Meet Our Squad
MEET Gina
LEAD PHYSICAL THERAPIST | DANCE REHAB SPECIALIST | AKA PARTNER IN CRIME
Gina Aicardi grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at James Madison University and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University, as well as her Performing Arts Medicine Master’s Certificate. Her passion for dance led her to pursue a career as a physical therapist, with a dream to help dancers and other performing artists achieve and maintain optimal physical health. She is the Director of our Dance Injury Rehab Program.
Since receiving her physical therapy degree, Gina spent some time working in NYC before moving down to the low country. From the start of her physical therapy career, Gina developed a strong passion for treating patients in the outpatient orthopedic setting while utilizing a whole body approach to treatment. She is a Postural Restoration therapist and is working towards her certification.
Outside of helping her patients get back to life, Gina enjoys spending her time going to dance classes, traveling, relaxing outside while enjoying a glass of wine and her cat Yahtzee, and laying by the pool.
Education & Credentials
-
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University, 2018
-
Certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling, Evidence In Motion
-
Performing Arts Medicine Masters Certificate, Shenandoah University, 2019
-
Currently working towards Postural Restoration Certification
MEET Courtney
FOUNDER | PHYSICAL THERAPIST | POSTURAL RESTORATION CERTIFIED | AKA FEARLESS-ISH LEADER
Hailing from Hampton Virginia, Courtney Stearn earned her degree in Exercise Physiology and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University (Go Pirates!) in Greenville, North Carolina.
While pursuing higher education, Courtney enjoyed a decorated athletic career as a competitive baton twirler to include being a three-time 3-baton Champion and placing in the Top 10 in Solo, 2-Baton and Collegiate finals for several years running. She received a scholarship as the Feature Twirler at ECU through her undergraduate and graduate years.
Courtney secured her Postural Restoration certification, the first one in the state of South Carolina, making Joint Effort the only certified practice in South Carolina able to offer this innovative approach to physical medicine renown for repositioning, retraining and restoring asymmetrical patterns throughout the body.
When Courtney isn’t helping her clients, you'll either find her listening to Jimmy Buffett on the beach, or sitting in a freezing ice rink with her husband watching her son play hockey.
Education & Credentials
-
Doctor of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, 2012
-
First Postural Restoration Certified Specialist in South Carolina
-
East Carolina 40 Under 40 Recipient
.jpg)
MEET Heather
PHYSICAL THERAPIST| FUNCTIONAL MANUAL THERAPIST
Heather Felde is originally from Upstate New York and moved to South Carolina after living in Colorado for 12 years. She has been a runner for years, including as a collegiate athlete and the Boston and Pikes Peak Marathons. She enjoys treating the variety of diagnoses, complexities, body parts, and ages that physical therapy patients bring to the clinic.
She developed a passion for manual therapy and the results it provides, which led her to pursue Certification as a Functional Manual Therapist through the Institute of Physical Art. This skill set is the foundation that allows her to assess the interconnected pieces, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Treatment focuses on restoring optimal musculoskeletal mechanics in combination with the strength and stability to properly put it to use and maintain it.
Other specialties include visceral mobilization, functional dry needling, and vagus nerve regulation.
When she isn't running or helping clients in the clinic, Heather enjoys spending time with family, being outside, yoga and Crossfit.
Education & Credentials
-
Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT), 2009
-
Only Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT, 2017) in the Greater Charleston area
-
Dry Needling Certified, Kinetacore
-
Visceral Manipulation training from the Barral Institute
MEET Jenny
LEAD MASSAGE THERAPIST | AKA MAGIC HANDS
Jenny Cheek has been a licensed Massage therapist since 2006, specializing in Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Swedish, and Hot Stone Massage. She especially enjoys rehabilitative work, with an emphasis on rotator cuff, low back, hip and glute issues, TMJ, and more. She utilizes an integrative approach with her clients, and works to get to the root of their issues.
Originally from the Tampa Bay area, Jenny moved to Charleston by way of Charlotte, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
Check out her interview in an article from the American Massage Therapy Association Journal! CLICK HERE
2023 Charleston Choice Finalist for Massage Therapist!
2023 & 2024 Best of Charleston Nominee
MEET Emily
PILATES INSTRUCTOR | SOCIAL MEDIA GURU |
AKA CORE QUEEN
Emily Weiss grew up studying classical ballet in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. She started taking Pilates while dancing in college and immediately noticed its strengthening benefits in both her dancing and throughout her everyday life. Emily trained with Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel and completed her certification through Lolita’s Legacy 500-hour program. She’s comprehensively certified to teach mat and on all equipment & apparatus.
During a small stent in Houston, Emily began teaching Pilates in a physical therapy setting and was drawn to the restorative nature of the movements. Whether it’s preventing future injuries or gaining confidence to functionally move, Emily’s goal is to raise awareness of her clients’ strengths and weaknesses, while help them feeling more centered and in control of their bodies.
MEET Jordan
CLINIC COORDINATOR | AKA OFFICE KNOW-IT-ALL
Jordan Haldeman was born in Claremore, Oklahoma, but due to her family's military background, moved frequently until they settled in Summerville, South Carolina. Currently, she is a wife and mother of two children, and in her free time, she enjoys playing video games and crocheting. She also has a knack for growing house plants and takes pride in nurturing a thriving indoor garden. She keep our office plants happy and healthy too!
When we say Jordan really keeps the wheels turning in our clinic, we aren't kidding! Aside from keeping everyone organized and in line, she is also in charge of all of our insurance eligibility and benefits, payments, inventory, and anything we need. We couldn't make it without her!
MEET Brittney
OWNER OF SERENITY WELLNESS/ACUPUNCTURIST | AKA THE CHI WHISPERER
We are excited to partner with Serenity Wellness in our facility! Dr. Brittney Epps brings a wealth of skills and knowledge in acupuncture, cupping, and other holistic therapies to help progress your healing and wellness! A little about Brittney....
At a young age, Dr. Epps always had a passion for helping others. She fulfilled this passion by volunteering at nursing homes and hospitals. In 2008, Dr. Epps received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the prestigious Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. She received a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL; and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, CA.
Dr. Epps is now a South Carolina licensed acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Acupuncture (NCCAOM). She is also the 2023 Best Acupuncturist of Charleston!
MEET Michael
MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT | AKA THE HONEY DO-LISTER
Michael literally keeps our clinic in working order. From fixing the washing machine, building our reception desk, painting, and moving furniture, he is a BIG help behind the scenes at our clinic. He is one of our biggest supporters of Joint Effort, although being Courtney's husband might have a little to do with it!
When he's not completing his honey do-list for the clinic, you'll find him traveling for his actual job as a safety manager at the Hanover Company, on his boat, in the woods, watching hockey, or taking a well deserved nap!
