Meet the team
Bernard J. Povanda, PT, COMT, FAAOMPT
President / CEO, Physical Therapist
Mr. Bernard Povanda is the owner and founder of Physical Therapy Associates of NEPA. He has over 35 years of experience in private practice treating postsurgical orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Mr. Povanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University. Then continuing to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida.
In addition, Bernard is a certified orthopedic manual therapist through Maitland–Australian Physiotherapy seminars (MAPS), and a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT), which is recognizable worldwide as the highest level of clinical excellence by the APTA and international Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapy (IFOMPT).
Mr. Povanda’s interests include Treatment of Musculoskeletal conditions involving Spinal and Peripheral joints, as well as his involvement in research which includes collection of data of the following (Does Glenohumeral Mobilization Symptom Response at the Initial Evaluation predict outcomes in patients suffering from Shoulder Impingement, Pragmatically Applied Cervical and Thoracic Nonthrust Manipulation Versus Thrust Manipulation for patients with Mechanical Neck Pain as well as completing a case report (Treatment of Chronic Bilateral Hamstring Tendinopathy using Ultrasound-guided Needle Tenotomy, PRP injections in conjunction with Eccentric training) which is been submitted to the Journal of Manipulative Manual Therapy (JMMT).
Mr. Povanda also earned “Direct Access” status removal of “physician referral” mandated by State Law to access Physical Therapist services for Evaluation and Treatment. Eliminating the referral requirement, via outstanding credentialing of the physical therapist, is an important step to making healthcare more accessible to more people. Physical Therapist education supports practice without referral.
He abides by integrating evidence-based practice principles of utilizing current research, clinical expertise and patient values along with being a manual therapist incorporating hands-on techniques and a one-on-one approach.
Mr. Povanda’s success in Physical Therapy is based upon his relentless commitment to improve the “quality of life” for every patient. He consistently goes beyond the “norm” motivating patients to challenge themselves in a way that produces significantly more impressive, and lasting, results...
He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) including the specialty interest section in Orthopedics, as well as a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist (AAOMPT).
Renee Lenceski, DPT
Old Forge Clinic Co-Director, Physical Therapist
Renee received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and currently pursuing certification in the Maitland approach.
Renee primarily treats patients in the Old Forge office.
James Richards, MPT
Old Forge Clinic Co-Director, Physical Therapist
Jay received a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilkes University and received both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA.
Jay has completed the Back to Golf program and currently offers this program to interested individuals.
Jay primarily treats patients in the Old Forge office.
Jeff Paone, DPT
Peckville Clinic Director, Physical Therapist
Jeff received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Misericordia University and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Scranton.
Jeff is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Jeff primarily treats patients in the Peckville clinic.
TAYLOR OTT, DPT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Taylor received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton, a Master of Science in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science from Marywood University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Midwestern University.
He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Taylor has special interest in treating orthopedic and geriatric patients.
He enjoys running, hiking and reading in his spare time.
Taylor primarily treats patients in the Peckville clinic.
DANIELLE ANDRE, PT, DPT, AIB-VRC
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Danielle received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Scranton and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey; New Brunswick, NJ.
She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and American Institute of Balance.
Danielle is Vestibular rehabilitation and concussion certified, (AIB-VRC), has completed Mckenzie Part A and is currently pursuing certification in the Mckenzie Method, Cert MDT.
She enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her dog.
Danielle primarily treats in the Hamlin clinic.
Anthony IorIo, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Anthony is a Physical Therapist Assistant. He has received an Associate degree in Science from Pennsylvania State University.
He has experience treating patients spanning a multitude of diagnoses, age, and activity levels.
Anthony treats patients at both the Peckville and Hamlin locations.
Heather Mahon, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Heather received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education/Athletic Training from The Pennsylvania State University. For 18 years, she worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer at various high school and collegiate athletic programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
She furthered her education by earning an Associate of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and maintains state certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Bringing her Athletic Training experience into the outpatient setting, Heather specializes in orthopaedic rehabilitation. Heather treats patients in the Hamlin office.
Jarad Bonda, LAT, ATC
Director of Athletic Training Program
Jarad is the Head Athletic Trainer at Riverside High School and works out of the Old Forge and Hamlin offices.
He is a 2000 graduate of Mid Valley High School and a graduated from Marywood University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Athletic Training.
Will Stang
Director of Billing and Operations
Will is the Director of Billing and Operations responsible for the planning, organizing and executing day-to-day operations of the claims processing, cash collections and payment functions for our multiple clinics.
Will is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a B.S. Degree in Movement Studies and Exercise Science. He served as the Valley View School District Athletic Trainer for 15 years.
Lettie Cox
Administrative Assistant
Lettie Cox is an Administrative Assistant who coordinates patient intake and scheduling at our Old Forge clinic. She also oversees the front desk receptionists at our multiple facilities.