Meet the Breakthrough Intensive Physical Therapy Team

Danielle completed her undergraduate degree studying Exercise Science at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She moved to Long Island to pursue her graduate degree and graduated from Stony Brook University in 2022 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Danielle always knew she wanted to work with the pediatric population but became definitive with her decision after working as an aide for an individual who has Cerebral Palsy and completing a clinical rotation at Henry Viscardi School, which is a special education school for individuals with disabilities.

Outside of working at Breakthrough, Danielle enjoys spending time with loved ones, exercising, and doing outdoor and spontaneous activities including hiking, recreational sports, and skydiving!

Jenna graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2022, with a prior Bachelors degree in Health Sciences (concentrated in Emergency and Critical Care) from Stony Brook University.

She was exposed to the special needs population early on in life, with a cousin diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and a mother who works as a school aide for children in life skills and special education classes. Her passion and drive to make her own impact on this community grew with each new exposure; from cheering on her mother’s students at the Special Olympics, to attending UCP holiday functions with a family friend who worked there, and to completing a clinical rotation as a school-based physical therapist in NYC DOE schools.

When not at Breakthrough, Jenna enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, shopping, trying new restaurants, and weekend getaways (especially to places there will be cows!).

Dr. Kerri Costiera graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013 and a Bachelors of Life Sciences in 2011 with honors. Kerri has experience working with developmentally disabled children and young adults for the past 9 years.

She is a clinical instructor for various DPT programs on Long Island and a clinical coordinator for a school based program for children with special needs. Kerri is dedicated and strives to enhance her knowledge by taking continuing education courses which are reflective upon her results with clients. When not in the office, Kerri enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, working out, shopping, traveling and seeing broadway shows.

Olivia graduated in 2023 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Nazareth College's accelerated 3+3 year program; with her undergraduate bachelor's degree in Heath Sciences and minor in Psychology. At commencement, she was the recipient of the Physical Therapy Pro Bono Honor Society award for demonstrating commitment to providing underserved clients and communities with quality care while maintaining the standards and requirements of physical therapy curricula and profession.

Olivia's passion for helping individuals with neurological deficits grew from growing up closely with her grandmother who had a Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. Her passion only got stronger throughout graduate school as she gained clinical experience with neurological conditions such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, cerebral palsy, and developmental disabilities.

Outside of Breakthrough, Olivia spends her time running to good music, taking weekend trips to spend time with friends/family, and going out for sushi or any Latin food.

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.

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!

Monique graduated in 2018 from Five Towns College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Since graduating, she has worked in numerous Public Relations/Service roles. Monique has a passion for helping others and using her creativity, no matter what type of role she is in.

Outside of Breakthrough, Monique is an aspiring professional artist, specializing in realism art. She also sings and has a huge passion for music (but struggles with stage fright)! Interior design and fashion are other creative outlets for her as well. But when it comes to unwinding, Monique loves to spend time outside in nature and hangout with her loved ones.

Bio to Follow

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!