Dr. Taylor Miskech, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Taylor Miskech, PT, DPT, graduated from Campbell University in 2016 with her Bachelors Degree and again in 2019 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Taylor started her career working in the Wilmington area before working as a travel Physical Therapist. After spending time in the misty Pacific North West, Taylor returned to Wilmington seeking her sunny home. She has primarily worked with the senior population throughout her career and has taken courses dedicated to promoting healthy aging. It is her belief that exercise allows us to maintain function throughout life so that we can reach our life long goals and cross off bucket list items, all while having fun doing it!

Dr. Leanza Sidey, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Leanza Sidey, PT, DPT received her Bachelors in Exercise Science Degree from UNCW in 2021, and then received her Masters Degree in Applied Gerontology in 2022. She then went across the state to Western Carolina University and graduated in 2025 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Leanza has a heart for working with older adults and strives to promote an intergenerational community emphasizing health, wellness, and most importantly- fun! 

In her spare time, Leanza works as a group fitness instructor teaching all types of formats (water aerobics, HIIT, and more), plays sports, eats at good restaurants, and enjoys hanging out with her friends and family!

Dr. Ila Rickman, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Ila has 18 years of experience as a PT treating seniors in Coastal North Carolina. After graduating with her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2005, she relocated to North Carolina for ocean sounds and salt breeze. Ila works part time at Healthy Seniors PT.

She enjoys staying active in nature and planning new adventures with her 2 children. Her current learning interests include Yoga and Tai Chi and is super excited to bring her talents and be an advocate for your wellness pursuits at Healthy Seniors PT!

Lori Apple, PT, MPT

Physical Therapist

LSVT BIG Certified

Lori Apple, PT, MPT received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the United States Army-Baylor University Program at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. She remained in active military service for 5 years and primarily worked with Army active duty soldiers and their families, as well as retired members of the Army with the mission, “To preserve the fighting force.” Upon return to civilian life, Lori worked in acute care hospital, outpatient clinical, skilled nursing and home health settings, where her passion for the senior population grew. She has a great love for vestibular rehab, manual therapy, and orthopedics, along with helping those with Parkinson’s Disease. She furthered her training and knowledge in this area, and in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 2019, Lori achieved her certification to administer LSVT BIG- a treatment technique that trains people with Parkinson disease (PD) to use their body more normally, and can help regardless of the stage or severity of their condition. She really listens to her patients and enjoys helping them reach their individual goals first. Lori works part time at Healthy Seniors PT.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 children and 6 grandchildren while throwing birthday parties, going to plays and recitals, hiking trails, and playing tennis.

Sheila Farrell, PT

Physical Therapist

Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner

Sheila Farrell, PT graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1967. After traveling the world with Pan Am and raising her family, she returned to academics to study Physical Therapy at Howard University in Washington, DC, earning her degree in 1995. After graduation, Sheila opened Farrell Physical Therapy in Bethesda Maryland where she practiced for more than twenty years. As her practice expanded, she became intrigued with manual physical therapy techniques, including cranio sacral therapy, dry needling, and joint mobilization, and was soon convinced of their efficacy. This led to her integrating into her practice a technique called Fascial Counterstrain (FCS).
FCS embraces the concepts of holistic and osteopathic medicine in addressing the body as a whole. By normalizing blood flow, muscular tension, vascular drainage, and neural input, FCS maximizes the body’s intrinsic healing capacity. Multi- system diagnosis and manipulation is the key to correcting chronic and acute conditions of all types. This treatment model allows the identification and correction of the source of a patient’s pain and disability, not just the surface symptoms. With FCS Sheila is utilizing techniques that help satisfy the driving force that led her to physical therapy in the first place – a desire to help patients return to an improved quality of life after trauma or illness. Sheila works part time at Healthy Seniors PT.

Sheila and her husband moved from Maryland to Wilmington in October of 2022. She loves Wilmington and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Healthy Seniors Physical Therapy and continue her mission to help patients.

Julie Dixon, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Julie was born and raised in Canfield, OH, and attended Youngstown State University and Ohio University, and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology. Knowing she wanted a career helping others, she continued her education at Hocking College and received her Physical Therapist Assistant license in 2004. After several years of employment in Columbus, OH, she began a travel assignment that eventually brought her here to Wilmington. She joins us at Healthy Seniors PT with over 20 years of service assisting the senior population with their Physical Therapy needs.

In her free time, Julie and her husband chase around a very active little boy. Julie loves spending as much time outdoors as possible…at the beach, at the pool, or kayaking in the intracoastal waterway with friends. She also enjoys cooking and crafting, traveling and exploring new places, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Dr. Alexa Hairr, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Certified in Functional Dry Needling

Dr. Alexa Hairr, PT, DPT received her undergraduate degree from Salem College in Winston Salem, NC, and then went on to Methodist University where she achieved her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. Her clinical experience lies mainly in outpatient settings treating patients of all ages through various injuries, dysfunction, and pain, but more recently has found a passion for working with the senior population. She is certified in Functional Dry Needling. Alexa works part time at Healthy Seniors PT.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Evan and their 2 children. They enjoy going to the beach, going for walks, cooking, and completing puzzles.

Karen Steed, CPT, LST, HWC

Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Livestrong Coach, Health Wellness Coach

Karen has over twenty years of personal training experience, with eight years of specialized training with cancer survivors. Her passion is to concentrate on the health of body and mind, while helping to push others who are striving for a healthier lifestyle.

Her personal journey has taught her the importance of living a healthier, fruitful life, which therefore, leads to a fulfilling one. Her goal is to help individuals be mindful of their quality of life and well-being; using her experience to guide them in the right direction. 

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for later” -Stephen Curry

Niki Conly, CMA

Patient Care Coordinator

Certified Medical Assistant

Niki Conly, CMA, graduated from The Institute of Medical and Dental Technology with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting. Before joining Healthy Seniors PT, she spent 15 years working in Cardiology at Indiana University Health. Niki has always had a passion for working with the senior population and is happy to be continuing her passion. 

Niki, her husband, and her 3 children recently relocated to Wilmington and are looking forward to joining a great community full of opportunity (and warmer weather!). In her free time Niki and her family enjoy going to the beach, trying new restaurants, traveling, and enjoying all Wilmington has to offer.

“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!” -Dr. Suess

Christian Jenks

Lead Physical Therapy Tech

Christian was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. He recently graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and is currently applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. His passion for working with the senior community stems from his time caring for his grandparents, an experience that inspired his dedication to enhancing mobility, well-being, and overall quality of life.

In his free time, Christian enjoys traveling, staying active in the gym, and spending time at the beach with his wife, baby boys, and their loyal dog, Titan.

Maddy Johnson

Physical Therapy Tech

Maddy Johnson, originally from Greenville, NC, is a senior at UNCW, majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance and Clinical Research. She is currently applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in the hopes of starting a program next fall. Maddy has loved working with the senior population here at Healthy Seniors PT and she cannot wait to keep learning and growing!

In her free time she enjoys dancing, hanging out with her friends and family, and going to the beach!