Attain a better, healthier lifestyle with less pain

At Thrive Physical Therapy in Richmond, Virginia, our main goal is to help people attain a better, healthier lifestyle with less pain and better physical function. Everyone responds differently to treatment (orthopedic rehab, sports medicine, spine rehab, etc.) and has distinct needs. We identify the source of pain and diminished function and use hands-on manual therapy techniques to correct a multitude of physical conditions. We are known for our ability to treat more difficult conditions. The art of physical therapy is to be able to adapt to each person’s needs while helping them achieve a great outcome and a better quality of life.

C. Clarke Tanner, PT, MPT, COMT, ATC, CSCS, FMSC

“I have always enjoyed anatomy, physiology and how the human body works. I volunteered at an outpatient physical therapy clinic, loved the experience and realized that physical therapy was what I wanted to pursue as my career. The wide variety of problems we encounter and the diverse patient population makes this profession very interesting. I enjoy figuring out what is wrong and working to correct it.

“I am fortunate to help patients feel better so they can return to the activities they enjoy. I am most proud of our outstanding clinical outcomes, high patient success rate and ability to treat even the most difficult problems effectively. Fitting our care to the patients’ needs is our trademark.”
Master of Physical Therapy: (cum laude) Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Certified: (with distinction) Manual Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Member: American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Osteopathic Manual Manipulative Therapy, Mid-Atlantic Physical Therapy Associates, Virginia Physical Therapy Association

Tara Cattaneo, PT, DPT

“Physical therapy is the perfect blend of a scientific field and the opportunity to help people. Working with people in physical therapy has deepened my values and my appreciation for health, mobility and function.

“My goal is to deliver physical therapy that produces results for people in the most caring and educated way possible. I am devoted to helping people achieve their goals by restoring movement and function as well as empowering them with knowledge for self-maintenance, wellness and prevention.”

Doctor of Physical Therapy: State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY
Master of Physical Therapy: State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY
Bachelor of Science: Biology, Long Island University at Southampton, NY
Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Association
Adjunct Professor: Physical Therapy Program, SUNY Stony Brook, 2000–2004

Ashleigh Gilbert, PT, DPT, MTC

“From the moment I first had experienced Physical Therapy I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for my career. The ability to help change someone’s life or allow someone return to an activity that once was part of his/her daily routine is so intrinsically rewarding. The wide variety of problems and dysfunctions that we encounter as physical therapists make this career challenging but interesting on a daily basis. I love having the ability to problem solve, due to the human body being a difficult puzzle to conquer.

“My goal is to deliver hands on physical therapy to produce outcomes for patients in which they are motivated to continue to help themselves to avoid further injury in the future. Educating patients on why and how they dysfunction came about and what they can do to decrease their discomfort and further progress at home will allow my patients to feel more in control of his/her body and motivate to continue far beyond treatment time and live a longer happier lifestyle.”

Doctor of Physical Therapy: University of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL
Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Certified: Manual Therapy Certification (MTC)

Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Maryland Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic section of APTA, Sports section of APTA

Maria Santalucia, PT, DPT

Maria joined the Thrive Physical Therapy team in 2018.  She is a native to New York but grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she attended Clover Hill High School and played soccer for the high school as well as the F.C. Richmond Mystx. She later attended Virginia Tech, completing an undergraduate degree in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Food & Exercise. During her freshman and sophomore years at VT, she played for the woman’s club soccer team. She then obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Duke University in 2013. After school, she moved to Roanoke, VA where she worked at an outpatient orthopedic/sports medicine for the past 5 years. Recently, Maria, her husband and 1/ ½ year Golden Retriever (Jameson) moved back to the Richmond area to be closer to family.

Maria enjoys treating a diverse patient population ranging from young athletes to elderly men and women eager to maintain a high quality of life. Her treatment philosophy focuses on manual therapy to restore painfree mobility, exercise programs for strength and endurance with correct biomechanics, and patient independence to reach individual goals. She “Thrives” on learning through continuing education opportunities.

Outside the professional world, Maria enjoys spending time with family/friends, running trails with her Golden Retriever, lifting weights, snowboarding, golfing and traveling.

“Don’t count the days, make the days count!” – Maria Santalucia

Doctor of Physical Therapy: Duke University, 2013

Bachelor of Science: Human Nutrition, Food & Exercise – Virginia Tech, 2009

Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic section of APTA, Sports section of APTA

Laura Welch, PT, DPT, OCS

Laura graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2008 and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011.  In 2013, she completed a 6-month residency program in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) with Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, CA.  She has had experience working in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, and pediatrics.  She volunteers at the C.A.R.E.S clinic, a pro-bono clinic ran by physical therapy students at VCU.  She is currently studying to become a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) in August 2018 and training to run Highland Sky ultramarathon in June 2018.  In her free time, she enjoys running, traveling, yoga, rock climbing, and reading.  She has also had experience with triathlon.  She is a firm believer in the PNF philosophy that every person has untapped potential and she is grateful to be a part of that journey for every patient.

Doctor of Physical Therapy: Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 

Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science – Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008

Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic section of APTA

Cody Schellhaas, PT, DPT

Cody joined Thrive Physical Therapy in 2018.  Cody is an Ohio native and grew up on a small farm outside of a small town in the country. He played a multitude of sports including baseball, golf, cross country, basketball, and football.  He completed his undergraduate degree in Human Life Sciences in 2015 while working at a nearby hospital as a Patient Transporter.  He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Ohio University in 2018. There he played many different forms of intramural sports and volunteered in the community to preserve the cleanliness of the local parks.  This is his first move outside of the state of Ohio and he is excited to make Richmond his home.  He looks forward to spending time with his two dogs (Jameson and Ellie), hiking, fishing, golfing and getting involved in this fun and unique community. 

Cody is excited to practice in Richmond, and to work hard to provide the best care possible to his patients.  He enjoys treating a diverse patient population and being involved in return to high level activity, as well as encouraging and promoting all forms of wellness.  He focuses on analyzing movement patterns and recognizing movement impairments to guide his treatment.  He treats primarily through the use of manual based therapy to restore ROM, creating individualized exercise programs to match the patient’s specific needs, and returning each patient to his or her desired activity level while condoning further implementation of wellness habits.  He is excited to give back to the city and continue to volunteer for the betterment of the community he is proud to be a part of. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy: Ohio University at Athens, OH

Bachelor of Science: Human Life Sciences, Indiana University East at Richmond, IN

Certified:  Lee Silverman Voice Trained (LSVT BIG), ODNS training, Mckenzie part A training

Member: American Physical Therapy Association, Virginia Physical Therapy Association

Elizabeth “Libbie” Karalow, CMT

“Working with people to facilitate wellness has always been my passion. I strive to exceed the expectations of my clients in every session, whether they are rehabilitating an injury, are post surgery, or simply wanting to receive a relaxing massage. It is an honor to be witness and meet people, where ever they are, on their healing journey.”

Libbie is a nationally certified massage therapist licensed to practice massage in Virginia. She is a professional member of the ABMP. Libbie uses her unique gifts as a practitioner to assist those who wish to find wholeness, balance, and a sense of well-being in their body, and in their life. She brings 13 years of working with the public into her compassionate practice of Intuitive Bodywork and Energy Work.

Libbie’s multi-faceted healing approach to your session integrates Myofascial Release Therapy, Deep Tissue, Craniosacral Therapy, and Reiki. Her intuitive nature and engaging communication style allows her to work with a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, and levels of ability.

“I invite you to join me in accessing your potential for comfort, ease, and a sense of wholeness in your body and in your life.”

To schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please call our office at 804-320-2220 or use our online Request an Appointment form. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure.

Sophia Wilson

Sophia Wilson has been a trainer and the owner of RVAFitness2U.com for the last 17 years. She is a leader in Wellness in her Richmond community teaching Vinyasa Yoga, Pilates and barre as well as Personal Training.

She recently completed her Yoga, RYT 200 training and continues to train and teach throughout her community.

In addition to her work she has hosted 7 Yoga and Fitness retreats both in Mexico and in Charlottesville, Virginia. These retreats are packed full of adventure with various fitness classes offered as well as hiking, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding.

In her off time she enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, practicing yoga and biking and being with her husband.

Her motto is “Do what you love in Nature to experience joy.”