Sports Physical Therapy of New York

We’re a company that truly believes in the “bottom-up” approach to management. Our leadership team is comprised of individuals with various backgrounds. But they all have one thing in common – the goal of making Sports PT the best physical therapy provider around.

President and CEO

Lynn Steenberg, PT, ATC

How did she come to Sports PT? “Sports PT found me!”

Has more than 32 years of experience in the healthcare field
Graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with her degree in Physical Therapy
Earned her National Certification in Athletic Training the following year in 1979
Began her physical therapy career in pediatrics while serving as a volunteer high school athletic trainer for various teams
Began her sports medicine management career at Cornell University in 1981 where she was the Supervisor of the Physical Therapy Department
Moved to Syracuse, NY in 1986 to open Onondaga Sports Medicine Center, a sports medicine-focused outpatient rehabilitation center
Joined HealthSouth under a management contract in 1994, where her responsibilities grew from managing two locations in Central New York to more than 50 locations across the state by 2000
Founded Sports Physical Therapy of New York, PC after the termination of HealthSouth’s management agreement on July 1, 2005

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Mentoring my people.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “Being with my family, volunteering, watching my husband’s football team, reading, and playing golf.”

An active member of the Board of Directors for numerous organizations: the Hospice Foundation of Central New York, and Onondaga-Oswego Chapter of the American Red Cross
Named one of the "Professional Women of the Year" by the Syracuse division of the National Association of Professional Women in 2012
Received the "Clara Barton Award for Exceptional Volunteer Leadership" by the Central New York Chapter of the American Red Cross in June 2010
Received the "Women Who Mean Business" Award in 2010
Has served for more than 20 years as the musical director of two youth choirs at University United Methodist Church, sits on multiple support committees and is President of the Board of Trustees
Member of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and is a 2008 Woman in Business award recipient
Member of the National Associaiton of Professional Women
Resides in Syracuse with her husband, Matt, a retired physical education teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius high school and a collegiate football coach at Cortland State University
Their three adult children have also joined the medical and fitness/wellness professions

Executive Team

Joseph Incandela, PT, ATC, CSCS

Senior Vice President, Director of Regional Operations

How did he come to Sports PT? “My clinic was acquired by Healthsouth in 1998, which later became Sports PT.”

Graduated from CUNY – Brooklyn College in 1993 with a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Education, with a specialization in Athletic Training
Became a NATA-certified Athletic Trainer in 1994
Received a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy from Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in 1996
Became a NSCA-certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 1997
A member of APTA since 1995
Clinical expertise includes outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine

What’s his favorite part of the job? “The best part of my job is patient interaction, getting to know my patients, alleviating any stress or nervousness about PT, and providing hands-on care that will ultimately return a patient back to healthy recovery and recreational activities. In addition, when I'm not in the clinic, I enjoy mentoring our leadership team.”

What does he enjoy outside of work? “I enjoy planning family getaways and excursions. This provides for great family quality time and relaxation with my wife, Christine, daughter, Julia, and twins, Emily and Joseph. Other joys include an occasional basketball pick-up game.”

Alanna Pokorski, PT

Senior Vice President, Director of Regional Operations

How did she come to Sports PT? “I was lucky enough to have been a student in the Tonawanda office, and became part of the team right after graduation from college.”

Earned her Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy degree in 1999 from Daemen College in Amherst, NY
Started working at the Sports PT location in Syracuse, NY following graduation, where she focused on rehabilitation of post-operative injuries and treating high-level sports-related injuries
Relocated to Tonawanda, NY in 2003, where she now manages multiple facilities within the Upstate NY territory while maintaining a strong emphasis on clinical excellence
Has attended numerous advanced continuing education courses for both spine and extremity rehabilitation, and has incorporated that into a muscle imbalance philosophy for treatment
Is a certified Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association, which allows for strong mentorship programs with the local colleges and universities

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Treating our wonderful patients and mentoring our clinical and leadership team.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “Spending time with my children and husband, traveling, biking/working out, being outdoors, shopping, cooking. Enjoying life in beautiful Upstate NY!”

Tracy Lis,

Vice President of Field Operations, Quality Coordinator

How did she come to Sports PT? “Sports PT was willing to be flexible with my hours, allowing me to complete my Bachelor’s degree and maintain my job.”

Graduated from Cazenovia College
Joined the Sports PT family in 1999
Managed the billing department at our Administrative Office for a number of years
Promoted to Quality Coordinator for the Upstate NY Region in September 2005, and added Senior Metrics Analyst to her title in 2009
Works directly with the leadership team and front desk staff to ensure that all of our patients receive the highest customer service

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Getting to see employees having fun and growing professionally at the same time.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “Spending time outdoors, mowing 12 acres of lawn over the summer. I also enjoy baking and cooking, spending time with friends and family, and trivia."

Bonnie Rudderow,

Vice President of Operations

How did she come to Sports PT? “After moving to New York from New Jersey, I applied to one of the Upstate positions as a Patient Service Coordinator. I guess it was a good match because here I am as VP of Operations.”

Received her Business Certificate from Cumberland County College

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Seeing our people grow personally and professionally is an unbelievable event to be a part of. I love the challenge of keeping my finger on the pulse of the company, and looking for more efficient business practices to help Sports PT grow.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “I enjoy walking, hiking, floral arranging. And I’m a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan.”

Joseph Vitarelli, PAHM

Vice President of Business Development, Privacy Officer

How did he come to Sports PT? “I had the opportunity to work for one of the best people I’ve known in my professional career – Lynn Steenberg. She’s been a great mentor, leader, and friend.”

Received his Bachelor’s in political science
Has been a healthcare professional for more than 15 years, with an extensive background in managed care
Held lengthy tenures with Oxford Health Plans, CIGNA, and United Healthcare
Has established contacts with well over 400 executives, including health plans, physicians, employers, sports teams and organizations, and promoters throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and on the national level

What’s his favorite part of the job? “I enjoy the daily and weekly interaction with business associates and partners.”

What does he enjoy outside of work? “I coach my son’s basketball and lacrosse teams. I also enjoy reading, running, and exercising. And I’m a tremendous sports fan.”

Aimee Alexander, PT, MS, OCS

Senior Vice President, Director of Clinical Services

How did she come to Sports PT? The clinic she worked for joined the HealthSouth network in 1996 and later became Sports PT.

Received a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from SUNY Oneonta in 1993
Earned her B.S. and Masters Degrees in Physical Therapy from D’Youville College in 1996
A member of the APTA since 1994
Treats with a strong emphasis on manual therapy and functional exercise strategies to rehabilitate all types of orthopedic injuries
Clinical interests include treatment of post-operative knees/shoulders, pain relief, and rehabilitation for pregnant and post-natal patients
Serves as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services for all 24 Sports PT locations, establishing clinical education programs for employees and overseeing clinical treatment programs to ensure clinical excellence throughout the state
Coordinates Sports PT’s student program with Colleges and Universities throughout the country
Oversees the Clinical Pathways for all clinicians at Sports PT
Implementing the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Study Group and Director of Residency Programs at Sports PT

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Mentoring clinical staff and creating opportunities for their professional growth. Improving the overall quality of the services we provide to our patients through these opportunities.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “My two girls – Ava and Emma. I’m also an avid tennis fan.”

Marketing Team

Jamie Bryant,

Director of Marketing

How did she come to Sports PT?

Received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Georgia
Has more than 11 years of experience in the orthopedic community in New York City
Joined Sports PT in 2004
Manages our Social Media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIN

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Helping to bridge the gap between the patient, physician, and physical therapist to ensure our patients are receiving the best care possible.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, traveling, and exploring all that NYC has to offer!”

Julie Geraci,

Director of Marketing

How did she come to Sports PT? “I was looking for part-time employment because I had three- and four-year-old daughters. I knew immediately the people I would be working with would be very supportive. When the time was right for me, I was given the opportunity to go full time and expand my responsibilities.”

Received her B.S. in Communications from Niagara University
Worked as a Category Management Analyst in the food industry, as well as an Account Planner for an advertising agency

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Seeing what I promise to our referral sources come true – patients walking out the door feeling better physically and mentally.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “Spending time with family and friends, working out, and volunteering at dog rescues."

Kelly Venturini,

Vice President of Marketing

How did she come to Sports PT? “I was approached by someone who spoke very highly of the organization, and thought I would be a good fit for an open marketing position. I didn’t pursue it, but a year later the opportunity presented itself again. And here I am, many years later.”

Received her B.S. degree in communications from SUNY Geneseo
Worked as a Medical Product Specialist for DePuy Orthopedics
Joined Sports PT in 1996
Charity Preview committee member for Hospice since 2007

What’s her favorite part of the job? “Having the opportunity to promote who we are and what we do best, and exceeding the expectations of those we interact with – patients, doctors, student, and our employees.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “I enjoy spending time with my husband, Tom, and our son, Tommy. Also, getting together with family and friends, redecorating my house, and playing golf – I’m the proud owner of a hole-in-one!”

Administrative Support

Dot Hall,

Director of Organizational Development

How did she come to Sports PT?

"I served on the Board of the American Red Cross with Lynn Steenberg and admired hearing her success stories. She offered me a chance to facilitate the October All State meeting for Sports PT and I was convinced that I wanted to be part of the next chapter with these wonderful people!"

Received a BS in Business/Human Resources from SUNY Empire State College.
Earned a Certificate in Human Resources from LeMoyne College

What's her favorite part of the job?

"Being able to contribute to the development of the people who make up Sports PT is the best part. Strategically aligning with the leadership to bring programs to the staff, community and the stakeholders delivers daily satisfaction and reward."

What does she enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my family, engaging in community activities and helping those in need.

Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross of Central New York
Vice Chair, NYS Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) Committee
Past President of CNY American Society of Training & Development

Jeff Shuron,

Director of IT

How did he come to Sports PT? “I was interested in the opportunity to grow the company from technology infancy to where technology is a key part in accelerating the company’s flywheel.”

Received his Associate’s degree in Humanities from Onondaga Community College
Spent six years as a field engineer, and six years as a network and information security consultant
Has performed security audits for both public and private clients
Has held various certifications from Checkpoint, Cisco, Microsoft, and SANS

What’s his favorite part of the job? “Working with all the fantastic people.”

What does he enjoy outside of work? “Family time, watching sports, playing softball and golf.”

Michele Spenard,

Director of Finance

How did she come to Sports PT? “When I decided to go back to work after caring for my children, I was only ready to do so part-time, with the goal of eventually going full-time to pursue my career. Sports PT was willing to give me that opportunity and has been very supportive.”

Holds her Associate’s degree, and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s

What’s her favorite part of the job? “There is nothing better than being able to accomplish the impossible with hard work and a great time. Everyone in this company plays a very special and important role. There is no other place I’d rather be.”

What does she enjoy outside of work? “My family is what I cherish most. I enjoy attending my kids’ sports, camping in the Adirondacks, hiking, and canoeing.”