzk, PT Aide	I’m a James Madison University graduate with a BS in Sports Management and a Minor in Business. I’ve worked for Little Caesars, Valley Pool & Spa, Lawn Fighters, Nautilus, Phoenix Coyotes, and Satellite Auto glass before I began working for Advanced. The atmosphere here is great and I love my coworkers and the patients we see. I’m a Michigan native. My family is crazy. I like to eat and really appreciate it when patients bring us food. I enjoy playing the game Twister. I like anything sung by Patrick Swayze and I look like Tom Selleck when I grow a mustache.
Tricia Byers, PT Aide	I’ve lived all over the East coast with my family. I was homeschooled all my life and now I’m taking classes at Piedmont. I enjoy working at Advanced because I like interacting with people and exercising our patients. We have a really happy group of people here who are fun to work with. Personal trivia: I used to be a hip hop dancer, I enjoy playing with my black lab Petey, I like going to bike races, I play the piano and I compose music. I have considered a career in physical therapy and hope to gain some helpful experience here at Advanced.
Dana Luniewski, PT Aide	I recently graduated from Fluvanna County High School. Before coming to Advanced I worked at Building Blocks Child Care for 2 years. I really enjoyed working with the children. I love working at Advanced because everyone here is easy to get along with and everyone helps each other out. I really like working with our patients. In the fall I plan to attend Eastern Mennonite University to play softball. I hit the 1st home run out of the Orange County High School softball field. I love blue jolly ranchers, my sister is my best friend ever, I love photography, and I hold the record at my high school in poll vaulting.
Ashley Theado, PT Aide	I have a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from Longwood University. Before working with Advanced I was a personal trainer for two years at Sport & Health Club in Fredericksburg and for six months as a rehab tech at HealthSouth of Fredericksburg. The people at Advanced Center for Physical Therapy are great. Both the staff and patients are great to work with and learn from. I am engaged to be married in July of 2009. I moved to Charlottesville to be with my fiancé who is earning his Masters degree in education from UVA. I love sports, especially the Orioles and the Redskins. I also enjoy playing golf and tennis in my spare time.