Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals, Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals, and Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

Certifications: Licensed Physical Therapist, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Therapy (APTA), Certified Emergency Medical Responder, First Aid and CPR instructor with American Red Cross., Level I Functional Dry Needling Certified, Level 1 Blood Flow Restriction Training through Smart Cuffs, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), USA Level I Weight Lifting Club Coach

Experience: Dan has been a licensed physical therapist since the late 90's. Before opening JumpStart, Dan was employed as a staff physical therapist at The Children's Hospital in Boston, where he met his wife Jennifer. Dan has a special interest in rehabilitation from all types of sports injuries. He has coached youth hockey and lacrosse at the club and high school level. He loves the outdoors Mountain Biking, Kayaking, hiking, and spending time with his wife and children. He has a son Jake, daughter Hannah, and Boston Terrier (Bauer).

Brianna graduated from Sacred Heart University with a doctorate in physical therapy in 2016 and a bachelor's degree in athletic training in 2013. She is a certified athletic trainer as well as physical therapist which helped foster her interests in orthopedics and sports. Brianna grew up in Framingham and enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and staying active through running, yoga, and workout classes.

Dr. Jennifer Connors has been a physical therapist since 1995. She was initially employed at Children's Hospital, Boston where she gained experience in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. Additionally, while employed at Children's, Jennifer had the opportunity to work in the NICU, Cerebral Palsy Clinic, Myelodysplasia Clinic, and Adolescent and Young Adult Hip Unit. Jennifer joined JumpStart in 2004 where she has continued to work with a wide range of patients. She has developed a special interest in the treatment of hip pathologies including hip dysplasia and femoral acetabular impingement as well as pediatric diagnoses. Other experience includes early intervention and home care services. She is currently the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education at Jump Start.

In 2002, she became a Pediatric Clinical Specialist and is certified through the American Physical Therapy Association. In additional to clinical experience, Jennifer has lectured on many topics including: Cerebral Palsy, and Spina Bifida both at MGH Institute of Health Professions and Simmons College; injury prevention to local communities; and at the National Physical Therapy Conference in 2002 on Pre and Post Periacetabular Osteotomy.

In September 2010, she completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

• The Use of Parent- Completed Developmental Questionnaires by Physical Therapist and Physicians. Co-authored. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 8(3):104-110, Fall 1996.
• Assessment of Hip Abductor Strength and Function in Patients with DDH- pre and post Periacetabular Osteotomy. Abstract. Co-authored. JOSPT. Vol 32. No 1. Jan 2002.
• Physical Therapy Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Co-authored. Independent Study Course available through the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA.

Janey received her Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in 2013 and graduated with her Doctoral degree from Quinnipiac University in 2016. She is excited to pursue her interests in pediatrics, amputees, dance and sports to help patients of all ages and various diagnoses achieve their goals. In her free time you can find Janey at a workout class, spending time with family and friends or volunteering at Camp No Limits.

Michael began his internship at JumpStart September 2016 and became a licensed physical therapist January 2017. Originally from Ashland, MA, he enjoys playing and watching all sports, but he is especially hooked on soccer. He also has a passion for science fiction (novels and movies). Michael works on-site as a physical therapist at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where he works with dancers, musicians, and artists. He also has a strong interest in working with hypermobile athletes.

Certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA, Functional Dry Needling certified, Blood Flow Restriction certified, CPR/AED certified through American Red Cross

Anna graduated from MGH Institute of Health Professions in January 2018. Prior to graduate school, she earned her Bachelor's degrees in Kinesiology and Dance from UMass Amherst in 2015. Anna also teaches dance and choreographs for local theater companies. In her free time, Anna enjoys dancing, doing crafts and being outdoors.

Kelsey graduated from MGH Institute of Health Professions with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in January 2020 after completing her final clinical internship at Jumpstart in 2019. Prior to graduate school, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Elon University in 2016. She is excited to continue to pursue her clinical interests in pediatrics and orthopedics and she is passionate about helping individuals of all ages and abilities to achieve their goals. Outside of the clinic, Kelsey enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, and cooking/baking.

Certifications: Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) for Adult, Child, Infant

Marissa graduated from Springfield College with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021 and her Bachelor’s in Health Science in 2019. During her time at Springfield, Marissa could be found in the dance studio or helping out at an after-school program in a local charter school. She believes that movement is medicine and is excited to use that philosophy when treating patients across the lifespan. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, doing yoga, and spending time with her dog Maggie.

Certifications: : Basic Life Support (CPR, AED) for Adults, Children, and Infants; NETA Group Exercise Instructor; YogaFit Level I

Certifications: Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) for Adult, Child, Infant

Bauer has been part of the JumpStart Team since 2013. He is a skilled clinician specializing in bones. His hobbies include chasing squirrels, running, jumping, chewing, and going on long walks. He is an avid Boston sports fan who loves home cooked meals.

Barbara has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Adams State and her Masters degree in teaching from Lesley University. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, has worked with clients of all ages, with classes ranging from bootcamps to Barre’. Barb has 2 daughters in College, enjoys Cheez Its and the outdoors, especially long walks with her 2 dogs. Fun Fact: Barb is Dan Connors sister.

Katie Cotter has been a physical therapist since 2006. She graduated from Quinnipiac University with her Masters of Physical Therapy then went on to receive her doctorate from Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She has a passion for pediatrics and aquatics, but also enjoys working with the neurologic and orthopedic populations and kids of all ages! Katie has two young children and when not working she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, skiing, biking or relaxing at the beach. She is also an avid runner and enjoys yoga in her free time.

Meg earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2011 from Fairfield University where she was also a member of the Swimming & Diving Team. She graduated from MGH Institute of Health Professions with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014. She completed her final clinical internship at Jumpstart in 2014 and was excited to join the staff as a full time therapist at that time. She is passionate about treating patients with orthopedic and sports injuries as well as a wide variety of diagnoses in the pediatric population. Outside of work, Meg enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking outdoors, traveling, cheering for Boston sports teams especially the Patriots, and visiting Cape Cod where she is originally from.

Certifications: Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) for Adult, Child, Infant; APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor

Christina earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 2009. She moved to Massachusetts after graduating and has been working in the outpatient orthopedic setting focusing on sports medicine rehabilitation ever since. She is passionate about helping others, staying active, and continuing her education. Christina has taken advanced coursework in postpartum rehabilitation, running form analysis, and a variety of manual therapy techniques including Graston, trigger point dry needling, and cupping. When she is not working, Christina is most likely to be found enjoying time outside and playing with her husband and two young children.

Certifications:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Trigger Point Dry Needling level 1
• Graston Technique Provider
• Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
• CPR/AED certified

Jacob graduated from Springfield College with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2023 and his Bachelor’s in Health Science in 2021. His passion for sports transferred to his collegiate years where he pitched for the Springfield baseball team for 5 years. Growing up in the Northwest part of Connecticut helped shape his love of hiking, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Jacob enjoys working with children and has been a substitute teacher, a coach, a mentor, and led several baseball clinics for children of all ages. Jacob’s second physical therapy clinical rotation took him to Jumpstart and he is excited to be back as a member of the staff.

Certifications:

• CPR/AED certified

Tanya earned a Bachelor's in Exercise Science from Simmons University in May of 2023. With aspirations to enter into a physical therapy doctorate program in the near future, she is working as a rehab aide to gain clinical experience. She grew up near Gardner, MA where she now works part time as a CrossFit and general functional fitness Coach. She enjoys Dek hockey, hiking, and candlepin bowling in her free time.

Cisco joined the JumpStart team in 2024. He brings a set of unique skills to the clinic. He can demonstrate various exercises with perfect execution, such as sled pulls, agility, plyometric jumping, and lunges. In his spare time he likes to do puzzles, chase round objects, and eat sticks.

Lydia graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2024 and a Bachelors of Health Science and Psychology Minor in 2021. After 15 years of competitive figure skating, Lydia started the Club Figure Skating program at Quinnipiac University and continued to lean into her passion for performance arts sports, with the goal of helping prevent injuries for athletes and returning them to the highest level of performance as a physical therapist. Lydia also enjoys research and is currently involved in developing injury prevention screenings for dancers and figure skaters. In her free time, Lydia enjoys wight lifting, running, and hanging with her two cats, Blueberry and Muffin.

Certifications:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM certified group fitness instructor
• CPR/AED certified through American Red Cross for Adults and Pediatrics