Meet the Physical Therapists
DR. ERIC T. PETTY
Physical Therapist
Ohio Licensed & Bureau of Workers Compensation Certified, Dr. Eric T. Petty was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from Northeast High School with academic honors and multiple athletic accomplishments. Dr. Petty served as the captain of a winning football team while also achieving All-City status for his excellent play.
Dr. Petty continued his academic and athletic journey at the historical Hampton University in Hampton, VA. During his four years at Hampton University Dr. Petty majored in business management, briefly played division 1-AA football, and developed an interest in the field of Physical Therapy while working as a personal trainer. He ultimately graduated with a bachelor degree in business management, while achieving deans list honors 8 out of 8 semesters. Most importantly Dr. Petty decided to continue his studies and to attend Physical Therapy school.
Dr. Petty returned to Philadelphia to complete his graduate studies at the top ten nationally ranked Physical Therapy program of Temple University. During his studies he established himself amongst his colleagues and professors as one of the most knowledgeable and ambitious students in his class. Ultimately Dr. Petty matriculated with academic honors while also excelling in clinical and hospital settings. In 2004 Dr. Eric T. Petty received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Immediately after graduating Dr. Petty passed the national state licensure exam which allows him to practice as a licensed Physical Therapist nationally.
Dr. Petty has practiced in a wide range of healthcare and fitness related settings. During his undergraduate and graduate studies he acted as a certified Personal Trainer at Bally's Total Fitness and L.A. Fitness where he assisted clients of all ages with achieving their fitness goals. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy he has worked with division 1-A athletes at Oklahoma State University; geriatric and neurological patients in in-patient settings in Lake Charles, Louisiana; post operative orthopedic patients at the prestigious Hughston Orthopedic Hospital in Columbus, Georgia; home-bound patient in multiple states, and nursing home patients in multiple Skilled Nursing Facilities/Retirement communities.
Dr. Petty prides himself on his versatility to treat a wide range of patients effectively. He strongly believes in evidence base practice and incorporates evidence in his treatment approach. Dr. Petty believes in not only providing excellent treatment for his patients, but also educating his patients to manage their conditions independently. His approach has been very effective in helping his patients achieve objective and personal goals during their episode of care. Most importantly, Dr. Petty's patients are able progress to independent maintenance of a high level of function when their therapy is concluded.
Upon graduation, Harriet accepted a volleyball scholarship to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. During her collegiate volleyball career, the Lady Bears won two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships. This team also made history by becoming the 1st Historically Black College/University to reach the NCAA tournament. Harriet earned a bachelor degree in biology while at Morgan State and decided to apply to physical therapy school. While completing her prerequisite coursework, she worked as a substitute teacher and coached middle school volleyball. Her hard work and determination allowed her to become the 1st African American to receive a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Cleveland State University.
Harriet began her physical therapy career in Voorhees, New Jersey, and provided physical therapy services to patients in long term care facilities, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and in a special needs school. She relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for one year, and has now happily returned to the Cleveland area. Since her return, she has worked in long-term acute care hospitals and for home care agencies.
Harriet plans to further her studies by obtaining a doctorate in physical therapy. Due to her strong desire to work with the pediatric population, she hopes to establish a daycare/preschool that offers therapy and special education services to children with disabilities to ease their transition into the public school system.
Harriet is also the proud mother of two daughters, Xavia and Alaiyah.
SHELDON GOLD
Physical Therapist
Mr. Gold is originally from Cleveland Heights, Ohio where he attended Cleveland Heights high School. While in high school he participated on the swim team and was a member of the varsity medley relay team that qualified for the state finals in his junior year. He also worked as a volunteer at Southe Pointe hospital in Warrensville Heights.
In 1974, Mr. Gold worked as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant at O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, Ohio while studying at Ohio University. He also volunteered at the University in treating patients and instructing pre-physical therapy students in the understanding and use of all clinical modalities. He played piano and guitar and performed in a band playing weekends at the student union center.
Mr. Gold completed his undergraduate work at the Ohio University where he attained a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology with the concentration in Pre-Medicine, Physical Therapy and Psychology.
Mr. Gold a 1981 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Allied Medical Professions in Columbus, Ohio.
Following his Physical Therapy training he completed an internship at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals in Cleveland. He moved to Atlanta, where h was director of an orthopedic and pain management outpatient clinic. He performed community service by treating home bound patients.
After marrying and having two children, he moved back to Cleveland to be near his family. He worked as Director of Physical Therapy for several outpatient Orthopedic Medical and Physical therapy clinics and was the sole Physical Therapist responsible for the diagnosis and treatment plan of all patients referred for therapy and was responsible for the training and supervision of all staff in 13 locations in Ohio. In 1997 Mr. Gold opened his own private practice which included six locations.
His 34 years of experience and knowledge in all areas of the operation and clinically relevant interventions in both inpatient and outpatient orthopedic medicine and physical therapy clinical settings are key to ongoing successes and good reputations.
Shannon Gfell is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and lives in Elyria, Ohio. She grew up in Amherst, OH and attended Lorain County Community College for the PTA program and graduated in 2007. Previously, Shannon worked in a skilled nursing facility with the geriatric population. She currently lives in Elyria with her two dachshunds, Penny and Boots. In her free time, Shannon likes to cook, knit, and work out.
LINDA BARKER
Physical Therapist Assistant
Linda has always had an interest in physical activity since taking dance lessons as a child. Tap, ballet, and modern jazz kept her active with yearly recitals. Later raising a family Linda also kept herself active while designing and teaching exercise classes. During which time she attended Cuyahoga Community College to obtain an Associates Degree in applied Science with training in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
Linda graduated with honors and received her state license in 1995. Since then, working in a variety of settings allowed her to gain hands on experience such as the geriatric population in nursing homes, post surgical and intensive care patients in Cleveland Clinic owned Fairview Hospital, industrial rehabilitation for occupational injuries of workers at Brookpark UAW/Ford Plant. She has also treated sports injuries, cervical and lumbar pain, and strength training at various outpatient clinics. She continues to expand her knowledge by attending educational seminars yearly with the emphasis on preventive and wellness programs.
Linda still enjoys dancing, practices Tai Chi and keeps active by volunteering at a local horse rescue facilty.
LAUREN NAPOLI
Physical Therapist Assistant
Lauren was born in Cleveland, and raised in Parma. She attended Valley Forge High School. While in school she participated in swimming and volley ball. After high school, she attended Cuyahoga Community College. During her time in college she worked at Brecksville Community Center, designing and performing aquatic exercise classes for all age groups. After graduating from Cuyahoga Community College with a degree in Physical Therapy Assisting, Lauren began her career at the Cleveland Clinic, working with Orthopedic and Neurological patients in both acute and outpatient settings. Lauren’s hobbies include swimming, reading, playing the piano, and traveling. She is extremely passionate about community service, and is a member of several organizations to enhance the City of Cleveland. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in free time.
KATHLEEN O'LEARY
Physical Therapist Assistant
Katie was born in Warren, OH and went to Howland High school. She then went to Kent State Ashtabula and received her PTA degree. Throughout college she worked as a civilian at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, in the fitness center where she administered their fitness evaluations and assisted with sporting events. After she graduated she worked in an acute care rehabilitation Hospital in Warren for 3 yrs. She has been continuing her education ever since to eventually get a doctorate in Physical therapy. She is currently relocating to Ohio City, she am extremely passionate for health and fitness. In her spare time she enjoys running, working out, baking and spending time with her family.
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