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Julie is an industry leading Sports Rehab and Postural Restoration Specialist with over 17 years of experience in the Fitness and Sports Medicine industry. She is the only Hampton Roads Therapist Certified Provider in Postural Restoration.
Through her diverse educational background and willingness to explore the unknown, Julie has developed an extensive and unique postgraduate skillset to offer you a holistic perspective on injury rehabilitation, prevention, and maintenance. Julie’s expertise bridges the gap between rehabilitation and performance. She highly values and understands the integration involved in the continuum of care associated with treating athletes and patients of all ages.
She has aborted many traditional therapy techniques in the quest to learn an advanced science that offers even the toughest patients some if not complete relief.
“I love purpose, passion, and serving others. Helping people achieve their goals and the health of our team is extremely important to me. I liberate and amplify the strengths and talents of others and facilitate teamwork so that we together can exceed expectations.”
– Julie
While swimming and rowing collegiately at Virginia Tech, Dr. Sanchez sought the expertise of a Sport Psychologist to help her through a performance slump. The positive impact this training had on her own athletic endeavors allowed her to realize her true passion – to assist others in achieving performance excellence while living a high quality, balanced life.
Dr. Sanchez specializes in providing mental and cognitive skills training for optimal performance in high pressure scenarios. She has over 15 years of experience working with athletes and other performers who desire to unlock their true potential. She routinely integrates biofeedback technology and yoga for facilitating optimal psycho-physiological regulation of performance and recovery states. Mental skills training programs consist of group workshops and individual consultations that are customized based on environment and goals. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to consult with elite athletes, executives, first responders, and military personnel.
“There is only one opportunity to carry out the amazing journey we are destined to live. Choose to live this life with purpose and intensity. I entered the field of Applied Sport Psychology because I am truly honored to assist others in reaching their full potential in sport, career, and life.”
– Christine
M.ED. IN EXERCISE AND SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FROM TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
PH.D. IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY FROM FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
CERTIFIED CONSULTANT THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION FOR APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY (CC-AASP)
BOARD CERTIFIED IN BIOFEEDBACK (BCB) THROUGH THE BIOFEEDBACK CERTIFICATION INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE (BCIA), EXPECTED FALL 2016
200-HOUR YOGA INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY (AASP)
MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY AND BIOFEEDBACK (AAPB)
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
B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
M.A. IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FROM MCGILL UNIVERSITY
PH.D. IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY – SPECIALIZING IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FROM FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD CERTIFIED IN BIOFEEDBACK THROUGH THE BIOFEEDBACK CERTIFICATION INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE
CERTIFIED CONSULTANT THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION FOR APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY (CC-AASP)
MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY AND BIOFEEDBACK
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
CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST
CERTIFIED REFLEXOLOGIST
CERTIFIED PROVIDER IN POSTURAL RESTORATION
CERTIFIED CLINICAL AROMATHERAPIST
TRAINED MASSAGE CUPPING PRACTITIONER
TRAINED IN MEDICAL, SPORT, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, NEUROMUSCULAR, HOT STONES, AND MASSAGE FOR CANCER, MASTECTOMY, AND BREAST SURGERIES
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.
Ana is a dedicated, passionate worker that cares about helping others and providing the highest quality client experience. She believes that working in the medical field is very rewarding, especially when she’s able to support the clients and coworkers around her.
She has been working in the medical industry for 10 years now, 7 of which were in physical therapy.
Tara is a rugby athlete, hard worker and very dedicated to growing in her career path in healthcare. She is looking to go to Massage and Physical Therapy school in the future and values personal care and proactive health as necessities for success and happiness. Tara loves working directly with patients and helping them manage their health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love creativity and being able to express myself through photography and seeing what this world has to offer. I truly believe that social media is where this world is heading for marketing and it excites me to help businesses expand their audiences through all social media platforms through digital media marketing.
After working as a receptionist in the dental world for several years, she decided it was time for a change of pace. She moved to Virginia Beach and began to use her knowledge from school in the field of marketing in the real world.
She received her Associates Degree in Business Administration from Dutchess County Community College, she continued her education at the State University Of New York at New Paltz and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree with a focus of Marketing.
Outside of The Office: Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and golden retriever and doing various activities that include photography, exercising, watching movies and much more.
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.
I believe that no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way to find joy. Whether life is as good as it gets or you find yourself in the midst of difficult circumstances, choosing to prioritize health and wellness is imperative. I love working in the health and wellness industry where I can help direct people to what is best for their body and mind, encouraging them to seek wholeness in order that they too can thrive.
I have 5 kids, ages 20,18,16,15,12. Native Virginia Beach-er. Married to my college sweetheart Eric for 24 years. Love to spend time at the beach, hang out with my family (especially when they’re ALL together) and think summer should last 11 months a year.
Danielle has been married to her wonderful husband Kyle for six years. They have two Border Collies: Penny who is 5 and Copper who is 9 months. They love to take them on adventures, but their all-time favorite is a trip to the OBX. Sound or sea, they love any beach the best. She loves any kind of music she can dance to and can be spotted at a stoplight dancing it out in the car. She loves to read and believes that getting lost in a good book is good for your soul. Danielle is a comedy fan and loves to laugh so shows like The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family are her favorite. Her ideal free day would be a sunny day on the beach with my family, a good book, and some good music.
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.
Kim developed an appreciation for strength and efficient movement at an early age, growing up on a farm in Michigan. After a family move to Florida, she kept moving via dance, running, and group exercise. Kim completed BS and MS at the University of Florida, teaching as a graduate student in the Dept. of Health and Human Performance. She realized during that time that she absolutely loved being able to educate people about fitness and how to make it a fun and enjoyable journey. She continued to be curious about the body, graduating from massage school in Pensacola, FL. She has also completed a 200hr yoga instructor course in Virginia Beach. Kim has trained clients in California, Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, and Virginia while her husband has been deployed for up to a year at a time. Kim is constantly seeking new opportunities for education in order to find ways to inspire and motivate folks to enjoy the art and science of physical fitness.
Long, long ago, in a bar in Pensacola, Kim met a handsome Naval Aviator. They eloped and the Navy moved them many times, but when hubby’a military service landed the two in Virginia Beach, Kim (at 7 months pregnant at the time), announced, “I’m home!” They now have two grown children, one son who graduated from JMU and a daughter still in college. They recently added two English Labs to the mix, who love going to the beach and playing fetch. In her spare time, Kim enjoys reading, hiking and biking. She and her husband recently rode the Capital Trail, from Jamestown to Richmond, spent the night and rode back the next day. Over 100 miles round trip…on a 3 speed beach cruiser. And loved every second of it!
Restorative Fitness Coach
Brian believes complete wellness comes from all dimensions. He wants to see his clients adopt a healthy lifestyle in mind and body. As a Certified Personal Trainer for over 13 years, Brian offers various programs that spans all levels of fitness and goals. His workouts are always evolving but focused on movement and making the workouts efficient through the body and mind being in alignment. Keeping clients motivated and interested through education and evidence-based coaching, he also wants his clients to have FUN! He has completed many specializations through the National Academy of Sports Medicine like corrective exercise, performance enhancement, behavior change and nutrition coaching. He has his Bachelor’s of Science in Healthy Lifestyles Coaching from Arizona State University and will graduate with his Master’s in Kinesiology from Concordia University of Chicago in 2022. Brian is a firm believer that his clients success is a team effort but the client is ultimately responsible for progress and is their personal victory.
Brian is a Retired Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, a husband and dad of 4 girls,1 boy and 3 fur babies. He has always been into physical activity. He has trained as an elite EOD operator and participated in numerous 5 and 10Ks and two Sandman Triathlons. He was an All Navy Rugby player and is a USA Rugby Level 200 coach. Brian has trained everyone, from special forces and elite athletes to people who are completely new to fitness. He offers Personal Training, Special Preparation Programs for Tactical/LEO/First Responder Candidates, HIIT/HIRT/HILIT, Sport Specific and Conditioning Camps, Group Fitness, Online Training, Nutritional Coaching, and more. Let Brian be your guide through your fitness journey and take your health and wellness beyond your expectations!
Registered Dietician, Board Certified in Sports Dietetics
After being diagnosed with two chronic conditions in her early 20s Kate was forced to reevaluate when health meant to her. She believes health requires a holistic approach, not just concentrating on the body, but the mind and the spirit as well. She shifted her focus to studying wellness and fitness after graduating college, expanding her knowledge from coaching, to personal training, to yoga and teaching group fitness. She is excited to share her journey in hopes to help others on their own path to wellness.
Outside of the office you can find Kate outdoors with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys hiking and taking big adventures. She has had the opportunity to explore Patagonia, Chile, summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, backpack across Europe and live in her travel trailer while snowboarding the mountains of the western US and Canada. When she’s not out getting dirty, Kate is likely to be found reading a book or working on puzzles. She and her husband are excited to welcome a baby boy to their family and start a completely new adventure!
Licensed Physical Therapist
Shannon has a unique background as a massage therapist, esoteric energy healer, and dancing queen. Her post graduate studies after completing Physical Therapy School, led her down extensive integrative manual therapy training. She enjoys evaluating multiple systems, looking at the layers of tissue dysfunction, and guiding the body to unwind with gentle manipulation to find symmetry and balance.
Her dance background in ballet, tap, jazz, African and modern dance has helped her gain an appreciation for postural control and efficient movement.
She understands the value of utilizing corrective exercises to maximize movement longevity and making a positive difference in people’s life experience is very rewarding for her. Shannon’s personal philosophy is one of growth and balance with part of that being accepting where you are. She also loves puzzles, including finding the solution to someone’s physical problem.
I am a dedicated, passionate worker who enjoys being able to help people! I’ve always been interested in physical therapy as a career choice! I dream about becoming a physical therapist down the road! I also love how within the field of physical therapy, you are always learning which makes physical therapy even more exciting! It is also a rewarding experience to watch patients progress throughout their journey to live a better quality of life!
I was an intern at Thrive in the summer of 2020 and I knew that this is where I belonged!
I went to James Madison University and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy!
Provider & Certified Nutritionist
Her holistic approach to nutrition will help you to find the nourishment that feeds your body and your soul to help you maximize each day. Her goal as a health coach is to mentor and empower you to take control of your health by implementing proper nutrition, behavior changes, and better lifestyle choices that will contribute to the achievements of your personal wellness goals. Shelly believes in a bio-individual perspective, there is no one size fits all approach to help people reach their goals. She also believes in finding the balance in our lifestyle choices that nourish our bodies off the plate (career, relationships, physical activity, spirituality, finances, etc) and what nourishes us on our plate through our diet. Her goal is to help you find the balance between these two areas. Shelly’s love and passion for people and wellness help her to continue growing her knowledge base to help bless the people around her with the tools to assist them in living their best life on and off the plate. Shelly has been in the health care arena for 13 years.
She holds a Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Her life outside of work consists of chasing after her two children, enjoying the beauty of nature, and a love for reading.
Massage Therapist
Kate has a passion for bodywork byways of a love of sports medicine. She wholeheartedly intended on furthering her
journey into Physical Therapy but decided to make raising her kids her full priority. She later found herself drawn to bodywork for the same reasons she originally jumped into the PT realm. She is deeply embedded in the functionality (and processes of getting
there) of the human body. “We are capable of amazing things in this life, especially when our mechanical vessel is functioning properly.” Kate believes that holistically approaching health should be given consideration from beginning to end of an ailment. Oftentimes
preventatively, but also be treated as a follow through for surgical intervention. Bodywork is rewarding to see through. She takes great pride in watching clients progress along their own path and enjoys the reward of seeing them reach their goals.
Kate studied at Pensacola State and focused her undergrad in kinesiology. She then graduated from Casey-Reilly School
of Massage in September 2020. Prior to joining our team, Kate worked as a licensed massage therapist for a chiropractic office and as a Physical therapist assistant before heading down the massotherapy road.
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 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.
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.
Q: How do I schedule a cupping session?
A: At Thrive, cupping is incorporated into our restorative + performance physical therapy and signature massage treatments. When scheduling, be sure to speak with our front desk to ensure that you are choosing a service that features this technique.
Q: Are there different kinds of treatments?
A: We perform several kinds of cupping, use various size cups, and sometimes incorporate a vacuum machine to assist with larger muscle groups. We also integrate functional positions when cupping to shut off hyperactive muscles that are preventing mobility in other areas.
Q: Will cupping give me bruises?
A: There is a common misconception that cupping breaks capillaries and causes bruising. Cupping does not create bruises–bruises are caused by impact trauma and breakage of capillaries; thus, the circular marks that are sometimes left by cupping are not bruises.
Q: What are the circular marks left by cupping?
A: The marks that may occur with cupping are caused as the vacuum pressure draws up old non-circulating stagnant blood, cellular debris, and other pathogenic factors found within an injured or strained area of your body. By bringing this metabolic waste and inflammation to the surface, it allows for healthy circulation to be restored to affected area. It is also important to note that not all forms of cupping leave marks.
Q: Why are some of my cupping marks darker than others?
A: The darker the mark, the more stagnation and toxins that were released and brought to the surface. If the tissue is healthy, the less coloring the marks will leave on the skin after treatment.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today!