Staff
Upper Extremity Focus Team
(shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand)
Edward St. Clair, PT,DPT,CHT
Edward St. Clair, DPT (Eddie) is the director of physical therapy for West Park Rehab. Eddie entered the medical field in 1988 when he was trained as a field medic in the United States Air force. At that time, he also received his national EMT certification.
After completing his enlistment, he continued his education in Atlanta Georgia at DeKalb College and earned an AAS as a physical therapist assistant. He worked for 3 years under that license specializing in the treatment of patient with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury at Shepard Pathways.
While at this clinic, he developed treatment programs using aquatic therapy for this special population. He also worked closely with patient who suffered from inner ear dysfunction and vertigo. In addition, Eddie worked with orthopedic patients at North Fulton Hospital treating patients with total joint replacement.
In 1996, he returned to Georgia State University to earn his BS as a physical therapist. Eddie then moved to Franklin in 1999 and established West Park Rehab along with co-owner Timothy Shell, PT.
While in practice, Eddie earned the degree of clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Temple University in December of 2006. Collectively, he has completed four years of undergraduate studies followed by seven years of coursework specific to the field of physical therapy beginning in 1993. Most recently, Dr. St.Clair completed a rigorous course of study involving the upper extremity and then passed a national exam to earn his board certification in hand therapy.
In support of the field of physical therapy, St. Clair was elected as the treasurer for the northwest district Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. He was then elected to the position of vice-chair and will advance to chairman in mid 2006. He is now the chair for the public relations with The Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. Eddie currently specializes in the treatment of the thoracic spine and upper extremity: shoulder, elbow and hand. Eddie is currently working towards his board certification in Hand Therapy.
Barry Foust, PTA
Barry started his career as a computer operator. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Butler County Community College in 1984. Then he continued his education at Clarion University of PA where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Application of Information Systems in 1987. He worked for four years at the corporate office of Fisher Big Wheel in New Castle, PA as a computer operator.
Barry changed careers in 1991 when he became a physical therapist technician at Franklin Regional Medical Center. The career change occurred due to the influence of his wife (Becky), who is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a licensed physical therapist of twenty-one years. Barry worked for three years as a physical therapist technician. He was one of the many in 1994 who were laid off from Franklin Regional Medical Center.
Following the lay off Barry returned to school at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy in 1998. He received the following honors/awards: Member of PHI THETA KAPPA; Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outstanding Leadership Award; Graduated Summa Cum Laude; University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Physical Therapy Association Vice President; and Who's Who Among College Students.
Barry has worked as a physical therapist assistant for the past nine years in a variety of settings, including: long-term care, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, transitional care, and out patient therapy.
In addition to his role as a physical therapist assistant, Barry enjoys coaching the Franklin 8th grade girls basketball team and other community teams in both softball and basketball. He has coached at the Franklin Middle School for six years.
Spine Focus Team
(cervical, thoracic and lumbar)
Jessica Collins, PT,DPT
Jessica Collins was born and raised in Oil City, PA. She is a 2001 graduate of Oil City High School. After high school, Jessica attended Gannon University were she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Science. She then continued her education at Gannon University and graduated in May 2008 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Upon earning her doctorate, Jessica graduated first in her class, and was awarded Gannon's Academic Excellence Award.
Jessica began her physical therapy career in 2003 at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, PA as a physical therapy technician, working in both the acute care and sports medicine settings.
Jessica is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association. At West Park Rehab, Jessica area of focus is treating the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Melissa "Missy" Crocker, PTA
Missy is a 1998 Physical Therapist Assistant graduate of Penn State University and currently has 12 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy.
Missy works part-time for West Park Rehab in the clinic and also assists Jill Shull DPT in the local school districts working with the students.
Missy is a member of the APTA, PPTA and Orthopedic Section of the APTA. She is currently working on her advanced proficiency on orthopedics with the APTA.
Missy enjoys spending time with her two children, running, kayaking and being outdoors.
Lower Extremity Focus Team
(geriatrics)
Lisa Weismann, PT,DPT,MHS, Geriatric Certified Specialist
Lisa Weismann is a board certified geriatric physical therapist with 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including acute, subacute, long-term and home health care; skilled nursing; acute inpatient rehabilitation; outpatient; and geriatric day health.
Lisa is a 1985 graduate of Franklin High School. She received a BHS degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky, a MHS degree in PT from the University of Indianapolis and completed a clinical doctorate in PT from Gannon University in 2009. Lisa became board certified as a Geriatric Physical Therapist by the American Physical Therapy Association in 1999 and was recertified in 2009.
Lisa has practiced throughout the country including Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas. Her areas of expertise include the prevention and treatment of functional loss related to deconditioning, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, arthritis, hip fractures, total hip and knee replacements, osteoporosis, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, diabetes, and falls.
Lisa's goal is to assist the citizens of Franklin and surrounding communities to age successfully, maximizing overall health, function, and quality of life. Of particular interest, is helping individuals remain at home or a home-like environment as long as possible, preventing loss of function related to deconditioning, and reducing fall risk. To further this mission, she is currently serving on the council for Venango County's Area Agency on Aging.
Ann Lowrey, PTA,CI
Ann is a 1987 graduate of Cranberry Area High School. Ann graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in the physical therapist assistant program in April of 2000 from the University of Pittsburgh, Titusville Campus. She started her career as a licensed physical therapist assistant in the Clarion area and after a couple of years came to the Oil City /Franklin area. Her focus of treatment has been with the geriatric population in the acute care and rehab setting. She has experience working with orthopedics, stroke, balance, Parkinson's, and other neuromuscular disorders. She joined West Park Rehab in December of 2007.
Ann received certification as a clinical instructor in January 2009 and achieved her advanced proficiency in Geriatrics in October 2009 from the American Physical Therapy Association.
Ann currently holds the postition of treasurer on the Northwest District of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association along with secretary of the Physical Therapist Assistant Special Interest Group for the state.
Lower Extremity Focus Team
(pediatrics)
Jill Shull, PT,DPT
Jill Shull is a licensed physical therapist for West Park Rehab on Pone Lane. Jill has been a physical therapist in Pennsylvania for over 10 years and has experience in a variety of settings including acute care (Stroke Service Team Member, wound care treatment, post-op joint replacement, and cardiopulmonary disorders), sub-acute rehabilitation, pediatrics in the outpatient, Early Intervention and school-based settings.
She is currently providing school-based and Early Intervention physical therapy services to over 50 children in the Franklin, Oil City, Cranberry, and Valley Grove school districts in Venango County via a contract through the Riverview Intermediate Unit 6. Jill also works at the Pone Lane office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00am to 6:00pm treating outpatient orthopedic and pediatric patients.
Jill is a 1990 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and received her Bachelor's degree in the field of Exercise Physiology. In 1994 she began her studies at Chatham College in Pittsburgh and received her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1996. She was chosen by her peers to deliver a speech at her graduation ceremony. Most recently she has completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Chatham University and graduated in August of 2008.
Jill is in the process of developing a variety of screen tools that will be utilized in the school and preschool settings to detect gross motor delays, scoliosis, and balance dysfunction. Once children have been identified they can be referred appropriately.
Jill's goal is to maximize the functional potential for all of the children and adults that she treats to improve their quality of life and independence.
Linda Archibald, PTA
Linda Archibald is a licensed PTA. Linda is originally from Indiana, PA. Linda graduated from Penn State University in DuBois, PA with an Associate of Science degree in 2005. Upon graduation, Linda worked in and around the Clearfield County region in inpatient, outpatient, pulmonary rehab and skilled nurse settings with a primary focus on recovery from surgery, stroke, deconditioning and pulmonary dysfunction.
Linda presently helps oversee the aquatics program and as part of the lower extremity and pediatric therapeutic focus team.
Aquatics Focus
Jeffery R. Thurau, MPT
Jeff Thurau is a physical therapist with over 16 years of experience in a variety of health care settings. He graduated from Oil City High School in 1975. Jeff served in the US Navy / Marine Corp as a medical corpsman in support of the US Marine Corps. He furthered his education at Slippery Rock University earning a BS in Parks and Recreation and then in 1992 he completed his Master's degree in Physical Therapy.
Jeff has practiced throughout the tri-city area with focus and special interests in orthopedics, aquatic therapy, gait analysis, orthotic construction, industrial injury prevention and return to work testing. Jeff Thurau serves as the ankle specialist for West Park Rehab. He also performs sports injury evaluations and functional capacity evaluations.
Athletic Trainer
Becky Barnes, ATC
Becky is a certified athletic trainer for West Park Rehab. She was born and raised in Franklin, PA. Becky is a 1993 graduate of Franklin High School. She attended Slippery Rock University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree/athletic training in 1998. She worked for 9 years as an athletic trainer with UPMC Northwest Sports Medicine.
Becky joined the West Park Rehab staff in July 2007. She has been the certified athletic trainer at Franklin High School for the past 10 years. Her goal is to give the local community the highest quality care of athletic injuries.
Becky is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Franklin Elks Lodge 110, and Wanango Country Club. Becky enjoys spending her free time on the golf course or with her chocolate lab Callie.
Massage Therapist
Rita Winger, Massage Therapist/Rehab Aide
Rita Winger is a Wellness Supervisor and Rehab Tech at West Park Rehab on Pone Lane. Rita has been working in the fitness industry for 19 years teaching a variety of fitness classes and specializing in aquatics with water walking, Ai Chi and water aerobics. In 2001, Rita obtained a Certificate in Massage Therapy from the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy and currently owns and operates Majestic Massage in Franklin, PA. Rita has extended her training through Geriatrics, Pregnancy, Myofacial, Reiki and Pet Massage Workshops.
Rita's goal is to integrate Fun into Fitness and keep you on track with a healthier lifestyle.
Personal Trainer / Certified Ergonomist
Kyle Sweeney
Kyle Sweeney is a 2005 graduate of West Forest Jr./Sr. High School in Tionesta. After high school, Kyle attended Slippery Rock University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences.
For his undergraduate degree, Kyle performed his internship at West Park Rehab. After the internship, Kyle was hired as a full-time employee.; At West Park, Kyle is the Personal Trainer and is in charge of the Wellness Program. Kyle also works on the preventative side of injuries as a Specialist in Health Ergonomics. Kyle works with industry to adjust environments, tasks, or procedures to fit the individuals that work there. Kyle also works with area school athletes as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist.