Our Team

Lee Ann Gaston PT, DPT, CMTPT

Lee Ann earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from The University of New England in Biddeford, ME, where she also played collegiate soccer on the men’s team. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through Evidence In Motion’s doctoral program.

Lee Ann takes special interest in hand therapy, pain neuroscience, and orthotics, and she has completed continuing education courses in Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, Maitland, Feldenkrais, and Functional Orthopaedics. Lee Ann has lived all over the country, from Maine to Hawaii, but loves living in a small town. She and her husband Dennis have three children, Jarod, Sam, and Devin.

In her spare time, Lee Ann enjoys rock climbing, hiking, biking, traveling, and bodybuilding. Her goal is to be a better person each year in every aspect of life and lives by Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through he who gives me strength.

Lee Hodge PT, DPT

Lee Hodge earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to that, Lee obtained his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Lee’s background in various sports including football, track & field, and rugby helps him to treat patients across the spectrum of injuries. While he greatly enjoys working with lower extremity injuries, he also has an interest for shoulders and the overhead athlete in addition to being the “Youth Sports Specialist” in the Carrboro office. Lee also holds certification for functional dry needling that can be used to facilitate healing, if necessary.

In his spare time, Lee enjoys playing Quadball, formerly known as quidditch, where he competes both nationally and internationally. He also loves Pokemon and competes in video game tournaments across the country. Other than these outlandish hobbies, Lee enjoys spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their lovely daughter Riley.

Jahnee Lee-Chambers DPT

Dr. Jahnée Lee-Chambers earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Clarkson University. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Hampton University. Upon completing her doctorate, Jahnée also completed a Vestibular/Concussion certification program through the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments (IAMT) and also provides Dry Needling services.

Jahnée provides a strong therapeutic alliance perspective to physical therapy, as she enjoys helping patients by achieving patient’s goals and improving quality of life. She has a passion for using her kinesthetic mastery to restore function and creating effective treatment plans for Orthopedic, Sports, and Vestibular conditions. Above all else, she enjoys having fun and building lasting patient-clinician relationships with her patients.

In her free time, she likes traveling, trying new restaurants, staying active in [solidcore] classes, and shopping.

Annette Maynard PT

Annette earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill following her career as a Professional Ballet Dancer. Annette has practiced in most areas of Physical Therapy including hospitals, outpatient, cardiopulmonary rehab, schools, home health & hospice for people across lifespan. She started UNC Hospital’s Women’s Health Physical Therapy program early in her career and is grateful to be practicing in the Pelvic Health Specialty.

Annette has advanced training in Pelvic Health through Herman & Wallace, Geriatrics & enjoys treating people with scoliosis. Her personal and professional mission is to reduce fear through knowledge and connections and finds that the Physical Therapy profession and specifically the Pelvic Health field allows her to fulfill this mission with her patients on a daily basis.

Annette has lived and worked as Physical Therapist in NC throughout her career and enjoys hiking, meditative art, giving back to her community & spending time with her husband and kids.

Matt Zemmelman PT, DPT

Dr. Matt Zemmelman earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. He is a licensed physical therapist with extensive experience across orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, home health, and acute hospital care.

Matt is known for his patient-centered, movement-focused approach and specializes in helping individuals recover from orthopedic injuries, manage chronic pain, and improve balance-related disorders. His clinical philosophy emphasizes partnering with each patient to restore functional movement, build long-term resilience, and provide education through individualized treatment planning. He is committed to delivering high-quality care tailored to each patient’s goals, whether recovering from surgery, returning to sport, or improving everyday mobility, balance, and strength.

In his free time, Matt enjoys traveling, endurance sports, scuba diving, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Matthew Bolen PTA

Matthew Bolen earned Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University. Matthew enjoys making connections with his patients, and helping them to achieve their goals. He desires to impact lives, and help individuals in the community. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, and friends. He also enjoys board games, weightlifting, and rock climbing.

Leandi Venter O’Connell PT, DPT

Dr. Leandi “Lee” O’Connell earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Bachelors of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia. Leandi is in the process of earning her Board Certification as a Sports Specialist.

Leandi enjoys helping patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through physical therapy. She has a passion for working with athletes and motivating others to find joy in movement. Above all else, she enjoys having fun and building lasting relationships with her patients.

In her free time, she likes running, climbing, playing pickleball, and exploring the outdoors. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and playing with their dogs.

Katie Bradley Machon PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Katie Bradley Machon earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Campbell University in 2020. Prior to that, Katie obtained her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science also from Campbell University in 2017. While in PT school, Katie served as the graduate assistant for the Advanced Interdisciplinary Movement System (AIMS) lab and participated in data collection and manuscript writing for a study that involved functional exercise and blood flow restriction. That article was published in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine in 2022. Katie joined the BreakThrough team in 2022 and completed an Orthopedic Residency program in 2023. She is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and enjoys the opportunity of working with App State athletes and other Boone community members for individualized return to sport and injury prevention with reference to the latest data and research. Additionally, Katie enjoys working with the local high school population and attending Watauga High School Athletic events.

Katie finds joy in serving as a Clinical Instructor for DPT students to help them find their rhythm and fine tune clinical reasoning before graduation and entering the working world. Katie also enjoys serving her patients in a way that empowers them to care for themselves outside of the clinic. Watching patients achieve their goals and return to prior activities is rewarding and drives her passion for coming to work every day.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and family (especially her dog, Sally), baking from scratch, and volunteering in the children’s ministry at her church. Her favorite form of exercise is yoga and strength training. Katie has enjoyed adjusting to mountain life and attending App State athletic events. You’ll also find her frequently visiting her alma mater in Buies Creek, NC to serve on the Alumni Board of Directors for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Alli Musser PT, DPT, Certified Pelvic Health Specialist

Alli Musser earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at High Point University. Prior to that, Alli obtained her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Alli specializes in pelvic health, earning her specialty certification through Evidence in Motion and obtaining additional education through Herman and Wallace. She also has completed additional training on Functional Dry Needling.

Alli is passionate about treating patients with pelvic pain, incontinence, pain with intercourse, and those who are pregnant and postpartum. She also works with patients with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Alli uses an evidence-based approach to Physical Therapy implementing manual therapy techniques, corrective exercise, and neuromuscular retraining in her treatment plans.

Prior to becoming a Physical Therapist, she received her Hatha Yoga Teaching Certification through Aura Wellness Center, teaching yoga throughout her undergraduate and graduate education.

Kat Lantz PT, DPT

Kat Lantz earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Duke University. Prior to that, Kat obtained her Bachelor of Art in Spanish from the University of Tulsa.

Kat specializes in functional strengthening and is most interested in treating return to sport/recreation. In addition, she enjoys treating patients with vestibular and balance disorders.

In her free time, Kat enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors with her family, and reading.

Kaitlyn Rush PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Kaitlyn earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Prior to earning her doctorate, she also completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Methodist University, where she played collegiate volleyball.

Upon completing her doctorate, Kaitlyn has completed an orthopedic residency program through Evidence In Motion and got certified in dry needling. Kaitlyn enjoys helping individuals with orthopedic conditions reach their goals improve their overall quality of life. Kaitlyn likes to have fun in the clinic and build lasting relationships with patients.

In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys going to the gym, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing ball with her dog, Tater.

Abighail Castro PT, DPT

Dr. Abighail Castro earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Winston-Salem State University. Prior to that, Abighail obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Angeles University Foundation.

Abighail has abundant experience with orthopedic conditions with a preference for knee and hip issues. Abighail is currently training for pelvic floor rehabilitation through EIM.

In her free time, Abighail enjoys spending time with her family – husband and three kids and hanging out with friends. Abighail is currently the vocalist of her husband’s band, The North Band. She also jams with another local band in Winston Salem which is the Lead Band.

Jared Gersch PT, DPT

Jared Gersch earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from The Sage Colleges. Prior to that, Jared obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Jared specializes in performance-based rehab and is most interested in treating weightlifting or sport-specific injuries. Jared is certified in Integrative Dry Needling, as well as a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Additionally, Jared is certified in the Functional Movement Systems (FMS/SFMA).

In his free time, Jared enjoys weightlifting, resistance training, hiking, traveling with his wife and dog, and snowboarding.

Jacob Deese PT, DPT, LAT, ATC, OCS

Jacob earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Wingate University in 2020. Prior to PT school, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Appalachian State University in 2016.

Jacob is a Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association. He has advanced training in working with a wide range of Orthopedic conditions including return to sport for overhead athletes and recovery of operative and non-operative recreational injuries.

Prior to joining the BreakThrough team, Jacob spent time working in the Physical Therapy setting with a variety of athletic teams spanning from high school to professional levels. He is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling and has completed an Orthopedic Residency through Evidence in Motion. Additionally, Jacob worked as an Athletic Trainer at Wingate University where he was responsible for all practice and event coverage as well as rehabilitation for their Division II Baseball and Football programs.

Jacob is a dedicated App State fan and fills most of his free time watching App State athletic events. During games, he can typically be found either in the baseball dugout or in the football stands. He is an avid golfer and enjoys strength training for exercise. He and his wife Ali welcomed their son, Xander, in February 2024 and enjoy spending time together with their two Goldendoodles.

Austin Gardner PT, DPT, OCS

Austin Gardner earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to that, Austin obtained his Bachelor of Science in Physiology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona.

Austin is most interested in treating knee pathologies.

In his free time, Austin enjoys watching sports (the University of Arizona in particular), playing with his Goldendoodle dog named Mocha (trained as a therapy dog), exploring the Raleigh-Durham area, and trying new restaurants.

Sean Bouthilette PT, DPT

Sean Bouthilette earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Methodist University. Prior to that, Sean obtained his Exercise Science/Sports Medicine from Campbellsville University.

Sean is most interested in treating sports injuries but enjoys treating all musculoskeletal injuries. He has enjoyed working with the spine with the use of manual treatment with joint mobilization. He also has soft spot for treating shoulder injuries, after having multiple shoulder surgeries himself, being a pitcher in college.

In his free time, Sean enjoys baseball, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also a huge Boston sports fan.