BENSON HOWARD, MSPT, Osteopractor, Owner
Education: Medical College of Virginia, Master of Science in Physical Therapy (1997), Diploma in Osteopractic Physical Therapy
Certifications: Dry Needling, Spinal Manipulation
Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Association, Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association
Clinical Experience: Owner and physical therapist at Amelia Physical Therapy, Outpatient Rehabilitation, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Geriatric Rehabilitation, Home Health, Inpatient Rehabilitation
Background: Benson was born and raised in Chesterfield County. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Clover Hill High School and served in The Gulf War. Upon his return, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and while in the undergraduate program was accepted into the physical therapy program at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). He graduated in 1997 from MCV with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.
Benson began his career working for a nursing home; he then moved to outpatient care and later became the Director of Rehab Services at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital. Always an entrepreneur, Benson knew he wanted to own his own physical therapy clinic. In 2002, he and his wife, Tricia, opened Amelia Physical Therapy in the Food Lion Shopping Center, and shared the space with a pediatrician. As the practice grew, it was evident that a larger space was needed. In 2004, Amelia Physical Therapy moved to its current location.
Benson believes in the value of continuing education and attends classes to improve his clinical skills. It is Benson’s mission to provide quality, compassionate care in a safe and fun environment.
Personal Interests: Benson enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and two dogs; fishing; being on the water; hunting; camping; traveling; and exercising.
JIMMY KILBREATH, DPT, MBA
Education: Medical College of Virginia, Doctor of Physical Therapy (2012); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Master of Business Administration (2001); East Tennessee State University, Bachelor of Business Administration (1999)
Certifications: LSVT BIG Certified
Clinical Experience: Amelia Physical Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation, Beth Shalom Outpatient Rehabilitation
Background: Jimmy was born and raised in Bristol, TN. He was active in Boy Scouts and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award in 1990. After high school, Jimmy earned a Master of Business Administration. He started working for the Boy Scouts of America North Florida Council before deciding to pursue a career in physical therapy. He and his wife relocated to Richmond, VA where he attended and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Jimmy enjoys working in the outpatient setting and using his BIG training to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Personal Interests: Jimmy enjoys spending time with his wife, son and daughter; camping; movies; VirginiaTech sports; anything LEGO; and is active in Cub Scouts with his children.
CHRISTOPHER FOLEY, MSPT
Education: Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar Missouri (2000), Bachelor of Science in Biology, Evangel University, Springfield Misssouri (1996), Associates Degree in Specialized Technology (Architectural C.A.D.D.), Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (1986)
Certifications: Graston (Instrument Assistive Soft Tissue Mobilization)
Clinical Experience: Tidewater Orthopaedics and Associates, Innovative Senior care, Inhouse Rehab, Rehab Care Group, Functional Individualized Therapy, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Cox Health System
Background: Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania until he moved to Oakland, MD during his sophomore year in high school. As a high school athlete, football and wrestling, Chris was voted “Defensive MVP” during his senior year in the Maryland v. West Virginia Allstar game; and was also the state representative in wrestling. After high school, Chris received a 2 year CADD degree from Pittsburg Technical Institute and worked as a designer at Newport News Shipbuilding for 6 years. Chris returned to college in Springfield, MO receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. After a move to New York, where Chris and his wife helped a church start a private school, he was accepted into the physical therapy program at Southwest Baptist University. Chris has worked in a variety of settings, including acute care, outpatient orthopedics and skilled nursing, since graduating from physical therapy school in 2000.
Personal Interests:Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs, watching Penn State football, Penn State wrestling, Penguins hockey and rooting for the Pittsburg Steelers. His hobbies include hunting and riding his Harley Fatboy.
JESSICA SWISHER, LPTA
Education: ECPI, Richmond, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant Program (2015)
Certifications: LSVT BIG Certified
Member: Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant Association
Clinical Experience: Amelia Physical Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation
Background: Jessica was born and raised in Richmond, VA. A long time horse enthusiast, Jessica worked at a horse farm for ten years, training and caring for horses and giving riding lessons before deciding to go to school to become a physical therapist assistant. While in school, she supplemented her income working in an office setting. Jessica (and her horses) relocated to the Amelia area and has been with Amelia Physical Therapy since she began her PTA career in 2015. She offers excellent and compassionate care and enjoys working with the patients to bring about their desired outcomes. Jessica is certified in the BIG program to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Personal Interests: Jessica enjoys spending time with her dog, family and friends; horseback riding; hiking; and most anything outdoors.
NINA SETARO, LMT, CMA, PTA
Education:Naugatuck Valley Community College: Associate’s Degree: Physical Therapy Assisting-2021;NW CT Community College: Associate’s Degree: Medical Assisting-2016; CT Center for Massage Therapy: Licensed Massage Therapy-2004; Western CT State University: BA Anthropology-1997; Certifications: Certified Medical Assistant
Membership: APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)
Clinical Experience: Access Rehab Centers; MeadowBrook Senior Living and Rehabilitation; Amelia Physical Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation
Background: Nina was born and raised in Western Connecticut, and recently relocated to Virginia with her family. She knew she found her future career when working as a rehab tech in an outpatient clinic in the 1990’s. Family came first, and after raising her three children, Nina returned to school to earn her degree in Physical Therapy Assisting. It has always been her dream to combine her skill and experience as a licensed massage therapist with the field of physical therapy. Nina is happy to be a part of the Amelia PT Family!
Personal Interests: In her free time, Nina enjoys mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, singing at the professional level, and exploring the area with her family.
Victoria Sylvester, LPTA
Education:South University, Richmond, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant Program (2020)
Clinical Experience: MVP Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation, Nayar Health Care Home Health, Synergy PT and Athletic Performance Outpatient Rehabilitation, Amelia Physical Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation
Background: Tori was born and raised in Chesterfield, Virginia. After attending the Chesterfield Technical and Career Center for Occupational and Physical Therapy, she knew working in rehabilitation services was her dream. Tori attended and graduated South University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program after graduating from high school. From there she began working in home health and outpatient settings. Tori has dedicated much time to her patients, working firsthand with them to regain their lives after injuries, surgeries, and setbacks — and loves every minute of it.
Personal Interests: Tori enjoys spending time with her dog, family, and friends; reading; decorating; shopping; and traveling.
MICHELLE GHOLSON-PARSONS, Physical Therapy Tech
Background: Michelle was born and raised in Amelia, VA and is a familiar face to many of our patients. She keeps the gym running smoothly by assisting the therapists, attending to patient needs, keeping the gym clean and safe, and making sure any necessary materials are ready to be used. Michelle has been with Amelia Physical Therapy since 2004 and is an integral part of the Amelia Physical Therapy team.
Personal Interests: Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dogs; hunting; golf; and being outside.
LAUREN GUILLEN, Physical Therapy Tech
Background: Lauren was born and raised in Lunenburg, VA and is a graduate of Central High School. Her goal of helping others was what drew her to the tech position at Amelia Physical Therapy. Lauren keeps the gym running smoothly by assisting both patients and therapists with whatever they need and is ready to help you reach your wellness goals.
Personal Interests: Lauren loves animals, being outside, and, most of all, spending time with her daughter.
PAULA LUTCHER, Office Manager
Background: Originally from Williamsport, PA, Paula lives in Blackstone and joined Amelia Physical Therapy in 2005 as an office assistant. Her skillset proved to be invaluable and, in 2007, she was promoted to Office Manager.
Paula’s problem solving skills along with her knowledge of insurance, billing, and running an office are indispensable assets that keep the practice running smoothly and efficiently. Paula makes herself available to patients when they have insurance questions and goes above and beyond to assist in any way she can!
Personal Interests: Paula enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren; cooking; reading; camping; fishing; and hunting.
TRICIA HOWARD, Office Assistant, Owner
Education: Mary Washington College, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (1990)
Certification: Teaching Certificate NK-4 (1990)
Background: Originally from Roanoke, VA, Tricia moved to Richmond after graduating from Mary Washington College and taught second grade for ten years at Harrowgate Elementary in Chesterfield County. While she loved teaching, she always knew that she wanted to be a stay at home mom if circumstances would allow. After her daughter was born in 2000, she resigned from teaching and started the best job of all: being a mom!
When Benson started talking about opening a private practice, Tricia was immediately on board and together they opened Amelia Physical Therapy. While Benson treated patients, Tricia handled the insurance and billing. With the hiring of a full time office manager, Tricia was able to relinquish the insurance and billing duties, but can be found working part time in the front office.
Personal Interests: Tricia enjoys spending time with her husband, children, friends and two dogs; reading; thrift shopping and “yardsaling”, crafting; camping; traveling; boating and church activities.
Ally Wilborn, Office Assistant
Background: Ally was born and raised in Blackstone, Virginia, and is a graduate of Penn Foster High School. She greets our patients with a smile and strives to assist them by answering their questions and scheduling appointments. Prior to working at Amelia Physical Therapy, Ally worked as a veterinary assistant.
Personal Interests: Ally enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her animals. She loves hunting for treasures in thrift stores, clothes shopping, and going to the movies.
SCOUT, Greeter
Background: In July 2020, the Howard family rescued Scout from Lake County SPCA in Clarksville, VA. Scout gets as much therapy as she gives. When she first started coming to the clinic, she wouldn’t leave the front office. Always curious, she would watch patients come and go; eventually coming out of the office to greet patients at the door, watch over them in the gym, and provide entertainment for all. She can often be found looking out the window, waiting for the next patient to come through the door!
Personal Interests: Scout enjoys going on walks, running fast, playing with other dogs, chewing toys, and catching the ball.
PEPPER, The Real Boss
Background: Pepper has been with The Howard family since he was 6 weeks old (2010) and has “worked” at Amelia Physical Therapy over the years. Currently, Pepper is away at college but will be back from time to time to make sure things are running smoothly at the clinic.
Personal Interests: Pepper enjoys going on walks, chasing squirrels, riding on the boat, destuffing stuffed animals, and spending time with his college girl and family.
