Dr. Nara Yoon PT, DPT, OCS, CPI, BSPTS-2, SEAS-2 CERTIFIED THERAPIST
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Dr. Nara is the founder and director of PhysioElements Physical Therapy. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Binghamton University and Masters of Science and Doctorate of Physical
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Therapy from College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. She is a certified specialist of orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association’s Board of Specialties. She trained extensively under Diane Lee and Linda-Joy Lee (LJ) in using the Integrate Systems Model. ISM uses a whole body approach in order to discover a true driver or the source of where the pain is coming from. Dr. Nara is certified at the advanced C2 level by the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) Schroth-based method and is a lab assistant for the C1 and C2 level courses. She is also certified at the advanced SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) 2 level by the ISICO Institute in Italy. Additionally, she received training of the Lyon Method for Scoliosis from Dr. Jean Claude De Mauroy, one of the pioneers of the Scoliosis Education Internationally.
She also received extensive pilates training using all the pilates apparatus through BASI (Body Arts and Science International) and is certified in pre/post natal pilates through Center for Women’s Fitness. She is trained in visceral manipulation through the Barral Institute and is a certified women’s health coach from the Integrative Women’s Health Institute. She is certified as a Kinesiotape practitioner (CKTP) through Kinesiotaping Association International and is also certified in the Graston Technique. She has a varied array of post graduate certificate trainings such as Active Release Technique for lower extremity, TRX for medical professionals, Kettlebell training through Strong First, Animal Flow (with the inventor, Mike Fitch), Maitland Technique, Mulligan Technique, Pelvic Floor courses through Herman and Wallace, Shoulder/Knee courses with Kevin Wilk, to name but a few. She teaches Barefoot Training Specialist workshops as a Master Instructor with the Evidence Based Fitness Academy.
Dr. Nara is a wife and a mom to two beautiful daughters and enjoys pursuing and incorporating a healthy lifestyle as well as motivating her clients to do the same. Dr. Nara is passionate and committed to her lifelong pursuit of knowledge and expertise in Physical Therapy, fitness and Women’s health to provide her clients with an integrated and innovative whole person approach that helps each individual achieve his/her goal.
Dr. Kathleen Castro PT, DPT, CSCS, PMA®-CPT, BSPTS-1 CERTIFIED THERAPIST
LOCATION: MANHASSET, GREENWICH
Dr. Kat is the Director of Growth & Development for PhysioElements and the lead therapist at our Greenwich, Connecticut location. Dr. Kat received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University and her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She is also a certified Pilates teacher, a certified Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy Practitioner, StrongFirst SFG 1 Certified Kettlebell Instructor, and Barcelona Schroth Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) -1 Certified Therapist to treat scoliosis and kyphosis for adolescents/adults.
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Dr. Kat’s clinical interests include orthopedics/sports, women’s health, scoliosis and ultimately, treating the whole person. She has specialized training in treating pelvic floor conditions and providing pre/postnatal support. She is passionate about improving perinatal support and care for all women. She has taken courses with Herman & Wallace, the Institute for Birth Healing, Antony Lo, and the Arvigo Institute. She also has studied manual therapy techniques with the Institute of Physical Art and visceral manipulation under the Barral Institute.
Dr. Kat has an extensive background in fitness with almost 10 years of experience teaching private and group classes in Boston and NY. She holds certifications in teaching the Pilates Method with Core Pilates NYC, yoga and strength & conditioning. She also holds certifications in feminine embodiment coaching, energy healing, mindfulness & intuitive development. As a physical therapist, she strives to connect with her patients and create a space for healing, inquiry and empowerment to help them reach their goals. She integrates her passion for fitness and wellness to support her patients and clientele in leading a healthy lifestyle for optimal health and longevity.
Kat’s favorite ways to stay active include Pilates, yoga, and kettlebell strength & conditioning. She currently lives in Fairfield County, CT with her husband, two beagle mixes and enjoys cooking, travel, writing, comedy, and music.
Dr. Samantha Robin PT, DPT, CSCS, SFMA, BSPTS-1 CERTIFIED THERAPIST
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Dr. Sam is a Physical Therapist at our Manhasset location and the Director of Community Outreach and Public Relations at PhysioElements. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, is a VDOT O2 Running Coach, and holds a certification in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Dr. Sam is a Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS)-1 Certified Therapist to treat patients with spinal deformities. She has her certification in kettlebell training through Bell Mechanics, training in Pilates through BASI, and yoga through Orthopedic Yoga Therapy. Her love for corrective exercise has fueled her desire to provide different movement modalities that would best help her patients achieve all of their functional goals.
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Dr. Sam specializes in working with conditions including scoliosis/kyphosis, pelvic floor health, and orthopedics. Her post-graduate continuing education includes courses through BSPTS and Herman and Wallace. She has developed her manual therapy skills by taking several courses through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA). She is a Graston Technique therapy Provider and trained in Kinesiotaping.
Dr. Sam has extensive training in running and movement analysis to optimize her clients performance. She has worked with all levels of athletes ranging from pediatrics, weekend warriors, marathon runners, triathletes and professional athletes. She has a special interest in working with the pre/postnatal population to help in their healing journey.
She is an avid runner and has a passion for using Pilates and strength training as preventative medicine. She lives what she teaches and is always researching ways to optimize her health. Each session she strives to motivate her patients to live, move, run, jump and lift to their fullest capacity.
Dr. Kate Bacigalupo PT, DPT, GTS, BSPTS-1 CERTIFIED THERAPIST
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Dr. Kate is the Director of Program Development at PhysioElements. She received both her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelors of Rehabilitation Science from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Dr. Kate is BSPTS trained, a Graston Technique Specialist, and BASI Pilates trained. Dr. Kate specializes in treating clients with hypermobility, scoliosis, chronic pain, as well as general orthopedics.
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Dr. Kate has specialized training in treating patients with generalized joint hypermobility and related connective tissue disorders. Specifically, Dr. Kate participated in the Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome CME Physician Education Program as well as multiple EDS ECHO programs, an educational platform dedicated to improving the level of understanding of EDS/HSD for healthcare professionals.
As a physical therapist, she has a passion for getting to know her patients on a personal level in order to meet the goals and expectations of each and every patient she treats. Dr. Kate understands the complexities that come along with chronic conditions, and intentionally takes a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Kate makes it a priority to help each of her patients take an active role in their rehabilitation in order to ensure long term success. Outside of patient care, Dr. Kate is passionate about advocating and educating for the EDS/HSD population through her instagram account @thehyperphysio_kate.
Dr. Kate was a three season athlete and enjoyed competing over the years. Now as a mom of two, Dr. Kate is passionate about prioritizing self care and leading a balanced life. Dr. Kate enjoys staying active with Pilates and Kettlebell training, and intentionally makes time for hobbies. Some of her hobbies include cooking, going for walks, and playing the flute and ukulele. In her free time, Dr. Kate enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors with her son George, daughter Maddy, and two rescue dogs, Duke and Zoe.
Physio Magdalina Gofman MSPT, SSOL Schroth PT
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Physio Magdalina earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 2000. Her interest in analyzing body movement began decades before becoming a physical therapist, while studying and later teaching Martial Arts. In her teen years Magdalina dedicated her time
and effort to achieve the rank of 2nd degree Black belt in Kempo Karate from Grand Master Thomas Ingargiola. She later earned a Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Professor Ralph Gracie in San Francisco.
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Magdalina has taken 1000s of hours of continued education on topics such as running analysis, Kinesio Taping, Manual Therapy for the spine and the extremities, Craniosacral Therapy, foot biomechanics, acupressure, cupping (MFD), and many others. In 2011, she completed the 3 part series in the CoreAlign with the creator, Jonathan Hoffman. She became a certified Rehabilitation Pilates Instructor in 2013. and teaches Pilates in group and 1:1 settings. She has continued further Pilates training, including learning the Springboard apparatus from the inventor of the Springboard, Ellie Harman. In 2021 she completed an educational series with Diane Lee and became an Integrative Systems Model Series Graduate. In 2024 she became a P1 level certified Schroth practitioner for the treatment of spinal conditions, such as scoliosis and hyperkyphosis through SSOL Institute.
As a physical therapist, Magdalina enjoys helping people improve their function, eliminate pain, and accomplish their movement goals. She’s done this in a wide range of Physical Therapy settings, opening a broad perspective into patient care. She feels passionate about treating patients with care and respect. She tailors her treatments to the individual and considers the entire person in her approach.
Magdalina was born in the Ukraine, she speaks Russian and Hungarian. Her hobbies include Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates, Stand up paddle boarding, and travel. She enjoys family time with her 2 little girls and her husband.
Physio Nadia Havas MSPT, SSOL Schroth PT
LOCATION: GREENWICH
Physio Nadia is part of our team at the Greenwich, Connecticut location. Nadia received her Bachelors of Science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada where she majored in Anatomy and Cell Biology and minored in Psychology. She then stayed at McGill to complete a Master’s in Physical Therapy where she also received a certificate to treat Female Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Floor dysfunction. Since joining the team, she has successfully completed her SSOL-Schroth Method P1 education and training for the treatment of scoliosis and PSSE (Physiotherapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises).
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Nadia’s clinical interests include women’s health, pediatrics and chronic conditions. She was drawn to these specialties after years of experience volunteering at hospitals and working at daycares. It’s there that she spoke with many new mothers, saw children receiving new diagnoses, and became acutely aware of how much physical therapy can help these populations. Above all, Nadia enjoys how physical therapy allows her to work alongside her patients in a closer, more personal way. The most fulfilling thing to her is helping her patients down the road to recovery and setting them up with all the tools they need to take care of their body.
Before studying to become a physical therapist, Nadia was heavily involved in band, choir and theater in the Midwest suburbs where she grew up. Nadia’s favorite way to stay active includes yoga, body weight exercises and dancing. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband and enjoys singing, bird watching, makeup, and playing video games.
Alexis Muenckler Pilates Instructor
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Reina Oh Pilates Instructor
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Suzanne Fernandes CLIENT CONCIERGE
LOCATION: MANHASSET, GREENWICH
Marguerite Telyczka CLIENT CONCIERGE
LOCATION: GREENWICH
Marguerite is our team’s Greenwich Client Concierge. She has a passion for fitness, health, wellness, and nature. She is a NASM certified personal trainer, boxing instructor, and a NASM certified Nutrition Coach. Health, wellness and fitness has become her main interest for a career, but before she decided on that path, she lived in Dublin, Ireland bartending, personal training, and baristaing. She has a massive love of nature and animals. On a warm and sunny day, you can definitely find her outdoors with one of her ten dogs, soaking in the sun, hiking or getting her steps in. She would describe herself as a ‘free spirit’ or a ‘true Sagittarius’. She is constantly growing and learning in not only her professional interests, but also life in general.
Kiho Lee LAC – HARVEST ACUPUNCTURE
LOCATION: MANHASSET
Kiho is a native Long Islander. His interest in eastern medicine first began as an adolescent athlete. He depended on cupping and acupuncture to help him recover from competitions and training.
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His interest grew over time and eventually shaped his career path.
He aspires to provide effective service to the Long Island community while also further raising awareness about the modality.
Kiho’s clinical experience and training include musculoskeletal pain management, neurological disorders, and conditions related to internal medicine. He emphasizes making accurate pattern differentiation diagnosis according to each patient’s individual health constitution and medical history. Pattern recognition allows acupuncture practitioners to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms that bring patients to the clinic. At Harvest Acupuncture, practitioners involve their patients and explain evaluation in order to yield effective results and encourage making positive changes for prevention and optimal recovery. Patients who value preventative care and proactive healthful lifestyle are would appreciate his approach.
Click on www.harvestacu.com to find out more about services offered at Harvest Acupuncture.