Meet the Breakthrough Intensive Physical Therapy Team

Get to know the Breakthrough Intensive Physical Therapy team by clicking on their photos below:

Christine Astarita, PT, DPT

Dr. Christine is the founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT; Long Island’s intensive therapy center focused around the whole family. Throughout her career, Christine has worked with children from the NICU all the way into adulthood and knew there had to be a better way to serve them. So, she’s taken her passion and direction in life to serve the special needs community by offering intensive therapy programs, group fitness programs, parent support and educational programs, as well as sibling support programs to enhance and improve the quality of their lives.

When not working at Breakthrough PT, reading, or researching ways to improve the business, you can find her out with her family hiking the trails or preparing for her next half or full marathon! Christine loves running and believes it to be her method of meditation all while keeping her in shape to eat all of the ice cream and french fries she wants! She believes her true purpose and calling is to help this underserved community in a BIG way.

Christine Astarita, PT, DPT

Caitlin Guerra, PT, DPT

Caitlin spent her undergraduate years at SUNY Cortland where she was a member of the Women’s Soccer team and where her passion for Physical Therapy began, majoring in Exercise Science. Caitlin received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2019. Caitlin has always had a love for kids as she is the Aunt of four, but she really discovered her love for pediatrics during one of her clinical affiliations as a student.

When she’s not at Breakthrough, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and staying active. She is always down for a burger and fries and loves country music!

Caitlin Guerra, PT, DPT

Michelle Lopez (Office Manager)

Michelle graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations. She also completed the Medical Billing & Coding course from Branford Hall. When she’s not at Breakthrough, Michelle loves spending time with her twin girls, Annabelle and Josephine, and her husband, Javy. They love taking walks around the neighborhood, having playdates with friends, and watching Disney movies. Michelle also loves spending time with family and friends and taking solo trips to Target!

Michelle Lopez (Office Manager)

Katie Miller, PT, DPT

Katie’s passion for movement began at an early age as she competed in gymnastics and later in pole vaulting. She grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) where she was a Track & Field Student Athlete. Graduate studies marked her move to New York to pursue Touro College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Katie graduated from Touro in 2018 and was awarded the Maimonides Award for her graduating class. Since graduation, Katie has returned to Touro as a Teacher’s Assistant for their Therapeutic Interventions course.
Katie always knew that she wanted to work with children and has assisted at Girl Scout Day Camps, coached competitive gymnastics, directed preschool gymnastics camps and coached CrossFit Kids. A series of knee and shoulder surgeries acquired during her time as a collegiate athlete; as well as, observing the daily challenges faced by her cousin born with spina bifida led to her desire to become a physical therapist. While at UMBC she was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the NICU Follow-up Clinic at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This experience solidified her commitment to work with the pediatric population.
Outside of the office, Katie enjoys spending time with her friends, family and fur babies (2 cats and a dog). She enjoys doing CrossFit, painting, crafting and baking! While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to her, she is a sucker for sweet treats every now and the , especially ice cream!

Katie Miller, PT, DPT

Jess Kruger

Jess graduated from Eckerd College with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Spanish in 2014. Since graduation, Jess has been working in Social Work with various community organizations in Florida and New York. Prior to working at Breakthrough, she was serving as a Youth Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica! Jess is passionate about working with people, activism, and striving to make the world a kinder place for everyone. She is the sibling of two Autistic brothers and found her deep love for Breakthrough after attending a Sibshops. She is thrilled to be working with that program!
When she is not at Breakthrough she enjoys hiking, running, horseback riding, listening to podcasts, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Jess Kruger

Chance, CTD

Here’s Chance, Our Certified Therapy dog! (CTD)

Chance is a 7 year old black lab mix who loves being around people. Don’t be surprised if he asks you for a butt rub, that means he really likes you! Chance loves greeting clients and their families. He even likes to help out by giving kisses when our clients feel nervous or laying right by their side. He’s a great motivator and everyone loves earning him some treats during their sessions!

Chance, CTD