Kenneth Pavlinec, PT, Cert MDT – Graduated Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT in 1997. Course work included gross anatomy at Yale. Over 27 years experience in an outpatient setting and local regional trauma center and excelled as a Senior Level I therapist for acute, outpatient, and home care environments. In 2001, became one of approximately 750 Certified MDT McKenzie specialists in the world for treatment of pain of spinal origin. Extensive continuing education focused on “hands-on” therapy utilizing mobilization techniques for all joints. Extensive athletic background consisting of baseball, football, basketball, track and field, cross-country, marathons(New Jersey 2008, New York City 2010), road races and triathlons which make these personal experiences contribute to sports specific rehabilitation that is immeasurable. Member of the American Physical Therapy Association(APTA), Orthopedic Practice Section of the APTA, Private Practice Section of the APTA, and the McKenzie Institute USA. In his free time, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife (Mrs New Jersey America 2007, Mrs New Jersey United States 2010, Mrs New Jersey International 2012), his two children Alexis and Luc, and dogs Honeybuns and Willow, and Titan the cat. Ken@HandsOnNJ.com
Karen J. Schechter, PT / TMJ Specialist, Cert MDT – Graduated from Daemen University in 1989 majoring in physical therapy with a minor in Biology and Psychology. Karen has over 36 years experience as a physical therapist, instructor and clinical coordinator in multiple clinical settings of outpatient orthopedics, home care, school based therapy, and pediatrics. Karen has obtained a specialization from UMDNJ for Orofacial and TMJ Disorders. She is also certified in dry needling through Intricate Art Spine and Body Solutions and is a McKenzie specialist of the spine and extremities. Karen is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association(APTA), Orthopedic Section of the APTA and the Pediatric Section of the APTA.
Andrew Grando , PT, DPT, Cert MDT – Andrew completed his undergraduate education with an interdepartmental major in Biology and Psychology at Moravian College. While there, Andrew also focused on his passion for athletics, playing football and achieving All-Conference Honors and the distinction of the title of captain his senior year. After college, Andrew began to develop his career working as an aid at Hands On Physical Therapy, and graduated from Rutgers University in 2014 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Andrew developed a passion for research and education while at Rutgers working as a Gross Anatomy and Neuroscience teaching assistant in addition to serving as a research assistant in the Rivers Lab where he developed and conducted research projects involving mental imagery, virtual reality, and 3D imaging for stroke patients. During this time he also continued to hone his clinical skills completing affiliations in acute, sports-based outpatient, hospital-based outpatient, and pediatric care. In addition to his core course work, Andrew also focused on community outreach during his time at Rutgers participating in a free physical therapy clinic for members of the Newark community as well as Wellness for Life, an outreach program serving the physical therapy needs of the mentally ill. Andrew obtained his McKenzie Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy in 2016 and hopes to become a Diplomat of the McKenzie Method in the near future.
Gregory O’Connor, PT, DPT, MS, Cert MDT, Vestibular Specialist – Greg completed his undergraduate education at the University of Delaware, where he studied Athletic Training. While at UD, Greg had the opportunity to work with athletes at a variety of levels ranging from high school to Division 1 collegiate athletics covering sports including football, ice hockey, baseball, women’s soccer, track and field, basketball, and men’s lacrosse. Following his undergraduate career, Greg furthered his athletic training education by earning a Master of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2016 before beginning physical therapy school. In 2019, Greg graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Rutgers University. During his tenure at Rutgers, Greg was involved in multiple research projects and served as a teaching assistant for the Neuroscience course offered at the university.He also developed a passion for orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy completing four clinical affiliations including rotations at Hands On Physical Therapy as well as on the Brain Trauma Unit of the JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. In addition to his educational experience, Greg has also been certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) from the McKenzie Institute in 2021 as well as obtaining a certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion certification from the American Institute of Balance in 2022. Like many others at Hands On, Greg also has a desire to serve the community, which he has done through participation in a pro bono clinic during his time at Rutgers University and through service initiatives with his local church.
Taylor Pieroni, PT, DPT – Taylor completed her undergraduate education from Loyola University Maryland where she obtained an interdisciplinary degree in Biology and Psychology. While at Loyola, Taylor was inducted into both the Biology and Psychology honor societies while also being an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, demonstrating a commitment to community and healthcare advocacy. It was at Loyola University that Taylor became interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy, volunteering at multiple outpatient clinics in Baltimore MD. Taylor later went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University. During her time at Rutgers, Taylor was involved in many clubs and organizations, specifically with the Student Physical Therapy Association and was a founding member of Club Dreams – a gross motor play group for children with Down Syndrome. Through her graduate education, Taylor became interested in orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy and completed four clinical affiliations including rotations at Hands On Physical Therapy and Children’s Specialized Hospital. When not at work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, reading, going to the gym and spending summer days at the beach.
Christine Matecki, PTA, LMT, MLD-CLT Christine is a 2012 Rowan University graduate earning a Health and Sciences degree and a 2019 Union County College graduate earning a Physical Therapy Assistant degree. In 2015 Christine became a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist in the State of NJ and was trained in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Reflexology, Myofascial Release, Chair Massage, and Trigger Point. Christine then attended the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and became Certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), She also trained in Post-Op MLD and Oncology MLD with the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. The past 5 years Christine was an Assistant Director of Education & Instructor at a local massage school where she lectured and provided hands-on lessons in anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, massage procedure/ theory, and massage techniques. Lastly, Christine became a Certified Yoga Instructor, added another certification in the massage specialty of Ashiatsu(using feet to deliver massage) and was recently awarded as a top NJ massage therapist in Atlantic City.
Chad M. Alazio, Certified Personal Trainer – Certified in personal trainer fitness, older adult fitness, weight management, and sports nutrition consulting. Chad is a proud member of the American Aerobic Association International (AAAI), and the International Sports Medicine Association (ISMA)