Our Management Team

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Debbie has over 30 years in the physical therapy world, and now offers her services exclusively at Cleveland BodyWise. Using her extensive experience in orthopedic exam and manual therapy, she offers direct access, self-pay BodyWork sessions at Cleveland BodyWise. You will feel comfortable in the hands of Debbie, who uses a "hands on" manual therapy approach to all of her clients' care.  Explore her wellness touch with a personal BodyWorks session. Debbie graduated with a Bachelors in Physical Therapy from Bowling Green State University in 1986; she went on to earn her Masters in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo. After working in a variety of settings, Debbie opened Sternen Physical Therapy in May of 1998 in Beachwood, Ohio.  Her vision has always been to provide patient care in a setting that puts the patient's best interests first. She is currently the CEO of Sternen Physical Therapy and Cleveland BodyWise and is actively involved to make her vision a reality.  Learn more about Debbie in her video below!

Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with dual concentration in Psychology and Philosophy from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri in 2008.  She continued her education at Saint Louis University where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2010. Post-graduation, Jessica moved to Chicago and worked in outpatient orthopedics for NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois. While in Chicago she also trained under multiple clinical specialists from around the world and completed her Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2014. She is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. After relocating to Cleveland in the spring of 2015, she worked with the team of experts at Rehabilitex in Solon, Ohio further improving her manual therapy skill set practicing Dr. Ma’s method of Integrative Dry Needling. Jessica has completed continuing education in dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation, joint manipulation and APPI Pilates among many others. Her clinical areas of expertise include functional training, orthopedics, and manual therapy. While she loves working with patients of all ages and backgrounds, she has special interests in working with athletes, performing artists, post-operative conditions, and those suffering from headaches and chronic pain. In her free time she likes to practice what she preaches: an active lifestyle. Jessica is also part of our Dry Needling team!  Learn more about Jessica in her video below!

Sternen Physical Therapy welcomed David to the practice in September 2017.   He provides comprehensive orthopedic care, manual therapy, and dry needling. David Graduated from the University of Kentucky where his education emphasis was orthopeadics and rural health. David enjoys using creativity to assist clients to return to their passions with improve function.  David is also part of our Dry Needling team!  Learn more about David in his video below! 

Kate graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University in 2015, and then went on to complete a year-long Orthopedic Residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.  Since becoming a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Kate has enjoyed working with a wide variety of orthopedic patients, diverse in age and diagnosis.  To further develop her treatment skills with spine patients, she pursued additional coursework in the McKenzie Method® and is now Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment.  Though treating low back and neck pain is her favorite, Kate enjoys working with all orthopedic patients in order to get them back to doing what they love as soon as possible.  Kate moved back home to Cleveland in 2018, and in her free time enjoys hanging out with her husband and dog, practicing yoga, cooking, and trying new restaurants.  She is excited to join the Sternen family!  Learn more about Kate in her video below!

Jennifer earned her physical therapy degree from Boston University in 1981. She received her MPH (Master in Public Health) from the University of Michigan with a concentration in health education and health behavior. Jennifer has specialized in Women’s Health since 1995, mentored by local expert, Stephanie Pritts, MPT and studied with author and international trainer, Janet Hulme, MA, PT. She is currently working on her Craniosacral Therapy certification through the Upledger Institute where she is a teaching assistant. Jennifer has extensive experience and study in Muscle Energy Technique with training from Michigan State University osteopathic medicine experts. Most recently, Visceral Manipulation training adds to her skills for comprehensive care of patients with back and pelvic pain, including bladder and bowel issues, due to trauma, birth, abdominal surgery or simply the rigors of daily living.  Learn more about Jennifer in her video below!

Courtney graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science Minor in Biology and Masters in Physical Therapy. She was active in Division I College Track and Field and currently participates in running events.  Her athletic experience makes her highly effective with the sports medicine population and she has over ten years experience in orthopedic physical therapy. Courtney applies her extensive orthopedic skill set to assist a variety of patients to full recovery.  You will be greeted with a friendly upbeat style and advanced care.  Courtney is also part of our Dry Needling team!  Learn more about Courtney in her video below!

Jessica earned two degrees from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia: first her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Dance and then her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) with honors. She started her career touring with the national tour of ‘West Side Story’ as their personal physical therapist. She specialized in working with dancers/performers. Jessica has over 20 years of dance experience herself and uses this knowledge base to work with her patients on their training errors and movement patterns. She also has a background in working with podiatrists at the Foot Center of NY and teaching Rehab Medicine at NY College of Podiatric Medicine. She has since worked with patients ranging from pre-teens to geriatrics with varied orthopedic conditions. Jessica has a passion for manual therapy and uses various techniques including Active Release Technique (ART), myofascial release, joint mobilizations, and Kinesio Taping when working with her patients.  She specializes in working with dancers/performers, and leads our Dance Rehab services.   Jessica also has an interest in nutrition and believes in treating the whole person from the inside out, not just focusing on one area. In Jessica’s free time, she enjoys staying active, working out, dancing, baking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and beautiful baby boy.   Learn more about Jessica in her video below!

Natalie graduated from Columbus State Community College with an Associate in Sport and Exercise Science in 2010.  She continued at Professional Skills Institute and is now a licensed physical therapy assistant. Her many talents include a Stott Pilates Certification and Myofascial Trigger Point training.  She uses a combination of exercise, Pilates, and manual therapy to help other improve patients' quality of life.  Natalie brings a positive attitude and compassionate care during her one on one training and rehabilitation sessions.  Call today for your personal BodyMoves Pilates session. 

Claire is an exercise physiologist, Basi and Stott Pilates trained instructor, and massage therapist.  She has worked with physical therapists in Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States to bring an eclectic approach to her exercise programs.  As a massage therapist, she can offer you a BodyWorks session to further enhance the movement experience. She uses a holistic approach to well-being and has a strong belief in the mind body connection. She believes the right balance between movement and relaxation can increase one’s quality of life.  She graduated from University of Dayton with a bachelor’s of science in Exercise Science. Her career started overseas where she has extensive training and teaching in Mat Pilates, Pre-Post Natal Pilates, group exercise instruction, and personal training. She received her Massage Therapy diploma from Australian College of Massage in Perth, specializing in trigger point therapy and pain management. She is now offering BodyMoves Pilates at Cleveland BodyWise. Claire interacts with the therapists at Sternen Physical Therapy and is happy to take clients who need a more guided and specialized touch, such as post-rehabilitation, pre and post-natal, and seniors. Claire also enjoys working with people who have higher fitness levels and those athletes looking for the challenge of one-on-one Pilates training. Start with Claire today and you will soar to new heights in wellness.  Learn more about Claire in her video below!

Bridget is a certified Basi Pilates instructor, as well as a trained professional dancer. She graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a major in World Arts and Cultures Dance. She started her career as a dancer and dance instructor in Los Angeles. She enjoys working with local dancers in our Dance Rehab program.  Her passion for movement and physiology lead her to pursue a career in Pilates. She is the Pilates Coordinator for the BodyMoves Pilates Training.  She is attending Cleveland State University's PT program to become a physical therapist.  She strives to use her experience in dance and Pilates to help clients enhance their physical strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection