Staff

Scott Johnson

Co-Founder, Physical Therapist

Scott Johnson, a Huntsville native, co-founded Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists® in January 2003. Scott began playing baseball and basketball at an early age, which he continued through college. He graduated from Grissom High School, where he lettered in baseball and basketball, and went on to play baseball at Gadsden State Community College. He then played baseball at Birmingham-Southern College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Psychology.

Scott went on to receive his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama – Birmingham, and later received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama – Birmingham. Having undergone physical therapy due to numerous injuries in collegiate sports, Scott always had an interest in the profession. Scott received his Alabama PT license in 1994, and worked as a Physical Therapist/Manager at Baptist Health System for 4 1/2 years. He then worked as a Physical Therapist/Administrator at HealthSouth for 4-1/2 years.

Scott is married to the former Carrie Cason, and they have two children, Sam and Abby. Scott enjoys treating post-operative and nonoperative orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries with manual therapy emphasis. His areas of interest and expertise include shoulder and knee injuries, scoliosis rehabilitation, and rehabilitation of athletes. In his spare time, Scott loves to spend time with his family and friends, play golf, and serves as a board member with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Todd Hayes

Co-Founder, Physical Therapist

Todd Hayes, a Huntsville native, co-founded Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists® in January 2003. Todd has an extensive background in sports. He played baseball and basketball at Grissom High School, where he graduated in 1987. Todd was no stranger to sports related injury; he broke his tibia and fibula in his right leg during a baseball collision. The importance of quality rehabilitation became evident at an extremely young age. After graduation from Grissom, Todd played baseball for two years at Gadsden State Community College, and then went on to play at Lipscomb University.

He received a Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Math upon graduation from Auburn University, and later a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Upon completing his Physical Therapy degree, Todd worked at HealthSouth for three years. He married his high school sweetheart, Monica Lancaster Hayes, and they have three children: Katie, Carter, and Lauren.

In his spare time, Todd loves to coach youth sports, play golf, snow ski, travel and spend time with his family. He enjoys serving on his church mission board and as board member for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Todd receives extraordinary joy from being a physical therapist because he is able to return people back to the things they love to do.

Susan Adamson

Physical Therapist Assistant

Susan Adamson from Cullman, Alabama joined the Johnson and Hayes team in March of 2019. Susan chose the Johnson and Hayes team due to the rich history of patient satisfaction and individualized quality of care. Susan played multiple sports in high school including volleyball, softball, and basketball that gave her the passion to pursue her career in Physical Therapy. She received her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from the University of Alabama in Birmingham before pursuing her physical therapist assistant degree from Wallace State Community College. In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling, working out, cycling, spending time with family and is a fanatic basketball fan.

Sharon Anderson

Physical Therapist

Sharon Anderson is a Madison native who graduated from Bob Jones High School in 2006 alongside another J&H therapist, Sara Dorr. While in high school, she participated in track, cross-country, and band. It was during this time that she learned about physical therapy and determined it was the perfect career choice for her. Sharon continued her secondary education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she received both her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with a Minor in Psychology (2010) and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree (2013).

Throughout her career, Sharon has practiced in a variety of settings, including outpatient orthopedics, hospital acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Her greatest volume of experience lies in intensive inpatient rehabilitation, assisting patients with a wide variety of debilitating medical and physical conditions. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others by helping patients improve their function, quality of life, and personal mobility goals. While she truly enjoys treating all sorts of conditions, she finds herself particularly interested in neurological populations.

Sharon joined Johnson & Hayes in October 2022 and is excited to be serving patients with the Balance and Dizziness Program. She has long admired J&H as a company - the quality work environment, family atmosphere, and dedication to providing one-on-one patient-centered care.

Sharon lives in Madison with her husband (Matt), two young children (Shaun & Chloe), and dog (Indiana). Outside of work, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, traveling, and anything sports and fitness.

Hayley Abell

Physical Therapist

Hayley Abell moved to Huntsville from Columbus, GA, where she was born and raised. She earned a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Georgia and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Georgia Southern University. Hayley specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports medicine, and she is also certified in dry needling.

Excited to explore her new surroundings, Hayley enjoys CrossFit, cooking, and spending time outdoors. In the fall, she can be found cheering on Georgia football (Go Dawgs!). She is a fan of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and looks forward to hiking and camping adventures with her dog, Remi.

Passionate about women's health, Hayley is dedicated to providing the highest quality care. She believes every patient deserves personalized treatment and is committed to helping them perform at their best every step of the way.

Ahmad Abu-Spetani

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Ahmad was born and raised in Madison, AL and joined the J&H Madison (Hughes Road) team in February 2024. He went to the University of Alabama in Huntsville for his undergraduate degree in Psychology and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Ahmad grew up playing soccer and after being around many injuries he developed an interest in PT. He has a passion for helping patients recover and return to their normal activities. In his free time, Ahmad enjoys staying active, playing sports, working out and spending time with friends and family.

Jenny Bauer

DPT

Jenny Bauer grew up in Huntsville, AL. She is returning to Huntsville after earning her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science at The University of Alabama and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Tennessee State University.

Jenny worked as a physical therapy tech at J&H in 2021 before attending PT school in Nashville. J&H helped solidify and grow her passion for the profession and she is excited to be back at J&H as a Physical Therapist. Her motivation for being a PT is rooted in her desire to provide patient-centered care to help people gain more functional independence and improve their quality of life.

Jenny has experience treating in various settings including outpatient orthopedic, pediatric, outpatient neurological, and inpatient rehabilitation. She has a special interest in treating the neurologic and pediatric populations. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, cooking, crafting, and spending time outdoors.

Brooke Bishop, DPT

Physical Therapist

Brooke Bishop is from Somerville, Alabama and joined Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists in November of 2021. While Brooke was in high school, she was a varsity cheerleader and she developed an interest in PT when she was receiving therapy for her ankle and lower back. Brooke received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Troy University and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Samford University. While Brooke was a student at Samford University, she did a clinical rotation at Johnson & Hayes and enjoyed the staff and setting so much that she accepted a position with the company after graduation. Brooke’s interests are in pediatrics, lumbopelvic and hip dysfunction, and pelvic floor. Brooke enjoys treating and helping others achieve their goals through therapy. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, being on the lake or at the beach and spending time with family, friends, and her golden retriever, Sally Mae. Brooke is also active in her local church, Whitesburg Baptist.

Certifications for Brooke Bishop PT, DPT include the Herman & Wallace Pelvic floor 1 (pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti, and pelvic prolapse) and 2A (incontinence, constipation, pudendal nerve dysfunction, and postpartum tears with delivery), and is advancing her knowledge with Pregnancy and Postpartum through the PCES certification and taking further Herman & Wallace courses. Through Dunning DN 1 and DN 2 she holds a Dry Needling certification for upper and lower extremities.

Lacey Calvert

Business Development

Lacey Calvert serves as our Physician Liaison for our Guntersville and Oneonta locations. With a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University and more than ten plus years of practice marketing and business development experience, she is committed to connecting healthcare professionals and fostering partnerships. In her spare time she enjoys watching Auburn University athletics and spending time with her children, Bailey and Clay.

Brent Congo

Clinic Director, Physical Therapist

Brent Congo, from Athens, AL, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in 2003 because of the excellent camaraderie among staff and the ample time he was able to spend with his patients. Growing up, he had an interest in science and anatomy. As he studied he became fascinated with how the human body heals or, in many cases, does not heal properly. Physical therapy afforded Brent a career where he can have a positive influence in the body’s healing process. He loves being able to provide education and hands-on treatment to patients so that they can understand how to take care of their own bodies properly to prevent injury and to promote good health.

Brent received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Alabama – Birmingham, a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama – Birmingham, and a Manual Therapy certification from the University of St. Augustine. He is a certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy through the ABPTS. Brent is also a certified dry needling practitioner. In his spare time, Brent enjoys boating, reading, coaching baseball and basketball and being active in his church. Professionally, he enjoys neck, shoulder and back rehabilitation.

Selea Cooper

Physical Therapist

Selea Cooper, from Madison, AL, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in June 2019. Selea always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Once in high school, Selea participated in a program where she observed various healthcare professions. It was in this program that she discovered her passion for becoming a physical therapist. Selea received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Alabama and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of South Alabama. Selea shadowed at Johnson & Hayes one summer as an undergraduate student. She also had one of her clinical rotations at J&H. Selea enjoyed the overall environment of J&H and the ability to make meaningful connections with patients. In her free time, Selea enjoys watching Alabama football games, reading, going for walks with her rescue dog (Sugar), and spending time with family and friends.

Sara Dorr

Physical Therapist

Sara Dorr is a Madison native who joined Johnson & Hayes as a physical therapist in 2019. Sara joined for the opportunity to focus on the Vestibular and Balance populations and she loved the quality one on one time that she saw was given to each patient. She has had an interest in physical therapy since high school. She loves getting to help people return to their normal functional levels, improve their understanding of their body, and creating long term goals to help with sustaining function. She played volleyball throughout high school and college and greatly enjoys the work it takes to push to do your best every day. Sara received her Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University. Sara enjoys spending time with friends and family in her spare time as well as travel and experiencing new foods. Sara also enjoys serving and learning with her church and small group.

Hunter Dreaden

Physical Therapist

Hunter grew up in Muscle Shoals, AL and joined the Johnson & Hayes team in July 2021. He went to Huntingdon College for his undergraduate education, where he played baseball and received his Bachelors in Athletic Training. Hunter worked as an athletic trainer and physical therapy tech for a year in Montgomery, where he discovered a passion for helping patients return to their normal activities after sustaining an injury. He went to Alabama State University where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and met his wife Katlynne, who is also at physical therapist. In his free time, he loves to duck hunt, play golf, and hang out with his wife.

Katlynne Dreaden

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Katlynne is originally from Gadsden, AL. She attended Jacksonville State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Wellness. She then attended Alabama State University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. Katlynne was first exposed to Physical Therapy in high school when she underwent treatment for a shoulder injury. She has always loved learning about the human body and helping others which lead her to choosing a career in Physical Therapy. Katlynne joined the Johnson and Hayes team in 2022 after hearing how much her husband, Hunter, enjoyed working with the team. She enjoys treating orthopedic conditions and is certified in dry needling. In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the water, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Susan DuPre

Physical Therapist - DPT, MS

Susan DuPre’, a native of Macon, GA, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in its infancy in 2003.  She had met Johnson & Hayes owners through church events and, when she learned that they were opening a new, private practice where patients would see their same therapist consistently, and where customer service would be at the top of the list, she actually contacted the owners and asked to be their first PT hire!  The owners welcomed her, and she has been in and out as an employee (interrupted by maternity leaves and a calling to homeschool her children) since then, but always looks forward to being a whole-hearted team member at J&H.

Growing up, Susan was a competitive tennis player and played the Southern Circuit for many years through high school.  It was through the sports world that Susan became fascinated with the human body and how nutrition and movement play such a huge role in health and function. Her desire was to find a career that would connect her with people one-on-one and enable her to share her knowledge of health and healing with others.  She has treated patients in various settings including outpatient orthopedic, home health, and the school system. Her favorite aspect of physical therapy is treating patients with dizziness or balance disorders, which she began doing in 2000.

Susan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Art History from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s degree in Health and Sport Science from Wake Forest University. She earned her Master’s degree and later her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University.  In her spare time (ha!) Susan enjoys spending time with her 4 teenagers and her husband, homeschooling her kids, teaching high school classes, volunteering for Revelation Wellness, the Christian fitness ministry she is involved in, working out, and attending church functions and fellowships.

Kayla Farmer

Physical Therapist Assistant

Kayla Farmer is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a member of First Independent Church in Oneonta, AL. She is married to her wonderful husband, Dalton, and together they have two beautiful children—Judah, who is three, and Sadie, who is 11 months old.

With nearly a decade of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Kayla is passionate about providing hands-on care to her patients. She enjoys serving at her church, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family. She is excited about her new role as a PTA at Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists and looks forward to this new opportunity.

Lydia Freund

Physical Therapist

Lydia was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama and is joining the J&H family in July of 2023. She is returning to Huntsville after completing her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Emory University. Lydia was once a patient at J&H while being a competitive dancer for 15 years when she battled several injuries. She then started falling in love with the profession and became an aide at J&H while completing school. Lydia is now excited to complete the circle by being a full time PT in the J&H family. Within physical therapy, Lydia has a passion for both orthopedic and neurologic populations with a special interest in performing arts physical therapy for adolescent patients. In her free time Lydia enjoys taking dance classes, reading, and spending time with her friends and family!

Lindsay Gandy

Physical Therapist Assistant

Lindsay Gandy grew up in the small town of Elkmont, AL, and moved to Madison, AL, shortly after graduating in 2016. Initially unsure of her career path, she considered personal training due to her background in fitness and nutrition. However, after taking her first anatomy class, she discovered a passion for understanding the human body and decided to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Lindsay earned her Associate's degree from Calhoun Community College and became a licensed PTA in May 2021. She has worked in various settings, including pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, and a balance-focused clinic. Through further training, she developed a strong passion for treating patients with balance disorders and dizziness while maintaining a love for orthopedics.

After hearing about an opening at Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists through an employee—and learning about the positive experiences of both patients and staff—she knew it was the perfect opportunity. Now, she gets to focus on one-on-one care for balance and dizziness patients, which she has always wanted.

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, traveling to new places, going to the gym, and spending time with her two beloved pets.

Patricia "Ricia" Garrard

Physical Therapist

Ricia Garrard, from Mobile, AL, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in 2004 because she wanted to work with a company that was owned by physical therapists where the needs of the patients were a priority. Growing up, Ricia wanted to find a career where she could combine her love of science with the opportunity to work with people, and physical therapy provided just that. She finds if extremely rewarding to work to improve a patient’s quality of life. Her interests include manual therapy and treating spinal pain ranging from body mechanics and posture training to core stabilization exercises to Pilates. She greatly enjoys instructing individual clients in Pilates training at Ricia Pilates Studio.

Ricia graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University and received a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama – Birmingham. In her spare time, Ricia loves to travel, work out, hike, read and play with her two very spoiled dogs.

Claire Laaker

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Claire is originally from St. Louis, MO. She earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Alabama and later graduated from Samford University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Claire has a passion for orthopedics and enjoys working with the geriatric population in the outpatient orthopedic setting. Outside of work, she spends her time exploring new activities and places around Huntsville with her boyfriend, playing with their pets, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Nathaniel Lang

Physical Therapist

Nathaniel Lang, from Snead Alabama joined Johnson and Hayes in June 2020. He developed his interest in physical therapy after multiple injuries in high school. Nathaniel received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Troy University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Nathaniel is also a board-certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Nathaniel recently completed his Orthopedic Manual Therapy certification through the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments. Throughout his career, Nathaniel has worked with various patient populations from general orthopedic, sports medicine, vestibular, neurological and sport performance. Nathaniel is married to Tiaya Lang and recently welcomed a new daughter Harper Reed. In his spare time Nathaniel enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and working in the yard.

Allison Lindsey

Physical Therapist

Allison Lindsey, from Memphis, TN, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in 2013, after working with them as a student in 2010. She was interested in returning to work at Johnson & Hayes because she realized everyone on the team was a great group of people who loved that they did, and that they were able to really make a difference in the lives of their clients. She knew this was the profession for her because she wanted to help improve other’s quality of life. Allison received her Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In her spare time, Allison loves good food, biking and helping educate people on ways to make their life better.

Miller Matzek

Physical Therapist

Miller Matzek, DPT grew up in Huntsville, AL where he attended Sparkman High School. He grew up playing many sports but mainly focused on soccer and football in high school. Miller first became interested in physical therapy because of his dad who has been a physical therapist for over 25 years. Miller attended The University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL where he earned his Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. He then graduated from the University of South Alabama's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in 2022. In his free time, Miller enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Lizzie and his dog Milo. Miller enjoys serving the community by helping others achieve their goals in therapy.

Jackson Menefee

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Jackson was born and raised in Guntersville, AL and joins the J&H Guntersville team. He attended Sewanee: The University of the South where he played football and graduated with a degree in Biology. He then attended Samford University for his Doctor of Physical Therapy. He enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions and believes that each patient deserves high quality and compassionate care with an emphasis on achieving their specific goals and needs. He and his wife, Morgan Hawk Menefee, return to Guntersville where they are happy to plant their roots in the community that they call home. In his free time, he enjoys deer hunting, going on walks with their dog, spending time on the lake, playing golf, and Tennessee football.

Joe Metz

Clinic Director, Physical Therapist

Joe has been a licensed physical therapist for 17 years. He has over 34 years of experience working in physical therapy and sports medicine. Over that time, he has worked in hospital inpatient, outpatient, and acute rehab, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient settings. He has experience working with patients in orthopedics, neurological, geriatrics, pediatrics, prosthetics, and sports. He has spent most of his time as a clinician working in rural areas of Alabama and Georgia. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, he worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer in high school, collegiate, and professional athletics.

Megan McKenzie Miller

Physical Therapist

Megan Miller, a native of Huntsville, joined Johnson and Hayes Physical Therapists in 2012 because of the compassionate and friendly staff she met, and the "small town" feel when patients entered the clinic. Through school and internships, she found that patient-focused care rendered the best outcomes and desired to work in a PT-owned clinic that allowed PTs to treat their patients through their full recovery. Growing up, Megan enjoyed helping others and found Human Anatomy and Physiology to be her favorite High school class. A career in Physical therapy has allowed her to pair these two together, with each patient presenting unique problems that keep her on her toes.

Megan graduated from UA Huntsville with a Bachelors in Biological Sciences with an Exercise Physiology Minor. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine after graduating with High honors. Since 2012, Megan has completed continuing education towards earning a Manual Therapy certification. Beginning in 2015, Megan began her training through the University of St Augustine in Craniofacial Physical Therapy after finding that there was a lack of care in North Alabama for patients suffering from jaw and facial dysfunction. In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, cheering on her Vols/Packers/Predators/Trash Pandas, and spending time with her husband Larry, and kids- Callie and Landon.

Eric Naatz

Physical Therapist

Eric was born and raised in Huntsville, where he graduated from Grissom High School. Growing up, he played many sports but focused on track and football in high school. After experiencing several injuries that required physical therapy, Eric discovered his passion for the field and decided to pursue it as a career. He went on to graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology: Exercise Science before earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from East Tennessee State University. Eric enjoys treating a variety of conditions and patient populations but has a particular interest in working with athletes. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, playing golf, kayaking, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Lisa Palacios

Office Manager

Lisa started with J&H in 2006 and has enjoyed growing with the company over the last 15 years. She has lived in Alabama for 25 years. She is married and has two daughters.

Amanda Perry

Physical Therapist

Amanda joined Johnson & Hayes in March 2024. She received her bachelor's degree in biology in 2009 from University of Montevallo and her DPT from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012. After graduation, she focused on manual orthopedic physical therapy, sitting for her manual therapy exam and becoming a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) in 2014. In 2016 Amanda became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). In 2019 she had the opportunity to begin treating pelvic health patients and quickly developed a passion for this population. Amanda treats both female and male patients with pelvic health issues. She has a special love for treating the more active pelvic population, allowing patients to maintain or return to exercise. When not working, Amanda is a teaching assistant for Herman and Wallace Institute with their Pelvic Function series. She loves spending time with family and friends, running, lifting weights, reading, cooking, and spending time outside.

Jessica Ratliff

Clinic Director, Physical Therapist Assistant

Jessica Ratliff has lived in Oneonta, AL, for 34 years and deeply values her community. She and her husband, Nick, have two energetic children, Kellen and Gemma. As a family, they enjoy spending quality time together—whether riding down to the river, playing golf, or watching movies at home.

Jessica has worked in the physical therapy field for about a decade, starting as a front desk administrator before becoming a PTA. She now serves as the Clinic Director for the new Oneonta location of Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists. She is passionate about her work and loves serving the people in her community.

Jessica believes in the power of faith to guide her in helping those who are hurting. She is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives and strives to bring compassion and care to everyone she serves.

Alyssa Ritter

Physical Therapist

Alyssa Ritter earned a B.S. in Kinesiology from Miami University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University. She enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions and is committed to providing high-quality, individualized care to help patients optimize their function and quality of life.

In February 2023, Alyssa and her husband welcomed their third child, a baby girl. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dogs, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is excited to join the Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists team and looks forward to making a positive impact on the health of the community.

Cassie Schmidt

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Cassie Schmidt is originally from Garden City, Michigan joining the Johnson & Hayes Team in July, 2024. Cassie developed a love for physical therapy and sports medicine through her background of playing Volleyball and Softball in high school. She studied at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan while obtaining a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology. Cassie received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Central Michigan University in May, 2020.

Cassie's areas of interests include all orthopedics, sports injury, people with Parkinson's, chronic pain, knees, and post-operative care. Cassie also has a special interest in treating individuals with Breast Cancer, along with a certification in lymphedema therapy including complete decongestive therapy. She is certified in the Strength After Breast Cancer program and treats survivors during their timeline before, during, and after treatments.

Cassie enjoys spending time with her Husband, Thomas and her chocolate lab, Wilbur. She loves traveling, hiking, working out, practicing yoga, reading and kayaking. She is excited to join the team and provide a fitness forward approach to physical therapy.

Mara Scruggs

Physical Therapist Assistant

Mara Scruggs was born and raised in Huntsville, AL, and has been a board-certified PTA since 2013 after graduating from Calhoun Community College. Early in her career, she discovered her passion for outpatient care and has dedicated the past nine years to working in outpatient settings. She values the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with her patients, learning what motivates them, and helping them achieve their goals.

Mara is a proud mother of two boys, Cole and Jacob, who are about to turn seven. In her free time, she loves making memories with them, whether at the park, an indoor jump zone, the movie theater, or one of the many family-friendly events in the area.

She is excited to join the Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists team and looks forward to making physical therapy both rewarding and enjoyable for every patient she has the privilege to work with.

Emily Shadoan

Physical Therapist

Emily grew up in Madison, AL and joined the Johnson & Hayes team in January 2021. She played tennis in high school and has always had an interest in learning how to help people continue to do the activities they love. She went to Auburn University for her Undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. She then moved to Birmingham, Alabama and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of Alabama-Birmingham. Emily had a clinical rotation at J&H in Madison in the Summer of 2020 and enjoyed working with the staff and patients so much that she accepted a position to join the team as an orthopedic therapist. In her spare time she loves to tackle a new cooking/baking project, walk her rescue dog Harvey, upgrade her home coffee setup, and spend time with her friends and family.

Felicia Smith

Physical Therapist Assistant

Felicia Smith moved from her hometown of Melbourne, FL and joined the Huntsville, AL team at Johnson and Hayes in May of 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in coaching. Her passion for educating and training others to obtain a healthier, functional lifestyle led her to attain a Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Eastern Florida State College. In her physical therapy career, she has experience working in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient orthopedics. In her spare time, she loves outdoor activities, dogs, gardening, and traveling, hoping to pursue an opportunity to coach volleyball.

Kathryn Smith

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Kathryn recently moved to Huntsville, AL from Tucson, AZ. Graduating with her DPT from Duke University, she is excited to spend her time caring for musculoskeletal and neurological patients at Johnson and Hayes. She is certified in dry needling and has taken multiple orthopedic manual therapy courses.

With a passion for promoting wellness and restoring function, Kathryn utilizes evidence-based practices to form personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient, focusing on patient centered care. She has found that this practice consistently achieves positive outcomes and helps patients regain their independence and quality of life.

In her free time, Kathryn enjoys doing yoga, snowboarding, volleyball, mountain biking, and traveling. She also likes spending time with her friends, husband, and lab-mix rescue dog, Rosie.

Martin Stewart

Physical Therapist

Marty Stewart, a Childersburg native and Oneonta resident, has been a physical therapist for 8 years. Marty gained interest in physical therapy after multiple sports injuries during his playing days. Marty received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Alabama and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Alabama State University. Marty and his wife, Nicole, have two children, Emerie and Evan, and outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, Atlanta Braves baseball, and Alabama athletics.

Jacqueline "Jacqy" Stone

Physical Therapist

Jacqy Stone, a Huntsville native, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in 2003 because it was privately owned, already had wonderful team of therapists on staff, and had a reputation of treating patients throughout their complete recovery process. Jacqy chose the profession of physical therapy because she desired a vocation which allowed her to stay active and assist others in achieving their goals using science and hard work. She especially enjoys treating patients who have orthopaedic issues including trauma, multiple fractures, total joint arthroscopy, cervical/lumbar spine (general pain), shoulder, knee, ankle and epicondylitis.

Jacqy received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Music at the University of Montevallo, and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama – Birmingham. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, hiking and playing with her dogs. She is a member of APTA, The Orthopaedic & Geriatric Sections and Alabama PTA.

Aaliyah Fuqua, DPT

Physical Therapist

Aaliyah was born and raised in Decatur, AL. She attended Alabama State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended The University of Alabama Birmingham where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Since she was a teenager, she always knew she wanted to choose a career in which she could help others. She decided to become a Physical Therapist to not only help patients improve physically but also help improve their overall quality of life. Outside of work, Aaliyah enjoys watching sports, spending time with family, and attending church.

Aaliyah Fuqua

DPT

Mikayla was born and raised in Illinois where she graduated from Illinois College and played both Volleyball and Softball. She found her passion for PT after rehabbing multiple injuries throughout her athletic career. She moved to Alabama in 2018 where she graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with her PT degree in 2022. She has spent the last two years in South Carolina where she completed a Sports Residency and worked closely with Benedict College's Football, Basketball, and Baseball programs. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family, hang out by the pool, and stay active. She is excited to be back with Johnson and Hayes after having her last clinical rotation at the Huntsville location!.

Karen Strickland

Business Development, Alabama

Karen Strickland is a Huntsville native and joined Johnson & Hayes in 2015 as Marketing Director. Karen attended the University of Alabama and the University of North Alabama where she played scholarship tennis. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in both Marketing and Finance.

Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters and their husbands. She also continues to enjoy competitive tennis locally and traveling to tournaments, beach trips with friends and involvement with her church at Church of the Highlands.