Meet Our Team

Over 40 Years of Experience | McKenzie-Certified Therapists | Locally Owned

Over 40 Years of Experience
McKenzie-Certified Therapists
Locally Owned

Meet our team at Helen M. Sarandrea P.T. Our dedicated professionals are passionate about healing and committed to helping you get back on track. We accept most major insurances including Worker's Compensation and No-Fault Insurance. Call us today!

Helen Sarandrea, PT

Helen M. Sarandrea, PT, is a highly respected Physical Therapist with more than 40 years of clinical experience and a lifelong commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care. A graduate of Ithaca College, Helen has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome pain, restore function, and regain their quality of life.

Helen is McKenzie-trained in spinal care and brings extensive expertise in the treatment of back and neck pain. Her clinical background spans a wide range of specialties, including orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, sports medicine, and pain management. Her multifaceted skills and diagnostic precision have made her a trusted provider among both patients and referring physicians throughout the region.

As an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Helen remains at the forefront of evolving clinical practices. She is an advisory member of the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program, where she contributes her knowledge to statewide initiatives promoting bone health and injury prevention. She is also an advisory board member of the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc.

Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Helen is an avid attendee of the annual APTA National Conferences, consistently participating in advanced continuing education courses across a variety of specialties. Her commitment to lifelong learning ensures that her patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Highly regarded by the local medical community and deeply respected by her patients, Helen is known for her compassionate approach, clinical excellence, and unwavering focus on achieving meaningful, lasting results. Her leadership has shaped the warm, patient-first culture that defines Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy today.

Dr. David Schilling, PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. David Schilling is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Utica College, where he teaches courses involving the examination and management of musculoskeletal conditions and manual therapy. He received his physical therapy degree from Utica College in 1999, his DPT from Utica College in 2007 and became board certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in 2009. Dr. Schilling is actively involved with research related to shoulder injury prevention in overhead athletes and has presented at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Meeting in Switzerland, the APTA Combined Section Meeting, the Academy of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting and the NYPTA Conference.

Dr. Aaron J. Mansur, PT, DPT

Aaron Mansur is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in manual therapy. He was born raised in Lincoln, Maine and earned his doctoral degree from Ithaca College. He worked as a traveling physical therapist for two years, then spent the next five years working in South Carolina, where he completed his manual therapy fellowship with the Manual Therapy Institute. Aaron lives with his wife, Jessica and their daughter Adeline, as well as their two dogs, Silas and Rajah. He enjoys hiking, woodworking and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Ashraf Elmarakby, PT, M.S., PhD

Dr. Ashraf Elmarakby, PT, M.S., PhD, is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Utica University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Pulmonary and Intensive Care Unit, a Master of Science of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy. Dr Elmarakby teaches physical therapy courses

involving Cardiovascular/ Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Evidence Based Practice, Intensive Care Unit and Foundations of Examination in Physical Therapy and Interprofessional Education. Dr. Elmarakby is actively involved in research related to cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation. His research articles have been disseminated via presentations at national conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Abey Oommen, PT, DPT

Dr. Oommen completed his undergraduate studies at SUNY Albany before moving to Texas for graduate school at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Dr. Oommen’s path to becoming a physical therapist began with his own personal injury journey, which started after an injury to his shoulder. The experience inspired him to pursue a career in this field and shaped his patient-centered approach to care.

With a special passion for shoulder rehabilitation, Dr. Oommen connects deeply with patients experiencing similar injuries. He understands firsthand the physical and emotional challenges involved and uses that insight to guide his compassionate, individualized treatment plans. His clinical skill set includes manual therapy techniques such as Graston instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, kinesiotaping, cupping, and joint mobilizations.

Dr. Oommen is thrilled to join the Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy team and will begin accepting new patients starting January 2026!

Dr. Clare EG Fabbio, PT, DPT

Dr. Clare EG Fabbio, PT, DPT graduated from Ithaca College with her doctorate degree in 2013. She has experience primarily working with children ages 0-5 years through the Early Intervention and Preschool Programs through Upstate Cerebral Palsy. These children have had a variety of neurological and orthopedic diagnoses and/or injuries. Dr. Fabbio has also worked with adults with a variety of orthopedic injuries here at Helen Sarandrea Physical Therapy. She also supervises Pool Pals, which is a collaborative program between Utica College and the Kelberman Center. This program is an opportunity for Utica College students to work with children with special needs in the water, and it is a fun way to promote inclusion, socialization, and improving fine motor and gross motor skills while working in the water together.

Barbara Villanti, PT, LMT

Barbara is the owner of Body Kneads Massage and is a 2007 graduate of Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. She is a 1996 graduate of from Daemen College with a bachelor of science degree in Physical Therapy, 1989 graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food/Nutrition/Community Nutrition. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Body Kneads Massage is a business offering massage in a variety of styles – traditional Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, cancer/lymphedema massage and pregnancy massage.

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Susan Kantor, PT, DPT, Cert MDT

Susan is a McKenzie-certified doctor of physical therapy. She is an assistant professor at Utica College.

Dan Patterson, PTA

Dan has been serving the Central New York Community since graduating from Herkimer County Community College in 2005. Dan is a very skilled Physical Therapist Assistant with a Manual Therapy/Sports Medicine approach. Dan is also a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor. Dan enjoys instructing his own brand of Group Fitness Called ReVolt. We offer personal training sessions with Dan Monday-Friday!

Personal Training 30-Minute Sessions:

$45 Individual Session

$400 10 Session Package

Allison Wiegand, PTA

Allison is a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy, where she brings strong clinical skills, compassion, and a genuine passion for helping patients reach their rehabilitation goals. Allison values building meaningful connections with her patients and creating a supportive, motivating environment for healing.

Outside of the clinic, Allison is an avid adventurer. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and pushing her limits by running marathons. Her active lifestyle fuels her enthusiasm for promoting movement, wellness, and healthy living—both for herself and the patients she serves.

Benjamin Petersen, PT, DPT

Benjamin Petersen, PT, DPT is a graduate of Utica University and has been part of the Helen M. Sarandrea PT team since 2019. First starting as a student aide, we are thrilled to now have him as a staff physical therapist! Dr. Petersen has a background in orthopedics and acute care. His biggest passion within the profession is helping patients get back to the activities they enjoy! Dr. Petersen is a CNY native. Growing up in Sherrill, New York, he has a great appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys spending time with his family. Dr. Petersen is currently not accepting new patients.

Marla Warner, PTA

Marla Warner is a highly experienced Physical Therapy Assistant, bringing over 30 years of expertise to the practice. Throughout her extensive career, Marla has been dedicated to helping patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Her deep knowledge, skilled hands, and compassionate approach make her a trusted and valued member of the clinical team.

Marla’s decades of experience allow her to work confidently with a wide range of patient needs, from post-surgical rehabilitation to long-term wellness and strengthening programs. She is committed to creating a positive and encouraging environment where patients feel supported throughout every step of their healing journey.

Outside the clinic, Marla enjoys staying active, connecting with her community, and spending time with family and friends.

Dylan Gannon, SPT

Dylan Gannon is a Student Physical Therapist at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy, where he applies his growing clinical knowledge and passion for patient care. He is currently completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Utica University and is set to graduate this May.

From Rome, New York, Dylan is committed to giving back to his community by helping patients improve their mobility, strength, and overall well-being. His time in the clinic has further strengthened his enthusiasm for the profession, and he is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care.

Outside of work and school, Dylan loves spending time outdoors. He enjoys fishing, relaxing on the lake, and spending quality time with his family.

Christina M. Sarandrea, MBA - Office Manager

Christina M. Sarandrea brings a dynamic blend of business expertise, leadership, and athletic discipline to her role as Office Manager at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy. A retired nationally ranked figure skater, Christina understands firsthand the importance of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and the lifelong value of quality physical therapy. Her athletic background instilled in her a deep appreciation for the connection between movement and well-being—an insight she brings daily to the patient and staff experience.

Christina earned her Bachelor of Science in Event, Entertainment & Sports Management from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island. She then advanced her business education at JWU Denver, where she completed her Master of Business Administration. Her professional background spans a broad range of roles in business and operations management, including work with major organizations such as the City of Denver at Red Rocks Amphitheater and Hilton Hotels. These experiences strengthened her skills in team leadership, organizational efficiency, and high-level customer service.

Today, Christina is thrilled to be back home, applying her diverse expertise to help guide the family business into its next chapter. Her commitment to excellence—shaped both in the clinic and on the ice—supports Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy’s mission to deliver exceptional care to the community. She’s happy to be back home helping guide the family business into its next chapter!

Denver-Doodle - Official Office Greeter

Our very own love bug, Denver Doodle is a four-year-old Goldendoodle that provides great companionship to all that welcome him! You'll regularly find him at his post, behind the front desk; where he helps ease the anxiety that some patients may face in a medical facility. He works Monday-Friday and specializes in nose kisses!

Julie Spanfelner - Billing Specialist

Julie Spanfelner serves as a key member of the administrative team at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy, bringing more than 30 years of extensive insurance and billing expertise to the practice. With a deep understanding of insurance processes, coding requirements, and patient billing needs, Julie plays a vital role in ensuring accuracy, clarity, and efficiency in every aspect of the billing cycle.

Throughout her career, Julie has developed a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and commitment to helping patients navigate the often-complex world of insurance. Her ability to communicate clearly and advocate for patient needs makes her an invaluable resource for both our team and the individuals we serve.

Dedicated, dependable, and highly knowledgeable, Julie’s decades of experience strengthen our practice’s ability to deliver seamless, patient-centered care. We’re proud to have her expertise supporting our mission of providing exceptional service to our community.

Skyler Jones - Office Administrator

Skyler Jones is an integral part of the administrative team at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy, bringing energy, organization, and a passion for patient care to her role as Office Administrator. A retired soccer player, Skyler understands the physical demands of athletics and the essential role that rehabilitation plays in recovery and long-term wellness. Her personal experience with training, injury prevention, and teamwork is a major reason she feels called to work in a physical therapy setting, where she can support others on their path to healing and improved performance.

Skyler earned her degree in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland, where she developed a strong foundation in human movement, fitness, and the science behind physical rehabilitation. This academic background allows her to approach her administrative duties with a deeper understanding of the clinical work performed by the therapy team, enhancing communication and the overall patient experience.

Motivated, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to helping others, Skyler plays a key role in creating a welcoming and efficient environment for patients and staff alike. Her blend of athletic experience and academic training strengthens our mission and ensures that every patient feels supported from the moment they walk through the door.

Tessa Cole - Clinic Support Specialist

Tessa brings a strong academic background and a passion for patient care to the team. Originally from Sherburne, New York, Tessa graduated from Hamilton College this past May with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Anthropology.

Tessa is excited to continue building her experience in the healthcare field, with a particular interest in pursuing Physical Therapy school in the future. Her role allows her to combine her scientific knowledge, interpersonal strengths, and enthusiasm for helping others as she supports both clinicians and patients throughout their care.

Outside of work, Tessa loves spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Jenna. She’s also an avid traveller who enjoys exploring new places and gaining new perspectives around the world.