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Flex With

The Best

Meet our Team

Flex With The Best

Meet our team

Dr. Joel Giffin
PT, DPT, CHT

Founder & CEO

MEET DR. JOEL
Dr. Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHT (he/him) founded Flex Physical Therapy in 2014 with the passion of providing outstanding clinical care in a warm environment where treatment is thoughtfully customized to create lasting, life enhancing results. Both the patient and provider experience is designed with application of Joel’s work in varied settings such as private practices, specialty hospitals and health care centers where he was recurrently named “Clinical Director of the Year.”
 
Joel received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy with distinction after earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University with Honors where he also played Division 1 lacrosse. He is specialized as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) which encompassed an extensive additional 5 year training in the education and implementation of the intricacies of hand treatment and splinting methodologies.
 
Dr. Joel is recognized as an ergonomic expert and thought leader in the field. He collaborates with many major wellness and fitness brands (such as Equinox, Reebok, Orangetheory, Row House, Conde Naste) and is featured in publications on the subject of preventing injury, decreasing discomfort and maximizing function.
 
Additionally, Joel worked on Broadway providing theatre performers rehabilitation and crisis management back stage for shows such as The Lion King, Sleep No More, Tarzan, and Sister Act. He attends continuing education courses to stay current on field advancements and techniques, and serves as a supervisor and educator to licensed physical therapists and student physical therapy doctoral candidates. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and American Society of Hand Therapists. When not with his patients at Flex, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, especially coaching them in soccer, lacrosse and baseball.

Jade Giffin
MA, LCAT, ATR-BC

Co-Founder & Dir. of Operations

MEET JADE

Jade Giffin, MA, LCAT, ATR-BC, (she/her) is a licensed, board certified art psychotherapist and attachment focused EMDR practitioner. Prior to obtaining her masters with honors in the field at NYU, she graduated from Barnard College with distinction and worked in fashion. She brings knowledge of corporate practice, love of artistic design, and commitment to whole person wellness and healing to Flex Physical Therapy.

 

In the Director of Operations role, Jade develops strategies to streamline and elevate aspects of operations such as brand management, clinic design, patient satisfaction, digital presence and TEAM FLEX (please refer to About Us for more information on this program). Jade also applies her clinical expertise to facilitate customized staff trainings on accessing mindfulness, preventing compassion fatigue, and processing vicarious trauma.

 

She and Dr. Joel met working with children at a camp for at-risk youth in the summer of 2001 and have been partners ever since. Jade is proud to further the mission of inclusive and accessible care and bring a family sentiment to the practice where her sons occasionally lend a helping hand!

Dr. Joel Giffin
PT, DPT, CHT

Founder & CEO

MEET DR. JOEL
Dr. Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHT (he/him) founded Flex Physical Therapy in 2014 with the passion of providing outstanding clinical care in a warm environment where treatment is thoughtfully customized to create lasting, life enhancing results. Both the patient and provider experience is designed with application of Joel’s work in varied settings such as private practices, specialty hospitals and health care centers where he was recurrently named “Clinical Director of the Year.”
 
Joel received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy with distinction after earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University with Honors where he also played Division 1 lacrosse. He is specialized as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) which encompassed an extensive additional 5 year training in the education and implementation of the intricacies of hand treatment and splinting methodologies.
 
Dr. Joel is recognized as an ergonomic expert and thought leader in the field. He collaborates with many major wellness and fitness brands (such as Equinox, Reebok, Orangetheory, Row House, Conde Naste) and is featured in publications on the subject of preventing injury, decreasing discomfort and maximizing function.
 
Additionally, Joel worked on Broadway providing theatre performers rehabilitation and crisis management back stage for shows such as The Lion King, Sleep No More, Tarzan, and Sister Act. He attends continuing education courses to stay current on field advancements and techniques, and serves as a supervisor and educator to licensed physical therapists and student physical therapy doctoral candidates. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and American Society of Hand Therapists. When not with his patients at Flex, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, especially coaching them in soccer, lacrosse and baseball.

Jade Giffin
MA, LCAT, ATR-BC

Co-Founder & Dir. of Operations

MEET JADE

Jade Giffin, MA, LCAT, ATR-BC, (she/her) is a licensed, board certified art psychotherapist and attachment focused EMDR practitioner. Prior to obtaining her masters with honors in the field at NYU, she graduated from Barnard College with distinction and worked in fashion. She brings knowledge of corporate practice, love of artistic design, and commitment to whole person wellness and healing to Flex Physical Therapy.

 

In the Director of Operations role, Jade develops strategies to streamline and elevate aspects of operations such as brand management, clinic design, patient satisfaction, digital presence and TEAM FLEX (please refer to About Us for more information on this program). Jade also applies her clinical expertise to facilitate customized staff trainings on accessing mindfulness, preventing compassion fatigue, and processing vicarious trauma.

 

She and Dr. Joel met working with children at a camp for at-risk youth in the summer of 2001 and have been partners ever since. Jade is proud to further the mission of inclusive and accessible care and bring a family sentiment to the practice where her sons occasionally lend a helping hand!

Zane Lynch
 

Practice Manager
 

MEET ZANE

Zane Lynch (he/him) brings stellar leadership, initiative and attention to detail to the Flex team. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Gender Studies. Zane incorporates his passion for supporting people in regaining movement, stemming from his own experience in the field as a trained dancer and Hot HIIT Bikram instructor, and his strong operations skillset to ensuring a positive patient experience for all. Zane is thrilled to live in the dance capital of the world. When not in the clinic, he can be found supporting and participating in performance arts across the city!

Dr. Lauralee Johnson
PT, DPT

Clinical Director Flex Cold Spring
Doctor of Physical Therapy

MEET DR. LAURALEE
Dr. Lauralee Johnson, PT, DPT, (she/her) obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy with honors from Touro College of Health Sciences. Her earliest interest in the field began while dancing for a pre-professional company in her hometown of southern Virginia. Lauralee went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Dance Science at Goucher College. During this time, she worked at John Hopkins Hospital as a physical therapy aide, and completed an internship with a world renowned foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon.

 

Lauralee’s experience includes working with a variety of orthopedic and neurological populations of all ages, including athletes and active New Yorkers. She’s mastered her skills through years at orthopedic outpatient facilities, Alvin Ailey School for Dance, and injury prevention educational workshops. She practices from a biomechanical approach, utilizing a neuromuscular and manual foundation supported by evidence based results. Lauralee’s passion is in customizing treatment; targeting the true underlying cause of dysfunction; empowering patients through education; and returning each individual to a safe, active, pain free, and confident lifestyle.

Dr. Sandon Stevens
PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Education Coordinator

MEET DR. SANDON

Dr. Sandon Stevens, PT, DPT received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hunter College and his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Florida. Sandon applies knowledge of interpersonal relationships and stellar communication from several years in sales to passionately ensuring a positive patient experience and high quality care. In the clinical setting, he gained expertise in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedics while also conducting research involving multiple sclerosis.

Combining an evidence-informed approach, exercise and individualization, Sandon strives to optimize recovery by addressing underlying biomechanical and neurophysiological causes while teaching individuals how best to utilize their movement system given their goals and lifestyle.

As the Education Coordinator, Sandon oversees the clinical student program and local school outreach.

In his free time Sandon enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the city, and playing guitar.

Zane Lynch

Practice Manager
 

MEET ZANE

Zane Lynch (he/him) brings stellar leadership, initiative and attention to detail to the Flex team. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Gender Studies. Zane incorporates his passion for supporting people in regaining movement, stemming from his own experience in the field as a trained dancer and Hot HIIT Bikram instructor, and his strong operations skillset to ensuring a positive patient experience for all. Zane is thrilled to live in the dance capital of the world. When not in the clinic, he can be found supporting and participating in performance arts across the city!

 

Lauralee’s experience includes working with a variety of orthopedic and neurological populations of all ages, including athletes and active New Yorkers. She’s mastered her skills through years at orthopedic outpatient facilities, Alvin Ailey School for Dance, and injury prevention educational workshops. She practices from a biomechanical approach, utilizing a neuromuscular and manual foundation supported by evidence based results. Lauralee’s passion is in customizing treatment; targeting the true underlying cause of dysfunction; empowering patients through education; and returning each individual to a safe, active, pain free, and confident lifestyle.

Dr. Lauralee Johnson
PT, DPT

Clinical Director Flex Cold Spring
Doctor of Physical Therapy

MEET DR. LAURALEE
Dr. Lauralee Johnson, PT, DPT, (she/her) obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy with honors from Touro College of Health Sciences. Her earliest interest in the field began while dancing for a pre-professional company in her hometown of southern Virginia. Lauralee went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Dance Science at Goucher College. During this time, she worked at John Hopkins Hospital as a physical therapy aide, and completed an internship with a world renowned foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon.

 

Lauralee’s experience includes working with a variety of orthopedic and neurological populations of all ages, including athletes and active New Yorkers. She’s mastered her skills through years at orthopedic outpatient facilities, Alvin Ailey School for Dance, and injury prevention educational workshops. She practices from a biomechanical approach, utilizing a neuromuscular and manual foundation supported by evidence based results. Lauralee’s passion is in customizing treatment; targeting the true underlying cause of dysfunction; empowering patients through education; and returning each individual to a safe, active, pain free, and confident lifestyle.

 Dr. Sandon Stevens
PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Education Coordinator

MEET DR. SANDON
Dr. Sandon Stevens, PT, DPT received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hunter College and his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Florida. Sandon applies knowledge of interpersonal relationships and stellar communication from several years in sales to passionately ensuring a positive patient experience and high quality care. In the clinical setting, he gained expertise in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedics while also conducting research involving multiple sclerosis.
 
Combining an evidence-informed approach, exercise and individualization, Sandon strives to optimize recovery by addressing underlying biomechanical and neurophysiological causes while teaching individuals how best to utilize their movement system given their goals and lifestyle.
 
As the Education Coordinator, Sandon oversees the clinical student program and local school outreach.
 
In his free time Sandon enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the city, and playing guitar.
FLEX Physical Therapy NYC & Coldspring, Dr.Alanna Tropelov

Dr. Alanna Trophelov
PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy
 
 

MEET DR. ALANNA

Dr. Alanna Trophelov, PT, DPT (she/her) obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University following receipt of her BA in Psychology and Education from UC Santa Cruz and a year-long trip across Europe. Her journey into the field of physical therapy began when she became a certified Pilates instructor and recognized the benefits of prehab in preventing injuries.

 

With previous experience in diverse clinical settings including outpatient orthopedics, acute inpatient rehab, and pediatrics, Alanna has developed a well-rounded skill set. Currently, she directs her treatment efforts towards enhancing her patient’s functional capacity and improving their neuromuscular connection. Her goal is to alleviate pain and facilitate a quick return to activity through the implementation of specialized manual therapies and therapeutic activities.

 

Alanna’s dedication to her profession extends to her commitment to ongoing education and professional development. She is actively working towards obtaining her CFMT (Certified Functional Manual Therapist) through the IPA (Institute of Physical Art) to enhance her understanding of these principles and provide her patients with advanced specialized care.

 

Beyond her work in the clinic, Alanna finds joy in traveling, cooking, hiking, and camping.

Flex Physical Therapist- Dr. Joseph Lume, PT, DPT

Dr. Andy Wang
PT, DPT, TPI

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Certified

MEET DR. ANDY

Dr. Andy Wang, PT, DPT, TPI received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of California – San Francisco. Andy provides an individualized and eclectic approach to treating patients while valuing the unique bio-psychosocial factors that shape each patient’s life experience.

 

His treatment approach involves utilizing advanced manual therapy techniques including soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization/manipulation to decrease patient pain and improve movement. This is combined with customized exercise programs that address patient needs to help them reach their full physical potential, whether that be getting back onto the playing field or working from home pain-free.

 

Andy is a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified golf expert. His specialization encompasses evaluation and treatment of golfers, golf specific injuries, and enhancing skill to maximize performance. These techniques benefit all of Andy’s patients from multi-sport competitive athletes to persons seeking to improve quality of daily life.

 

In his free time, Andy enjoys playing basketball, golf, surfing, and playing the piano.

Certified Hand Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy Upper West Side NYC- Flex Physical Therapy

Dr. Wen Yau Jennie Yen
PT, DPT, CHT, CLT

Certified Hand Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy
 

MEET DR. JENNIE

Dr. Wen Yau Jennie Yen, PT, DPT, CHT, CLT received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from New York University and her Bachelor of Science in Spanish Language and Literature from Pennsylvania State University. She has extensive clinical experience in the treatment of orthopedic and sports-related hand and upper extremity injuries. Dr. Jennie is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). She is also a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP) and she has a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) certification.

 

Jennie’s vast expertise was acquired in part during her years at HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) where she completed her hand fellowship and was a faculty member, then followed by her work at NISMAT (Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma). She’s also taught physical therapy doctoral students at NYU, Hunter College and Columbia University; and presented at national conferences for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) on Elbow Posterolateral Rotatory Instability and Ulnar-sided Wrist Pathology. Jennie served as a member of ASHT’s Education Division, Nominating Chair and Annual Meeting Committee.

 

In her spare time, Jennie enjoys sharing her skills through service. She served as a volunteer medical staff in the Athletes’ Village at the 2016 Rio Olympics and at the AVP Beach Volleyball Pro Tour at Coney Island. Jennie also participated in The Touching Hands Project and traveled to Honduras with the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, to provide care to adults and children with limited access to healthcare.

FLEX Physical Therapy NYC & Coldspring, Dr.Alanna Tropelov

Dr. Alanna Trophelov
PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy
 
 

MEET DR. ALANNA

Dr. Alanna Trophelov, PT, DPT (she/her) obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University following receipt of her BA in Psychology and Education from UC Santa Cruz and a year-long trip across Europe. Her journey into the field of physical therapy began when she became a certified Pilates instructor and recognized the benefits of prehab in preventing injuries.

 

With previous experience in diverse clinical settings including outpatient orthopedics, acute inpatient rehab, and pediatrics, Alanna has developed a well-rounded skill set. Currently, she directs her treatment efforts towards enhancing her patient’s functional capacity and improving their neuromuscular connection. Her goal is to alleviate pain and facilitate a quick return to activity through the implementation of specialized manual therapies and therapeutic activities.

 

Alanna’s dedication to her profession extends to her commitment to ongoing education and professional development. She is actively working towards obtaining her CFMT (Certified Functional Manual Therapist) through the IPA (Institute of Physical Art) to enhance her understanding of these principles and provide her patients with advanced specialized care.

 

Beyond her work in the clinic, Alanna finds joy in traveling, cooking, hiking, and camping.

Flex Physical Therapist- Dr. Joseph Lume, PT, DPT

Dr. Andy Wang
PT, DPT, TPI

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Certified

MEET DR. ANDY

Dr. Andy Wang, PT, DPT, TPI received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of California – San Francisco. Andy provides an individualized and eclectic approach to treating patients while valuing the unique bio-psychosocial factors that shape each patient’s life experience.

 

His treatment approach involves utilizing advanced manual therapy techniques including soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization/manipulation to decrease patient pain and improve movement. This is combined with customized exercise programs that address patient needs to help them reach their full physical potential, whether that be getting back onto the playing field or working from home pain-free.

 

Andy is a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified golf expert. His specialization encompasses evaluation and treatment of golfers, golf specific injuries, and enhancing skill to maximize performance. These techniques benefit all of Andy’s patients from multi-sport competitive athletes to persons seeking to improve quality of daily life.

 

In his free time, Andy enjoys playing basketball, golf, surfing, and playing the piano.

Certified Hand Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy Upper West Side NYC- Flex Physical Therapy

Dr. Wen Yau Jennie Yen
PT, DPT, CHT, CLT

Certified Hand Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy
 

MEET DR. JENNIE

Dr. Wen Yau Jennie Yen, PT, DPT, CHT, CLT received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from New York University and her Bachelor of Science in Spanish Language and Literature from Pennsylvania State University. She has extensive clinical experience in the treatment of orthopedic and sports-related hand and upper extremity injuries. Dr. Jennie is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). She is also a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP) and she has a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) certification.

 

Jennie’s vast expertise was acquired in part during her years at HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) where she completed her hand fellowship and was a faculty member, then followed by her work at NISMAT (Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma). She’s also taught physical therapy doctoral students at NYU, Hunter College and Columbia University; and presented at national conferences for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) on Elbow Posterolateral Rotatory Instability and Ulnar-sided Wrist Pathology. Jennie served as a member of ASHT’s Education Division, Nominating Chair and Annual Meeting Committee.

 

In her spare time, Jennie enjoys sharing her skills through service. She served as a volunteer medical staff in the Athletes’ Village at the 2016 Rio Olympics and at the AVP Beach Volleyball Pro Tour at Coney Island. Jennie also participated in The Touching Hands Project and traveled to Honduras with the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, to provide care to adults and children with limited access to healthcare.

FLEX Physical Therapy NYC & Coldspring, Dr.Alanna Tropelov

Ambar Perez

Patient Care Coordinator

MEET AMBAR

Ambar Perez is a native New Yorker who received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Flex team she worked as a Medical Receptionist at a bustling dental practice here in NYC. She brings her warm spirit and sense of humor to the office each day. Ambar’s adventurous nature has led her on a quest to find the best vibes in New York City.

Andi Boe, SPT

Patient Liason

MEET ANDI

Andi Boe, SPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Columbia University. Prior to her time in New York, Andi earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Tufts University. She grew up in Vermont where she was an avid hockey player. Andi is excited to be a part of the team at Flex and brings thoughtfulness and thoroughness to ensure the patient experience is a positive one. In her free time, Andi loves to run, travel, read, and eat!

Gigi Hausman, Patient Liason at Flex Physical Therapy NYC

Gigi Hausman

Marketing Outreach Coordinator

MEET GIGI

Gigi Hausman (she/her) brings warmth, community, and connectivity to the Flex team. Gigi has extensive administrative and customer service experience in the fitness and dance world, and she is thrilled to pivot to marketing for health practitioners! Gigi is also a professional dancer and finds immense satisfaction in helping other athletes gain a more holistic approach to their health through physical therapy. In her spare time, Gigi likes to hike, play guitar (badly), and travel.

Gigi Hausman, Patient Liason at Flex Physical Therapy NYC

Ruchir Khazanchi

Marketing Liaison

MEET RUCHIR

Ruchir Khazanchi is grateful to be with the Flex PT Team. He enjoys helping people find resources needed to optimize their well-being. Ruchir applies prior experience in communications and education to this outreach role, including work at a nonprofit providing students across New York with arts education they would otherwise not have access to. He is a believer in the power of music, art and healing. Ruchir’s interpersonal skills coupled with his ability to engage others in a productive and meaningful way enhance the Flex experience.

FLEX Physical Therapy NYC & Coldspring, Dr.Alanna Tropelov

Ambar Perez

Patient Care Coordinator

MEET AMBAR

Ambar Perez is a native New Yorker who received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Flex team she worked as a Medical Receptionist at a bustling dental practice here in NYC. She brings her warm spirit and sense of humor to the office each day. Ambar’s adventurous nature has led her on a quest to find the best vibes in New York City.

Andi Boe, SPT

Patient Liason

MEET ANDI

Andi Boe, SPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Columbia University. Prior to her time in New York, Andi earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Tufts University. She grew up in Vermont where she was an avid hockey player. Andi is excited to be a part of the team at Flex and brings thoughtfulness and thoroughness to ensure the patient experience is a positive one. In her free time, Andi loves to run, travel, read, and eat!

Gigi Hausman, Marketing Outreach Coordinator at Flex Physical Therapy NYC

Gigi Hausman

Marketing Outreach Coordinator

MEET GIGI

Gigi Hausman (she/her) brings warmth, community, and connectivity to the Flex team. Gigi has extensive administrative and customer service experience in the fitness and dance world, and she is thrilled to pivot to marketing for health practitioners! Gigi is also a professional dancer and finds immense satisfaction in helping other athletes gain a more holistic approach to their health through physical therapy. In her spare time, Gigi likes to hike, play guitar (badly), and travel.

Gigi Hausman, Patient Liason at Flex Physical Therapy NYC

Ruchir Khazanchi

Marketing Liaison

MEET RUCHIR

Ruchir Khazanchi is grateful to be with the Flex PT Team. He enjoys helping people find resources needed to optimize their well-being. Ruchir applies prior experience in communications and education to this outreach role, including work at a nonprofit providing students across New York with arts education they would otherwise not have access to. He is a believer in the power of music, art and healing. Ruchir’s interpersonal skills coupled with his ability to engage others in a productive and meaningful way enhance the Flex experience.