Meet Your Thrive Team

Julie Blandin

PT, ATC, CSCS, PRC, DipACLM • Provider 

Biomechanical Specialist & Movement Expert and Physical Therapist

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

On a personal note…

• Loves boating, beach days, and country concerts
• A proud military wife
• Loves to eat anything Italian
• Favorite movie – Fast & Furious
• Favorite music – Country

Giselle Vermilyea

DPT, RYT • Provider

PT Clinical Director + Educational Coordinator

Giselle’s dream career has always been something that allowed her to connect three things: her love of problem solving, her need for a dynamic day-to-day, and the desire to serve her community. As a doctor of physical therapy she has been able to fulfill this, and at Thrive, she has been able to connect her work with her deeper passion of holistic wellness.

Giselle’s clinical experience has been largely in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy and over the years, she has learned to integrate the niche discipline of postural restoration and her training with yoga principles into her evaluation and treatment style. She enjoys crafting results-driven treatment plans to address area dysfunction and the deeper root-causes.

Education / Certifications / Training

• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samford University in Birmingham, AL
• Dry Needling Certified through Integrative Dry Needling
• Extensive education in Postural Restoration®
• Registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) in hatha-vinyasa yoga instruction
• Further education in Nutrition and Healthy Living from Cornell University

On a personal note…

Giselle is a proud military wife and mother to two sweet toddlers. She grew up in Alabama where she met her husband in college, and has called Pensacola, Japan, and Virginia Beach home over the course of their time in the military. She loves beach dinners with her family, traveling, trying new restaurants (especially highly recommended ones), cooking and baking sourdough bread.

Savanna Newport

LPTA • Provider

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virgina, where she currently lives with her husband, Savanna finds enjoyment in helping people return to a higher quality of life. She is excited to incorporate postural restoration into her clinical treatment along with the skills that she has gained in outpatient orthopedic practice.

Savanna has spent most of her career as an LPTA working in outpatient clinics, primarily helping athletes, post-surgical patients, geriatrics and military members.

On a personal note…

• Savanna enjoys going to the beach, playing the piano (she learned to play at 11), and watching Buffalo Bills football
• Sushi is her favorite food
• She loves country music and The Office

Dr. Megan Lewellen

DC • Provider

Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr. Megan Lewellen is a board certified chiropractor with two years of professional practice using evidence-based chiropractic treatments. Her goal is to help create effective communication between the brain and the body by removing nerve interference through low-force adjustments.

Techniques used: Sacro-occipital Technique, Diversified, Activator, Logan Basic and Thompson Drop

She also provides other treatment options to include acupuncture for pain management, fertility support, stress and sleep and uses frequency specific microcurrent to treat difficult pain disorders due to musculoskeletal disorders and visceral disorders.

On a personal note…

• Enjoys the beach, stand-up comedy, playing with her dog, Indie, and spending time with her husband and family
• Grew up in Fayetteville, NC, enjoying dancing classical ballet, singing and acting

Diane Carter

L.Ac + MSOM + BSN • Provider

Licensed Acupuncturist

Diane is passionate about combining Eastern with Western medicine to help clients reach their optimum level of health. In addition to having over nine years of practicing Chinese medicine, Diane has 21 years of experience in western medicine as an ICU charge nurse
and nurse anesthetist.

Decades of working in both systems has placed Diane in a unique position to better serve and help you on your wellness journey. Diane, like all of the Thrive providers, offers individualized care based on your situation and needs.

Education / Certifications / Training

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, with two years of anesthesia training
• Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), with over 2000 hours of education
• Nationally Board Certified by NCCAOM
• Certified in Oncology Acupuncture by Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center
• Certified in Battlefield Acupuncture
• 2.5 years of Chinese herbal medicine training
• 1 year of acupuncture sports medicine training
• 1.5 years training and clinics in Dr. Tan Balance Method of acupuncture
• 30 years Reiki master

Jake Freeman

CSCS

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist + Sports Performance + Fitness Coach + Exercise Specialist

As a former Thrive physical therapy patient himself, Jake has experienced first hand what it is like to be in chronic pain. Jake’s experience with pain and injury has exposed him to progressive biomechanical and training principles that shape the way he programs for his clients.

Jake is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the NSCA and has done extensive continuing education coursework, including Pelvis Restoration, Myokinematic Restoration, Postural Respiration, and Impingement & Instability courses from the Postural Restoration Institute. He also has experience working with a broad range of clientele, including high school and Division I athletes, tactical athletes, and general population clients of all age ranges. Whether you are looking to increase your performance, look and feel better, or decrease your pain on the field, court, or in the gym, Jake will help you reach your goals.

I love helping others reach their health, fitness, and performance goals — whether they are looking to improve the performance of their sport, move pain free, or improve their quality of life. Having been both an athlete looking to improve my performance, and as someone who was stuck in chronic pain over a period of years and unable to participate in many forms of movement, I understand the frustrations that can come with both. My goal is to help others avoid those frustrations and provide a path that will allow them to achieve their goals.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Science
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

On a personal note…

Outside of helping our Thrivers, Jake enjoys playing basketball, lifting weights, reading and spending time with his family.

Karyn Pereira

Back End Manager + Exercise Specialist

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.

On a personal note…

• Loves going to the gym, being outdoors, and spending time with her children
• Loves to eat pizza
• Favorite Movie – Lego Batman Movie
• Favorite Music – Anything that keeps her motivated while she runs

Matt Rarang

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

As a former youth athlete who was frequently sidelined by injuries, Matt developed an early appreciation for the impact of rehabilitation and the importance of movement in healing. His personal journey sparked a lifelong passion that ultimately led him to become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Now, he brings that same drive and understanding into his work—helping others recover, rebuild, and thrive.

With his experience being primarily in outpatient orthopedics, Matt has worked with patients of all ages recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical procedures, and chronic orthopedic conditions. He is especially passionate about the therapeutic benefits of exercise and strength training, and how tailored movement programs can improve physical function, confidence, and overall well-being.

His approach emphasizes functional movement, progressive strength-building, and patient education, with the goal of empowering each individual to take an active role in their recovery. Whether helping someone return to sport, work, or daily life, Matt strives to make therapy a positive, motivating, and transformative experience.

On a personal note…

• Enjoys staying active through a wide variety of physical activities, both indoors and outdoors. From strength training to running and recreational sports like basketball and volleyball.
• Loves going on spontaneous road trips whenever the opportunity arises.
• Favorite show: How I Met Your Mother
• Favorite movie: Rush Hour 1 & 2

Denarra Kimble

Rehab Exercise + Assisted Stretching Specialist

Denarra is a Virginia Beach native and mother to an amazing son. She is a dedicated rehab aide and assisted stretching specialist with a passion for helping individuals on their recovery journeys. With experience in assisted stretching of all ages and various professions and a focus on promoting physical wellness and rehabilitation, she brings a positive outlook to each session, inspiring clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Education / Certifications / Training Courses

• Bachelors in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Science, Minor in Science of Coaching from Elizabeth City State University

On a personal note…

Denarra enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, and loves R&B music.

Chantal Owen

CMT + MFR + CR + CCA + HT level 4 student • Provider

Massage Therapist + Aromatherapist: 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 17 years of experience working holistically and intuitively with people challenged with acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunctions, hormonal, digestive, autoimmune disorders and traumas. Chantal has a particular interest and proficiency working on cranium, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, hips and feet to promote individual homeostasis while addressing specific needs.

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 is a blue belt Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing student familiar with injuries occurring during combat sports and always dedicated to provide pain relief and solutions to address this type of injuries.

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

Certifications / Training

• 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

On a personal note…

• Loves to garden, read books, and walk through beautiful parks
• A French native who moved to the U.S. with her cats
• Loves all things chocolate
• Favorite TV Show : The Big Bang Theory
• Favorite Music: pop rock, R&B, country and disco

Dominique Carson​

LMT

Massage Therapist

Dominque is skilled in performing a variety of massage modalities, such as hospital-based massage, medical massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, infant massage, reflexology, chair massage, deep tissue massage, geriatric care massage, Lomi Lomi, hot stone massage, and aromatherapy. In addition to being a massage practitioner, Dominique presents her gifts as a journalist, author, researche r, orator, and communications coordinator.

Tapping into her experience as a freelance journalist, she’s on a mission to educate about the short and long term benefits of massage therapy, research information about the field, discover upcoming modalities in massage, and contribute articles to health-related publications.

Education / Associations

• AAS in Massage Therapy
• MS In Media Studies
• American Massage Therapy Association member

On a personal note…

Dominique loves to travel and trying uplifting activities. She is a huge football and Betty Boop, enjoys writing, the spoken word, speaks Italian, and is the author of T.R.I.B.E., a massage therapy coloring book.

Andrea Tompkins

LMT

Massage Therapist

Andrea has more than 20 years of experience with massage therapy focusing on both neuromuscular and sports therapy in a chiropractic office and built her clientele through various sport events including triathlons, marathons and other smaller sporting events.

While working in a chiropractic office, she discovered a desire to help people in a unique way that can positively benefit and recover from a multitude of injuries through massage. She also practices soft tissue release, pregnancy, and chair massage. In addition, her goal is to find therapeutic ways to integrate massage that benefits and help prolong results with a variety of physical therapy techniques.

Certifications / Training

• Licensed Massage Therapist
• BLS Certified in CPR
• Trained in Hand, Wrist and Forearms
• Trained in Therapeutic Exercise
• Trained in Medical, Sport, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular and pregnancy massage

On a personal note…

Andrea has a love for rhythm and movement through dance and enjoys spending time with her family enjoying the outdoors playing sports, travel and going to the beach. 

Erica Casarez

LMT

Massage Therapist

With a passion for helping others feel their best, Erica specializes in a range of therapeutic techniques designed to relieve tension, restore mobility, and support overall wellness. Whether clients are looking to relax, recover, or recharge, she tailors each session to meet their unique needs.

Specialties: deep tissue, prenatal, myofascial, lymphatic, and trigger point massage

On a personal note…

Erica enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring hiking trails, and spending quality time with her family—her favorite way to recharge and stay grounded.

Michelle Hilliard

IINHC + OTR|L • Provider

Certified Nutritionist

Shelly’s 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.

Education / Certifications

• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Science and Psychology
• Certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition

On a personal note…

Her life outside of work consists of chasing after her two children, enjoying the beauty of nature, and a love for reading.

Cieara Kello

Front End Manager + Marketing Manager

With 22 years of experience in the retail industry, Cieara has built her career from the ground up—beginning in specialty boutiques and progressing into leadership roles within big-box corporate management. As our Front-End and Marketing Manager, she combines hands-on retail expertise with a strong passion for customer engagement, brand visibility, and team development.

Cieara is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives—whether through delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering strong, motivated teams, or executing impactful marketing strategies.

Proudly married to her childhood crush, Cieara and her husband are raising two incredible teenage boys who keep her grounded and inspired every day. She believes in leading with heart, growing with purpose, and making a positive impact wherever she goes.

On a personal note…

Ciera loves spending time at the beach, discovering new destinations, and indulging in a bit of shopping. She thrives on connection, creativity, and finding joy in both the little things and life’s big moments.

Ashley Luppens

Rehab Aide + Front Desk 

Ashley was born and raised in Virginia Beach, and currently lives in Chesapeake with her boyfriend and their little kitty, Kuzco. We first met Ashley through a job-shadowing college program as a high schooler. She’s currently pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy and is excited to contribute and grow her  knowledge and skills working alongside her teammates.

On a personal note…

Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, plays co-ed soccer with her boyfriend, and loves small weekend trips.

Carter Beatty

Rehab Aide + Exercise Specialist

Carter currently works as a Rehab Aide/Exercise Specialist at Thrive Proactive Health. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Longwood University, which has provided him with a strong foundation to support my work in rehabilitation and exercise.

On a personal note…

Carter enjoys spending time with friends and family, relaxing at the beach, and working on improving my poker strategy.

Jamie Lockard

Billing Specialist

Jamie has worked in the Insurance and Healthcare field for over 25 years and is adept at navigating the challenges of working with insurance providers. Having someone with Jamie’s experience and her ability to “read between the lines” is truly a benefit to our Thrivers.

On a personal note…

• Her favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption
• Aruba is her favorite place to visit, and she’s traveled to a large number of U.S. states and as far as Valencia, Spain
• Jamie’s hobbie include beaches, boats, and grandbabies (she has two grandsons with a third on their way)