Our Team

Bart Jones DPT

Bart is a co-owner of Elite Physical Therapy. He has been in private practice in Alexandria since graduating from LSU Medical Center in New Orleans in 1985. He is extensively trained in manual physical therapy techniques of the spine and extremities. He received his Doctorate Degree (DPT) through the EIM Executive Management Program in 2010. He is a certified ASTYM provider and certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling.

Bart and his wife, Sissy, have two adult daughters, Madeline (Gavin Hebert) and Margaret and are now proud grandparents of MeiLan Hebert. He is an avid golfer and runner, having completed 18 marathons. A member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Bart is also involved in the Private Practice Section, the Orthopedic Section, the Sports Physical Therapy Section, and the APTA Louisiana. He has served in various capacities with APTA Louisiana including Treasurer and President. He also serves as a clinical instructor for several institutions.

Bart has served his community and church in various capacities over the years including the Board of Commissioners of the England Economic and Industrial Development District (England Authority).

Brittany Fulmer PT, DPT

Brittany Fulmer earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from Louisiana State University of Health Sciences – Shreveport. Prior to that, Brittany obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University.

Brittany specializes in orthopedics and is most interested in treating orthopedic injuries specifically in the aging population. Brittany is also certified in Functional Dry Needling (FDN) through Evidence in Motion (EIM).

In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking trips, and being outdoors at her camp.

Brittica Reed PT, DPT

Brittica Reed earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Louisiana State University School of Health Sciences Shreveport. Prior to that, Brittica obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology from Louisiana Tech University. Brittica specializes in orthopedics/geriatrics and is most interested in treating balance and gait impairments in the aging population. Brittica is also certified in Functional Dry Needling (FDN) through Evidence in Motion (EIM).

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and crafting.

Bruce O’Dell MOT, CFCE, CEP, CBES

Bruce specializes in Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE’s) and pre-employment screens as well as providing highly skilled consulting services for various industries, including Proper Lift Schools, Stretching, Physical Demand Validations, Impairment Ratings, POET testing, Fit for Duty assessments, Agility Testing, and Workstation Evaluations. Additionally, he serves as an Occupational Therapist specializing in fabricating custom orthotics, post hand surgery and treating elbow, wrist, and hand injuries, as well as neurologic disorders.

Bruce’s dedication to patient care is evident in his commitment to helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. He takes pride in building lasting relationships with his patients, offering personalized and compassionate care. His expertise in improving patients’ strength and endurance allows them to pursue the activities they love with newfound confidence.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce enjoys working out and spending quality time with his family, including his wife, two sons, and daughter. During his leisure time, he indulges in his hobbies of playing on the Red River and engaging in remodeling projects.

Julia Harrison-Sketo DPT, C/NDT

A Pineville native, Julia has been a practicing physical therapist since 2006. Julia graduated with a BS in Biology from Louisiana College in 2004 where she was a starting soccer player for four years. She received her Masters in Physical Therapy in 2006 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009, both from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport.

Julia’s primary focus has been on Neuro-Development Treatment (NDT) for adults and pediatrics, gait and kinesiotaping. Her hands-on experience also includes inpatient and acute care orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

Julia and her husband Dwain are proud parents of three beautiful children and and expecting a fourth child in Spring 2021.

Marcus Walker DPT, OCS

Marcus was born and raised in Pineville. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Louisiana College. Marcus graduated from the University LSU Health Sciences in Shreveport, LA with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.

Marcus is one of the few Physical Therapists in Alexandria/Pineville to have earned a Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Marcus is certified through Kinetacore in Functional Dry Needling. He also is Emergency Response for the Athlete (ERA) certified and sidelines at many Cenla student sports events.

Marcus resides in Pineville and enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, has recently become addicted to running, and long range rifle shooting.

Tricia Mathews PT

Tricia, who is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, graduated from LSU Medical Center in Shreveport with a degree in Physical Therapy. She has worked in various areas of Physical Therapy practice throughout her career. These include the Acute Care Hospital setting, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Industrial Rehabilitation, Home Health and Outpatient Orthopedics and Neurological treatment in both Alexandria and Baton Rouge.

Tricia, through her broad experience in multiple areas, enjoys working with people that have orthopedic, neurological and balance difficulties. This education background includes training in LSVT Big! and certification in PWR! Moves from Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery. She performs the treatment of vertigo and dizziness disorders, with a goal to help improve her patient’s ability to decrease their risk of falling and improve their balance. Tricia also uses Kinesiotaping techniques to facilitate decreased swelling and bruising, as well as stabilizing joints and improving muscle function across all patient diagnoses.

In her spare time, Tricia enjoys being with her large extended family, gardening, and reading.

Brandi Thiels PTA

Brandi Thiels is a dedicated professional in the field of physical therapy with a passion for helping others achieve their best physical well-being. She holds a B.A. degree in Athletic Training from LCU and a degree in Physical Therapy Assistance from BPCC. With a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Brandi completed a 40-week training program with the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT) and earned a certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) through The Gray Institute. She also expanded her knowledge through education in Pain Neuroscience via Evidence in Motion (EIM).

For over 20 years, Brandi has served as a valued member of the same outpatient physical therapy clinic, dedicating 16 of those years as a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. Her extensive experience and expertise have positively impacted the lives of numerous patients, helping them on their journey to recovery and improved physical health.

In her personal life, Brandi is a loving wife and devoted mother to two active boys. She spends her time shuttling her children to their various activities, such as basketball and soccer. The Thiels family is deeply involved in 4-H activities, with a particular focus on livestock. Brandi’s husband, a cattle rancher, has instilled a deep appreciation for agriculture and animal husbandry in the family. Their sons actively participate in 4-H competitions, showcasing their talents in raising cattle, swine, and poultry.

Outside of her professional and family life, Brandi enjoys reading, cherishing moments with her loved ones, and supporting her children’s diverse activities. Her journey into physical therapy was profoundly influenced by her close relationship with a cousin who battled muscular dystrophy. While her initial intention was to work with children facing similar challenges, she discovered a deep-seated passion for outpatient orthopedic injuries and disabilities across all age groups.

What truly sets Brandi apart is her genuine interest in the life stories of her patients. Beyond their physical conditions, she values getting to know them as individuals. This empathetic approach not only aids in their recovery but also fosters lasting connections and trust.

Brandi Thiels is a dedicated professional who continues to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients and exemplifies a strong commitment to her family and community.

Brittany Rico PTA

Brittany Rico is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for improving the lives of others. She holds an associate degree in applied science from Louisiana College for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).

Brittany’s commitment to providing the highest quality care led her to join the prestigious Elite Physical Therapy team. Here, she furthered her expertise by successfully completing the EIM PTA Specialty Certification in Orthopaedics program. This additional training has equipped her with a deeper understanding of orthopaedic-related conditions, allowing her to offer specialized care and support to her patients.

Before her journey into physical therapy, Brittany spent 8 years as a licensed massage therapist. Her background in massage therapy, coupled with her PTA training, has honed her ability to provide holistic and compassionate care to those she serves.

In her leisure time, Brittany finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She is an avid reader and enjoys the great outdoors. Most importantly, she values the time spent with her cherished family and friends.

With her unique blend of professional expertise and a warm, caring nature, Brittany Rico is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her patients and the people she holds dear.

Carol Vercher PTA

Carol Vercher is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) with a strong educational background and a passion for helping others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern State University and is a graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Louisiana College. Carol’s commitment to her profession led her to complete a fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS, CAFS) from the Gray Institute and a certification in Pain Neuroscience from Evidence in Motion, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in the field.

Beyond her career, Carol is the proud mother and stepmother of five accomplished children, each following their unique paths to success through service. Her family includes a teacher, a physical therapist, a nurse and two aspiring professionals, one aiming to become a lawyer and the other a dentist. With a growing family, Carol enjoys the added joy of being a grandparent.

In her spare time, Carol enjoys various hobbies, including cooking, sewing and reading. Carol’s love for the outdoors takes her to the camp, where she enjoys fishing and spending time with family and friends. Additionally, she loves to travel, seeking new adventures and experiences.

With her unique blend of professional expertise, family dedication, and diverse interests, Carol Vercher embodies the essence of a well-rounded and accomplished individual.

Don Cassano, Jr. DPT, OCS

For more than 23 years Don has been a licensed, practicing physical therapist active in his profession at both a local and state level. He is currently the CEO of Elite Physical Therapy and continues his practice in Shreveport.

Don is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) passionate and proficient in joint, post-surgical and back-to-sport rehabilitation, injury prevention, foot and ankle evaluation, and application of manual therapy skills of the spine and extremities. He is certified in and has been utilizing Functional Dry Needling in practice for over 13 years.

While serving as a governor appointee on the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board from 2014 – 2017, Don was instrumental in supporting legislative passage for Direct Access in Louisiana. He served as Chairman of the Board during his last year. Don is a long-standing member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and Louisiana Physical Therapy Association, where he is active in the Private Practice. He continues to pay it forward as a mentor to PT and PTA students by serving as a clinical instructor for numerous physical therapy and physical therapy assistant teaching institutions.

He holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion, a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, and a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in Atchison KS, where he was a four-year basketball letterman.

Both an accomplished athlete and weekend warrior, Don is an avid skier, has hiked 52 Tunnels in Southern Dolomites, Rim to Rim of The Grand Canyon, traversed 120 miles of the Rockies, completed 9 Ironman triathlons, and numerous marathons. Don, his wife Elizabeth and their son Connor enjoy fitness, adventure, travel, and the great outdoors.

Ginger Loftin PT

Lisa Davis PT

Mark Hart PT

Mark Hart earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from LSU Health –Shreveport. He immediately began his career in outpatient physical therapy in St. Louis, MO, and returned home to Shreveport/Bossier City after starting a family.

Mark enjoys helping patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through physical therapy. Above all else, he enjoys having fun and building lasting relationships with his patients.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his extended family, cheering on the LSU Tigers, bird hunting, and shooting sporting clays.

Jeffrey Phillips PT

Jeff Phillips earned his Master’s in Physical Therapy from LSU-HSC Shreveport and prior to that earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Physical Education from Louisiana Tech University. Upon earning his Masters in PT (Physical Therapy), Jeff has worked in many PT settings including Acute Care, SNF, Rehab and the longest and favorite now in Outpatient care.  Jeff is also certified in Dry Needling.

Jeff enjoys getting to know his patients and helping them recover to their fullest. He strives to help his patients meet and exceed their goals and expectations of Physical Therapy.

Jeff grew up in Bossier City and loves spending time with family and friends. He enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, golfing, Jeeping, getting in the water, hunting, and fishing.

Ashley Keel DPT

Dr. Ashley Keel earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Louisiana State University of Health Sciences – Shreveport. Prior to that, Ashley obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana Tech University.

Ashley specializes in orthopedics/pelvic floor and is most interested in treating lumbopelvic, sacroiliac, and balance impairments. She looks forward to bringing pelvic floor services to Elite Physical Therapy in Bossier City. Ashley obtained her Level 1 Pelvic Floor Certification through Herman Wallace and is also certified in Functional Dry Needling (FDN).

Ashley was born and raised in Bossier City, and enjoys spending time with her dog Winston, friends, and family. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and watching the LSU tigers.