Our Team of Therapists
LICENSED SPECIALISTS
Erica Azzaretto Michitsch
PT, DPT, WCS, CO-OWNER OF SOLSTICE PT
Location: Manhattan, Long Island
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BS Biology, Villanova University, PA
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Rutgers University
Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Member, International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
Pilates Teaching Certification, Polestar
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Certification, Hawks Grips Tools
Endometriosis Physical Therapist, iCareBetter.com
Published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) September 2013: The Efficacy of Dry Needling for Upper Quarter Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Additional Training: Low Pressure Fitness, Hypopressives; Dry Needling, Visceral Mobilization, Institute of Physical Art (IPA) Movement Techniques
Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling Certificate, Pelvic Guru
Erica’s passion for physical therapy began after she suffered a knee injury as a competitive athlete at Villanova University. She earned her BS in Biology from Villanova and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rutgers University.
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“Early in my career, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to develop and launch a pelvic-floor therapy program and was thrilled with the positive feedback from both doctors and patients. As a result, I became hooked on the pelvic-floor specialty field of therapy!
I believe there is a mind-body connection that impacts health. And there is evidence to support this. I also believe that patients can get back to doing a sport or exercise with the right guidance. So using an evidence-based, holistic treatment approach, my patients will develop a better awareness of their bodies, which may contribute to a reduction of pain and symptoms. Less pain means you can return to doing what you love.
I embrace challenges and together, patients and I will work to resolve their pelvic-floor condition. As co-owner of Solstice Physiotherapy, I know our team is ready to help. Even though owning a business keeps me busy, I make time to have fun with my husband and three children. I love to ski, play tennis, a dedicated yogi and practice pilates.”
Kara Mortifoglio
PT, DPT, WCS, CO-OWNER OF SOLSTICE PT
Location: Manhattan, Long Island
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BS Exercise Physiology, University of Delaware, DE
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Member, International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
Pilates Teaching Certification, Polestar
Teaching Assistant, Herman & Wallace
Endometriosis Physical Therapist, iCareBetter.com
Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling Certificate, Pelvic Guru
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“During my clinical rotations and at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, I worked in various patient-care speciality areas. I found treating pregnant and postpartum women and patients with pelvic-floor dysfunction, to be the most rewarding. I relocated to a pelvic-floor therapy specialty clinic where my skills grew. I became interested in the mind and body connection. As a result, I follow a holistic approach to patient treatment, helping patients get back to what they love to do. It’s important that patients are comfortable speaking with me and that they know I am interested in listening to what they have to say.
When I’m not busy treating and managing Solstice Physiotherapy as a co-owner, I enjoy traveling and being active with my husband, daughter, and son. We live in Queens where there is no shortage of things to do! I love boxing, CrossFit and interval-based classes, as well as yoga. I’m also proud of the fact that I’ve run five half-marathons! I am a big proponent of exercise for my patients, knowing that it doesn’t have to be costly or time-intensive.“
Alexandra Burtman
PT, DPT, PRPC, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Location: Manhattan, Westchester
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BS Neuroscience, Union College, Schenectady, NY
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), New York Medical College
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC), Herman & Wallace
Pilates Mat Certification, Power Pilates
Teaching Assistant, Herman & Wallace
Endometriosis Physical Therapist, iCareBetter.com
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“I began my career in a NYC outpatient clinic, treating patients with a variety of conditions. When I began treating pregnant and postpartum patients, and patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, I knew it was the treatment field for me. I volunteered to begin the clinic’s first pelvic-floor treatment program, including home visits to patients in NYC. It was a rewarding project and it taught me a lot about treatment and the road to recovery. To me, it’s important to meet my patient where they are, listen to their concerns and meet their unique needs. It’s all about a plan tailored specifically to you, one that you are comfortable with. I will be committed to helping you reach you goals.
I currently live in NYC. My husband, son and I love taking longs walks in Central Park. I also run, ski and enjoy taking Pilates classes. I’ve run several half-marathons as well as the 2019 NYC marathon. I believe the best type of exercise is something you love doing! When I’m not running around the city, I love to enjoy good food with family and friends.”
Emma Codman
PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PROGRAMS
Location: Manhattan, Long Island, FiDi NYC
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BS Rehabilitation Science, Northeastern University, MA
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Northeastern University
Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC), Herman & Wallace
Teaching Assistant, Herman & Wallace
Endometriosis Physical Therapist, iCareBetter.com
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“For 12 years, I trained to be a classical ballet dancer. I sustained several injuries. I was curious. Why did I get injured? Could it have been prevented? I didn’t realize it at the time, but this was the beginning of my interest in a physical therapy career.
I was exposed to the field of pelvic-floor therapy when I was an aide at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. I was immediately drawn to this specialty because of the therapist’s ability to improve a patient’s quality of life for the long term. This is my goal when I treat patients at Solstice Physiotherapy. Throughout the healing process, I will help you learn about your body and how you can impact your own health and well-being. My goal is to empower you to be confident in yourself throughout the healing process.
When I’m not working, you can find me experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or trying out a new restaurant in NYC. I can also be found working hard and having fun at Pilates class.”
Kathryn Ahuja
PT, DPT, PRPC
Location: Westchester
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BFA Theatre, New York University
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), New York Medical College
Pelvic Rehabilitation Professional Practitioner (PRPC), Herman & Wallace
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT), Yoga to the People
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
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“You can say that physical therapy is in my blood. My mother and father are physical therapists. And from an early age, I was taught the healing power of movement. My first career was in musical theatre. Though, in-between jobs, I supported myself teaching yoga. In addition to teaching classes, I taught anatomy and hands on adjustments to over 1,000 students who were becoming yoga instructors.
After a decade of witnessing the healing power of exercise, I went back to school, graduating with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College. My first job after graduating was pelvic floor rehabilitation. In 2020, I was recognized with the Pelvic Rehab Practitioner Certification Award for Excellence in this field.
I listen to my patients and, working with them, create a treatment plan to reach their health goals. My approach to pelvic floor therapy considers the whole person - body, mind and soul.
I live in Westchester, NY with my husband and two, young children. Since becoming a parent, I am even more passionate about this field. My family has an active lifestyle. I will return to one of my favorite hobbies – travel - as soon as the kids sleep through the night!"
Devon Dinegar
PT, DPT, PRPC
Location: Long Island
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BS Kinesiology, Manhattan College, NY
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Stony Brook University
Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC), Herman & Wallace
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - New York Chapter and Women’s Health Section
Additional Training: Pediatric Pelvic Health (Ages 4-18), Male Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Health in Gender Affirming Care, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1, Institute of Physical Art (IPA) Movement Techniques
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When I first learned about the intricacies and foundational necessities of the pelvic floor, I was captivated. During one of my clinical rotations at a pelvic health clinic, my passion for treating people with pelvic health issues emerged. It was especially clear that this is an underserved population and I wanted to be an active part in helping to educate and treat people with pelvic symptoms. Pelvic health concerns can often be intimate and even taboo in our society. I recognize this and am able to provide a safe and comfortable space that allows for open communication and active listening. This allows all people with pelvises of all ages (4 years old and up...I treat kiddos too!) to share their story and, together, devise an optimal and effective plan to accomplish their goals. I strive to teach all of the patients the tools they need to independently manage their pelvic health, maintain their fitness, and prevent future injuries. I trust that each of my patient’s success is a result of hard work from both the patient and the therapist - in and outside of the clinic.
In my free time, I enjoy running, taking Pilates classes, listening to audiobooks, and traveling with my husband.
Yvonne Sciascia
PT, DPT, OCS, CD-L
Location: Manhattan
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BS Kinesiology, University of Wyoming
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)/ Advanced Orthopedics Specialty Track, Columbia University, NY
Clinical Residency, Orthopedic Physical Therapy, University of Chicago Medical Center
Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Certified Labor Doula (CD-L), ProDoula
Member, American Physical Therapy Association APTA
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“My interest in the pelvic floor began in graduate school, when I encountered the field of women’s health during a clinical rotation. I was struck by how essential and multifaceted the pelvic floor’s function is—and equally surprised by how little attention it receives in terms of healthcare.
After graduating from Columbia University, I began my career in residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center, working in an outpatient orthopedic setting. It was there that I truly realized how crucial pelvic-floor physical therapy can be for so many orthopedic conditions. It’s a fundamental part of our core and cannot be overlooked.
Many patients find pelvic floor issues difficult to understand. They are overwhelmed when looking for effective treatment. I love helping patients understand their symptoms and the anatomy/ function of this important area. My goal, for every therapy session, is to ensure patients leave feeling encouraged. And leave with a clear understanding of their bodies and a solid plan to achieve their goals.
When I’m not at the Solstice Physiotherapy office, you can find me running or rollerblading through Central Park, spending time with friends and family, or playing with my dog, Oshie!”
Marilyn Freedman
PT, DPT, WCAPP, BCB-PMD
Location: Long Island
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BS, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certification, BCB-PMD
Adjunct PT Instructor, Touro college, Stonybrook University, New York Institute of Technology
Board member, National Association for Continence.
Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA SOWA)
Member, International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
Member, National Vulvodynia Association, NVA
Member, International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
President of the Long Island American Society of Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics, 1976- 1994
Chair Nomination for Committee of APTA Academy of Pelvic Health
Published in Pelviperineology 2019: Functional Constipation: A Conservative First Line Approach
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“I began my career over 30 years ago while working in my private practice. I’ve worked with patients who were challenged with simple to complex pain, including abdominal, scar tissue, orthopedic, urological, gynecological, colo-rectal and sexual pain and dysfunction. I have pioneered pelvic pain and constipation treatments. Many are standard operating procedures in the physical therapy arena.
I am dedicated to teaching patients how to heal themselves from persistent problems related to pain, anxiety, and activities of daily living. In addition, I enjoy sharing knowledge with colleagues and community groups alike. At the start of my career, I was very involved with developing and forming the section of women’s health with the American Physical Therapy Association(APTA).
I live in Great Neck with my husband, and have lived here for many years! When I was younger, I ran the New York City marathon three times. I enjoy playing tennis and swimming, as well as reading and cooking.”