Our Therapists

Meet Our Therapists

Over 40 Years of Experience | McKenzie-Certified Therapists | Locally Owned

Over 40 Years of Experience
McKenzie-Certified Therapists
Locally Owned

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    You will meet quality physical therapists at Helen M. Sarandrea P.T. Our team has a passion for healing and will work to help get you back on track. We accept most major insurances including Worker's Compensation and No-Fault Insurance. Call us today!

    Helen Sarandrea, PT

    Helen is a graduate of Ithaca College and has over 39 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist. Helen is McKenzie-trained for spinal care and has a broad range of skills and experience in back and neck pain, orthopedic and neurological injuries, sports medicine, and pain management. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is an advisory member of the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program. Helen is an avid attendee of the annual National Physical Therapy Association Conference where she partakes in numerous continuing education classes in a variety of specialties. Helen is highly regarded by the local medical community and is respected by her patients for her result-oriented and compassionate care. 
    Helen Sarandrea
    Dr. David Schilling

    Dr. David Schilling, PT, DPT, OCS

    Dr. David Schilling is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Utica College, where he teaches courses involving the examination and management of musculoskeletal conditions and manual therapy. He received his physical therapy degree from Utica College in 1999, his DPT from Utica College in 2007 and became board certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in 2009. Dr. Schilling is actively involved with research related to shoulder injury prevention in overhead athletes and has presented at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Meeting in Switzerland, the APTA Combined Section Meeting, the Academy of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting and the NYPTA Conference.
    Dr. Aaron J. Mansur, PT, DPT

    Aaron Mansur is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in manual therapy. He was born raised in Lincoln, Maine and earned his doctoral degree from Ithaca College. He worked as a traveling physical therapist for two years, then spent the next five years working in South Carolina, where he completed his manual therapy fellowship with the Manual Therapy Institute. Aaron lives with his wife, Jessica and their daughter Adeline, as well as their two dogs, Silas and Rajah. He enjoys hiking, woodworking and spending time with family and friends.
    Aaron Mansur
    Dr. Ashraf Elmarakby

    Dr. Ashraf Elmarakby, PT, M.S., PhD


    Dr. Ashraf Elmarakby, PT, M.S., PhD, is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Utica University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Pulmonary and Intensive Care Unit, a Master of Science of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy. Dr Elmarakby teaches physical therapy courses

    involving Cardiovascular/ Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Evidence Based Practice, Intensive Care Unit and Foundations of Examination in Physical Therapy and Interprofessional Education. Dr. Elmarakby is actively involved in research related to cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation. His research articles have been disseminated via presentations at national conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

    Dr. Clare EG Fabbio, PT, DPT


    Dr. Clare EG Fabbio, PT, DPT graduated from Ithaca College with her doctorate degree in 2013. She has experience primarily working with children ages 0-5 years through the Early Intervention and Preschool Programs through Upstate Cerebral Palsy. These children have had a variety of neurological and orthopedic diagnoses and/or injuries. Dr. Fabbio has also worked with adults with a variety of orthopedic injuries here at Helen Sarandrea Physical Therapy. She also supervises Pool Pals, which is a collaborative program between Utica College and the Kelberman Center. This program is an opportunity for Utica College students to work with children with special needs in the water, and it is a fun way to promote inclusion, socialization, and improving fine motor and gross motor skills while working in the water together. 


    Barbara Villanti

    Barbara Villanti, PT, LMT


    Barbara is the owner of Body Kneads Massage and is a 2007 graduate of Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. She is a 1996 graduate of from Daemen College with a bachelor of science degree in Physical Therapy, 1989 graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food/Nutrition/Community Nutrition. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Body Kneads Massage is a business offering massage in a variety of styles – traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, cancer/lymphedema massage and pregnancy massage.

    Susan Kantor, PT, DPT, Cert MDT 

    Susan is a McKenzie-certified doctor of physical therapy. She is an assistant professor at Utica College.
    a silhouette of a woman's head in a picture frame.
    Daniel Patterson

    Dan Patterson, PTA

    Dan has been serving the Central New York Community since graduating from Herkimer County Community College in 2005. Dan is a very skilled Physical Therapist Assistant with a Manual Therapy/Sports Medicine approach. Dan is also a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor. Dan enjoys instructing his own brand of Group Fitness Called ReVolt. We offer personal training sessions with Dan Monday-Friday!
    Pricing is listed below for 30-minute sessions:
    $45 Individual Session
    $400 10 Session Package

    Allison Weigand, PTA

    Allison Weigand
    Benjamin Petersen, PT, DPT

    Benjamin Petersen, PT, DPT

    Benjamin Petersen, PT, DPT is a graduate of Utica University and has been part of the Helen M. Sarandrea PT team since 2019. First starting as a student aide, we are thrilled to now have him as a staff physical therapist! Dr. Petersen has a background in orthopedics and acute care. His biggest passion within the profession is helping patients get back to the activities they enjoy! Dr. Petersen is a CNY native. Growing up in Sherrill, New York, he has a great appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys spending time with his family. Dr. Petersen is currently accepting new patients and is available Monday to Friday.

    Christina M. Sarandrea, MBA - Office Manager

    Christina obtained her Bachelor of Science in Event, Entertainment & Sports Management from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island and then completed her Masters in Business Administration from JWU in Denver, Colorado. She has a broad range of experience in the business management field working for major networks such as the City of Denver at Red Rocks Ampitheater and Hilton Hotels. She’s happy to be back home helping guide the family business into its next chapter!
    Christina M. Sarandrea
    Denver-Doodle

    Denver-Doodle - Official Office Greeter

    Our very own love bug, Denver Doodle is a three-year-old Goldendoodle that provides great companionship to all that welcome him! You'll regularly find him at his post, behind the front desk; where he helps ease the anxiety that some patients may face in a medical facility. He works Monday-Friday and specializes in nose kisses!

    Julie Spanfelner - Billing Specialist

    Julie Spanfelner
    Skyler Jones

    Skyler Jones - Office Administrator

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