Our Team
At Mountain River, we’re passionate about moving people so they live well. We approach movement holistically, addressing your needs both physically, emotionally, and spiritually so you can not only accomplish the physical demands of your day but thrive in it.
While each member of the Mountain River team has their own unique focus and specialties, we all hold a set of shared standards and beliefs when it comes to care.
Our shared standards:
Empathetic care that understands the frustration of living in pain and is committed to lasting healing.
Expertise in identifying the root condition of your pain so you can get better and stay better.
A commitment to excellence because we believe you deserve the best, hands-on care.
Elijah Adkins PTA
Elijah Adkins PTA
Bio coming soon!
Isabella Anile PT, DPT
Physical TherapistIsabella Anile PT, DPT
Physical TherapistIsabella Anile earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from West Virginia University. Prior to that, Isabella obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University.
Isabella is certified in Functional Dry Needling Level I and ASTYM Therapy. Her treatment interests include the full spectrum of orthopedic conditions.
In her free time, Isabella enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Kayla Antill MOT, OTR/L
Garfield Medical Complex TherapistKayla Antill MOT, OTR/L
Garfield Medical Complex TherapistKayla Antill completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Shawnee State University in 2010 and obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from SSU in 2012. Following graduation, Kayla worked in an inpatient rehabilitation center for 5 years.
Kayla has been working with Mountain River Physical Therapy since 2018 as an Occupational Therapist. She completes evaluations/treatments with pediatrics and adults. Kayla is Sabeo Certified which is a device used to increase function of the upper extremity after life changing events such as a stroke. Other professional accomplishments include: publishing a systematic review in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and assisting with creating a new documentation system in the hospital setting.
Kayla’s hobbies and interests include spending time with family, crafting, and camping. She is married to her husband, Kyle. They have a daughter, Kenadee.
Hallie Barnhart PT, DPT
Hallie Barnhart PT, DPT
Hallie Barnhart earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Marshall University. Prior to that, Hallie obtained her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University.
Hallie is most interested in treating neurological conditions.
In her free time, Hallie enjoys walking/hiking with her husband and dog.
Heather Black Darby MSPT, SCS, CSCS
Clinic LeaderHeather Black Darby MSPT, SCS, CSCS
Clinic LeaderPlease join us in welcoming Heather Black Darby, MSPT, SCS, CSCS, who will be joining the Mountain River Physical Therapy team as the Clinic Leader of the Wheeling location in WV.
Black Darby brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of physical therapy. Prior to joining the company, Black Darby served as staff physical therapist in the Las Vegas Valley of Nevada. She has also held physical therapy positions with Sharp Coronado Hospital in Coronado, Calif. and in San Diego and New Orleans.
Black Darby received a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Science and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y.
Heather holds numerous certifications, including Conditioning and Strength Certified Specialist, Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certified, Kinetacore Trigger Point Dry Needling, and TRX Level 2 Suspension Training Certification, among others.
Mountain River Physical Therapy is excited to have Heather Black-Darby join our team of clinicians at our Wheeling location in West Virginia.
Prior to Heather joining us in WV, she held Running Form Clinics in Vegas and Northern Virginia utilizing her specialty in running related injuries.
Her hobbies are triathlons and spending time with her four-legged furry friends.
Give us a call or visit us at www.mountainriverpt.com to schedule an appointment today.
Joe Blauser MS, ATC, CEAS
Industrial Services Team LeaderJoe Blauser MS, ATC, CEAS
Industrial Services Team LeaderJoe Blauser graduated from Salisbury University in 1991 with Bachelor’s degrees in Biological Science and Physical Education, also obtaining his certification as a National Athletic Training Association Certified Athletic Trainer. He graduated from Marshall University in 1993 with a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine. In 2007, Joe obtained a certification as an Ergonomic Assessment Specialist.
Joe has over 20 years experience in the high school, collegiate, clinical and industrial settings. He has worked at the West Virginia Institute of Technology from 1993-997, University of Charleston from 1997-2000, HealthSouth Western Hills Rehabilitation Hospital from 2000-2007, Ergonomics Plus from 2007-2008 and Mountain River Physical Therapy from 2008-present.
Joe’s hobbies and interests include rooting for the Pittsburgh Penguins and serving at his church. Joe lives in Parkersburg with his wife, Becky, and their two children, Abby and Sam.
Kelby Church PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, DAC, ATC
Regional Director, Wellsburg TherapistKelby Church PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, DAC, ATC
Regional Director, Wellsburg TherapistKelby Church serves as the Team Leader of the Wellsburg, WV location for Mountain River PT and as Regional Director of the associated Panhandle Region. Kelby graduated from Waynesburg College in 2005 earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Athletic Training. Following graduation, he attended and graduated from West Virginia University achieving his Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Currently Dr. Church is licensed as a physical therapist in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Kelby is also an NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer.
Post professionally Dr. Church obtained his clinical specialization in Orthopedic Physical Therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2016. Following specialization Dr. Church attended the Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship Program with Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy, achieving his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Direct Access Certification. Also in 2019, Dr. Church was presented with the honor of being named a Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist.
Additional certifications and credentials obtained by Dr. Church include ASTYM Certification, Functional Dry Needling (levels 1-3) Certification, FMS (level 1) Certification, SFMA (levels 1 and 2) Certification, WorkSteps Certification, Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association (level 1), and CPR/AED certification through the American Heart Association.
Dr. Church maintains memberships with the American Physical Therapy Association and West Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, and National Athletic Trainers Association. Currently, Dr. Church serves on the WVPTA Practice Committee. Previously, Dr. Church has served as an instructor at Waynesburg University and West Virginia University.
Kelby and his wife reside in Wheeling, WV with their twin sons. In their free time The Church’s enjoy traveling, biking, and taking part with local events.
Audrey Clark PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Physical TherapistAudrey Clark PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Physical TherapistAudrey began working as a PT at Mountain River Physical Therapy in November 2021. She works both as a Physical Therapist and has the role of North Region Marketing Associate working alongside Ashley Sams, Marketing Director. She is a 2011 Graduate of Bethany College with a Bachelor of Science and a 2013 Graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University where she obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She has practiced in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient.
Audrey enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, working on the farm, health and fitness, and spending time with her animals.
Aaron Coffman PT, DPT
Regional Director, Team Leader Barlow Clinic & TherapistAaron Coffman PT, DPT
Regional Director, Team Leader Barlow Clinic & TherapistAaron Coffman earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Ohio University.
Aaron specializes in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, neuromuscular disorders, vestibular/balance disorders, and temporomandibular joint conditions. He accepts patients of all ages and works closely with our referring physicians to ensure his patients receive optimal care.
Aaron and his wife Sommer reside in Fleming, Ohio, along with their five children – Bella, Ashtynn, Brantly, Lakin, and Bowen. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys camping, hunting, sports and enjoying family time.
Chris Covert PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Parkersburg Therapist & Director of Clinical DevelopmentChris Covert PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Parkersburg Therapist & Director of Clinical DevelopmentChris Covert completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise physical therapistlogy at West Virginia University in 2005 and obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from WVU in 2008. Following this, Chris completed post-professional orthopedic physical therapy residency training through Evidence in Motion in 2010. His residency training had a strong emphasis in orthopedic manual physical therapy and integrating high-quality research into clinical decision making. In 2010, Chris became a Board-certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In 2015, he completed manual physical therapy fellowship training through Sports Medicine of Atlanta with a focus on efficient medical screening with direct access patients, along with integrating movement sciences and manual therapy to obtain optimal outcomes for patients.
In 2018, he became certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Institute of Balance. This certification, (AIB-VR), focuses on treating patients with Vestibular issues such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Vestibular hypofunctions causing balance issues.
Chris has been working with Mountain River Physical Therapy from 2008 to present as a Physical Therapist, Director of Clinical Development, and Site Coordinator of Clinical Education for Student Internships. He is a Manual Therapy Fellowship Mentor for Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy (2015 to present). He periodically assists in the manual therapy labs with WVU DPT students during portions of their orthopedic/musculoskeletal coursework. Chris also serves as a lab assistant for Temporomandibular and Craniofacial courses with Mariano Rocabado.
Chris is certified in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA Levels I and II), Functional Dry Needling Levels I,II,& III (Kinetacore), Mulligan Mobilization with Movement Techniques, and ASTYM.
Chris’s hobbies and interests include traveling, hanging out with family and friends, golf, fishing, hiking, watching sports, attending physical therapy conferences, and WVU sports. Chris is married to his wife, Missy Covert, who is an Occupational Therapist and the Occupational Therapy Team Leader at Camden Clark Medical Center – WVU Medicine. Chris and Missy have an 8 year old daughter, Aspen, who is involved in Soccer, AWANA, and loves swimming. They enjoy traveling together, outdoor activities, and watching movies. They attend Fellowship Baptist Church.
Dominique Craft PT, DPT, ATC
Athletic Performance Center Team Leader and TherapistDominique Craft PT, DPT, ATC
Athletic Performance Center Team Leader and TherapistDominique graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2016 with her Bachelors in Athletic Training. She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since then. She continued her education at Wheeling Jesuit and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018.
Dominique’s hobbies and interests include sports, traveling, experiencing new things, and anything with an adrenaline rush.
Dominique lives in Vienna with her fiancé and four year old daughter.
Chelsea Eades CPT, FNS
Bridgeport TherapistChelsea Eades CPT, FNS
Bridgeport TherapistChelsea is a 2012 graduate from West Virginia University. She is a two time Olympic Trials and USA Championship qualifier, 8 time All-American, 9 time Big East champion, and sponsored athlete for team USA in the Thorpe Cup. Chelsea broke multiple school records and left her name in the WVU record books as one of the greatest track athletes in school history. She then ran professionally for four years after graduating from WVU. She competed amongst Olympic medalist at various meets around the world. Chelsea is now a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a performance coach, and fitness nutrition specialist.
Wes Eades PT, DPT
Bridgeport Clinic Team Leader and TherapistWes Eades PT, DPT
Bridgeport Clinic Team Leader and TherapistWes Eades graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise physical therapistlogy in 2012. Wes then attained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from WVU in 2015. He moved from West Virginia to Ocala, Florida and began working for Mountain River Physical Therapy in February 2016 and relocated to the Ellenboro, WV clinic.
Wes is certified in:
- ASTYM
- Dry Needling Level I, II, III and functional therapeutics
- SFMA Level I, II
Wes’s hobbies and interests include spending time with family, playing with his two dogs, hiking, camping and fishing. Wes is married to Chelsea Eades, a former West Virginia University track and field All-American, and they have a son.
Brady Ernst PT, DPT
Clinic DirectorBrady Ernst PT, DPT
Clinic DirectorBrady Ernst earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from West Virginia University. Prior to that, Brady obtained his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University.
Brady specializes in orthopedics and is most interested in treating pathologies of the lower extremity.
In his free time, Brady enjoys reading, rock climbing and lifting weights.
Mary Ann Fernandez PT
Physical TherapistMary Ann Fernandez PT
Physical TherapistMary Ann Fernandez earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Cebu Doctors’ University.
Mary Ann specializes in Manual Therapy and is most interested in treating orthopedic conditions.
In her free time, Mary Ann enjoys meditation, yoga, and energy healing.
Ron Forbes BS,CSCS, Innovative Athletic Performance Team Leader
Ocala Athletic TrainerRon Forbes BS,CSCS, Innovative Athletic Performance Team Leader
Ocala Athletic TrainerRon is a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance, where he earned his degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He has 14 years of experience working at the Division 1 collegiate level with two programs that have consistently ranked among the top 5 most successful overall athletics programs in the nation. Ron served as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the University of Florida for 7 years. While at the University of Florida, he worked directly with football (5 SEC championships & 1 national championship), women’s soccer (4 SEC championships & 1 national championship), and men’s tennis (1 SEC championship). In 2002 Ron was named the Director of Sports Performance at Stanford University, where he oversaw the strength and conditioning programs for thirty-five Division I Collegiate teams. While at Stanford, Ron worked with more national & conference champions, Olympians, Olympic medalists, world record holders, and world champions at the collegiate level than anyone in the nation.
Interested in Joining the Team?
We’re always looking to expand our talented team.