Physical Therapy Staff

  • Samantha Pawlick Arnold, PT, DPT, OCS ​Physical Therapy Supervisor, Physical Therapist

    Sam graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013 from Springfield College and started working with us right after. In 2016, she passed the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties examination to become a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, making her one of only a dozen Capital Region PTs to receive this designation. She has been certified in Sportsmetrics for ACL-injury prevention, Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (Graston Technique), McKenzie A (low back treatment), the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and has taken several continuing education courses for current best practice in treating sports-related and overuse injuries. She's also taught at PT conferences regarding rehabilitation with a focus on return to sport following ACL reconstruction. As a former gymnast, gymnastics coach, and collegiate volleyball player, she enjoys treating all orthopedic/sports conditions and utilizing functional movement screens in her treatment to address the root cause of an injury. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, working out, wine time with girlfriends, and outdoor activities.

  • Hanna Longendyke, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist

    Hanna attended Siena College where she played Division I soccer and earned her undergraduate degree studying biology and psychology in 2020. She continued her education at Russell Sage College, earning her Doctorate in Physical therapy degree in 2023. Soon after she joined the Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy team in Clifton Park. After her college soccer career, Hanna continued her competitive sports pursuit competing in multiple marathons and half marathons. Hanna has particular interest in treating sports medicine/ orthopedic conditions. Additionally she would like to become certified in soft tissue mobilization techniques and the McKenzie method. In her free time she enjoys working out with her fiancé and spending time with family and friends.

Occupational Therapy Staff

  • Taylor Medici, OTR/L CHT, Ocupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist

    Taylor attended the Occupational Therapy program at Touro College Health and sciences. An exemplary leader, Taylor acted as the president of her schools Student OT Association and received numerous leadership awards. After specializing in hand therapy and adult rehabilitation, she graduated with an MS in Occupational Therapy in 2021. Taylor is passionate about hand therapy and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.

  • Kara Howansky, OTR/L, OTD, Occupational Therapist

    Kara graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts in 2022. As part of the program requirements, she completed a doctoral capstone project entitled "A retrospective study comparing the effects of Dynamic Tape in addition to treatment on adults with upper extremity tendinopathy versus treatment alone: A focus on wrist and hand tendinopathies". Kara’s passion for hand therapy and her goal to become a certified hand therapist was cemented after participating and creating new avenues for this project. Kara is excited to use her creative abilities to develop new opportunities and potential solutions for patients with various upper extremity conditions and injuries. In her leisure time, Kara enjoys kayaking local lakes, hiking in the Adirondacks, as well as completing DIY projects such as flipping furniture and making home décor.

Administration

  • Irma D'Elia, Patient Care Coordinator

    Irma grew up in the Schenectady/Glenville area and has lived in Clifton Park for the last 10 years. As a former paralegal, she focuses on multitasking while maintaining professionalism. She enjoys fostering relationships with the patients. When not at work, she can be found crafting, reading, spending time with friends and family or working on home projects with her husband.

  • Victoria Barone, Patient Care Coordinator

    Victoria graduated with her bachelors in Fashion Merchandising and associates in Fashion Business Management. She grew up and resides in Clifton Park. When not at work, you'll usually find her on outdoor adventures with her son or spending time with her family.