Meet the PT Team
Columbia Orthopedics' team of experienced physical therapists are focused on your recovery.
The role of a physical therapist in the recovery process from illness, injury, or surgery is paramount in restoring patients' optimal physical function and improving their overall quality of life. Columbia Orthopedics' physical therapists play a crucial role in the recovery process, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care tailored to each patient's specific needs.
Upon evaluating a patient's condition and medical history, physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans that address the underlying issues causing the impairment. Whether the patient is recovering from a traumatic injury, post-surgery, or managing chronic illness, the therapist's goal is to help them regain mobility, strength, flexibility, and function.
Through our comprehensive and patient-centered approach, Columbia Orthopedics' physical therapists contribute significantly to the recovery process of our patients, enabling them to return to their daily activities, work, and hobbies with renewed confidence and improved overall health. The PT Team's dedication and expertise make them invaluable members of the Columba Orthopedics healthcare team, fostering better outcomes and a higher quality of life for patients on the path to recovery from illness, injury, or surgery.
Meet Our PTs
Jessica Boyle, DPT
Jessica Boyle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer who has experience treating numerous musculoskeletal injuries and impairments. She enjoys helping patients achieve their goals and return to their daily lives safely.
Dr. Boyle graduated from Columbia University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. In her tenure at Columbia, she was involved in research projects to develop a screening tool to predict potential injury risk within the adolescent dancer population. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Delaware. She continues to work on the sidelines of various sports including but not limited to baseball, rugby, swimming, lacrosse and more. Dr. Boyle has been a lifelong athlete playing soccer and dancing since she was 3 years old and more recently running all over New York City and Westchester. In her free time, she enjoys being active, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Kevin Freeman, DPT
Kevin Freeman is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in treating patients with sports and orthopedic related conditions. He is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and has a special interest in working with individuals and athletes to help them return to playing their desired sport or activities as well as pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Freeman graduated from Springfield College where he played lacrosse for four years. He then received his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from A.T. University, during which he participated in research related to orthopedic conditions associated with Parkinson’s disease. After obtaining his DPT degree, Dr. Freeman went on to complete a clinical residency program specializing in orthopedic physical therapy at New York University. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Freeman enjoys golfing, playing lacrosse, and hiking when he gets the chance to get out of the city.
Derrick McQuiston, DPT
Derrick McQuiston is a sports performance-oriented Doctor of Physical Therapy with a special interest in football. He holds certifications including: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), USA Olympic Weightlifting Level-1 coach (USA weightlifting), Level 1 Track and Field Coach (United States Track & Field), and Performance Specialist Certification (EXOS), and is a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. He is passionate about all phases of sports rehabilitation including prehab, rehab, return-to-sport, and performance training.
Dr. McQuiston has worked with athletes at all levels including recreational sports, high school, college, professional, aspiring Olympians, and Olympians. He graduated from Wabash College in 2014, where he played football and threw hammer/shot put for the Little Giants. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from NYU in 2018 where he received the Elizabeth C. Addoms Award for “Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance” upon graduation. In his free time Derrick enjoys Olympic Lifting, performance training, and any other movement-based activities.
Amanda Till, DPT
Amanda Till earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Gannon University in 2014. She completed an orthopedic residency program at New York University in 2015 and became a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She now works at the Columbia Sports Therapy location in Midtown Manhattan, treating an array of patients— from the weekend warrior, to collegiate athletes, and everyone in between. Although she enjoys working with athletes of all ages and skill levels, her passion is working with dancers and gymnasts. She believes that high quality care in this specific athlete population comes from a deep understanding of the demands of their sport as well as building a strong rapport using sport-specific knowledge and terminology. She has additional experience in working with the USA Rhythmic Gymnastics team and currently travels nationally and internationally with the team.
Dr. Till grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and as a competitive dancer, she won both regional and national awards. She also joined Gannon University’s inaugural Acrobatics and Tumbling team in 2013 and won a national title for the “seven-element” heat in Azusa, California. She continues to teach dance and help out at her family’s dance and tumbling studio back in Pittsburgh. In her free time, Dr. Till enjoys taking yoga classes, [solidcore] , boxing, and drop-in dance classes at Broadway Dance Center. She also enjoys traveling the world and learning about different cultures.
Rommel Dolar, DPT
- Columbia Orthopedics Sports Therapy Manager, Midtown
Rommel Dolar is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in treating a wide array of musculoskeletal impairments ranging from acute and chronic conditions, sports injuries, as well as pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. He has a special interest in working with athletes of all ages and levels that range from recreational to professional.
Dr. Dolar graduated from the NYU DPT program in 2012. He is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and is Fellowship-Trained in Orthopedic Manual Therapy. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Hunter College City University of New York and was a member of the men’s basketball team. In his free time, Dr. Dolar enjoys exercising in the gym, bicycling throughout New York City, participating in recreational basketball leagues, and playing with his two young children.
Macy Schwartz, DPT
Macy Schwartz is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Her practice focuses on a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions, with a special interest in orthopedics, specifically related to sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Schwartz earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from New York University. She graduated from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, where she played for the women’s volleyball team and won four conference championships. She also has over 10 years of experience in kettlebell training, powerlifting, and combat sports. Dr. Schwartz continues to be active in her sport, frequently participating in volleyball tournaments.
Kristine Grajales, DPT
Kristine Grajales is a NAIOMT-Certified Manual Therapist with over 17 years of clinical experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. She focuses on the holistic therapeutic treatment of a variety of complex rehabilitation needs including orthopedic conditions, sports-related injuries, post-operative recovery, and repetitive physical stress. Dr. Grajales has completed numerous certifications and trainings, including Physical Therapy Pilates, Yoga in Medicine, and pre/postnatal rehabilitation.
Dr. Grajales received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University in 2004 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Touro College in 2010. In addition to being a mother of two and an avid runner, she has recently started training in Krav Maga focused on women’s self-defense.
Joseph Ciccone, DPT
- Director of Columbia Sports Therapy Department
Joseph Ciccone, DPT, is the Director of Columbia Sports Therapy Department and specializes in orthopedic and sports therapy. He works with athletes of all ages and skill levels. His practice focuses on a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions including management of chronic and acute injuries, as well as surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Ciccone works closely with the New York Yankees and the medical staff in treating and fully rehabilitating players as well as working with a variety of organizations.
He treats athletes from Fordham University, Iona University, Columbia University, Pace University and Manhattan College, as well as an array of athletes from around the country.
Dr. Ciccone actively speaks and gives lectures at the Annual Baseball Sports Medicine: Game Changing Concepts and Columbia’s Orthopedical Conferences. He gives lectures for New York University PT program, Columbia University PT program and Medical School, Morgan Stanley as well as a variety of other groups
He has a passion for working with athletes from a variety of age groups and levels. Dr. Ciccone has an expertise in baseball, rehabilitation, prehab, and performance training.
Dr. Ciccone teaches at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons (including in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program) and at New York University School of Physical Therapy. He works closely—and has written articles—with renowned Columbia Orthopedics surgeons. He graduated from Fordham University in 2004, where he played Division I baseball for the Fordham Rams. He received his clinical doctorate in physical therapy from NYU in 2007. He has passed the Board Specialty exams in Orthopedics and Sports. His training also includes a completion of a Manual Therapy Certification and a year Fellowship in manual therapy. Dr. Ciccone continues to be involved in the baseball community; he also boxes and has a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Prachi Shah Bakarania, DPT
- Co-Director, Non-operative Spine and Scoliosis Clinic
Prachi Shah Bakarania is the Co-Director and a scoliosis/spine physical therapist of the Non-operative spine and scoliosis clinic. She specializes in the spine and conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal disorders patients through the life span using the Schroth method and other scoliosis specific physical therapy methods. Her patients have ranged as young as 4 to as old as 94!
She has published and has assisted in several research studies looking at the effectiveness of the Schroth method with regards to compliance, developing best practice guidelines for bracing in adolescent and exercise guidelines for adults with scoliosis. She is also an active member of SOSORT and contributes regularly to its programming. Every year she helps to hosts CUMC’s annual CME on Childhood Scoliosis with Dr. Michael Vitale. She strongly believes in educating the public on becoming experts of their own health and body.
Prachi holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She is licensed in NY and NJ and a long-term member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
