Jay joined our staff at Thomas Nicolla Physical Therapy in 2000. He is a graduate of Utica College and the University of Buffalo with degrees in physical therapy and athletic training. Jay interned under the respected orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, MD at Health South in Birmingham, Alabama. Jay is the supervisor of our Albany clinic and has brought vast experience to our practice. For over two decades, he has specialized in sports medicine and orthopedics in the capital region. Over the years, he has worked with institutions such as University at Albany, College of St. Rose, Siena, and HVCC, and continues to this day to contribute to the sports medicine needs at these fine schools. He has also been an active part of local professional and amateur teams. Jay specializes in rehabilitation of the overhead athlete and has strong affiliations with programs at all levels. He has presented and lectured on sports injuries throughout our community and continues to consult with many different programs. His vast knowledge and experience with sports and orthopedic injuries is widely recognized and respected by his peers and throughout the medical community. This knowledge and sincere, caring attitude has made him an excellent mentor and clinician. In his spare time, Jay loves to spend time with his family and friends, especially his two daughters and his son.

Ryan graduated cum laude in 2000 from Daemen College with a BS in Physical Therapy and a minor in Biology. While in PT school he worked as a clinic aide in the patient PT department at St. Joseph's hospital in Cheektowaga, NY. He started with Thomas Nicolla Consulting in June 2000 and was soon promoted to clinic supervisor at our Clifton Park location. Ryan has taken numerous continuing education courses in multiple subjects. He developed and currently runs an orthotics program, which has thrived since its inception over 10 years ago. Ryan has fabricated orthotics for a wide array of individuals including college and professional athletes. He has also lectured on the ankle/foot in seminars given by AMC geared towards educating primary care physicians on the ankle/foot region. Ryan also specializes in the treatment of the spine in affiliation with Capital Region Spine. He has appeared on Benita Zhan's Health Link as part of a panel to discuss back pain. When not at work, Ryan enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with his family.

Michele received a BS in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College is 1991. Her specialty is in orthopedics with an emphasis on Functional Capacity Evaluation, Work Assessment Programs and Ergonomic Evaluations. She has received certificates in Functional Capacity Evaluations and Work Hardening Programs via the Matheson System. Michele provides Ergonomic services for many types of settings including manufacturing, office settings and school settings identifying risk factors for potential injury as well as correction of problem workstations. She also gives seminars for back care and proper lifting, repetitive use syndrome and workstation analysis.

Kelly graduated from Marist College in 2011 with a BS in Biology. She then continued her education and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. She joined our Albany staff in 2015. Kelly has experience working with both orthopedic and neurological injuries which is important in her differential diagnostic skills. She has a background in dance with a resume that includes international competition. Kelly has worked with dancers and athletes alike while sharing her techniques for the rehabilitation process.

Cassie graduated from Ithaca College with her B.S. in Clinical Health Studies in 2020 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2022. She became interested in physical therapy after experiencing it herself following a soccer injury. Cassie is originally from the Finger Lakes region of NY and she is excited to be joining the Thomas Nicolla team and to explore the Capital Region area. In her free time, she enjoys being active, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Melanie completed her undergraduate degree in Exercises Science at SUNY Cortland in 2017 and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hanover College in  2023.  It was her own personal experience with multiple ACL surgeries and successful recoveries that peaked her interest in physical therapy.  She began her career as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), working in outpatient orthopedics and subacute rehab. Melanie’s passion for Physical Therapy and helping her patients optimize their level of function drove her to further her education with completion of her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Melanie is originally from Poughkeepsie NY and now resides in Saratoga Springs. When not treating, Melanie enjoys being outdoors, reading a good book, and spending time with family.

Elizabeth Vlieg completed her DPT at Arcadia University in 2023, where she graduated with distinction. Elizabeth has a passion for learning and helping people reach their goals, specifically with orthopedic and neurological conditions. During her time at Arcadia, Elizabeth participated in an international pro bono service trip to Guatemala where she helped at pop-up clinics in the country alongside other students and PTs. A native of East Greenbush, Elizabeth attended Isabelle’s School of Dance, where she found lifelong love for dance and movement. Elizabeth has been working on getting her SHiNE Dance Fitness instructor certification to combine her passions of dance and community wellness. When away from the clinic, Elizabeth enjoys crocheting, running, cycling, and skiing.

Kelly graduated from Ithaca College earning a B.S. in Clinical Health Studies in 2019 as well as her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021. While growing up in the Capital Region, Kelly was always involved in sports leading to her decision to pursue physical therapy with a minor in sports psychology. Most of her student and professional clinical experience has been focused on treating a variety of orthopedic and sports related injuries. What she loves most about physical therapy is connecting with patients while being able to help them achieve their goals. When not working, she loves to spend time with her family, friends, and her dog.

Allyson completed her undergraduate degree in Health & Exercise physiology at Ursinus College in 2017 and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 2020. She became interested in pursuing physical therapy after experiencing it herself following a gymnastics injury. Allyson loves working with patients with a wide variety of conditions and has developed a passion for helping patients with vestibular and balance conditions. She has obtained certifications in the assessment and treatment of vestibular conditions and concussions from the American Institute of Balance. During her free time, Allyson enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family, friends, and her dogs.

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.

Carol Graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo in 1987 with a BS in Occupational Therapy. Following graduation, she was employed at St. Peter's Hospital Rehabilitation where she became the Manager of the Occupational Therapy department until 2000. While there, Carol developed her skills working with orthopedic and neurological disorders and was part of the ALS team to provide OT services for ALS patients. She developed a program for OT in the NICU including pediatric orthotic fabrication, worked with anesthesiologists treating CRPS patients and developed the OP program to include Hand Therapy patients. Carol was actively involved with NYSOTA in various positions including newsletter Editor and Vice chairperson. Carol has loved and participated in global outreach programs with medical mission work in Guatemala and Jamaica where she provided OT services. In 2000, Carol came on board with Thomas Nicolla Consulting Services where she became the Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic. She is a Certified Hand Therapist and has been working in Hand Therapy/Orthopedics and Rehabilitation for over 34 years. She has a passion for helping people recover from complicated hand related injuries and is considered a specialist in orthotic fabrication and pain related syndromes. Carol feels very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing hand therapy team.

Dana graduated with her BS and MS in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage Colleges in 1999. In addition, Dana graduated with a BA in marketing from Texas Christian Univeristy prior to attending Sage Colleges. She began working for Thomas Nicolla PT associates in 2000 at the Hand and Upper Extremitiy Clinic of Norhteast and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2006. She enjoys working with orthopaedic and neurological conditions, fabricating static and dynamic orthosis, attending conferences for ongoing education, and observing surgical procedures. Dana believes close communication with patient's physicians is important and is beneficial in the patient's recovery process.

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.

Julia graduated from Bay Path University with a MS in occupational therapy in spring 2022 and joined the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic in the fall of 2022. Julia is a licensed massage therapist and a certified yoga teacher who worked at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for 18 years prior to becoming an OT. Julia is passionate about wellness, and strives to help her clients improve their health and vitality. She is excited to integrate her skills as a massage therapist and an occupational therapist as she practices within the hand therapist specialty and works towards becoming a certified hand therapist. Julia is interested in helping people regain function and independence after injury and improving outcomes for individuals with repetitive use injuries. Julia enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.

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.

Chris joined the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic in August of 2009. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The Sage Colleges in 2002. She then obtained her hand therapy certification by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission in 2013. Chris has a diverse background in occupational therapy, having previous experience working in acute care at Level 1 and 2 hospital facilities in addition to pediatrics, early intervention and previous outpatient hand therapy clinics. Chris is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists.

Casey graduated from Schenectady Community College with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. She managed many local restaurants before bringing her multitasking and organizational skills to our team in 2005. When not at work, Casey can be found attending her daughter Peyton's soccer games.

Gabi, originally from downstate NY, was a fashion stylist traveling from country to country before COVID. She relocated to Albany, NY in 2020. She loves working in the medical field and it was her own ACL surgery and PT success that made her interested in Orthopedics + Physical Therapy. She is extremely excited to be a part of Nicolla Physical Therapy and to grow within the company! When she is not at work, she is baking/cooking large meals for her family!

Heather graduated from Bryant and Stratton College with a criminal justice degree. She’s resided in Averill Park for the past 20 years with her daughter and husband. When not at work, Heather is often outside with her family. She especially loves boating and glamping trips.