Our Staff - MSI Physical Therapy

(Click to enlarge)

Our team of highly trained physical therapists is dedicated to educating our patients, relieving them of their symptoms, and returning them to normal function. We utilize a wide variety of techniques that include specific therapeutic exercises in combination with a comprehensive “hands-on approach” to ensure that the patient gets the best treatment available.

Nicole T. Rusas, MS, PT
Columbia University
Masters of Physical Therapy with Honors 1994
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors of Science 1991

Nicole has extensive experience with work in pediatrics, orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation and as a Director of an Orthopaedic Clinic

“Patient education is an integral part of the rehabilitation process ’’- Nicole

Nicole derives satisfaction from educating people about their injuries and teaching them specific postures and exercises that will eliminate their pain and help prevent further injuries. Nicole utilizes extensive manual techniques in conjunction with this educational process to return a person to a pain-free and productive life. By conveying this knowledge to her patient and colleagues, Nicole helps to make MSI an environment where people can learn and prosper.

Jennifer Brody, PT, MPT
University of Scranton
Masters of Physical Therapy, 2005
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, 2003

“My personal experience with physical therapy enables me to help others ’’ - Jen

Jen first experienced the benefits of physical therapy after hip surgery at the age of five. Throughout her life, being active has been an important part of Jen’s life, and this also has required her to seek out physical therapy. When deciding on a profession, Jen always knew that she wanted to help people and physical therapy was an obvious choice for her. Jen uses her personal experience of the benefits of physical therapy with each of her patients to encourage them to work toward their optimal function and strive to stay active.

Margaret Conroy, PT
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy with Honors from Temple University, 1983

Peggy’s list of experience is far too extensive to list here, but has included being director of a hospital rehab center and years of advanced training and teaching.

“I’d like to take the science of healing and the art of caring to a new level’’ - Peggy

Enhancing the health and well-being of others was always something Peggy Conroy wanted to do. Having developed the skills necessary through advanced training and years of experience, Peggy enjoys working with a wide range of patients, from the young to the elderly. Applying her knowledge to the care of her patients and passing along her knowledge to her colleagues helps make MSI the outstanding orthopaedic clinic delivering the highest quality of care to those in need.

Ricardo Costa, PT, DPT
Seton Hall University
Doctor of Physical Therapy with Honors 2006
Bloomfield College, Bachelor of Science 2001

“Helping individuals in pain and allowing them to return to a normal life is satisfaction in itself.” - Ric

Ric strives to achieve optimal physical and mental well being for his patients as a physical therapist. Through Ric’s advanced orthopaedic training and the ability to work with experienced colleagues, he is able to impart that knowledge to a patient’s treatment effectively. Determination to achieve patient goals is derived from internal passion and compassion. Ric enjoys the environment at MSI where continuing education, growth, and learning are encouraged and where a staff joins together to provide exceptional care for those who need it most.

Cathy Riegler
Columbia University
Masters of Physical Therapy, 1994
Springfield College, Bachelor of Science, Biology 1992

“Educating people as to the source of their pain and giving them tools to effectively manage their condition is a vital part of the healing process” - Cathy

Cathy pursued a career in physical therapy to combine her interest in human anatomy and her desire to help people. She enjoys working closely with patients drawing on her many years of experience in orthopaedics. Cathy describes MSI as a patient focused practice with a schedule that allows individual attention to each patient. Identifying and understanding each patient's pathology allows MSI to customize therapeutic programs and their results stand out.

Lisa Hart, P.T.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Bachelors of Science
1984

Kean University
Bachelors of Science
1984

Lisa has extensive experience treating the orthopaedic patient and athlete, and always employs a positive attitude while working with her patient to achieve full recovery.

“Teaching patients to help themselves by managing their own injuries and disabilities while helping them heal is one of my primary goals.”

Lisa likes to take a positive and upbeat approach to rehabilitation with her patients, encouraging them to reach achievements they did not think possible. She creates an accepting and comfortable atmosphere for all of her patients while employing exercise science and manual therapy to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Her goal: to return the injured patient to a pain-free life with a better sense of their physical capabilities and commitment to physical fitness.

Danielle Norris, PT, DPT
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
May 2009

Howard University
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences
May 2005

“I take pride in helping my patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.”
- Danielle

Even as a child, Danielle knew that she wanted to be part of the medical field. Physical therapy was the perfect choice for her. She enjoys interacting with people and restoring them back to their optimal level of function. Danielle puts her best foot forward when working with her patients, using a combination of extensive manual skills and exercise techniques to provide her patients with the best care possible. She prides herself in helping her patients achieve their functional and recreational goals.