Meet Your Therapists

Alyssa Brooks-Wells

PT, DPT, CIDN, AIB-VRC

Background

Dr. Alyssa’s passion for science and movement inspired her journey into the world of Physical Therapy.

With specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management, she is dedicated to helping patients overcome challenges like dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and balance issues, enabling them to confidently return to their favorite activities.

In addition to her expertise in orthopedic and sports injury management, Dr. Alyssa also specializes in treating TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and hypermobility spectrum disorders. She focuses on understanding the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, striving to provide holistic care that helps patients avoid surgery whenever possible.

Using a variety of techniques—including IASTM, mobilization with movement, dry needling, and cupping—she tailors her approach to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals.

When she is not at PhysioFit, Dr. Alyssa enjoys pottery, reading, yoga and meditation, and rock climbing.

Professional Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University (2020)

Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Slippery Rock University (2017)

Professional Certifications

Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Certification (AIB-VRC), The American Institute of Balance (2023)

Certified in Integrative Dry Needling (CIDN) (2022)

EMILY RIVERA

PT, DPT, Women’s Health Therapist

Background

Dr. Emily specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. She is passionate about helping women reach their goals of living without pain or limitations. With experience treating pregnant and postpartum women, urinary and fecal incontinence, dyspareunia, vaginismus, constipation,  prolapse, low back, hip and sacroiliac joint pain.

Dr. Emily has done additional training in Trauma Informed Care and integrates that framework into pelvic floor and orthopedic cases as well. 

She specializes in treatment of orthopedic and sports medicine injuries. With a sports medicine background she has experience with athletes ranging from weekend warriors, high school, collegiate and professional athletes. 

When not working, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband Jason and three sons Aiden, Mekhi and Cameron.

Professional Education

Pelvic Health Specialist, Interest with Trauma-Informed Care (2020)

Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Florida (2011)

Bachelor of Science, Athletic Training, Indiana Wesleyan University (2008)

DANIELLE N. VAUGHAN

PT, DPT, Vestibular & Women’s Health Therapist

Background

Dr. Danielle is a doctoral-level trained physical therapist who specializes in treating vestibular impairments, orthopaedic injuries, sports training, and women’s health including pregnancy and postpartum.

She has advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation, treating patients with acute or chronic dizziness and balance deficits. This knowledge, experience, and research has provided me the opportunity to teach nationwide alongside her husband on the topic of Cervicogenic Dizziness to other healthcare professionals. Vestibular rehabilitation is a true passion of hers, as she seeks joy in seeing numerous patients find relief and return to the activities they love.

Dr. Danielle is also trained in pelvic health, treating those with urinary/bladder complaints, constipation, and pelvic pain.  She sees women during pregnancy and postpartum, and is a big advocate of educating on the importance of pelvic health. 

One of my greatest treasures is being a mom of two charming girls. I take extreme joy utilizing my craft and knowledge as a women’s health therapist and helping others through their journey of pregnancy and reaching their postpartum goals, whether that be 6 weeks after delivery or 60 years.

In addition to spending time with my kids and husband, I also enjoy running, swimming, hiking, and reading a good novel. I was a swimmer for the majority of my life, competing at a Division I level in college—though now most of my pool time involves floats and cannon balls with the kids. I love integrating my interests with my career, helping people achieve their goals, whether that might be running the vacuum or running in a triathlon.

Professional Education

Women’s Health Specialist, (Pelvic Health and Pregnancy/PostPartum Physical Therapy), American Physical Therapy Association (2018), Certification in Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Therapy (CAPP-OB)

Vestibular Specialist, Emory University School of Medicine (2012)

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University (2010)

Bachelor of Science, Education with emphasis of Exercise Science, Old Dominion University (2007)

Publications

Vaughan H, Vaughan D. How to Treat Cervicogenic Dizziness with the Physio Blend.  Independently published. 2022. 

Vaughan H, Vaughan DHow to Diagnose Cervicogenic Dizziness with the Optimal Sequence Algorithm. Independently published, 2020.

HARRISON N. VAUGHAN

PT, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT

Background

Dr. Harrison Vaughan is a physical therapist who specializes in treating musculoskeletal injuries and spinal pain, both acute and chronic.  He has particular expertise in the treatment of orofacial and craniocervical disorders, including TMJ.

His goal is to assist you in avoiding invasive surgeries, expensive injections and medications by treating you in a natural way to improve pain and movement.  He has developed the “Feel it to Heal it” approach to painful movement that allows him to treat the areas in your body that are painful but get down to the reason why you are having trouble — which is to minimize compensation of the painful joint or muscle and use more natural and efficient muscles.  The knowledge and expertise he brings to your treatment is intended to help you navigate the unpredictable, rocky, and sometimes disabling waters of pain.

He and his wife, Danielle, set up their practice to spend the entire session with their patients to provide them the attention needed to constantly evaluate, diagnosis and provide treatment. He utilizes his foundation of being a movement specialist alongside specific manual therapy approaches to provide appropriate bodywork and corrective exercises to amplify the effects of treatments.

His clinical interests are concentrated in manual therapy and specific therapeutic exercise of spinal disorders.  He has extensive post-graduate training in manipulation of the spine and extremities, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and dry needling.  Specifically, he has a Diploma in Osteopractic Physical Therapy, which involved an 18 month post-graduate training regimen in dry needling and manipulation.  Additionally, he furthered his career by graduating as a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy in 2015.

His goal is to tackle the complex issues of pain, acute and chronic, with a combination of education, therapeutic exercise and specific orthopedic manual therapy. His focus on patient care includes giving you rapid relief of pain, but just as important, furnishing you with the tools to consistently give yourself relief and self-management in meeting your goals.

Whether your need is Pain Relief or Improving How you Move,  he is ready to assist you in achieving your goals.

Dr. Harrison Vaughan teaches an advanced Cervico-Sensorimotor Approach, alongside his wife Dr. Danielle Vaughan, in their course “Diagnosis & Management of Cervicogenic Dizziness” nationally and internationally to other healthcare professionals.

He resides in Wake Forest, NC with his wife, Danielle, and two children, Reagan and Cora.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling and every bit of extra time with his wife and children, who are growing up too fast!

Professional Education

Fellow (FAAOMPT), American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (2015)

Osteopractor, Diploma in Osteopractic, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (2014)

Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS), American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, Orthopaedics (2009)

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University (2008)

Bachelor of Science, Education with emphasis of Exercise Science, Old Dominion University (2005)

Professional Organizations, Certifications

Diploma in Osteopractic, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (2014)

Certification in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), Dry Needling Institute (2012)

Certification in Spinal Manipulation (Cert. SMT), Spinal Manipulation Institute (2009)

Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (2009-present)

Publications

Vaughan H, Vaughan D. How to Treat Cervicogenic Dizziness with the Physio Blend.  Independently published. 2022. 

Vaughan H. BPPV recurrence factors: clinical considerations for the vestibular therapist. Independently published. 2021. 

Harper B, Miner E, Vaughan H.  Proposing a new algorithm for premanipulative testing in physical therapy practice.  J Phys Ther Sci. 32: 775-783. 2020.

Vaughan H, Vaughan D. How to Diagnose Cervicogenic Dizziness with the Optimal Sequence Algorithm. Independently published, 2020.

Vaughan H. Why the vestibular therapist should learn cervical manual therapy. Independently published. 2021.