Dedicated to helping you live your Best Life.
Dedicated to helping you live your Best Life.

Meet Our Team

The physical therapy we provide stands above that of our competitors.  Our expertise in manual therapy can help you beat your pain more quickly and get you back to your active lifestyle.  We would love to work with you!

Nichole King, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Nichole King is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA where she has devoted over 10 years of practice to Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.  She has a specialty certification in Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling (MFTrPDN) and is a Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT),  which support her treatment style of one-on-one expert care to help each client recover more quickly in order to return to a fulfilling and inspired lifestyle.

 

After 10 years of directing outpatient clinics in the corporate world, Nichole has begun a new journey as an owner with Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, where she is truly able to live out her passion of providing patient specific programs and addressing individual needs. Nichole’s mission speaks for itself….to provide community education and comprehensive whole-body treatment to meet and advance wellness/fitness goals so that she can take patients to the next level, helping  them to “Live Their Best Life.”  Nichole is Direct Access certified, which allows patients immediate access to physical therapy, saving time and money, and ultimately resulting in quicker recovery.

 

She provides in-services and educational seminars throughout Hampton Roads for various organizations to reach her community, especially those who are restricted to their access to health care.

 

While serving as an ambassador with GIELD INC, the Global Institute of Empowerment and Leadership Development, whose mission is to enrich educate and empower quality leaders within the church and society for today and tomorrow, she recently lead the health component  to a children’s summer camp in Norfolk, VA.

 

Nichole practices what she preaches by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is currently a natural bodybuilding competitor, holding a professional title with the American Natural Bodybuilding Federation, as well as representing various organizations as a sponsored athlete.

 

When Nichole is not working toward establishing her legacy in the health field, she is active in her local church and enjoys traveling, listening to live music, being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends. 

Gina Meyer, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Gina has been a leader in the field of outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine, providing the highest quality, patient-focused care since 2003. In her early career, Dr. Meyer practiced across many states, becoming an experienced manual therapist with multiple orthopedic specializations. She is a published researcher in outpatient rehabilitation. She founded Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine on the East Coast in 2012 and Rise Pacific Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine on the West Coast in 2016.

Dr. Meyer has a true passion for helping her patients get back to doing the things they love. This pursuit led to her role as founder and host of the Rise Resolute Podcast, a podcast designed to connect women through female athletes’ stories of grit and perseverance. Dr. Meyer believes that being active is a privilege that enhances our lives in so many ways. She is an avid runner and advocate for movement and running, which has countless physical and mental benefits, including improved stress management and decreased anxiety/depression, which is more important than ever at this time.

Gina founded the non-profit ARC (Active Resolute Connected) based on her passion for breaking barriers and empowering women by improving their mental/physical health and overall well-being through movement/running. 

 

Outside of the clinic Gina loves music, hiking, golfing, skiing, being outdoors at the beach and in the mountains, cooking, and spending time with her four children, her husband, and her dog.   

Sarah Nalepa, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Sarah received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Biology from the University of Virginia. She then went on to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2018. Sarah started on the physical therapy track due to a personal history of sports-related injuries sustained from running and rowing over the years. She is particularly passionate about working with runners and has worked with many during her years of practice in both Washington DC and Virginia Beach. She has continued her education as a physical therapist with courses in functional dry needling, blood flow restriction and the treatment of runners. Outside of outpatient sports-related injuries, Sarah has a background in early intervention (ages 0-3 years old) and pediatrics as well as in pelvic health therapy. When Sarah isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as with her 8 year old vizsla, Reina.

Twila Ruefer, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Twila earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2017 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University in 2012. Twila sees her role as a physical therapist as an opportunity to serve others by making a positive difference in their lives and empowering them through care and education to aid in their recovery and overall health and wellness. 

 

Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Twila served nine years in the US Navy, followed by three years as a personal trainerand certified yoga instructor. Her husband is currently still serving in the Navy, and they have two amazing children. As a family they enjoy traveling, exploring new areas, and all things outdoors. Additionally, Twila enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and strives to maintain a steady strength and conditioning routine.  

Teasie Cleveland, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Teasie Cleveland received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Georgia Southern University in Savannah, GA. Prior to PT school, Teasie attended Auburn University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. During her time at Auburn, she also participated in a Sports Performance and Biomechanics Research Lab where she identified her passion in understanding how the body works together to create athletic and dynamic movement. While she is a Georgia native, she is currently living in Virginia with her husband, who is in the Navy, along with their pets. Together, they enjoy spending time at the gym, playing with their dog, and hanging out with friends. Her current physical therapy passions include utilizing a combination of manual therapy, mobility work, and functional strengthening with return to sport athletes, powerlifters, and strength/tactical athletes. However, she really just loves working with anyone who is ready to work!

 

Dante Leone, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

 

Dante is a residency trained Doctor of Physical Therapy with board certification in orthopaedic physical therapy. Dante also holds certifications in dry needling, strength and conditioning, and lifestyle medicine. Dante is passionate about whole person wellness and strives to provide amazing care to help all his clients optimize their health. 

Dante comes to Best Life after practicing for more than 8 years following receiving his doctorate in physical therapy from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dante grew up in Wisconsin, earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is an avid Badgers fan. Dante and his family relocated to Virginia in 2020 to escape the long cold Wisconsin winters and embrace the beach life. 

When he's not practicing in the clinic you can find Dante spending time with his wife and 2 children, coaching various sports, at the beach, or training for his next mud run or triathlon. 

Stacey Willoughby, LPTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Stacey is ART (Active Release Techniques) certified. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania in 2007. Throughout college and following graduation she worked as a Rehab tech in a variety of PT settings ranging from geriatrics, aquatics to general orthopedics. She also participated in many marketing events as well. She continued her passion for fitness as a certified Personal Trainer from 2007-2012. Stacey then furthered her education by earning an Associates degree in Allied Health from Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2015 where she then became a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Stacey is a member of the Physical Therapy Association and has experience in outpatient sports rehab, general orthopedics, pediatrics, and geriatrics. She has also had clinical experiences in acute care focusing on neurological rehabilitation and home health.

 

Education:

  • Associates in Allied Health, Virginia Beach, VA, Physical Therapist Assistant, 2015
  • American Fitness Professional Association,Certified Personal Trainer, 2007-2012
  • Widener University, Chester, PA, Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2007

 

Specialties and Areas of Interest:

  • Return to Sports Physical Therapy for the athlete
  • Manual therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • SI joint pain
  • Balance and gait 
  • Neck & Back, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoulder & Knee Pain
  • Taping techniques to inhibit/activate muscles, decrease pain, and promote stability within the joint

Jimmy Zaller, LPTA, USAW 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Jimmy received his Bachelor's in Health and Exercise from Bridgewater College prior to completing the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Medical Careers Institute in Newport News. During his time at Bridgewater Jimmy interned as a strength and conditioning coach with all collegiate teams, while also rehabbing injured athletes to get them back to their sport.

 

Prior to starting his PTA program, Jimmy also volunteered at Old Dominion University, working with football and field hockey. From the start of his PTA career Jimmy has also spent time in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient where he was able to learn from and treat various cases of neurological, vestibular, post-operative, and TMJ.

 

Jimmy's favorite person to treat is one who comes in with a smile on their face, and no matter the diagnosis he will bring care, compassion, and his corny jokes with him every day.

Brittany Hall, LPTA 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Brittany received her Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Science from American Military University in 2013, while living in Guam. She has always had a passion for health, physical fitness, and helping other achieve their personal goals. Prior to starting the PTA program she worked in Florida managing a health and wellness center. This position inspired her to transition towards physical fitness and rehab, there she furthered her education by earning her Associate's degree from Gulf Coast State College where she became a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. She previously worked in San Diego at an outpatient clinic. In her spare time Brittany enjoys volunteering out in the community with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering at local shelters. She likes to keep active by going to the gym, hiking, taking her dogs to the beach, and really anything outdoors. 

Jesscia Rapoport, LPTA 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Jessica is a native of Chesapeake, VA and outside of earning her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Education from Radford University in 2017, she has remained local in the Hampton Roads area. Jessica has always had a passion for health, fitness, and helping others achieve their personal goals. She furthered her education by earning her Associate’s degree from South University in 2020 where she became a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. Through her clinical experiences, she has worked in a variety of settings allowing her to gain experience working with all patient populations. Jessica is certified in the Barbell Rehab Method and looks forward to continuing to grow her clinical skills. Outside of the clinic, Jessica enjoys spending time at the gym, hanging out with family and friends, road trips to the mountains to camp/ hike, or just staying local to enjoy the sunshine at the beach or on a boat.

Location

Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Visit us at any of our two Virginia Beach locations:

 

2404 Potters Rd, #400, 23454

 

Flex Gym 4020 Bonney Rd #112, 23452

 

Or in Norfolk:

Iron Asylum 1200 N Military Highway, 23503

 

Don't let pain keep you from living your Best Life.

Call to today to schedule an appointment:

office: 757-961-5888 

fax: 757-340-6210

 

Or use our contact form.

Direct Access

You can receive physical therapy at Best Life Physical Therapy without a doctor's prescription (and we can still bill through insurance).  This saves both time and money. Schedule an appointment today.

News and Programs

At Best Life Physical Therapy, we are plugged into latest in physical therapy news and techiniques.  You can trust that the latest reasearch and cutting-edge techniques are being encorporated into your treatment plan.  We also offer specialized programs to meet your needs.  

 

Check our latest updates and

browse upcoming programs.

Tips

Questions about your first appointment? Find out more information below.

Frequently Asked Questions.

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Visit us at any of our two Virginia Beach locations: 2404 Potters Rd, #400, 23454 Flex Gym 4020 Bonney Rd #112, 23452 or in Norfolk: Iron Asylum 1200 N Military Highway 23502 Main Office: 757-961-5888 Fax: 757-340-6210 LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.