Physical Therapy Staff
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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.
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Brittney Mack, PT, DPT Physical Therapist
Brittney attended Le Moyne College while earning a BS in psychology and minor in biology in 2019. She continued her education at Daemen University, earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2022. Shortly after graduation, she joined the Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy of Albany team. Brittney has a background in running as she competitively ran track and cross country in college, which sparked her interest in physical therapy. Brittney has particular interests in the treatment of various orthopedic and vestibular conditions. In addition, she would like to pursue certifications, such as the McKenzie method. In her free time, Brittney enjoys running, hiking in the Adirondacks, and spending time with her two dogs.
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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.
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Anthony Soares, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist
Anthony began his journey in healthcare at Springfield College, where he earned his B.S in Health Science in 2021, and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2024. While at Springfield, he was a dedicated member of the swim team, where he swam breaststroke and butterfly. Anthony enjoys treating orthopedic conditions and working with athletes to optimize their performance and recovery. He has a compassionate and personalized approach, and wants to help patients overcome obstacles and reach their goals. Anthony is a devoted Boston Celtics fan. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, reading a good book, and his favorite activity is spending quality time with his friends and family.
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Stephen VanGelder, PTA Physical Therapy Assistant
Stephen is an Albany native and graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Herkimer Community College’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program in 2019. He has been a member of the Nicolla Therapy Team since that time, working between both the Washington Ave and Delmar locations, where he enjoys collaborating with his coworkers and helping patients reach their goals. When not at work, Stephen can be found playing pick-up basketball with some high school buddies.
Occupational Therapy Staff
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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.
Administration
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Angelica Zold, Patient Care Coordinator
Angelica relocated to the Capital District in 2014 from Washington State. She is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta and has worked in Customer Service since 2018. Angelica enjoys meeting and forming connections with patients.
When not at work, Angelica can be found snuggling her 3 cats or spending time with friends and family.
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Whitney Decker, Patient Care Coordinator
Whitney graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a BA in Human Resources/ILR. A Clifton Park native, she also raised her three children in the Shenendehowa school system. Whitney loves spending time with her college + age kids, multiple large dogs and friends when not at work. Fun fact: Whitney first became acquainted with Nicolla PT of Clifton Park when her son’s shoulder needed rehab. She clicked with the positive and friendly atmosphere immediately and is now excited to be a part of it!