Staff

Michael Wah, PT, OCS "Everything we do at Active Life & Sports is aimed at the highest level of patient care." "A common thread linking all of our staff is a sincere concern for the well-being of others and a commitment to go the extra mile for them."

"I've treated patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders. There's so much about physical therapy that I enjoy, particularly getting to know patients, figuring out how to solve their physical problems and getting them back to their favorite activities."

Education:
BS, Physical Therapy, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, 1982

Board Certification:
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, 1990 (recertified in 2000)

Advanced Training:
Herdman Competency (intensive course in vestibular rehabilitation, treating vertigo and balance disorders)

"Creating and Sustaining a Service Culture", The Disney Institute

"Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy" for spinal disorders, The McKenzie Institute

Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association, Joint Task Force on Injured Workers

Lecturer and Presenter:
University of Maryland and Shenandoah University physical therapy programs, GBMC medical staff meetings (vertigo, balance and falls among the elderly), GBMC osteoporosis meeting for physicians and allied health professionals, speaker and moderator at Joint Task Force meetings.

Ellen Hangen, PT, OCS "Truly caring for my patients has made a difference in patient compliance and improvement in their conditions. It's great to see my patients enjoying therapy."

"I take great satisfaction in treating my patients with empathy and understanding, especially in the case of acute conditions."

Education:
MS (magna cum laude), Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, 2001

BS (magna cum laude), Zoology, University of Maryland, College Park, 1999

Advanced Training:
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute: A-The Lumbar Spine, B - The Cervical Spine, C- Problem Solving Practical Workshop. A Practical Approach to the Lower Extremity Biomechanics.

Member:
American Physical Therapy Association

Ellen enjoys outpatient orthopedics and has a special interest in treating foot and ankle conditions as well as pediatric orthopedic patients. She is kept busy multi-tasking as a new mom and physical therapist working part time.

Jeffrey M. Woods, MSPT, COMT, CSCS, CFT "I personally have been though years of Physical Therapy on my right leg and can both sympathize and empathize with most patients."

"Not only do I treat all my patients like family members, I try to have fun and make my patients enjoy their treatment. I find satisfaction in working with patients of all ages and with a variety of diagnoses."

Education:
MSPT, University of Miami, Coral Gables, 2000

BS, West Chester University, PA, 1997

Advanced Training:
Assessment and treatment the Maitland Australian Physiotherapy manual therapy series.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Herdman Competency (intensive course in vestibular rehabilitation, treating vertigo and balance disorders).

Certifications:
Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist, Maitland Australian Physiotherapy

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Assoc.

Herdman Competency (Intensive course in vestibular rehabilitation, treating vertigo and balance disorders)

Certified Fitness Trainer, Aerobic and Fitness Assoc. of America

Professional Associations:
American Physical Therapy Association

National Strength and Conditioning Association

American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy

Lecturer & Presenter:
National presenter for AFAA - certification and injury prevention seminars

Towson University's Cardiology Conference, 2008

Jeff enjoys outpatient orthopaedics and has an interest in shoulder and knee conditions. He also works with a local gymnastics team as their team Physical Therapist/ Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Jeff and his wife are the proud parents of a beautiful girl named Vivian and two Boston terriers.

Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, CSCS

“I find great satisfaction in helping someone take control of their situation. I believe that your physical therapist should be your teammate, and working together you can achieve your goals. Seeing people improve and return to life without pain is very rewarding.”

Education:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland School of Medicine-Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, 2011

Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 2008

Advanced Training:
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Professional Association:
American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic and Sports Section Member

Joe grew up in Perry Hall, graduating from Perry Hall High School in 2004. He is excited to serve the community that has given him so much support during his education. Joe enjoys outpatient orthopedics because he is able to use a hands-on approach to evaluate and treat a variety of patient conditions.

Being an athlete himself, he is particularly interested in the rehabilitation and prevention of athletic injuries. He believes that education is the most important step in the prevention of athletic injuries and has spent time educating coaches and parents with presentations through local community organizations. Feel free to contact Joe if you have a group that may benefit from strength training and injury prevention education.

Nelson Emokpae, PT, DPT "Being a Physical therapist allows me the opportunity to make a difference one person at a time. My complete picture of a successful patient rehabilitation has to have the ingredients of care, compassion, laughter, empathy and mutual respect."

"I enjoy working in the outpatient orthopedics because of the variety of patient presentations I encounter on a steady basis. A devoted soccer player with a history of severely sprained ankles and low-back pain, I have an appreciation for the complexities yet beauty of the human body."

Education:
BA in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore Maryland, Baltimore MD (2003); DPT from the University of Maryland School of Medicine-Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, Baltimore MD (2006)

Professional Association:
American Physical Therapy Association.

April K. Luby, PTA, ACSM-HFS

April K. Luby, a Baltimore native, joined the team in June 2009. She obtained her AA.S in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program, through the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education, at Anne Arundel Community College. April also holds a B.A. from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in communication arts and computer information systems, with a business minor. She worked as a communications and marketing events manager for five years before making the decision to return to school and change careers to the physical therapy profession.

April recently completed her certification as a Health Fitness Specialist from the American College of Sports Medicine. She is an alliance member of the ACSM. April is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, currently serving as the alternate PTA Caucus Representative. April enjoys working with a variety of patients. She has a special interest in those with orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, and those with work related injuries.

April lives with her husband and dog in Perry Hall and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.