MEET OUR STAFF

BRIAN A. MAGNA, PT, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic & Personal Trainer

Brian has been working as a physical therapist for 20 years. He holds a degree from the University of Connecticut in Physical Therapy as well as a master's degree in Sports Medicine from Western Michigan University. Brian also has another bachelor's degree in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Brian's expertise lies in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions with golfers, dancers, athletes, and runners.

Brian served as a Physical Therapist on the LPGA & PGA Tours from 2000-2004 as well as the U.S. Solheim Cup Therapist in 2002 in Edina, Minnesota and 2003 in Malmo, Sweden.

Brian currently serves on the board of directors for the Connecticut Dance Alliance and is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science. He previously worked as a physical therapist for the Hartford Ballet as well.

Brian has worked with numerous junior and collegiate players, PGA teaching professionals and professional golfers including: Annika Sorenstam,Tiger Woods, Casey Martin, Meg Mallon, Beth Daniel, Julie Inkster, Christie Kerr, Heather Daly-Donofrio, Laura Diaz and many more.

TERRY GAUTHIER: Physical Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer

Terry Gauthier has been working as a Physical Therapist, in the outpatient orthopaedic setting, for over 22 years. She is a UCONN graduate and received a B.S. in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine/Athletic training.

Terry has extensive experience in treating acute and chronic work related injuries. She has been a PT Consultant for both Ensign Bickford and LEGO Companies. As a consultant she was directly responsible for evaluating and treating injured workers, assessing workstation design and implementing preventative programs to help reduce injuries.

Terry's areas of interest are working with shoulders, and spines. She takes a very manual/functional approach to return her patients back to function. She spent 5 years as an athletic trainer working with the UCONN athletes and continues to enjoy helping local athletes get back to playing their sports.

A special area of interest for Terry is working with softball athletes and helping them get back to their sport. Her 5 years coaching experience, at the Little League and Travel levels , has helped her to understand the demands of the softball athlete to return them back to their sport.

CARRIE POOLE: Physical Therapist, Certified Pilates Instructor

Carrie graduated from Swarthmore College in 1993 with a Bachelor in Biology. She then attended the University of North Carolina where she received a Masters in Physical Therapy. She has worked at rehabilitation hospitals in North Carolina and Boston. She joined Magna Physical Therapy in 2009 as a physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor. She enjoys running and spending time with her husband and three children.

 

 

 

 

 

KRISTIN VILARDI: Nutritionist

Kristin graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences, where she was a member of the UCONN Tap Team.  Kristen also owns and teaches at her dance studio, D.A.N.C.E.by Kristin in Collinsville, CT.  As an additional service, Magna Physical Therapy offers nutrition counseling structured toward patient education specializing in sports nutrition and weight loss/management. Individual counseling sessions can be set up by appointment to establish a nutrition plan and a wellness regime. Nutrition Wellness seminars will also be offered on-site to offer additional nutrition information and discuss up and coming nutrition topics in a group setting.

Counseling may include: Weight loss, Weight Management, Nutrition Education, Sport Performance Enhancement, and Diet Counseling.

BRIDGET KELLY:  Director of Dance Medicine and Conditioning

  Bridget graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Dance Science and is a certified personal    trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Bridget is a member of the  International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and her research has twice been      selected for presentation at their annual meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEBORAH BERNING: Yoga Instructor

As a resident of the Farmington Valley, Deborah leads an active life with her husband and two-year-old daughter.  In addition to her job as business analyst, Deborah enjoys filling her spare time as a personal trainer as well as a Spinning and Yoga instructor.  She is passionate about health and fitness and is excited to be teaching our multi-level Yoga class every Saturday morning at 9:00am.  Combining many different aspects of Yoga, this one hour class will focus on effective stretching, mindful relaxation, strength building, as well as balance and control. 

Please feel free to drop in and experience all of the healthy benefits that Yoga offers for your mind and body. 

 

 

KYLE TESTERMAN:  Physical Therapist Aide and Personal Trainer

   Kyle is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a BS in Exercise Science with a      concentration in Strength and Conditioning, Kyle received his certification as a Strength and  Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from and is a professional member of the National Strength and  Conditioning Association. Kyle is also an active member of the Connecticut Association of  Health, Physical Education,Recreation and Dance.  In addition to his responsibilities at Magna  Physical Therapy, Kyle shares his knowledge and expertise as a Sports and Performance Coach  at Valley Sports Center located in Canton, CT.  

 

 

 

 

KAREN BALI, LPGA Professional

   Karen is an LPGA Teaching & Club Professional and Assistant Golf Professional at  Simsbury Farms Golf Course, West Simsbury, Connecticut.  Karen is a Frankly Certified  Putting Instructor and Fitter, a Titleist Fitting Partner and a Mizuno Fitter, and is  currently working on her LPGA Class A certification and her National Council on Strength  & Fitness personal training certification.  

 

 Karen's philosophy on teaching embraces the LPGA model believing that the golf swing  can be adapted to "every body" regardless of the student;s skill level and physical  capabilities.  She believes that golf is a life-long sport and that physical fitness and body awareness are vital aspects to achieving one's golf goals.

 

In addition to golf, Karen is an avid tennis play and enjoys kayaking, skiing, biking, cooking and baking.  She has two daughters, Annie and Jackie.