Owner/Physical Therapist Orthopedics, Sports Injury, Manual Therapy, Balance and Vestibular Therapy and Spine Injuries
Hailing from Long Island, New York, Tara has been heavily involved in sports her entire life. As a college athlete, Tara spent countless hours in training and recovery. Her love of sports, training and recovery led her to her passion: physical therapy and helping people. It is with this passion that she decided to open Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness. Entering into the physical therapy field in 1996, Tara quickly realized the value and importance of hands-on therapy and providing personalized care for each person. She recognized the best way to have control over the kind of care her patients received was to open her own clinic. So, after many years of experience, and trying to maintain her passion and philosophy, she opened the doors of Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness in 2004. While the changing healthcare field has presented many challenges to overcome, Tara believes that patient care and treatments should not suffer. She is a firm believer in empowering patients through education and proper training so they can prevent any future injuries, and enjoy a life of pain-free movement whenever possible. Tara hopes to ensure that each of her patients undergo a personalized therapeutic experience while helping them acquire the knowledge and skills to continue a healthier lifestyle and well-being. Tara graduated with an Advanced Master of Physical Therapy Degree from the Institute of Physical Therapy in St. Augustine in 1996. Prior to attending the Institute of Physical Therapy, St. Augustine, Tara attended Cortland State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Exercise Physiology. Tara is continuously looking to further her expertise through professional continuing education courses with a focus on orthopedics, sports injury and manual therapy; recently receiving training on Kinesiology Taping. Some of her continuing education includes spine training, as well as focus on treatment for the extremities and joints throughout the body. In addition, Tara is level II certified in Balance and Vestibular therapy. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Florida Physical Therapists in Private Practice Association which helps her stay current in the latest trends and studies. Tara thoroughly enjoys working with people of all ages and functional limitations. She has extensive experience in geriatric orthopedic rehabilitation and balance re-training, along with recreational, high school, collegiate and professional athletes for both rehab and performance. Tara enjoys connecting with people and provides health and wellness seminars and chats throughout the community.
Concentrations: Orthopedics, Sports Injury, Manual therapy, Balance and Vestibular therapy, Spine Injuries
General Manager
My name is Christy and I am the General Manager at Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness. I was raised in Richmond Virginia and went to college at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I played basketball in college and earned a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. I have several years of experience working within the intricacies of people and business management. In my role at Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness, I manage and lead our team as well as provide the highest quality of care in the Physical Therapy industry. I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking in the workplace and strive to bring that into Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness each and every day. I aim to regularly check in with my employees to ensure internal wellness and an overall everyday happiness. A saying that motivates me everyday is “Happy employees equal happy clients”. I love my job and the cheerful employees surrounding me everyday! Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones, but also can be found at the poker table.
Billing Manager
My name is Kelsey and I have been with Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness for 10 years. I started off as a rehab technician and continued to grow with the company and eventually got into more of the insurance and billing side of things. I then decided to go to medical billing school at HCC which is what led me into the position I’m in now, Billing Manager. I have been doing the billing for Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness for the last 4 years and continue to learn and grow with this ever-changing industry.
I am a Florida native who grew up in the Largo area but have lived in Tampa for the last 7 years. My husband and I are proud parents to two rescue dogs who we love to spend all our time with. When I’m not working, I love to workout, hang out in the sunshine, cook, and travel, especially to our countries National Parks!
Physician Liaison/Nutraceutical Consultant
My name is Michelle Sherwood and I am the Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness Liaison and the Nutraceutical and Weight loss Consultant at Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness. I have been working for Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness for 2 years and have loved every second of it. I grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated from Osceola High School. Immediately after graduating high school, I pursued a career in the beauty industry. I worked in Belleair doing nails for 29 years and made life long friendships with my clients that I truly cherish to this day. I’ve been married to my husband Doug for 29 years, and we have two awesome children Cody, 25 and Rylee, 23.
Soon after we had children is when I discovered my passion for wellness. It was important to me when raising my kids to encourage a healthy diet, vitamin intake and exercising regularly. Building my family’s immune system was extremely important to me and I believe it helped keep doctor visits to a minimum. Three years ago, I discovered Nutrametrix and found their passion and goals to be very similar to mine. I wanted to be involved in their mission in providing wellness to Health Professionals for recommendation to their patients. Their goal to reach people through their health professionals was something I was ready to be apart of. Soon after I started working with Nutrametrix is when I met Tara. She had a passion for encouraging a healthy lifestyle for her patients and that is when I started working with her on Nutrametrix.
About a year later, I started working for Tara and have never been happier. I do miss my clients but have enjoyed the journey life has taken me on. I truly love working for a company that shares the same passion as I do! While working at Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness, one of my goals i’ve set for myself is to spread awareness to people and Doctors about Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness, and how they lead the market in physical therapy and overall health. I tend to find myself working a lot but do try to spend as much time as I can with family and friends. I love animals and would love to have a farm full of animals if I could! I hope to one day retire and spend my time traveling with family and friends! If you see me in the clinic, make sure you say hello!
Practice Administrator
Rylee Norris is the Practice Administrator for Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness, overseeing operations for the Largo, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg clinics. She joined the Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness team in July 2019 shortly after graduating from the University of South Florida. Go Bulls!
Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Rylee is passionate about creating a positive experience for both patients and staff while helping ensure the clinics operate efficiently and effectively. She enjoys being part of a team dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Rylee currently resides in St. Petersburg with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring her local community, and taking advantage of Florida’s beautiful weather.
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Largo office
Hello my name is Ty Bates and I am a native Floridian, growing up in and around the Largo/Seminole area. I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in August 2020 and received my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi College in 2016. I have been with Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness since 2016 where I worked as an aide and now am excited to be back to the clinic as a Physical Therapist. I have a passion for learning and am committed to helping patients achieve their goals.
While not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, boating, scuba, outdoor activity, and participating in CrossFit.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Orthopedics, Largo office
Nicole LaPera is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who joined the Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness
team in March of 2020. She was born and raised here in Largo, FL. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida in 2013. After gaining experience in the healthcare field and obtaining many observation hours in several different PT settings, she continued her education. Nicole attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and received her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2019. Nicole’s clinical experiences include outpatient ortho and neuro, treating various diagnoses, and working with patients of all ages. Although she is just starting her career, she is passionate about her profession and helping others improve their quality of life and restore their function.
In Nicole’s free time, she enjoys being outdoors and staying active, exploring new places, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Physical Therapy Assistant, Largo office
My name is Lizzy and I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with nine years of clinical experience. I moved here in June 2024 from Memphis, Tennessee. My career began as an athletic trainer for the University of Memphis football team, where I also earned my degree in Exercise Science.
When I’m not in the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two dachshunds. I’m also a huge sports fan and love spending time at the beach! Go Tigers, go grizz, and go titans!
Physical Therapy Assistant, Largo office
Comming soon
Doctor of Physical Therapy PT, DPT, Clearwater office
Dr. Edward Matawaran is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a proud native of the humble town of Pinellas Park, Florida. He grew up enjoying running so he could keep up with his favorite hobby of eating. He consider himself a renaissance man as he enjoys basketball, singing in the shower and Star Wars. His biggest motivation is to make a positive impact to his community. He finds that he can help a lot of people through being a physical therapist. He received his doctorate degree from Florida Southern College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. He has furthered his education with receiving training in vestibular and TMJ rehabilitation. He looks forward to meeting you and working towards getting your movement!
PT, DPT, Neurological, Vestibular and Orthopedics, Clearwater & St. Petersburg office
Alison grew up in Littleton, Massachusetts, and developed an interest in health, fitness, and helping others at an early age. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Florida.
As a physical therapist, Alison enjoys building relationships with her patients and helping them regain confidence in their movement. She has a particular interest in treating vestibular and balance disorders and finds it especially rewarding to help people return to the activities they enjoy most.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll often find Alison in the gym strength training, checking out new restaurants, spending time at the beach, or enjoying time with friends and family. She believes that staying active is an important part of overall health and enjoys helping others find ways to move better and feel their best.
Physical Therapy Assistant, Clearwater office
Since starting her career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2018, Laura has enjoyed helping people feel better and stronger, and get back to doing the things they love. She specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy and is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and confident throughout their recovery.
A Clearwater, Florida native, Laura believes that great care starts with listening. She enjoys getting to know each patient and working together to create a treatment plan that fits their individual goals and lifestyle. Her favorite part of being a PTA is celebrating each patient’s progress, whether it’s returning to daily activities, managing pain, or reaching a personal milestone.
Outside of the clinic, Laura loves spending time with her family and friends, getting lost in a good book, and ballroom dancing. She is proud to care for her community and looks forward to helping every patient achieve a healthier, more active life.
DPT, Physical Therapist, Clearwater office
Coming soon
Doctor of Physical Therapy PT, DPT Orthopedics, Pelvic Floor, and Manual Therapy, St. Petersburg office
Blythe Blackwell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who joined the Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness team in August of 2024. She was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Mississippi n 2021, Hotty Toddy!
She then continued her education at the University of Florida for her doctorate degree, Go Gators! Blythe is also certified in Pelvic Floor therapy, assisting patients with incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum diagnoses. Along with pelvic floor therapy, she also is trained with orthopedic and neuro diagnoses with previous training in the surgical ICU and stroke unit. In Blythe’s free time, she enjoys being outdoors and staying active, exploring new places, playing pickle ball, and watching college football.
Physical Therapy Assistant, St. Petersburg office
Coming soon
Physical Therapy Assistant, St. Petersburg office
I’m LouAnn Evinger. I’m a Physical Therapist Assistant working in the industry for 30+ years. I graduated with an Associate in Science degree from St. Petersburg (Jr.) College in 1985. I have been with Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness for 14 years, giving me the privilege to watch us grow from a small 3 clinician clinic to the ever growing facility we are today. I have practiced in all areas of PT, but my passion has always been out patient orthopedics. I love being able to provide quality care to my clients and getting to know them and what their specific needs are and I feel OP care allows us to do that. I feel my areas of expertise are general orthopedics and TMJ but continue to grow with the expansion of our balance programs. As a native Floridian, I do enjoy being outdoors, as long as the summer heat doesn’t beat me down. In my down time, I’m out back taking care of my furry and feathered friends and chilling with my fur baby Riley. I have a strong heart for animal rescue and hope to some day foster shelter pups. In the meantime, you can find me here at Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness ready to provide you with the best care possible to help you return to the things you love to do. Come be part of our Advance Physical Therapy & Wellness family!
Concentrations: TMJ, Orthopedic, Balance
Physical Therapy, St. Petersburg office
Coming soon
