Chip Sigmon, CSCS Chip Sigmon has been in the physical fitness profession for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to the Epicenter. He is strength and conditioning specialist certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He completed his undergraduate work at Appalachian State University, and from 1982-1984 served as assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He returned to Appalachian State in 1984 and was the head strength and conditioning coach for the Mountaineers until 1990. In 1990, Chip became the strength and conditioning coach for the Charlotte Hornets. He held that position for 12 years.

Hunter Yard, SPS, USAW Hunter Yard started the personal training program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and worked there as the head trainer over three years. He also got his Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness and Kinesiology at UNCC. He then went on to work with the men's basketball strength and conditioning program and helped with athletic training at UNCC for two years. He is a member of ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Health Fitness Instructor and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). "I highly enjoy what I do and always live by my motto, A healthy mind equals a healthy body."

Jeremy Phipps, MPT, CSCS Jeremy is a licensed physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist with a Masters of Physical Therapy from Elon University. Jeremy is a former collegiate football and lacrosse athlete with experience in power lifting and body building. He is also a rehabilitative consultant with the Charlotte Eagles, Lady Eagles, Charlotte Soccer Club, and Charlotte 49ers.

 

Chris Gabriel PT, MPT, OCS, CSCS Chris received his master's degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association. He is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His clinical interest areas are in sports and manual therapy.

David DeSilva, SPS David DeSilva comes to the Epicenter as a recent graduate of Mars Hill College. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management. He also completed a minor in Business Administration. He brings along a wealth of knowledge in dealing with athletes and was a former collegiate athlete himself. David has overcome several injuries, including a torn ACL, through rehabilitation at the Epicenter. This reality has given him a strong desire to help other athletes prevent injury while becoming faster and stronger.

Jen Kane, PT, Epicenter Liaison - Blythe Office Jen Collins is a 1991 graduate of Marquette University’s physical therapy program. She has been working in sports medicine for 10 years with an interest in athletes and clinical emphasis in foot/ankle problems, overhead athletes, and runners. Jen developed the KEEP ON RUNNING program upon arriving in Charlotte in Spring 2001, which centers around biomechanical screens of runners, helping with injury prevention and identifying areas of weakness, inflexibility, overuse, and faulty mechanics. KEEP ON RUNNING serves the Charlotte and outlying area runners through educational talks at Run For Your Life, Lake Norman YMCA training groups, and area high school team members. When she’s not working, Jen enjoys playing flag football, volleyball, and rollerblading.

Demian Gutierrez, PT - Epicenter Liaison - Randolph Road Demian is a licensed physical therapist with a Masters of Physical Therapy degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His undergraduate work was completed at Duke University. He is the Clinical Manager of our Randolph Sports and Hand Therapy location. Demian grew up playing competitive soccer and played on Duke University’s top club soccer team. He has recently become a certified instructor for Total Motion Release (TMR) which is an indirect approach to pain relief and improved function.

 

Ken Breath, PT, ATC - Epicenter Liaison - Lake Norman Office Ken attended High Point University where he earned his B.S. in Sports Medicine/ Athletic Training and Minored in K-12 Health/PE. He grew up playing soccer in New Orleans, LA, playing soccer on multiple travel and Olympic Development teams and concluded with being on the team at High Point University. He is a certified and licensed Athletic Trainer and certified Examiner for the Board of Certification for the National Athletic Trainers' Examination. He earned his Masters in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Ken recently was CGS Certified (Certified Golf Performance Specialist) from GoloGolfitness, Inc. He is the only PT in the state of North Carolina to hold this certification. Currently he assists with rehabilitation for Davidson College and several local high schools from the Lake Norman OrthoCarolina office.

Neil Hebert, PT, CSCS - Epicenter Liason - University Office Neil received his undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Penn State University, and completed his Master of Physical Therapy degree at East Carolina University. He has been a licensed physical therapist since 1999, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 1995. His main focus of practice has been on the knee and shoulder, with athletes in many sports including football, basketball, softball, swimming, and volleyball. Neil has been an avid soccer and lacrosse player, with a current interest in more non-traditional sports, including rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking.

John Colville, DPT - Epicenter Liaison - University John is a licensed physical therapist with a doctor of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He is a former collegiate rugby player at the University of Kansas, as well as a certified rugby coach. John has been involved with several rugby clubs throughout the Southeast, and has toured internationally. Currently, John is assisting in coaching the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's men's rugby team.

Lauren graduated with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI where she also earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. As a part of her graduate studies Lauren was a contributing researcher in a published study analyzing ankle sprains and treatment through low grade electrical stimulation to control edema. She began her career in sub-acute hospital based rehabilitation in Berwyn, IL treating orthopedic as well as neurological diagnoses in an inpatient setting. Before taking the position with OrthoCarolina, Lauren worked as a physical therapist at an outpatient facility and gold performance center in Chicago, Illinois . Lauren is also CSCS certified by the NSCA.

Joe Swinfen

Joe received his undergraduate degree in Physical Education, concentrating in Sports Medicine from Radford University. He then went on to receive his Associates in Physical Therapist Assisting from Jefferson College of Health and Sciences. He began his career in various outpatient facilities in the Northern Virginia area. Thereafter, he furthered his career working as a civilian therapist with the United States Navy in San Diego, CA before joining OrthoCarolina. Joe's main clinical interests are in treating sports injuries as well as general knee and shoulder overuse injuries in the active population. Currently, Joe is working towards his Master's of Science in sports performance as well as working to attain his CSCS certification.

Kristin Castleberry, PT, Epicenter Liason -  MMP Office

Kristin earned her bachelors degree in physical therapy from the University of Buffalo. She has been practicing in orthopedic/sport medicine settings since graduating in 2002. She relocated to Charlotte in 2005 and is currently assisting with the "Keep on Running" program at the MMP location. Kristin has a special interest in lower extremity biomechanics and treating lower extremity injury. Outside of work she enjoys mountain biking, hiking and yoga.

Libbie Nichols, PT, MHS, ATC - University Office

Libbie Nichols received her Certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic followed by a Masters of Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis. Libbie was a three sport high school athlete and participated in synchronized swimming while in college. It was this love for athletics that lead her into the field of physical therapy. She is also a certified and licensed athletic trainer, currently assisting local high schools as well as competition cheerleading/dance teams. Libbie is the Clinical Manager of our University Office where she is involved in the rehabilitation of local high school and weekend athletes.