Paul Bauer, PT, DPT, OCS, FAFS, FMR, CLT
Paul Bauer is the Owner and Director of Physical Therapy Specialists of Guilford. He graduated from the University Of Connecticut in 2000 and he was Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2002 and re-certified in 2012. Following Board Certification, Paul went on to subspecialize and attain certification in manual therapy, spine rehabilitation, sports injury prevention, and functional biomechanics. Paul further advanced his clinical expertise in 2008 by completing a year-long Fellowship in Functional Biomechanics at the Gray Institute, Adrian, Michigan.
Paul has worked as a physical therapist on the PGA tour, has served on a panel of national experts in the area of spine rehabilitation, lectures regularly to practicing physical therapists, and is a clinical instructor for several physical therapy programs in CT and around the country. In 2008, he was named Clinical Educator of the Year by the New England Consortium of Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education. He has recently established an Orthopedic Residency Program and is currently publishing original research in the areas of Regional Interdependence and Functional Biomechanics. In 2021, Paul received the Community Partner Award from Sacred Heart University in recognition of his work with doctoral students, post-doctoral residents, continuing education lectures, and research initiatives.
In addition to his professional service, Paul has served on various Boards of Directors for community schools and organizations, volunteers as a youth sports coach, and has provided dozens of educational programs for youth sports organizations and coaches in the areas of injury prevention and safe conditioning on a volunteer basis.
Paul and his wife live in Guilford, CT where they are raising their four children. They value time spent with their family and enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, and attending their children’s school and sporting events.
Eric Meoli, PT, DPT, OCS, FAFS, MTC, FMR
Eric joined Physical Therapy Specialists in 2012 after receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University. After completing a 2-year residency at Physical Therapy Specialists, Eric was promoted to Staff Physical Therapist in 2014. He was later promoted to Senior Physical Therapist and he now serves in the role of Assistant Director.
While in practice at Physical Therapy Specialists, Eric earned Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS), completed a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) from the Gray Institute, and received his Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) from Evidence in Motion. He is also certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue mobilization and completed coursework in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of spinal disorders with the McKenzie Institute.
As a Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Eric also coordinates clinical experiences for physical therapy students from Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac University, UCONN, and Stony Brook University as well as other programs from around the country.
In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife Stephanie, son Luco and daughter Lennon. They can be found boating, fishing, hiking, traveling and relaxing at the beach.
Michael Oriente, PT, DPT, OCS, FAFS, MTC
Clinic Director of Physical Therapy Specialists of Old Saybrook
Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sacred Heart University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the Sacred Heart University in 2016. He became Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 2018. He completed a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) through the Gray Institute in 2019, and holds certifications in Manual Therapy (MTC), and Functional Movement Rehabilitation (FMR).
Mike has spent 8 years in orthopedic practice, mentored by Paul Bauer. In 2023, Paul and Mike opened Physical Therapy Specialists of Old Saybrook. As clinic director, Mike sees a full-time orthopedic caseload and continues the tradition of student, resident, and colleague education. Mike specializes in spine rehabilitation, pre/post/non-operative rehabilitation, injury mitigation, orthopedics, and dry needling.
Mike lives in Old Saybrook with his wife, Julia. They enjoy golfing, hiking, and being “foodies”. Mike is an avid Patriots, Bruins, Celtics, and Red Sox fan, but also volunteers as a youth sports coach in the local community.
James Heeren, PT, DPT, OCS, FAFS, MTC, FMR, CSCS
Staff Physical Therapist and Compliance Officer
James earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut in 2014 before joining the company in 2016. In 2018, he achieved an APTA Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He has also completed a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) in 2020 as well as certifications in Manual Therapy (MTC), Functional Manual Reaction (FMR), LSVT Big, and Strength and Conditioning (CSCS).
James has a passion for helping people return to their full functional ability after injuries prompting the pursuit of a career in physical therapy. Over a decade of clinic experience, he has specialized in a unique blend of Orthopedic and Neurological care helping patients in both areas individually, as well as those who are dealing with dual diagnoses such as Parkinson's Disease and Low Back Pain. James was named Clinical Educator of the Year in 2023 from UCONN and is currently advancing a Neurological & Gait/Balance program at Physical Therapy Specialists.
James recently moved back to Guilford, the town where he grew up in, with his wife, daughter, and two dogs. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching baseball, golfing, and exploring local breweries.
Jon Goldfarb, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAFS
Staff Physical Therapist
Jon earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2019, completed an orthopaedic residency also through Sacred Heart in 2020, and became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2021. He has also completed a fellowship program in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute in and earned a certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy. More recently, he completed the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist (AVPT) certification through the University of Pittsburgh in 2025.
Jon has specialized in treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic and vestibular disorders using a holistic, patient-centered approach including manual therapy, functional biomechanics, targeted exercise prescription, dry needling, and custom orthotic fabrication. He has also been actively involved in research, being involved on several different papers investigating regional interdependence and functional movement science.
Jon lives in Old Lyme, CT with his wife and goldendoodle, Poe. He enjoys trail running, hiking, tennis and is an active member at Midcoast CrossFit in Old Saybrook.
Carleen DelGreco, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, FAFS, FMR
Staff Physical Therapist | Education and Recruitment Coordinator
Carleen earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 2020 and became Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 2023. She completed a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) through the Gray Institute and holds certifications in Manual Therapy (CMPT), Functional Movement Rehabilitation (FMR), and Functional Dry Needling. She is currently undergoing a Fellowship of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
Carleen has a special interest in serving patients with breast cancer requiring post-mastectomy care, post-radiation therapy, and complex lymphedema management. She also enjoys serving as a leader and mentor to our students and residents in her role as Education Coordinator.
Outside of the clinic, Carleen enjoys spending her time teaching dance lessons, visiting her family in New Hampshire, and taking her dog for long walks on the beach.
Danielle Wiston, PTA
Staff Physical Therapy Assistant
Danielle Wiston is a skilled physical therapy assistant committed to providing top level care and advancing her knowledge and skills in evidence-based interventions. She graduated from Tunxis Community College and Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2014.
Danielle has participated in training for many specialized treatments, including LSVT Big treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular retraining and BPPV treatment, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, lymphatic drainage, Stecco method myofascial mobilization, scar mobilization, visceral release, and Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment, and courses in Applied Functional Science. She also became Level 1-certified in Functional Dry Needling through Integrative Dry Needling in 2023.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys cycling with her husband, scuba diving, and singing karaoke.
Lauren Brandau, PT, DPT, FAFS, FMR, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Staff Physical Therapist
Lauren earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Simons University in 2021 and became a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 2024 after completion of the Sacred Heart University Orthopedic Residency in 2023. She completed the Fellowship in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute and has completed trainings in Pelvic Health, Clinical Mentorship, Dry Needling, Functional Movement Rehabilitation, and the McKenzie Method. She is also currently a NAIOMT Fellow-in-Training, pursuing her FAAOMPT credential.
Lauren is dedicated to helping patients improve the quality of their lives every day through using movement as medicine. She has focused interests in spine disorders, TMJ, Pelvic Health and sports injuries including ACL and concussions. She values other aspects of recovery and takes into account a whole-body approach to healing and recovery.
Lauren lives in Groton, CT with her husband and two dogs, who love to go on runs, paddle board, and play fetch. She also volunteers as a youth soccer coach in her spare time.
Allie Zipser, OTR/L, CHT
Staff Occupational Therapist and Marketing Coordinator
Allie Zipser, OTR/L, CHT, is a compassionate occupational therapist specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation. She earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.
Allie worked an occupational therapist for several years before becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She comes with extensive experience in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand therapy. She emphasizes patient-centered and holistic approaches to promote independence in daily activities. Prior to joining the Physical Therapy Specialists team, Allie worked alongside orthopedic upper extremity and hand surgeons to rehabilitate patients after surgery or injury. She is also a certified Exos Fitness Specialist and incorporates this passion for fitness into her treatments. She also became Level 1-certified in Functional Dry Needling through Integrative Dry Needling.
Outside of work, Allie enjoys going to the beach, bike riding, exercising, and spending time with family. She resides in East Lyme, Connecticut.
Alyssa Demonte, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies in 2016 and Master of Occupational Therapy in 2018 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden CT.
Before joining this clinic, Alyssa worked as an occupational therapist for several years in the subacute rehabilitation setting focusing on improving self care and mobility independence in the adult and older adult population with various conditions, including but not limited to, cardiac/pulmonary diseases, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebrovascular Accidents, fractures, spinal fusions, and joint replacements to allow for safe return to community living. Alyssa has a special clinical interest in serving adult and older adult patients with balance impairments, neurological diagnoses, and those who experience frequent falls as her goal as an occupational therapist is to improve safety within the home and community, as well as improve overall quality of life.
Outside of the clinic, Alyssa enjoys spending time visiting her family and friends in NY, crafting and playing with her pug Jimbo.
Stephanie Meoli, OTLR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Stephanie graduated with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2013. Prior to achieving her graduate degree, she received a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish Literature with a minor in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011. Her clinical affiliations provided a diverse caseload of patients which included addressing orthopedic hand pathologies, school system/behavioral therapy, pediatric sensory integration, equine therapy and a variety of medical and neurological conditions in sub-acute rehabilitation. Additionally, she participated in a mission trip to Guatemala in 2012 where she provided treatments for hypertonicity and sensory deficits as well as building custom wheelchairs for children with Cerebral Palsy.
Following graduation, Stephanie started her career in sub-acute rehabilitation. She spent 11 years treating older adults with a variety of special neurological pathologies with multiple co-morbidities and focused her continuing education on neurological rehabilitation techniques, stroke recovery, sensory strategies and error amplification. During her time in sub-acute rehabilitation she had a leading role as Assistant Director and served as a clinical leader company wide. In 2017 she became a Certified Clinical Instructor providing education and mentorship for Level I and Level II students from a variety of universities including: Stony Brook School of Health professions, Sacred Heart University, Bay Path University, Springfield College, Quinnipiac University and The University of Scranton. Along with overseeing students during their clinical affiliations, she also served as a clinical mentor for new graduate employees within the company. These mentorships were focused on identifying patient needs and providing individualized, evidence based interventions to patients with neurological deficits to optimize their functional outcomes.
Outside of the clinic, Stephanie enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her family!
Jacob Rooney, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist
Jacob earned his Bachelor of Health Science in 2022 and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) at Sacred Heart University in 2025.
During his final year of school, he interned at Physical Therapy Specialists of Guilford, where he developed a strong appreciation for advanced physical therapy practice. He is now a resident at the same clinic, working closely with senior clinicians to deliver high-quality care while continuing to grow as a practitioner. Jacob plans to pursue APTA Board Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist upon completing his residency. Jacob enjoys treating sports related injuries and balance related impairments.
Outside the clinic, Jacob enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing hockey and golf, and relaxing at the beach.
Jacob Krasznai, PT, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist
Jacob earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Sacred Heart University in 2025, after completing my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the same university in 2022. He is now a resident at Physical Therapy Specialists in Old Saybrook.
He has a strong interest in manual therapy and its role in helping individuals regain confidence in their movement. His first clinical rotation was at Physical Therapy Specialists of Guilford, where he developed a deep appreciation for patient-centered care. Now, as a clinician he is dedicated to helping his patients achieve their goals through personalized treatment plans.
Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer and basketball, and staying active in the community.
Tracey Strand, BS
Tracey Strand received her Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut and currently services as Office Manager for Physical Therapy Specialists.
In her current role, Tracey is responsible for all aspects of the billing cycle and works as a liaison between patients, therapists, and payers. She manages insurance authorizations, pre-approvals, and claims submissions.
She has a broad range of experience in office administration and management as well as a proven record of far exceeding individual and team performance objectives.
She has extensive experience with budgets and fiscal office management and strong interpersonal skills and superb organizational ability. She is also well versed with insurance billing and monitoring functions.
She has been with the company since its founding in November, 2011.