Staff Bios
Cheri Hall PT, MSPT
Physical Therapist
Cheri received her BA in Biology from the University of Delaware followed by her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She relocated to North Carolina in 2006 after living in the Northern Virginia region for almost 10 years. Cheri has over 25 years of experience across a multitude of physical therapy settings with patient populations ranging from pediatrics to seniors. Cheri enjoys forming a partnership with her patients during their rehabilitation by educating patients on their conditions, and providing compassionate care towards their goals. She specializes in manual therapy, improving balance, and achieving optimal biomechanics during movement. In her free time, Cheri enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring the great outdoors.
Erica Cheramie PT, DPT, CLT
Physical Therapist
Erica is a North Carolina native currently located in Pittsboro, NC. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy for Campbell University and her Bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science – Athletic Training from UNC Chapel Hill. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Erica worked as an athletic trainer with a focus on concussion research in youth football and exercise programming for bariatric and oncology patients. As a physical therapist, Erica enjoys working with the full range of PT patients, but particularly enjoys working with people who have neurological condition, balance issue, sports injuries and lymphedema.
On a typical day you can find Erica spending time with her husband, son, and 2 cats. In her free time, Erica enjoys pickleball, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, roller skating, and reading. She has been on 4 different continents and one day hopes to visit the last 2 (she has no interest in Antarctica). She loves physical therapy because it allows people to maximize their independence and return to the activities that bring them the most joy.
Katherine Kennedy, PT, DPT, PRPC, CSCS, NCPT
Physical Therapist
Katie moved to Durham in 2009 to continue her career as an accountant. Shortly after her arrival, Katie, an avid runner, biker, skier, scuba diver and yogi, decided to pursue a profession in Physical Therapy -- supporting her love of a healthy, active lifestyle and physical-mental balance.
Katie is a graduate of Duke University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level 1 Track and Field coach, and advanced training in Dry Needling. Upon graduating from Duke, she completed her Pilates teacher certification (NCPT), which she incorporates into her physical therapy practice in order to match her philosophy of whole person wellness. She has her Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) from Herman and Wallace. Specialized pelvic health physical therapy working with men and women experiencing urinary, bowel and/or sexual dysfunction as well as pelvic pain, pregnancy and post-partum pain syndromes as well as return to previous exercise. Katie is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2011, Sports Physical Therapy Section, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, Section of Women’s health and the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association (NCPTA).
Katie is excited to use her love of exercise and mental balance to help clients achieve their goals for health, fitness, strength and flexibility by providing patient- centered care with evidenced-based interventions to assist all patients in restoring health and movement. She enjoys putting all her skills together to help each of her patients achieve maximum physical wellness.
AJ Francioni, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Alexandra (AJ) received her doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and has worked in Chatham County since graduating in 2019. AJ’s areas of interest are working with people that have vestibular dysfunction, such as dizziness or history of concussions, along with general balance and gait weakness. She has advanced training for people with vestibular dysfunction and spinal cord injuries. Her passion is helping people maximize their function and safety.
When AJ is not at the clinic, she enjoys taking walks with her husband and daughter, playing pickleball, and trivia nights.
Sadhana Gautam, PT
Physical Therapist
Sadhana graduated with a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from Rajiv Gandhi University in Bangalore, India. She also has a Master’s degree in Professional Accounting from Holmes Institute in Sydney, Australia. She has practiced Physical Therapy in Nepal, India, Australia, and the United States. As a Physical Therapist, she is keenly interested in helping patients with Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal conditions.
Outside of work, Sadhana loves hiking, watching sci-fi movies, trying out new cuisines, and making her specialty Nepali style masala milk tea.
Alex Huntsinger PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Alex is a North Carolina native originally from Asheville, NC now currently located in Pittsboro, NC. Alex received his BA in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University. He enjoys working with a wide variety of patients in the clinic spanning across a multitude of physical therapy disciplines. He particularly enjoys working with individuals presenting with neurologic conditions, difficulty with balance or mobility, or orthopedic conditions. He enjoys helping patients achieve their maximum movement potential through providing patient first care, patient education about their conditions, and teaching patients the skills necessary to maintain optimal movement post-therapy. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and being active outdoors.
Melissa Tutwiler, PT, DPT
Director of Rehabilitation Services, Physical Therapist
Melissa is a transplant North Carolinian since 2014. Born and raised in Mississippi, she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree from the University of Mississippi, where she was also a graduate of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Melissa then furthered her education at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine Florida, receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2008. After working as a Physical Therapist across multiple settings and demographics, Melissa is now the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Chatham Hospital.
Melissa oversees the Chatham Rehab at Pittsboro clinic as well as inpatient and outpatient operations at Chatham Hospital in Siler City. She continues to be a licensed Physical Therapist, member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) including the APTA North Carolina Chapter, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, as well as the APTA Performing Arts Special Interest Group.
Melissa is passionate about developing both her clinical staff and the rehabilitation department in order to provide high quality care in the local community. She enjoys staying active outdoors and spending time with her family.
