Annie Slusarek, PTA, earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology from Kent State University in 2001. She completed her last clinical rotation with Summit and was offered a full time PTA position in the Follansbee, WV clinic. Annie has been in this position for the past 17 years. “I truly enjoy working for a private practice where I have had the opportunity to help and meet such wonderful people over the years. I have made lifelong friendships with my employers and co-workers and every day is a new and exciting learning experience for me.” Annie’s free time is spent with her family, friends, and grandchildren. During football season, she hosts a family get-together every Sunday to cheer on their favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Brandon Walbert DPT

Chelsea received her B.S. in Fashion Merchandising/Business Administration from West Virginia University in May 2011. Upon graduation, she worked in the billing department for a large company specializing in workers comp injuries an rehab services. She joined the Summit team in October 2014 works behind the scenes to help keep Summit Physical Therapy running smoothly and offers administration support to both the business and staff. “The employees, patients and clients are the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Occasionally, you can also find me at the reception desk so please introduce yourself and say hello!” Chelsea resides in Weirton with her husband, Dave and daughter, Kinsley.

Cody D. Wells, DPT, received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2018 from West Virginia University. He began his career in the summer of 2018 at Summit Physical Therapy, following a clinical rotation in the Chester clinic. While working at Summit Physical Therapy, Cody has engaged in career development under the mentorship of Lacey Cline, PT, and through continuing education courses involving optimization of human performance and hands-on, manual treatments of musculoskeletal conditions and dysfunctions. “I really enjoy working with a wide variety of patients and getting to know them on a personal level. I believe understanding the patient, not just their area of injury, is very important because they spend more time with us as physical therapists than in any other medical profession. This allows me to discover what is important to them and helps me personalize their care to achieve their fullest potential.” Cody enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a below average golfer, a weightlifter and true fan of all WVU and Pittsburgh area professional sports teams.

Danelle Payne, PTA, earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology from Kent State University in 2023. After graduating, Danelle worked as an aide in the Chester office while preparing for her licensure exam. Once licensed, she was offered a full-time PTA position in Chester. “I like building relationships with the patients and helping them reach their treatment goals. It’s a great environment when the whole staff is passionate about what we do.” Danelle enjoys spending time with her family, weight training, coaching, and running obstacle course races.

Elisha Plesich received her B.S. in Exercise Science in 2002 from Mount Union College and her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2004 from West Virginia University. She worked as a chiropractic assistant for more than two years before pursuing her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Kent State University. She joined Summit Physical Therapy in 2010 as a PTA student in the Follansbee office and now primarily works in the Chester office. “My interest in physical therapy began when I was undergoing rehab for a high school athletics injury. I saw such a benefit from physical therapy and chose this career to help others and see their lives transformed. It is a blessing to work in a family-oriented and casual, yet professional, environment at Summit Physical Therapy.” Elisha spends her personal time with her husband and daughter and is an advocate for fitness and wellness with her dedication to running and weight lifting.

Elyse Price joined Summit Physical Therapy in May 2020 as a student while completing her last two clinical rotations to earn her Associates of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant Technology at Kent State University East Liverpool campus. After graduating, she was offered a position as an aide while studying for her license and was then offered a full-time physical therapist assistant job in the Follansbee, WV, clinic. “I have had a great experience from the beginning at Summit. It’s a positive, professional environment with friendly co-workers and patients. I am grateful to be starting my career here.” Elyse’s free time is spent exercising and going to her dad’s garage for football Sundays.

Jake Parker, Injury Prevention Specialist- Exercise Physiologist

Joseph M. Pease received his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Kent State University’s East Liverpool, Ohio, campus in 2015. Along with his PTA degree, Joseph has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Jefferson Community College in Steubenville, Ohio and has worked in a wide variety of jobs before pursuing his career in physical therapy, including construction, table gaming and high school football officiating. Joseph joined Summit Physical Therapy in October 2015 and has been a valuable part of Summit’s ability to provide specialized, hands-on care to every patient. Joey spends most of his workdays in the Weirton, WV, clinic and also doubles as the employee scheduler for the company. Joseph has been married to his wife, Kristen, for eight years and they have two daughters, Lucy and Molly. In his free time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and coaching his daughter’s soccer team. “When I was in middle school, the first assignment I was given was to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had recently gone through physical therapy for tendonitis in my elbow and was amazed at the quality of care I received. So, while I wrote physical therapy, all of my friends wrote astronaut or professional football player. Needless to say, I don’t have any friends in the NFL, nor do I know any who work for NASA. Now, I can honestly say working at Summit Physical Therapy has offered me the opportunity to pursue a career path I’ve been interested in since I was 11 years old in the sixth grade and I feel blessed to be here. I enjoy working with all of the patients and look forward to providing the best possible care to everyone who walks through our door.”

Korey Clegg

Krista Roberts joined Summit Physical Therapy’s Chester clinic in July 2019 after many years working as an office and billing manager in Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Transitioning from OB/GYN to physical therapy has been exciting and I’m happy to be a part of the Summit team. Their commitment to patient care is above par because I see the patients getting better after each visit and how happy they are at the end of their treatment.” In Chester, Krista specializes in multi-level office work, including patient service, insurance benefits and patient account management. “I treat others the way I would want to be treated and always try to show that utmost respect. That’s especially important when a patient is injured and they’re looking to us for help.” Outside the office, Krista enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.

Lacey Cline, MPT, OCS, COMT, DAC, FAAOMPT is a 2006 graduate of West Virginia University, where she received her master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She has since maintained a career specializing in outpatient sports and orthopedic physical therapy. She received her certification in orthopedic manual therapy (COMT) and direct access certification (DAC) through the Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy. In her continued pursuit of education, Lacey became a board-certified orthopedic specialist (OCS) in 2015 through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She completed her fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), with an emphasis on medical screening of direct access patients, advanced manual therapy and movement sciences. She has continued to practice with a focus on identifying and treating underlying movement/biomechanical dysfunction in addition to patient’s symptoms and functional limitations to optimize patient outcomes. Lacey integrates orthopedic manual therapy, current research and evidenced-based practice into her individualized patient care. She is the director of Nxt Gen Institute’s Orthopedic Residency program and remains active as a Clinical Instructor.

• Board-certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS)
• Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT)
• Direct Access Certification (DAC)
• Certified in Functional Dry Needling (Kinetacore)
• Certified in Functional Movement Screen (Functional Movement Systems)
• Certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (Functional Movement Systems)
• Member of the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy

Mara Beth Didiano, DPT, received her B.S. in Biology and B.S. in Health Science from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. She started her career at Summit Physical Therapy in March of 2014 and works in the Weirton, WV, and McMurray, PA clinics. She was inspired to become a physical therapist after being a patient herself, having experienced several sports injuries when she was younger. Additionally, she worked as a rehab aide in an outpatient clinic for five years, spanning through her high school and college educations. Mara Beth listens to her patients and creates treatment plans to meet their individual needs and goals. She emphasizes manual treatments and the positive results hands-on therapy can have for them. “I take pride in the care I give to my patients. I provide an environment where they can openly communicate their concerns and hopes for achieving their goals. Seeing my patients improve is one of the best parts of being a physical therapist and my bosses, Mark and Nick, have been a great combination of guidance and support, while also allowing me the freedom to develop my own style and approach to physical therapy.” In her personal time, Mara Beth enjoys spending time with her friends and family including her two adorable nieces. She also enjoys cooking, the outdoors, and all things Disney.

Mark Mascio, PT, CHT, CWCE, received his B.S. Degree in Physical Therapy in 1989 from the University of Pittsburgh. He began practicing in the North Hills of Pittsburgh before opening his own clinic with business partner Nick Martin, PT, OMPT. In 1993, he launched Summit Physical Therapy with his business partner Nick Martin, PT, OMPT. Their first clinic opened in Weirton, WV, before expanding their business with two additional clinics in Follansbee and New Cumberland. In total, Summit Physical Therapy is a thriving practice of five clinics, which now include Chester, WV, and McMurray, PA. Mark is an adept physical therapist whose focus has been in outpatient, orthopedic rehabilitation. He has been a certified Functional Capacity Evaluator utilizing the Matheson System since 2004 and became a certified hand therapist in May 2018. Mark concentrates his specialties on injuries involving the back, neck, upper and lower extremities, major joints and hands. “There’s so much about physical therapy I enjoy, particularly helping patients return to their favorite activities, like playing golf, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and general everyday living. I also enjoy lecturing to parents, coaches and faculty at area schools on injury prevention and advanced training techniques for various sports. Everything we do, in fact, is designed to benefit our patients overall well-being.” Mark’s personal time is spent with his wife of more than 25 years, Sherry, and their kids, Isabella, Christian and Julian. He enjoys golf, water sports and staying active.

Melinda Dailey PTA

Michael Ludewig, DPT

Nicholas J. Martin, PT, OMPT, received his degree in Physical Therapy in 1988 from Virginia Commonwealth Medical College of Virginia. He began his career the same year practicing under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Erhard, a world-renowned clinician and first president of the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists. During Nick’s time with Dr. Eahard he went through a two-year residency program and international testing to earn his clinical certification in Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapy. In 1993, he launched Summit Physical Therapy with his business partner Mark Mascio, PT, CHT. Their first clinic opened in Weirton, WV, before expanding their business with two additional clinics in Follansbee and New Cumberland. In total, Summit Physical Therapy is a thriving practice of five clinics, which now include Chester, WV, and McMurray, PA. Nick is a skilled physical therapist whose emphasis has been in outpatient, orthopedic rehabilitation. He stresses a comprehensive approach that begins with a personalized treatment plan and ends when patient goals are met, concluding in restoration of normal function and activities of daily life. “After 30 years in practice I definitely view our patients as a second family. They are what drive me to continue helping people heal and recover. I’m fortunate to get to know them on a personal level and care about them, which also helps me understand their goals and needs outside of the clinic. And, that’s why, when patients come to Summit, they are treated in a professional setting with a family feel.” In his personal time, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, Julie, and their three adult children, Rachel, Rebecca and Alex. He is an avid golfer, gardener and cook and he and his wife host an annual peppers and sauce canning weekend for their friends.

Roberta Walker

Sara Soubie began her physical therapy career as an aide before earning her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from the Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus in 2015. She was the vice president, and one of the top graduates, in her class. She has been working in the field for close to eight years in a variety of physical therapy settings including acute care and inpatient hospital rehab, along with skilled care and outpatient orthopedic rehab. She has also worked with a variety of patients from pediatrics to seniors. Sara joined the Summit Physical Therapy team in March 2018 and works in the McMurray, PA, and Weirton, WV, clinics. Sara knows how it feels to be on the patient side after having two surgeries on her right knee, which resulted in extensive physical therapy. From this experience she feels she truly understands and cares for her patients and enjoys helping them feel their best and seeing their improvements along the way. In Sara’s free time, she loves to stay active. She enjoys all areas of fitness and spending quality time with her black lab, Tucker.

Sarah Nett began working at Summit Physical Therapy in 2017. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying middle childhood education. Previous to joining Summit, she worked for 10 years with a large pediatrics practice where she trained new office employees, managed the employee schedule, and assisted in billing and accounts. Sarah currently assists the Summit billing manager in the Weirton office on insurance payments and denials, as well as working aged accounts. Sarah is enjoying the new challenge of learning the ins and outs of insurance contracting. Sarah is a married mother of three active children ages 13, 11, and 10. In her spare time she enjoys vacations to the beach with her family and friends and volunteering with the local youth sports and cheerleading organizations. Sarah is currently the head middle school cheerleading adviser in her home town. “Working at Summit has been a wonderful experience. From the second I stepped through the doors every employee made me feel as if I had known them my entire life. The past year has flown by and I look forward to spending many more years with the Summit family.”

Trish Watkins started her career as a certified nursing assistant in 1994, since then she has received an Associates in Science Degree for medical assisting from Pittsburgh Technical College in 2012. Upon graduation Trish gained many years of work experience in the medical field as a Certified Medical Assistant and Office Manager. Trish is one of our newer team members at Summit Physical Therapy, joining our staff in February 2022. She works in the New Cumberland, WV, clinic as an Administrative Assistant. Some of her main job functions include greeting patients, verifying insurance benefits, general customer service support. In her spare time Trish enjoys spending time with her children Rosie, Samantha and Michael and her grandchildren Emily, Dylan and Myles, crafting, and camping with her husband.

Virginia Mozingo, MPT, received her Masters of Physical Therapy degree in 1996 from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, PA. She began her career 27 years ago with Summit Physical Therapy and has been the supervising physical therapist in the New Cumberland, WV, clinic since 2000. Virginia’s emphasis is in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, but takes an interest in pediatrics and neurological disorders as well. She believes in one-on-one, hands on treatment from patient evaluation, to appropriate follow-up treatments up to the time of discharge. She is a certified LSVT BIG clinician specializing in improved movement for Parkinson’s patients. “I enjoy problem-solving and take pride in bringing my patients to their highest level of function to allow them to return to previous levels of sports, work, or daily activities. And having such a long history with Summit and the community of New Cumberland, I can honestly say it’s been a blessing to see my patients thrive over the years.”