BLOG | REGISTER | SITE MAP Dr. Joseph J. Martin, PT, OCS Doctor of Physical Therapy President and Founder Function Better Physical Therapy and Personal Enrichment Centers Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Licensed Physical Therapist joe@functionbetter.com Joe Martin, PT, OCS was born and raised right here in the Mohawk Valley and attended Whitesboro Schools until 8th grade when he relocated to Frankfort Schuyler and graduated high school in 1989. Joe enlisted in the army and served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 1990-91 during Desert Storm. He subsequently attended Herkimer County Community College and Utica College and became a licensed Physical Therapist in 1997. In 2007, Joe achieved board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He is an expert in musculoskeletal medicine and has a unique way of connecting with patients of all ages and conditions. Joe feels that his purpose in life is to embrace and guide patients, friends, family, and colleagues to a path of personal enrichment through compassion, clinical expertise, motivation, and leadership. Joe is currently working on a patient case study for publication in a peer reviewed journal. He has invented several fitness and healthcare related products and sold them all over the world, is the author of multiple exercise and fitness DVDs, and has had his own local television show...TheraPTv! Joe has significant passion for helping people and he loves the physical therapy profession. He founded Function Better in 2002 in Herkimer, NY and has since opened two more locations; Whitesboro in 2003 and Rome in 2008. In 2009, Joe began donating his time by providing the public with wellness seminars designed to teach and empower individuals to take control of their destiny, prevent and manage disease more efficiently, and live happier and healthier lives. He has been happily married to Kimberly Martin for almost 17 years and feels so lucky to have 3 amazing children; Kayla 16, Joey (JT) 12 and Justin 9. Kimberly Martin, Human Resource Manager Kimberly is Joe's amazing wife and has been instrumental in the growth and development of Function Better since 2002 when it opened. She anticipates graduating in May of 2010 with her Bachelors in Business Management from Suny Institute of Technology. Prior to her joining Function Better, Kim worked in governmental agencies, retail businesses, and she had early education and training in early childhood curriculum and Occupational Therapy Sciences. One of her favorite career memories was inspiring and rehabilitating individuals suffering from mental illness. Kim is a natural interior decorator, loves chocolate covered strawberries, and is a sensational mother and provider of 3 beautiful children and a cute little Pomeranian she calls indius of a puppius. Michele Tolpa, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy Whitesboro, NY native, graduated from Ithaca College with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a minor in Health. Michele is an active member of the community, coaching the Mohawk Varsity Girls Soccer year round, as well as an active player within the Coliseum Soccer Club. Michele has played soccer across the US and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. Michele is currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified in McKenzie Method of Spinal Rehabilitation. Kevin M. Kress, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Kevin has faithfully worked at Function Better since 2002 as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Personal Trainer. Kevin recently graduated from Utica College in May 2009 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He has been successfully treating patients of all ages and ailments for the past 7 years as well as coaching fitness clients to better health and weight loss, along with teaching a variety of fitness and strength training classes. His special interests are in treatment of the spine, shoulders, knees and core training. He has attended numerous continuing education courses over the years and is well trained and experienced in the McKenzie Method of Spinal Rehabilitation. He is currently an active member of the Sports and Orthopedic Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association and New York Physical Therapy Association. He is the proud father of 3 beautiful girls and in his spare time enjoys relaxing with his family, traveling, golf, and watching his favorite NY sports teams. Joe DeCondo, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Joe is a Utica, NY native, graduating from Notre Dame Jr/Sr Highschool. He attended Utica College where he graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. While earning his degree, Joe spent four years playing for the Utica College Baseball team and one year as an assistant coach. Joe is currently working toward receiving his certification in the McKenzie Method of Spinal Rehabilitation as he is building his expertise on lumbar spine pathologies and rehabilitation methods. Joe will also be pursing a certification as a personal trainer in the near future. Dan Patterson, PTA Graduated from Utica City Schools in 2001. In 2003, he received his Associate in Arts and Sciences degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and his Associate in Applied Sciences; Physical Therapist Assistant in 2005 from Herkimer County Community College. Dan is a few short courses away from his Bachelors degree in Health Sciences from Utica College and anticipates entry into the Upstate Medical University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the fall of 2010. He has been employed with Function Better since 2005 and has developed excellent manual therapy skills and has attended numerous continuing education courses. Dan has extensive training in the McKenzie Method of Spinal Rehabilitation and is well versed in strength training, conditioning, sport rehabilitation, and wellness applications. Dan quotes “the best part of my job is not only seeing individuals become empowered through the means of diminishing their disabilities, but also giving them the best physical therapy experience, enjoyment, and personal enrichment. Philip Aldi, PTA Central New York native, graduated from Herkimer County Community College in 2007 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science and is a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, who has been working with the Function Better Team for over 2 years. Phil has an extensive knowledge in strength training which he attributes to his experience as a power lifter. Phil takes great enjoyment in challenging patients to perform at their maximal level. Trina Lazarek, LMT Trina Lazarek, LMT graduated from Morrisville-State College with an AAS degree in Massage Therapy. She graduated at the top of her class and excelled in all areas of the program. She is a wife and mother of two small children and resides in Verona. She is highly passionate about Massage Therapy, because she understands on a personal level the many benefits and effects massage therapy can have on a persons mental and physical health. She is a warm and compassionate therapist who makes any one feel welcome and comfortable. Visiting her in one of our relaxing massage rooms will be more than just a luxury, but will bring about a new sense of well-being to the recipient of one of her massages. *Trina is a self -employed massage therapist who is well respected and practices within the Function Better facilities in Whitesboro and Rome. Click here to learn more about massage therapy or to set up an appointment Tami Shaut, Manager of Administrative Operations Tami has been performing medical administrative duties since the year 2000. In 2009, she was appointed to management because of her outstanding customer service and administrative due diligence. Although her responsibilities include data organization and submission she values patient relationships above all! Tami specifically states “What makes my job so enjoyable is seeing the patients when they finish their therapy with a happy face knowing they are 100 % satisfied….that is what makes me want to get up in the morning and come to my job at Function Better. Tami currently oversees administrative operations at all centers and works intimately with our in house billing manager, Jen Phillips to provide a seamless administrative operation. Aaron Mallace, MS Aaron earned his Associates Degree from Herkimer County Community College in 2002. After H.C.C.C. he continued his education at Alfred University, receiving his Bachelors Degree in 2004. He then went on to Ithaca College, earning his Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology in 2005. Upon graduation he began working as the Exercise Physiologist at Cutting Edge Fitness Center. He has held this position for the past four years. Here he has built a great professional reputation with his client base. He is currently engaged to his girlfriend of ten years and they own a home together in Herkimer. Jennifer Phillips Billing Manager Jennifer graduated frm Ilion Jr/Sr High in 1993. She received an Associates Degree in Banking & Insurance in Dec. 1997 from Mohawk Valley Community College, and has taken additional coursework at SUNY IT towards a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Before joining Function Better in November 2003, she was employed with The Hartford Insurance Co as a Sales CSR. Jennifer lives in Oriskany with her husband of 9 years, Jeff, and her four children, Jordan, Madalyn, Emilee and Jeffrey. Office Administrator and Billing Assistant Dawn joined Function Better in May of 2006 as a Billing Assistant. Her current position is Office Administrator in the Whitesboro clinic and Corporate Billing Assistant. Prior to joining our team she was employed with Oneida County Dept of Social Services for 6 years and HARC for 6 years. Dawn is also the proud mother of Dr. Joseph Martin, as well as the Billing Manager Jennifer Phillips, and one other daughter who lives in Florida. She is also grandmother to 15 grandchildren. Flash Player upgrade required HERKIMER 152 N. Main Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Phone: (315) 717-0020 Fax: (315) 717-0024 ROME 202 S. George Street Rome, NY 13440 Phone: (315) 334-7025 Fax: (315) 339-2038 UTICA 1903 Sunset Avenue Utica, NY 13502 Phone: (315) 734-9904 Fax: (315) 734-9905 WHITESBORO 34 Oriskany Boulevard Whitesboro, NY 13492 Phone: (315) 768-8521 Fax: (315) 768-7882 COPYRIGHT © 2009 FUNCTION BETTER PHYSICAL THERAPY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SITE DESIGN BY DESTINED STUDIOS, INC.; COPYRIGHT © 2009 DESTINED STUDIOS.