Staff

George Hess, PT, DPT, COMT

George Hess is the founder of Hess Physical Therapy. He earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from Chatham University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from West Liberty State College. George's special interests are in orthopedic and manual therapy care. He is a certified orthopedic manual physical therapist and has extensive training in various areas of manual therapy including mobilization, muscle energy techniques, trigger point, and myofascial therapy. By integrating this therapeutic approach he has helped thousands of patients. George continues to take numerous continuing education courses for the latest evidence-based evaluation procedures and treatment techniques to assure positive outcomes for his patients. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, and Manual Orthopedic Association. He is also certified in ASTYM, DSI work solutions and is a certified golf fitness instructor through Titleist Performance Institute. In his spare time, George enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, archery and is an avid outdoorsman.

Jessica Homer PT, DPT, COMT, HMS, OCS

Dr. Homer received her Bachelor's degree in Biology at Washington and Jefferson College in 2012 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Chatham University in 2014. Dr. Homer is the Director of Operations. She oversees all operational aspects of the company and helps set strategic goals to continue to strive towards the company's purpose of exceeding people's expectations and delivering the results people want. Dr. Homer is a practicing clinician who strives for excellence within her care. She has received her Certification in Manual Therapy in 2017, obtained her Human Movement Specialization in 2018, and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2019. Dr. Homer also received her Direct Access Certificate in 2017, allowing her to evaluate and treat patients without being referred by a doctor or healthcare practitioner. Direct Access is not implemented to replace physicians. In fact, Dr. Homer works closely with all physician colleagues to provide the best care possible to her patients. Outside of work, Dr. Homer enjoys spending time with her family and husband. She loves the outdoors, and spending time with her husband going to Pitt games and country concerts.

Julie Thomas, PT, DPT, CEP, COMT

Dr. Julie Thomas received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Dance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Within the same year, she became a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Thomas later earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chatham University in 2019. Dr. Thomas is eager to assist her fellow community members of the Kennedy/Robinson Township area in achieving their movement goals to enhance their quality of life. Dr. Thomas has found a passion for treating the older adult population regarding balance training and reducing the risk of falls. Additional areas of interest include concussion, vertigo, vestibular, and orthopedic rehabilitation. When Dr. Thomas is not in the clinic, she enjoys family game nights, traveling, watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, and hiking with her husband, Nathan, and their golden retriever, Ammo!

Jessica Burton, PT, DPT

Dr. Jess has her B.S in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University. She pursued her dream career of PT at Slippery Rock University as well! She has spent time in all aspects of the PT realm. Once a former PT aide and office assistant, and now a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Dr. Jess is passionate about neuro-based diagnosis, pediatrics, and women’s health! When Dr. Jess isn’t in the clinic, you can usually find her spending time outside. She loves spending time with her dogs, Remington and Willow. She cherishes every moment spent with her family and closest friends.

Joseph Rasicci, PT, DPT

Dr. Rasicci received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University in 2006 and continued his education to graduate with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009. Dr. Rasicci previously ran his private practice in Atlasburg, PA before joining Hess PT in 2022. He currently is the clinic director for the new Atlasburg, PA office. After a knee injury as a teenager and his own father being a Physical Therapist, Dr. Rasicci always has had a strong passion for Physical Therapy and patients. He is a dedicated and experienced Physical Therapist with years of experience evaluating and effectively managing the treatment of patients. Dr. Rasicci strives to serve patients that we see in our office with compassion and empathy while empowering each individual. Outside of the office, He lives in Weirton, WV with his wife and 2 daughters. He enjoys the great outdoors, riding his atv, watching the Steelers and WVU games, and working on his woodworking skills.

Christopher Johnson, PT, DPT, COMT

Dr. Christopher Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Slippery Rock University in 2020 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chatham University is 2022. Dr. Johnson enjoys helping his patients with manual therapy techniques and specialized plans of care to help each patient return to their highest level of function. Dr. Johnson has also initiated advanced manual therapy training in order to provide the best possible care to patients with a variety of movement disorders. When outside of the clinic, Dr. Johnson spends his time hunting, fly fishing, golfing, and mountain biking with friends and family.

Alex Dzadovsky, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC, BRM, COMT

Dr. Dzadovsky, a Pittsburgh native, earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Duquesne University in 2018. Prior to obtaining his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Dr. Dzadovsky worked as an athletic trainer in the Pittsburgh area for two years. In 2022, Dr. Dzadovsky earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wheeling University. In 2023, Dr. Dzadovsky completed training in order to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) and became certified in the Barbell Rehab Method (BRM) Dr. Dzadovsky received his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) in 2024 from Pearl Institute of Manual Therapy. Dr. Dzadovsky is passionate about helping his patients reach their individual goals and he enjoys the one-on-one interactions with each patient. Other areas of physical therapy that Dr. Dzadovsky is interested in exploring includes vestibular rehabilitation, Orthopedic Certified Specialist, and Sports Certified Specialist. Outside of work, Dr. Dzadovsky enjoys playing ice hockey, soccer, tennis, fishing, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Lysia Cook, PT, DPT

Dr. Lysia Cook earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from University of Pittsburgh in 2020. She then worked for a year as a physical therapy aide before returning to school to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chatham University in 2023. Dr. Cook is passionate about helping her patients get back to what they love doing. She enjoys using both manual therapy and carefully prescribed therapeutic exercise to help her patients obtain their goals and maintain their improvements. Dr. Cook is interested in pelvic floor PT and plans on pursuing further training in this realm. During her free time, Dr. Cook enjoys going to the gym or spending time outdoors hiking/camping with friends.

Dale Hogan, PT, DPT

Dr. Dale joined the team at Hess PT in 2024. After finishing his undergraduate degrees and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Duquesne University, he has been given opportunities to practice in a variety of physical therapy settings. He is passionate about taking his experiences and education and using them to help others in their daily lives. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Dale loves to be outside, play drums, drink coffee, and enjoy date nights with his wife. He is currently pursuing his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Katelyn Rumbarger, PT, DPT

Dr. Kate graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in 2019. She also worked for two years as a rehab aide prior to furthering her education. She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Gannon University in 2024. She plans to further her knowledge and skillset by obtaining a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy to better provide for each of her patients. Dr. Kate enjoys building relationships with her patients, striving to help each of them work to achieve their goals and aspirations. When she's not in the clinic, Dr. Kate enjoys trying new coffee shops, traveling with her fiancé, as well as attending car rallies and shows as a novice car enthusiast.

Daniel Haas PTA, LMT, CHt, GTS, HBCE, LCCE, SpBCPE, SpBAP, CD(DONA)

Dan began working at Hess Physical Therapy in April of 2009. He earned his Physical Therapist Assistant degree at Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus in 2006, his certification in Massage Therapy in 2007 from CCAC - Boyce Campus, became a Licensed Massage Therapist in August, 2011, and graduated from the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy in April of 2016. He is certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) (Upper Extremity Level 1 and 2, Lower Extremity Level 1 and 2, Spine Level 1 and 2, Nerve Level 1, Long Tract Nerve Entrapments, Complex Protocols, Active Diagnosis with Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1, Active Palpation Techniques, Master’s ART Certified, and is a member of the Elite Provider Network (EPN). Dan is also certified in ASTYM, a Graston Technique Specialist (GTS), DSI Work Solutions, a HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator (HBCE), Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Professional Fertility Consultant, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, and a Certified Professional Birth Doula through the HypnoBirthing Institute, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) through Lamaze International, Spinning Babies Certified Parent Educator (SpBCPE) and Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner (SpBAP), Certified HypnoMothering Practitioner (Childbirth, Fertility, and Postpartum), Certified Mother Massage Practitioner (CMMP) from Elaine Stillerman’s Mother Massage Seminar for pregnancy massage, Certified Nurturing the Mother Pregnancy Massage Therapist, Certified Fertility Massage Therapist, and Certified Integrative Reflexologist through Claire Marie Miller Seminars, Certified Contemporary Cupping Therapist (CCT) through the International Cupping Therapy Association (ICTA), Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP), and is a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International. He is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CCI) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Students. When away from Hess Physical Therapy, he is an avid Pittsburgh Sports fan and Super Bowl Historian.

Diane Bianco

Diane Bianco joined our team at Hess Physical Therapy in May of 2008 as our Marketing Coordinator and Patient Service Representative. Diane's is the first smiling face you will see when you come to Hess Physical Therapy for treatment. She will schedule your appointments, verify your insurance benefits and copays and help in any way she can. Diane, her husband, Michael and their three sons have lived in Kennedy Township for over twenty years. When she is not at Hess Physical Therapy, she enjoys baking, cooking, exercising and spending time with her family and friends.

Tamara Hess, RN

Tamara Hess is the quality assurance director at Hess Physical Therapy. She is the cheerful voice on the phone calling to make sure our patients are happy and well taken care of. She is the liaison between the patients and staff. Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband George, and two children, Gino and Jana.

Debbie Sekelik

Debbie Sekelik joined our team at Hess Physical Therapy in January 2011 as a Patient Care Representative. She is familiar with all aspects of insurance, co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and authorizations as well as insurance and patient billing. She can be found either at the front desk or the billing office and is always willing to assist you with any insurance questions you may have. Debbie and her husband Steve have lived in Stowe Township for the past 33 years. Debbie enjoys spending time with her husband gardening, going to car cruises, collecting donations for animal shelters and spending time with their dog and cat.

Mira Gordon

Mira joined our team at Hess Physical Therapy in November 2022 as a Patient Care Representative in our Kennedy location. She enjoys working with people and has fun, friendly personality ,she will go above and beyond to help you with anything she can to make you feel well taken care at Hess PT. Mira is from Bulgaria and moved to United States in 2009 with her husband who was in US Army. She is a proud mom of two sons and outside of work she enjoys her family time with her kids and husband, loves to bake, decorating and renovations. But her biggest passion is traveling the world. She has been in 20 countries, speaks three languages and she is always planning next destination to explore.

Melissa Barto

Melissa began working at Hess Physical Therapy in February/2023 as a member of our billing team. Melissa's 30+ year career in medical billing began as a summer job in high school. She has a background in billing for multiple specialties as well as experience in office administration. Melissa lives in Kennedy Township with her husband and two daughters. When she's not working, Melissa enjoys attending her daughters' sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

Heidi Castelluci

Heidi joined our team in August 2021 as the Front Desk Receptionist in our Crafton location. She is a Certified Pharmacy Technician and has a background in processing Workmans Comp claims. Heidi, her husband, James along with their 2 kids (both attending Clarion University) reside in Kennedy Township. On her time off, She enjoys spending time with her family going camping, hunting, fishing, working outside or crafting.

Gloria Kelly

Gloria is the PT aide and front office assistant. Gloria loves helping patients achieve their goals. Patient care is her top priority, aside from keeping the office spotless and organized. Gloria enjoys helping her elderly neighbors and feels very blessed to spend time with her husband, children, and their spouses, but most of all, her beautiful grandchildren.

Jennifer Bonidie

Joined our team in October of 2021 as the front desk receptionist at our Bethel Park Office. Jennifer has over 24 years of experience in the physical therapy field. She is knowledgeable with most insurances and all aspects relating to them. She loves working with patients and going above and beyond to help make their physical therapy experiences easy for them. Her and her husband Roy, along with our 2 kids reside in Bellevue. When not working at Hess Physical Therapy, they enjoy spending time with my family at our camp, boating and is also an avid crocheter.

Kathy Smorul

Kathy is our front desk receptionist at the Burgettstown/ Atlasburg location. She is the first smiling face you see when you enter the office. Kathy will help schedule your appointments, verify insurances, and help you in any way she can! Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, kids, and grandkids. She loves going to the beach and her favorite vacation spot is Jamaica!

Jodi McIntyre

Jodi is our front desk receptionist at our Burgettstown office. Jodi enjoys spending time with her daughter and mom. She loves going to the movies, bowling, planting flowers and playing with her dogs on her free time.