FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Jenny is the founder and owner of Rise Up Performance Therapy. She landed in Erie, PA in 2017 when her husband took a residency as an orthopedic surgeon at UPMC for 5 years. During this time Jenny struggled to find a PT position that she was truly passionate about so she decided to open Rise Up. "My mission for Rise Up and my promise to every single one of our patients is 1-on-1 customized excellent care." Our care is truly unmatched in the region and we are honored to treat the Erie community. Jenny has since moved from the Erie area to follow her husband as he continues to pursue his career as an orthopedic surgeon. She visits Erie a few times per year and is very involved in the day-to-day operations.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST & OWNER

Buffy initially started with Rise Up in 2019 and specializes in treating chronic pain, especially cervicogenic headaches and TMJ issues, shoulder pain, pelvic and hip pain, and hypermobility conditions. Buffy has also immensely enjoyed the experience of providing educational and hands-on care for our pregnant clients.

In 2021, she was given the opportunity to become co-owner of Rise Up with our founder Jennifer Doyle, and she is now excited to officially join the women’s health team and provide excellent pelvic health care with a whole-body approach. Having extensive experience with the use of soft tissue mobilization and cupping, Buffy also has an advanced certification in dry needling from Integrative Dry Needling (IDN). Buffy has also completed training with Herman and Wallace Institute.

Buffy is the mother of three young children and has personally experienced how impactful and healing pelvic health care can be during and after pregnancy.

Elizabeth Darling is a physical therapist and athletic trainer. She has been practicing for over 20 years and has a unique set of skills and experiences.

She has worked with USA Gymnastics as a medical provider for 20 years and is currently the Medical Director of the rhythmic gymnastics program. She has traveled extensively with the National Team and has covered numerous World Championships and Olympic Games. She developed a Physical Preparation Program and Movement Screen for rhythmic gymnasts.

In addition to her work with USA Gymnastics, she has also worked extensively with dancers including the Mercyhurst University Dance Department, the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company, River North Dance Company, and the Broadway touring companies of Wicked, Movin’ Out, The Lion King, and The Color Purple.

Darling, does not just work with high-level athletes. She is also an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and certified lymphedema therapist. She has worked in sports medicine and orthopedics, and she developed a breast cancer wellness program that helped patients become aware of risk factors for developing lymphedema and then perform self-care programs that help prevent lymphedema from developing and progressing.

She believes in treating the whole person and not just treating their pain. She loves being a physical therapist and the process of generously listening to her patients and developing programs that help people return to their highest level.

WOMEN’S HEALTHY PHYSICAL THERAPIST & DOULA

Carly earned her clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Francis University 2016. Having experience in rehabilitation, early intervention, and additional doula training through DONA International, Carly wants to blend her passions to provide women with a full spectrum of support through preconceptions all the way to postpartum. Carly is in pursuit of further certification, specified in Pregnancy, Obstetrics/Intrapartum topics, and Postpartum Physical Therapy interventions. She values a holistic approach to care, providing information and support through alternative and complementary strategies, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes and lower rates of medical intervention. Having birthed her son at home, Carly understands the importance of autonomy and the role of a doula combined with physiological knowledge of the human body. Carly loves attending, witnessing, and holding space for women at birth and during the precious early days of the postpartum stage.

DRY NEEDLING CERTIFIED

Meet Krys, a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for patient care and recovery. After graduating from Girard High School in 2010, Krys decided to pursue higher education in the local area and attended Gannon University. There, Krys obtained an Undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Having worked in both short and long-term rehab centers, as well as acute care settings, Krys brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a commitment to providing exceptional care, Krys strives to go above and beyond to help patients achieve their optimal health, aiming for nothing less than a full recovery.

In addition to being a skilled physical therapist, Krys specializes in creating custom orthotics for individuals with unique foot pain needs. Going beyond traditional approaches, Krys explores innovative treatments to ensure comprehensive solutions for patients.

Outside of the clinic, you can find Krys indulging in their passion for soccer and cherishing quality time with their family. Committed to continuous professional development, Krys is currently working towards certification from the prestigious McKenzie Institute in the McKenzie Method, further expanding their expertise and enhancing patient outcomes.

CERTIFIED IN LYMPHEDEMA & PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY

DRY NEEDLING & GOATA CERTIFIED

Fascinated with human movement and anatomy, Rocky Escajadillo (aka Rock The Muscle Doc) inherently knew pursuing a career in Physical Therapy was his destiny. Consistently competing on the baseball diamond and in the classroom landed him a scholarship to Christian Brothers University in his soulful, southern hometown of Memphis, TN. Once his collegiate academic and athletic career was complete, Rocky went on to pursue his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Graduating in 2012, Rocky began his career in an outpatient orthopedic clinic where he made it his mission to get his hands on every patient he encountered on a daily basis. This drive for one-on-one quality care ultimately led to him attaining his Certification in Dry Needling in 2014. He prides himself on providing an optimal patient experience for the population he serves. Rocky seeks to discover “What really matters most?” for his clients as they pursue their journey to maximize physical health and wellness. His goals are to “Educate and Empower” his community with exceptional service.

He and his wife Buffy (also a Physical Therapist) moved to Erie in August 2015 to be closer to family. They have a daughter, Emelia, a son Gabriel, and a newborn daughter Ruby. Rocky enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing Frisbee Golf, and walking his dog Dottie Lou.

PELVIC FLOOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Amy has recently joined the Rise Up Performance Therapy Women’s Health team and is allowing us to expand our ability to deliver dedicated, one-on-one pelvic health services for the Erie area. Amy graduated with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from St. Francis University in 2003. Amy brings extensive experience treating both pain and incontinence across a variety of settings and patient populations.

As a mother of four, this healthcare professional’s background in occupational therapy allows her to provide a unique spin to the delivery of pelvic health care that empowers our clients to realize their full potential! Amy has received specialized training in pelvic floor care through Herman and Wallace Institute.

PELVIC FLOOR & LYMPHEDEMA TRAINED

Shari, a native of Harborcreek, graduated from Mercyhurst Northeast in 2003. Since then, she has had the opportunity to provide compassionate and customized care that is rooted in her “whole person” philosophy from the acute setting to long-term care.

Upon joining Rise Up in 2021, Shari has received extensive training in lymphedema care, as well as myofascial release, cupping, and corrective interventions for mobility and core stabilization, and this mom of two takes particular interest in treating both an athletic population, as well as individuals who experience chronic pain. Shari’s passion for providing excellent one-on-one care has created an interest in blending her extensive skills into pelvic health. She has undergone specialized training in the pelvic floor through Herman and Wallace Institute.

This energetic mother of two sons is honored to have the privilege to provide specialized pelvic floor care to our community.

ORTHOPEDIA & NEUROLOGIC PTA

Meet Erica, a dedicated healthcare professional with a diverse background and a passion for improving patients' lives. Graduating from Penn State Hazleton's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in 2022, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field.

While specializing in Orthopedic Therapy and Sports Medicine, Erica's true passion lies in Neurologic Therapy. Specifically, Erica enjoys working with patients who face challenges with balance or have a fear of falling. Erica has gained valuable experience in working with stroke survivors, as well as patients living with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS).

What sets Erica apart is her unique background as a college-level English teacher since 2005. With a Bachelor's degree in creative writing, focusing on poetry, and a Master's degree in Literature, focusing on Shakespeare, Erica has developed excellent communication and teaching skills. This expertise seamlessly translates into the field of therapy, allowing Erica to effectively educate patients on their anatomy and the challenges they may be facing.

With a genuine enthusiasm for her work, Erica is eagerly looking forward to working with you. Her goal is to provide comprehensive care and support, helping you navigate your therapy journey with confidence and understanding.

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Colton grew up in the small town of Kinsman in Northeast Ohio where he spent the majority of his time training, playing, coaching, and watching sports as a 4-sport varsity athlete. His passion led him to play 2 years of college soccer at Marietta College which introduced him to the world of sports medicine. Colton would go on to be a double graduate of The Ohio State University; first in 2018 with a Bachelor of Education in Exercise Science and a Minor in Psychology followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2023. To bolster his education and experience, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialization through the NSCA in 2018. While Colton has experienced a broad range of clinical specialties and settings including skilled nursing facilities and acute care at the James Cancer Treatment and Research Center, his true interest lies in the active individual. Colton is dedicated to not only providing an exceptional experience through success and achievement but also empowering his clients, treating them as people first and not defining them as their ailments in their pursuit of improved quality of life. Colton is ready and willing to provide his services bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance in sport and in everyday life.

Colton recently moved to Erie, PA after graduating from PT school to be with his newlywed, Courtney, who shares in his passion for medicine as she pursues a degree in Osteopathic Medicine at LECOM. In his free time, Colton enjoys spending time with friends and family and staying active keeping his competitive edge alive.

BILLING SPECIALIST

Becky is our team's billing specialist and human resources manager. She is dedicated to helping each patient understand their health insurance benefits and get their physical therapy covered. If you have had the pleasure of speaking with her on the phone you know how passionate she is about helping others.

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST (SINAI SPORTS)

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST

Annette started with Rise Up Performance Therapy in March 2023. She had worked at Highmark for ten years and is excited to start her new career with us! She enjoys greeting each patient as they walk in the door and helping them to feel comfortable in physical therapy. Currently lives in Girard, PA with her husband.

Front Desk Receptionist & Assistant Billing Officer (12th Street Location)