Albany Staff
Our specially trained therapists have advanced, hands-on skills that can help relieve your patient’s pain and get their injured muscles, tissues, and spinal structures moving again. Location Info
Jay Peacock, PT, ATC, CSCS
PT Supervisor jpeacock@nicollatherapy.com Jay joined our staff at Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy in 2000. He is a graduate of Utica College and the University of Buffalo with degrees in physical therapy and athletic training. Jay interned under the respected orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, MD at Health South in Birmingham, Alabama. Jay is the supervisor of our Albany clinic and has brought vast experience to our practice. For over two decades, he has specialized in sports medicine and orthopedics in the capital region. Over the years, he has worked with institutions such as University at Albany, College of St. Rose, Siena, and HVCC, and continues to this day to contribute to the sports medicine needs at these fine schools. He has also been an active part of local professional and amateur teams. Jay specializes in rehabilitation of the overhead athlete and has strong affiliations with programs at all levels. He has presented and lectured on sports injuries throughout our community and continues to consult with many different programs. His vast knowledge and experience with sports and orthopedic injuries is widely recognized and respected by his peers and throughout the medical community. This knowledge and sincere, caring attitude has made him an excellent mentor and clinician. In his spare time, Jay loves to spend time with his family and friends, especially his two daughters and his son. |
Alyssa Ingegni, PT, DPT
PT Supervisor aingegni@nicollatherapy.com Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from Skidmore College with a BS in Psychology and Exercise Science in 2009. She went on to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy program from Sage Graduate School, finishing first in her class and receiving several awards from the American Physical Therapy Association for outstanding service. She has collaborated on a manuscript with several colleagues from her graduate school that was published in Clinical Kinesiology as a research study. Alyssa spent three years of graduate school working with high-functioning patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and retraining these individuals to run. Alyssa joined the Thomas Nicolla of Albany staff in 2012. She is certified in Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and has taken continuing education courses in cervical and pelvic alignment and mobilization. In addition to patient care, Alyssa also researches and applies the ever-changing Medicare compliance and insurance guidelines within the organization. In her free time she enjoys hiking and generally being active with her french bulldog and her husband. |
Ryan Pezzano, PT
rpezzano@nicollatherapy.com Ryan graduated cum laude in 2000 from Daemen College with a BS in Physical Therapy and a minor in Biology. While in PT school he worked as a clinic aide in the patient PT department at St. Joseph's hospital in Cheektowaga, NY. He started with Thomas Nicolla Consulting in June 2000 and was soon promoted to clinic supervisor at our Clifton Park location. Ryan has taken numerous continuing education courses in multiple subjects. He developed and currently runs an orthotics program, which has thrived since its inception over 10 years ago. Ryan has fabricated orthotics for a wide array of individuals including college and professional athletes. He has also lectured on the ankle/foot in seminars given by AMC geared towards educating primary care physicians on the ankle/foot region. Ryan also specializes in the treatment of the spine in affiliation with Capital Region Spine. He has appeared on Benita Zhan's Health Link as part of a panel to discuss back pain. When not at work, Ryan enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with his family. |
Michele L’Hommedieu, PT
mlhommedieu@nicollatherapy.com Michele received a BS in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College is 1991. Her specialty is in orthopedics with an emphasis on Functional Capacity Evaluation, Work Assessment Programs and Ergonomic Evaluations. She has received certificates in Functional Capacity Evaluations and Work Hardening Programs via the Matheson System. Michele provides Ergonomic services for many types of settings including manufacturing, office settings and school settings identifying risk factors for potential injury as well as correction of problem workstations. She also gives seminars for back care and proper lifting, repetitive use syndrome and workstation analysis |
Trisha Mackenzie, MSPT
tmackenzie@nicollatherapy.com Trisha graduated with her masters in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 2001. She is certified in Aquatic therapy and specializes in all types of orthopedic conditions. Trisha currently works in the Washington Ave pool as an aquatic therapist. Her experience also includes per diem coverage at our many outpatient clinics as well as Our Lady of Hope, Wesley and even one year in pediatrics via the Hudson City School district. When not treating, Trisha is busy keeping house with her husband and caring for her three small children. She enjoys scrapbooking, reading, cooking and exercising. |
Kelly Mottolese, PT, DPT
Kelly graduated from Marist College in 2011 with a BS in Biology. She then continued her education and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. She joined our Albany staff in 2015. Kelly has experience working with both orthopedic and neurological injuries which is important in her differential diagnostic skills. She has a background in dance with a resume that includes international competition. Kelly has worked with dancers and athletes alike while sharing her techniques for the rehabilitation process. |
Courtney Polito PT, DPT
Courtney began her pursuit of becoming a physical therapist at Utica College where she earned a B.S. in Health Studies. She then continued her education and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College in 2015. While in the Doctoral program, Courtney volunteered much of her time to different programs to raise awareness and money for various causes, including Multiple Sclerosis Free From Falls Program, American Heart Association Run/Walk, and Cystic Fibrosis walk. She has had experience working in a variety of settings, including orthopedics, post-surgical rehabilitation, women's health, and pediatrics. Courtney has a background in dance and currently teaches basic rhythm skills and coordination classes to children with special needs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, working out, spending time with family and friends, and traveling the world. |
Tara Bess, PTA
tbess@nicollatherapy.com Tara graduated with high honors from Maria College in 2002, receiving the Sister Ann Lawlor Award for Excellence in Clinic Experience. Tara has 14 years invested with Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy, including experience with sports injuries, joint replacements, aquatic therapy, and women's health. She enjoys taking a variety of continuing education courses and keeping up to the date in the field by following evidence based practice. Tara believes that staying current with the newest concepts through education and applying her many years of experience have allowed for her to establish a loyal following. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in being a "foodie." |
Carol Lampman OTR/L, CHT
OT Supervisor clampman@nicollatherapy.com Carol Graduated from the University at Buffalo in 1987 with a BS in OT. She is a Certified Hand Therapist and has been working in Hand Therapy/ Orthopedics and Rehabilitation for 28 years. She has extensive experience in both adult and pediatric orthotic fabrication and orthopedic related problems. Carol has been the Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity at the Bone and Joint Center since it's inception in 2000 and is proud of the Hand Therapy team. Carol feels fortunate to have the ability to communicate with referring physicians on a daily basis and to be able to provide the highest quality of care to her patients. |
Dana Barsalow, OTR/L, CHT
dbarsalow@nicollatherapy.com Dana graduated with her BS and MS in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage Colleges in 1999. In addition, Dana graduated with a BA in marketing from Texas Christian Univeristy prior to attending Sage Colleges. She began working for Thomas Nicolla PT associates in 2000 at the Hand and Upper Extremitiy Clinic of Norhteast and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2006. She enjoys working with orthopaedic and neurological conditions, fabricating static and dynamic orthosis, attending conferences for ongoing education, and observing surgical procedures. Dana believes close communication with patient's physicians is important and is beneficial in the patient's recovery process. |
Chris Mulligan OTR/L, CHT
cmulligan@nicollatherapy.com Chris joined the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic in August of 2009. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The Sage Colleges in 2002. She then obtained her hand therapy certification by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission in 2013. Chris has a diverse background in occupational therapy, having previous experience working in acute care at Level 1 and 2 hospital facilities in addition to pediatrics, early intervention and previous outpatient hand therapy clinics. Chris is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists. |