About Us
Our Mission
Our story began in 2002 and was born from one man’s genuine desire to provide quality, patient-driven physical therapy services to Lakeland, Florida and the surrounding communities.
Mike Ryan, owner, president, and leading expert in Therbo Robotics, developed a three-point promise to his customers that has been vital to the success of our clinic and patients:
- demonstrate a caring and professional attitude
- use state-of-the-art technology & equipment to deliver the highest quality care
- strive for integrity before God and remain committed, above all, to the well-being of others
Our mission is to heal, educate, and empower through a personalized experience. We strive to grow our family one valued patient at a time.
Our Team
Mike Ryan
Owner & President
Mike Ryan
Owner & President
Read Mike's Bio
Mike has been the Owner and President of Leading Edge Physical Therapy for over 22 years. He is a licensed physical therapist with over 26 years of experience. In addition to his bachelor’s in physical therapy, he holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree of science in exercise and Sports Science. Mike evaluates and treats muscular skeletal dysfunction and continually trains and motivates staff. Mike has a passion to help people with their physical needs, a desire to encourage people to better themselves both personally and professionally and he brings a desire to encourage people to seek God and express it in a safe environment. He is always focused on growing the business through staff training and promoting the integration of robotics in physical therapy. Mike has a wonderful family consisting of his wife Delta whom he has been married to for over 35 years. They have two daughters – Heather and Juliana. In his free time, he enjoys playing Pickleball and golf. He also enjoys exercising with weights and walking Lake Hollingsworth. He enjoys sports and his favorite teams include Florida Gators, Washington Commanders, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mike lives by the following passages:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Pray like everything depends on God. Work like everything depends on you.”
“Far away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at something worth doing”. Theodore Roosevelt.
Stacey Hosegood
Alex Kelley
Physical Therapist Assistant
Read Alex's Bio
Alex is one of our physical therapist assistants. She earned her PTA license from Keiser University in 2022. Alex loves spending time with her kids and family, reading a good book and working out. Alex also loves watching stand-up comedy, so if you know a good joke make sure you tell her!
Alex’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“The staff welcomes you with open arms and truly cares about each other and the patients.”
Austin Davis
Austin Davis
Physical Therapy Assistant
Read Austin's Bio
Austin was a Physical Therapy Technician before he received his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Oklahoma City Community College in 2019. He has collectively nearly 10 years of experience in the physical therapy arena. Originally from Arkansas where he married his high school sweetheart, he later moved to Oklahoma and then finally settled in Florida in July of 2022 with his wife and two children. You will likely hear him belting out Disney songs with his family during his free time. He also loves running, playing board games, any sporting activities, and visiting with his church family.
Austin’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“The perfect blend of innovation with personal connection. Everyone is dedicated to ensuring exceptional care while treating you like family.
One of Austin’s favorite verses:
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Danna Peterson
Danna Peterson
Billing & Insurance Manager
Read Danna's Bio
Danna is our billing and insurance manager. Dana is one of the most patriotic women you will ever meet; she loves her 5 sons and 1 daughter like she loves her country- deeply and enthusiastically. She enjoys and thrives at coming up with ways to make work fun, ie. themes for Spirit Week, Football Season, and Patriotic Holidays.
Danna’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“I love the way we treat the Active Duty & Veteran patients we see, it is so important to take care of those who serve.”
Evelyn Black
Dina Gomez-Martinez
Healthcare Representative
Read Dina's Bio
Dina graduated from Polk State in Early Education and is currently in the process of becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant. She has been a part of the fitness industry for over ten years and before that played soccer from four to seventeen years old. Dina’s favorite hobbies are working out, cooking, anything on the water and spending time with her family, friends and cat. She is also a huge sports fanatic, her favorite teams are the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s.
Dina’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“ The sense of family they bring to not only employees but to the patients as well. The light they radiate is contagious.”
Ginger Faulk
Ginger Faulk
Physical Therapy Assistant
Read Ginger's Bio
Ginger was born in Bermuda, and moved to Florida when she was just 6 months old. She has two children which she loves to spend time with. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching youth sports. After overcoming some challenges, Ginger graduated from Keiser in 2022 with high honors. Ginger values her faith and her family.
Ginger’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“My favorite part of Leading Edge is the genuineness and compassion that everyone shares for every patient that comes through the door.”
Hannah Webster
Hannah Webster
Certified Athletic Trainer
Read Hannah's Bio
Hannah earned her Athletic Trainer Degree from the University of North Florida. Once you walk into the therapy room, you’ll hear her cracking dad jokes. Hannah works with local schools on and off the fields, she loves all things sports. Hannah is a hard working, heart-loving giver who enjoys volunteering in and out of our community including returning to Haiti to help those less fortunate!
Hannah’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“I love that we can offer many services that other clinics don’t have. I also love that we genuinely care about our patients and give fully comprehensive and hands-on therapy to our patients.”
Jenn Walker
Jenn Walker
Office Manager
Read Jenn's Bio
Jenn joined our team in August of 2023 as the office manager. She is married to her husband, Clint, and has five daughters. Jenn enjoys spending time with her family, reading, creating “Lakeland” scavenger hunts and all things sports. She is an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Florida Gators.
Favorite Bible verse: … “the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Why Jenn chose Leading Edge:
The team here is a family that cares about their patients, our community, and each other.
Jodi Boone-Baird
Jodi Boone-Baird
Healthcare Representative
Read Jodi's Bio
Jodi is one of our Healthcare Representatives. She and her husband, David, have 3 wonderful adult children and 3 handsome grandsons. Jodi enjoys volunteering with various arts ministries, singing, drawing, and traveling. She does have a small obsession with Christmas! Before moving back to Florida, Jodi had 12 Christmas trees in her home.
Jodi’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“I love the sense of family here at LEPT, not just the employees, but the patients too! Everyone is equally important and brings their own sense of uniqueness to the table.”
Natalie Aviles
Melannie Paez
Physical Therapy Assistant
Read Melannie's Bio
Melannie is one of our physical therapist assistants. Graduating from Keiser University in 2022, Melannie grew up with a passion to help others. She loves spending quality time with her family, playing board games, watching movies, or going on vacation together. Melannie enjoys reading, traveling, journaling and being out in nature.
Melannie’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“The environment is unlike any other, staff members treat you as though you belong right away. The patient care is genuine and true here at LEPT.”
Natalie Aviles
Natalie Aviles
Healthcare Representative
Read Natalie's Bio
Natalie is one of the Healthcare Representatives here at Leading Edge. Natalie has been making a difference in the medical industry since 2003. Say hello to the world’s biggest movie buff- you mention it, she’s seen it! If you walk in needing something, she might slip you a witty comment just to keep life fun.
Natalie’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“I love that we are a family, they know I am crazy and love whole-heartedly and accept me because of it!”
Nicole DeSmidt
Nicole DeSmidt
Licensed Massage Therapist
Read Nicole's Bio
Nicole is our Licensed Massage Therapist who joined the team in February of 2023. She was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Florida with her family in 2011. She graduated from Ridge Technical College in 2022 at the top of her class. She grew up in sports and has a big heart for people. Nicole loves spending time with her family and doing things outdoors, such as hiking, paddleboarding, and snowboarding.
Nicole’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“Our staff strives for individual quality care, and we truly listen to our patients.”
Sarah Albritton
Sarah Albritton
Certified Personal Trainer
Read Sarah's Bio
Sarah is our Certified Personal Trainer. She graduated from Southeastern University with a Kinesiology: Exercise Science degree in 2021. Her love for health and fitness began at a young age, and now she enjoys leading people daily in physical exercise and nutrition coaching at our clinic. Her hobbies include exercising, dog sitting, traveling with her husband, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarah’s favorite thing about Leading Edge:
“The staff members have vast knowledge in their specific areas and are prepared to offer excellent service to all who come to Leading Edge. Each staff member cares deeply for the community and every patient/client that comes in the door.”
Can you see yourself on our team?
Do you see yourself joining our team at Leading Edge Physical Therapy? We are currently hiring for multiple positions!
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letting telling us a little more about you to info@leptclinics.com.
Community Involvement
