VIVIAN TAKAFUJI

Acupuncturist

Vivian is dedicated to the practice of the holistic healing arts and draws upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address health concerns and improve well-being. TCM theories are used to identify the “root” of a health condition, rather than treating only the “branches” or clinical symptoms. Her goal is to integrate complementary treatment strategies with Western medical supervision to best support the patient as a whole.

Vivian listens with a patient ear and treats with a compassionate heart. Her philosophy is that we all possess an innate healing wisdom and the patient and therapist can work as a team to bring the body-mind into balance.

GET TO KNOW VIVIAN OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

Vivian used to be a DJ and danced Polynesian dance professionally.

Vivian’s favorite food is Indian or Thai, her favorite color is purple and her favorite sport is gymnastics!

LAUREN SMALL

Client Experience + Exercise Specialist

Lauren has always been passionate about administrative and clerical work; especially in the medical community being able to see tangible progress in patients brings her joy. After being on the other side of the front desk for personal health concerns, she always tries to be the best that she can be to help someone even if it’s a small step.

GET TO KNOW LAUREN OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE 

Lauren enjoys all types of music 

Her favorite Tv show is The Office

She loves to travel, so anywhere she can venture to she’s there! She would love to go back to France.

In her free time she loves playing the guitar and piano & volunteering at her church 

DEJONEE BURNETT

Massage Therapist

Dejonee entered the field of massage therapy because of her belief of the human body being amazingly intricate. “Our bodies speak to us at all times. We must always remember to slow down to listen. Our bodies hear our every thought and witness our every experience. We are a collection of experiences. It feels great that others would like for me to be included in their journey of well-being.”

DEJONEE’S EXPERIENCE

Dejonee has a Healthcare background as a CNA for six years and is currently in undergraduate studies for pre-med to become an OB/GYN.

GET TO KNOW DEJONEE OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

Dejonee’s favorite person in the whole world is her mother. She challenged her to explore the world and to always take risks. That led Dejonee to live with a heart of gold and the confidence to be herself no matter her environment. Her chihuahua is a good boy 🙂

Dejonee’s favorite music doesn’t fit into a specific genre. Steel drums, Caribbean feels, soft, rhythmic soul-music, She just really enjoys anything on the spectrum from full-on relaxation to headbangers. Glass animals, Jhene AIko, ZHU, Sade, Stevie Knicks, Monxx, Major Lazer, India Arie, Bob Marley, Michael Franti just to name a few artists whom she enjoys.

Dejonee likes comedies and thinks Django is a great movie.

Dejonee likes to visit the edge of her mind. It is really interesting there.
Externally speaking, Dejonee loves to visit the Caribbean islands. Beautiful people, beautiful beaches, beautiful cultures there.

Dejonee loves LOVES LOVES hiking, horses, painting (anything artsy), gardening, anything outdoors really. Learning new languages, traveling and experiencing other cultures, teaching herself to play the guitar. Playing with her old-man pup, going for walks with her mom and younger brother.

DANTE LEONE

DPT + OCS + CSCS | PROVIDER

Dante believes in empowering people to have the knowledge and tools they need to control their health and wellness. As a healthcare professional, he takes pride in guiding his patients to improve their well-being and be able to enjoy all of life’s activities. 

Dante loves being able to work one-on-one with all types of people to build strong lasting relationships around the common goal of optimizing health. He understands the complex biological, psychological, and social impacts to our health, and addresses these various factors with a holistic treatment approach. 

Dante has spent his career in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, as well as an embedded physical therapist in an industrial setting. He has worked with a variety of patients, including athletes, weekend warriors, post-surgical, manufacturing, and chronic pain.

DANTE’S EXPERIENCE:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

• Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

• Certification in Dry Needling

• Pain Neuroscience Education

• Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition

GET TO KNOW DANTE OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

A proud father of two young boys, and husband of a teacher

Passionate about the impacts of nutrition on health

Dante grew up in Wisconsin, but definitely born for the beach life

Loves being outdoors, going to the beach, live music, obstacle course races/Mud runs, vegetable gardening and cooking. 

Favorite music – Jam band, folk, americana, alternative, R&B, Neo-soul

Favorite movie – He loves documentaries. Some of his favorites include The Game Changers, What the Health, Forks Over Knives, A Life on Our Planet.

Dante was lucky to go to Sicily with his wife for their honeymoon, and would love to go back. It doesn’t get any better than Italian food straight from the source.

MANDY STEVENS

Rehab Aid + Exercise Specialist

Mandy adores fitness because she believes that through building your body you can build the confidence and strength to take on everyday life. Through challenging yourself physically you also challenge yourself mentally as well, enabling one to take on new opportunities and ultimately living your life to its fullest. Personal training is so much more than physical appearance and what you are “able” to do,  it is helping people see how beautifully and wonderfully made they are. 

Before coming to Thrive Mandy worked at a small gym in upstate NY called Infinity where she taught strength and conditioning to individuals as well as group classes. She enjoyed helping athletes improve their performance, individuals build strength to go outside and hike, and helping people who wanted to have the energy to keep up with their kids/grandkids.

MANDY’S EXPERIENCE

BA in Art Education Towson University

NASM CPT

Precision Nutrition Cert

Certified Physical Preparedness Specialist

GET TO KNOW MANDY OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

Mandy is an avid outdoor enthusiast and traveler. She enjoys snowboarding, surfing, longboarding, hiking and eating all the food! Exploring, learning different cultures and meeting new people brings life…and she loves encouraging others to do the same!

She enjoys indie-folk coffee house music to electronic

She loves the new Mr.Rogers film. She feels like she needs to watch it on a regular basis to remind herself how to constantly love people.

Mandy lived in Japan for 3 years and it continues to be one of her favorite countries! She also loves Sri Lakanka, the culture and people are beautiful. 

In her spare time she enjoys dabbling in watercolor painting! It’s a great way to unwind and relax.

MATT CAMPBELL

Fitness Coach + Exercise Specialist

Matt brings over 18 years of experience in the fitness industry and a passion for movement and people!  He has an insatiable appetite for learning and has always had a fascination with how things work. That curiosity first manifested during his studies at VCU and evolved over a life of navigating his own chronic pain and injuries and the search for information and hard to find answers. He credits that important journey, though, with truly learning the capabilities of the applied human body and the transformative power of strength training.

From his time at VCU to over a decade spent coaching in some of the top clubs in NYC and now back to his home state, he has trained in a myriad of gym and fitness centers from private clubs to some of the most prestigious facilities in the country. He remembers taking some of the first fitness courses in “Functional Training” and has done extensive continuing education in the areas of posture, biomechanics and corrective exercise. The only thing that rivals his passion for improving the way people move, is his desire to empower his client in their own health journey; to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He is a true coach, completely committed to and invested in his clients and their success.

Matt is also a devoted husband and proud father of the two most creative, determined and independent girls. In a house of all women, he admits that he is completely outnumbered but also acknowledges that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

If not in the gym he may be found coaching his daughters’ sports, going on adventures with his family, singing and playing music (he plays three instruments), or enjoying a rare choice bourbon with friends.

JASON TURNER

Fitness Coach + Exercise Specialist

Jason Turner, is a Navy verteran, who lives an active lifestyle.  Playing sports throughout childhood, followed by the demanding physical rigors of military life.  Since departing from Naval service, Jason obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Old Dominion University in 2014 and has spent the past 8 years working in the orthopedic physical therapy sector as well as the health and fitness field.  Jason is continually perfecting his coaching skills, meeting the needs of individuals that seek building, healthy, strong resilient bodies and spirits. He currently is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with American College of Sports Medicine.

You can find Jason in his spare time either behind a grill or driving his Jeep while seeking out surf spots along the coast.

JEN FEDOROWICZ

Energy Medicine Specialist + Yoga Instructor

Jen Fedorowicz is a Reiki Master,  B.E.S.T. (Bio-energetic Synchronization Technique) practitioner and E-YRT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) as well as the founder of jEnergy.  Jen works with clients to get energy moving through the body for physical + emotional healing. 

All of life is a reflection of your energy flow. Whether you have blocks causing physical disease or blocks keeping you stuck in life.

Jen’s signature service, “jEnergy”, is a fusion of ancient yoga practices along with energy medicine as a certified Energy Codes Facilitator. jEnergy infuses Energy Codes into her teachings to help you activate untapped energy and neurocircuitry in your body and empower your hidden potential to become one with your true, essential self. Her work is grounded in practical, accessible movement patterns, breathwork, and meditations.

Jen is a teacher at heart and equips every client she encounters with easy tools to use and incorporate into your life to keep your energy flowing and help you access the healer within you.

HEATHER GRAY

REHAB AID

Heather graduated from Old Dominion University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. She worked as an Exercise Specialist for 4 years before her passion for women’s health led her to become a Labor and Delivery nurse. She graduated from Sentara with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2013. She has a passion for health and fitness, particularly pregnancy and postpartum women’s health.

CHRISTY KANANEN

PT + Cert. MDT + CLT | Provider

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

GET TO KNOW CHRISTY OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

KATHRYN PINNEL

CLIENT EXPERIENCE RECEPTIONIST

Kathryn has 9 years of experience delivering outstanding customer service in the medical field. She graduated from Old Dominion University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and she is passionate about finding natural alternatives to pain. 

ASHLEY MAGLIDT

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Ashley found her purpose after an injury led her to physical therapy and the treatment known as soft tissue manipulation. In 2013, she graduated from The Institute of Massage Therapies with emphasis on orthopedic assessment. By applying her knowledge of neuromuscular therapy, Ashley works with clients to address any postural distortions or biochemical dysfunction. She provides a therapeutic massage by targeting muscle adhesions, trigger points and connective tissue patterns while blending trigger point therapy with myofascial release techniques. Her passion lies in educating clients about their body’s natural ability to heal itself when it’s given the optimal environment. Ashley is also an Advanced Restorative Reiki Practitioner and is training to become a Reiki Master. She believes that one must bring balance and harmony to the body through energy healing in order to maximize health and wellness.

NEIDA FEDISON

L.Ac + Dipl. Ac + DAOM | PROVIDER

CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF SPECIALIST

Neida Fedison’s 11 years of experience have shaped her unique approach to healthcare, where she focuses in empowering patients through education and making them active participants of their recovery. She works as the only Licensed Acupuncturist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where she treats Active Duty military personnel suffering from chronic pain and/or PTSD. Additionally, she facilitates and participates in an Interdisciplinary pain professional group as an expert on her field helping to diagnose and design treatment plans for complicated cases. She started her career in Miami, FL and as a military spouse has moved around the country, allowing her to be exposed to many difference ways of life and professional experiences. Prior to being at the Naval Medical Center, Neida worked at the Woman Safe Health and OB/gyn practice specialized in patients that have suffered trauma such as abuse and PTSD or suffer from substance use disorder. In Ann Arbor, MI. Neida also worked at the University of Maryland Cancer Center as a researcher for the use of acupuncture to manage chemotherapy side effects. She also had a 4-year private practice in Glen Burnie, MD, where she treated patients form all the spectrum of Internal Medicine conditions. She is an avid learner and through her career has been training in multiple Acupuncture modalities, such as TCM, Battlefield, Neuro-Acupuncture, and Dao needle. She is currently working on receiving her certification as a Functional Medical Practitioner.

NEVA BARNO, MS
PROVIDER

Mental Performance

Neva believes we all experience setbacks and challenges that we need to overcome in life, whether that’s in the athletic/performance realm or everyday life. And even if nothing is going “wrong”, there are skills that we may need to learn to optimize our well-being.

“I personally believe that every day I wake up, I should strive to be better. What can I do? What can I learn to be better? How can I invest in myself today? What skills can I put in my tool belt? What do I not know about myself that I need to know to be better?” 

Neva is excited to bring individuals performance from level 5 to 10; she wants to take people to a new level of excellence that they have never experienced before. One of Neva’s many passions with mental performance, is assisting patients in overcoming injuries, in a multitude of ways, including but not limited to: injury rehab, conditioning the mental state while enduring injuries, overcoming injuries to produce optimum performance, and coming back from high-stress injury environments with a clear mind.

TRACY HELLER
PHD + CMPC + BCB | PROVIDER

MENTAL PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Dr. Heller specializes in helping individuals optimize their mindset in order to perform at their highest level. She is eager to provide services to individuals and groups that are motivated to move to the next level of success.

From the time that she worked with a sport psychologist as a teenager, Dr. Heller knew that this was the career for her. She is enthusiastic about providing innovative services using cutting edge skills and techniques that are supported by research. The tips and strategies from that she specializes in can help individuals breakthrough performance slumps, gain a sharper edge, and advance past their status quo both on and off the field.

“I started working with a sport psychologist to maximize my potential as an individual and athlete. I believe in leaving it all on the table and giving 100% so I always know that it is my best effort every time, regardless of the outcome. Even in defeat or after a setback, every experience is a chance to grow and develop.”
– Tracy

BRITTANY PRUS

PROGRAM DIRECTOR + REHAB AID

Brittany is a motivated, enthusiastic professional with a passion for people and education. She enjoys getting to know each of our patients, and their goals, in order to assist in their overall progress. Brittany believes that teamwork, innovation and quality are the backbone elements that create an enjoyable experience for our clients, and empowers them with the tools to progress towards a thriving lifestyle. When Brittany is not interacting with our patients, she is either pushing our team to grow and develop, or out in the community connecting with various individuals organizations on behalf of Thrive.

GET TO KNOW BRITTANY OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

Brittany has two boxer fur babies she loves spending time with. She loves impacting the younger generation and finds time to volunteer in the community when she can. When Brittany is not at work you can find her at the gym, meal prepping or spending time with loved ones and making memories.

KATIE CASAS

REHAB AID

Katie is graduating from Bryant and Stratton College in June 2020 with a Medical Assistant degree. She will continue her education for Physical Therapy Assistant. Katie has always had a passion for helping others and has a dream of being a PTA.

GET TO KNOW KATIE OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

AVERY RODRIGUEZ

REHAB AID

Avery is a recent graduate from Salisbury University and received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, and became a certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She is very excited to continue her education and start at Old Dominion University’s Masters of Science in Athletic Training Program in the summer of 2020. Avery has always enjoyed helping others, and she has the dream of becoming an Athletic Trainer.

GET TO KNOW AVERY OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

Avery has 3 other sisters who are her favorite people in the world.

Grew up in Baltimore, MD and is new to the Virginia Beach area.

Avery is a coffee and food connoisseur who is always looking for new, cool places to eat in Virginia Beach.

Favorite foods are Pho, Ramen, and other Asian cuisine.

In her free time she likes to read, go to the beach or hiking, and loves spending time with her family.

KELSEY HILLIAN  

MARKETING ASSISTANT 

Kelsey is a recent graduate from Old Dominion University where she received her Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing. Kelsey is passionate about digital marketing and all things creative. She is excited to work at a company where she can use her marketing skills to help people find the care they need to thrive!

CHANTAL OWEN
CMT + CR + CCA | PROVIDER

PAIN RELIEF, PAIN MANAGEMENT, AND RELAXATION SPECIALIST

Chantal specializes in providing pain relief, pain management and relaxation to individuals seeking to optimize their personal and professional potential, well-being, and quality of life. She has over 8 years of experience working holistically with people challenged with acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunctions, hormonal, digestive, and autoimmune disorders.

Through her own life challenges and needs for physical, emotional and mental balance, Chantal has developed a unique set of skills and a keen sense of empathy for people eager to restore, improve and maintain their health and well-being. Her mission is to support her team’s work in providing peace, comfort, connection, meaning, and purpose during time of struggle, as well as physical demand and need for superior athletic performances.

Chantal has learned and mastered effective and non-invasive massage techniques that focus on the medical benefits of soft tissue manipulation, mobilization, alternative pressure and essential oils to provide superior and cumulative customized results.

“As Paulo Coelho said “I bear many scars, but I also carry with me moments that would not have happened if I had not dared to go beyond my limits.” I embrace the belief that, in the pursuit of balance and well-being, there is no such thing that shortcut or easy fix; it requires dependability, discipline, determination and commitment.”
– Chantal

KARYN PEREIRA

BACK END MANAGER

Karyn is an energetic, motivated professional who thrives within a team environment. Her passion for physical therapy is seen daily as she prepares treatment areas, equipment, and materials, along with performing procedures under the supervision of our physical therapists.

She is currently enrolled in a physically therapy assistant program and will graduate in 2018, which will lead her to continuing her passion as a licensed PTA. Working at Thrive has allowed her to focus on her education and gain hands-on experience as she finishes schooling. She also has 20 years worth of customer service experience, and understands the great importance of building and maintaining client relationships.